The popularity of jai alai betting has skyrocketed recently. There used to be a time when many sports fans didn’t even know what jai alai was, but that has changed over the past few years.
If you want to learn how to wager on one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, you have come to the right place. This jai alai betting guide covers everything you need to know, from basic rules to expert tips.
What is Jai Alai?
Jai alai involves bouncing a ball off a walled-in space using a hand-held wicker known as a cesta. Game play combines elements of tennis, racquetball and lacrosse, making it an exciting sport to watch – and bet on.
The sport originates from the Basque Country, meaning it’s especially popular in Spain and France. Jai alai is also played in North America and Latin America, with the World Jai Alai League based in the United States.
In terms of the rules, the game is played between two teams of two players. One player serves against the front wall, aiming to land the ball in a specific area of the court. This process continues until the ball is either not returned or hit out of bounds.
Like tennis, teams are required to win a certain number of games and sets in order to win a match. Thanks to these rules, there is no shortage of jai alai betting options available.
How to Bet on Jai Alai
Gamblers can now access a wide variety of jai alai betting markets, including match-specific markets and futures. Let’s take a closer look at the main jai alai betting options out there.
Moneyline – The bet enables you to wager on the winner of a match. For example, Team A is priced at +110, while Team B is priced at -130. All you need to do is pick a team and back them to win.
Set Winner – Not only can you bet on the winner of the match, but you can also bet on the winner of a specific set. Most bookies offer wagers for the first set winner and second set winner.
Correct Score – This jai alai betting market allows you to predict the correct final score of the match. For example, Team A to win 2-0, or Team B to win 2-1.
Futures – Last but not least, futures enable you to bet on the outright winner of a tournament or event. Sportsbooks will provide a list of contenders, giving you the chance to decide.
Jai Alai Betting Tips
Now that you’re up to speed on the ins and outs of jai alai betting, let’s dive into some expert tips and tricks. If you’re serious about dominating jai alai betting, be sure to digest all the advice below.
Study Team Form – Before you bet on a jai alai match, you need to assess the form of both teams. Even if a team is heavily favored to win, the players may not be at their best. On the flip side, an underdog could be in strong form.
Consider Head-to-Head Records – You also need to evaluate head-to-head records when betting on jai alai matches. Some teams have a knack for beating certain opponents, while others struggle against particular teams.
Check for Player Injuries – An injury to a key player can have a big impact on the result of a jai alai match. If a team is without a star player, the partnership will be weaker and court chemistry won’t be as strong.
Utilize Multiple Jai Alai Betting Markets – Don’t just stick to the most common markets like moneylines. Instead, try to find value in obscure markets such as sets, correct score and futures.
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