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How to bet on the French Open in Illinois

The French Open typically takes place from late May to mid June every year. Tennis is the 3rd most popular sport for Illinois residents to bet on, and this guide will take you through each step of the process up to making your tennis wagers for the second major on the tennis calendar.

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IL Betting has done the work for you by detailing what each legal Illinois sportsbook has to offer in the way of promotions and betting odds along with a review of each sportsbook.

Visit the page and take advantage of the many promos and links to other possible betting bonuses each Prairie State betting company has to offer.

Types of Bets Available for the French Open in Illinois

Tennis is an exciting sport that has gained immense popularity in Illinois in recent years. Besides the thrill of watching the game, many people also enjoy placing bets on their favorite players.

Betting on tennis can be a lot of fun, and you can make various types of bets. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Match Winner or Moneyline Bet: This is the simplest and most common tennis bet type. As the name suggests, you bet on the player you think will win the match.
  • Spread Betting: This type of bet is also known as the spread. In this type of bet, one player is given a virtual handicap to level the playing field. For instance, if you bet on a player with a +2.5 handicap, they must win at least one set.
  • Over/Under Betting: In this type of bet, you predict the total number of games that will be played in the match. The bookmaker will set a line, and you bet on whether the total number of games played will be Over or Under that line.
  • Set Betting: In this bet, you predict the exact number of sets won and lost in a match. The three outcomes for a men’s match are 3-0, 3-1 and 3-2. Conversely, the ladies' exact score bet would be 2-0 or 2-1.
  • Live or In-game Betting: A "live" bet in tennis is a type of wager where you place a bet while the match is still in progress. You can make the same bets as in pregame, only while the match unfolds.
  • Prop Betting: This type of wager involves betting on a specific outcome or occurrence within a match, but not necessarily the overall winner. Examples of prop bets in tennis include betting on the number of aces served by a player, the duration of a match, or the number of sets played.
  • Future Betting: This is a long-term bet where you bet on the player you think will win the tournament or reach the quarterfinals or semifinals. It is usually offered at the beginning of the tournament and can be fun if you have a favorite player.

How to bet on tennis online in Illinois

  1. Choose a reputable sportsbook: The first step is to choose a reputable Illinois sportsbook that offers betting on the French Open. Make sure to check out the available promotions and bonuses before signing up, and be sure to read all terms and conditions.
  2. Fund your account: Once you've chosen a sportsbook, you'll need to fund your account. Most betting sites accept credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Select the payment method that best suits you and follow the prompts to deposit money into your account.
  3. Navigate to the tennis section: Once your account is funded, navigate to the tennis section of the sportsbook. Look for the French Open or Roland Garros for betting options.
  4. Choose your bet: There are many different betting options available for the French Open, including match winner, set winner, total games, and more. Choose the bet that you're most comfortable with and think has the best chance of winning.
  5. Place your bet: Once you've chosen your bet, enter the dollar amount you want to bet and confirm the bet. Double-check the details before submitting the bet to avoid any mistakes.
  6. Follow the action: After placing your bet, follow the action of the French Open to see if you win. You can track the results through the sportsbook's website or mobile betting app, and some sportsbooks live-stream most of the matches.

Betting Strategies for the French Open

When wagering on tennis, the type of court being played on is a crucial factor to consider. Each surface presents its advantages and obstacles, and clay courts are no exception.

With their slow surface, high bounces, and extended rallies, clay court matches can prove to be unpredictable. Thankfully, you can increase your odds of winning by employing the right betting tactics. Below are some effective strategies to use when betting on clay court tennis.

1. Tennis Betting Odds and Implied Probability

Betting on tennis involves assessing the likelihood of a certain outcome, such as the winner or the number of sets played.

Tennis betting odds are often expressed as a ratio, with a higher number indicating lower odds of the outcome taking place.

Implied probability is the chance of an event happening based on the odds, which can be determined by dividing 1 by the odds ratio and multiplying by 100 for a percentage.

Knowing tennis betting odds and implied probability is essential for informed betting, as it can help you determine if a bet is worthwhile and make better decisions.

2. Bankroll Management

To be successful in tennis betting, bankroll management is key. This involves setting aside a certain amount of money for betting and handling it responsibly to make it last for the entire tournament.

A general rule is to never wager more than 1-5% of your total bankroll on a single bet. This strategy helps to decrease losses and stop one bet from wiping out your entire bankroll.

It's also crucial to avoid increasing the size of your bets when trying to recover from losses. By managing your bankroll responsibly, you can improve your chances of success in tennis betting while minimizing your risk of financial loss.

3. Back the Clay Court Specialists

Athletes who excel on clay courts are often called "clay court specialists." They possess unique abilities that allow them to perform exceptionally well on this surface, including the ability to slide into their shots and deliver high, looping heavy topspin shots.

These specialists have the potential to cause upsets early on in a tournament, especially when facing higher-seeded players who may not be as accustomed to playing on clay as they are. Keep an eye out for players who primarily compete on this surface and may have an edge over their opponents.

4. Look for Players with High Levels of Endurance

When it comes to clay court tennis, you can expect some intense and enduring rallies that require a lot of physical stamina. Players with impressive endurance, like Novak Djokovic, perform well on this surface.

It's important to pay attention to the most recent clay-court season and career clay-court results. Look for players with a history of doing well in long matches and pay close attention to a player's tiebreak results on clay. You can find detailed results like these on Tennis Abstract.

5. Consider Betting on ATP Underdogs

Out of 4,838 Grand Slam matches recorded from 2007-2016, the players expected to win before the match started came out victorious 78.5% of the time. That means underdogs do win 21.5% of the time and an Illinois punter would do well to consider betting on the underdog.

Tennis Abstract offers a list of ELO rankings per surface that can be helpful, and we also suggest looking at the players head to head results. Look for underdogs playing well on clay facing a struggling higher-ranked player, or target a higher-seeded player returning from injury against a clay-court specialist at +150 or better.

6. Monitor the Weather Conditions

Wet conditions can slow down the clay court surface even further, making it even more difficult for players to hit winners.

Hot, sunny and dry days make the clay play faster and it's less easy to remain balanced when sliding but could the faster courts also benefit the bigger servers as well. Windy days make hitting big serves difficult and could also affect the players groundstrokes.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and adjust your betting strategy accordingly.


FAQ

Is it legal to bet on the French Open in Illinois?

It is legal to bet on the French Open in Illinois, and it has been since 2020.

Where is the French Open held?

The French Open occurs at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. The venue has multiple courts, including the Philippe Chatrier Court, Suzanne Lenglen Court, and others.

What type of surface is used at the French Open?

The French Open is unique among the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments as it is played on a clay court surface. The clay used at Roland Garros is called "terre battue" in French and is known for being slow and conducive to longer rallies.

Can I bet on live matches during the French Open?

Yes, many online sportsbooks offer live betting options for the French Open. Live betting offers an opportunity for you to bet on matches as they unfold, with odds and bet types continually updating throughout the event.

Are there any special promotions, odds boosts, or bonuses for betting on the French Open?

Yes, there are some special promotions, odds boosts, and bonuses for betting on the French Open. These can include enhanced odds on selected matches, deposit bonuses, free bets or betting credits, or specific promotions tied to the tournament. It's advisable to check with individual bookmakers for any ongoing promotions or bonuses related to the French Open.