Rugby Betting Sites with Welcome Bonuses
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Best Bookies for Betting on Rugby (Rated and Reviewed)
Here is a list of some of our favourite online sports bookies that we have come across while combing through legal sites that offer rugby betting:
- 1BetVictor:
Best NZ rugby betting site for 2024.
- 2Betway:
Best for rugby free bets.
- 3bet365:
Best for rugby betting bonuses and live streams.
- 4LeoVegas:
Best for mobile rugby betting in NZ.
- 5Tonybet:
Great rugby welcome bonus.
#1 Best Rugby Betting Site in NZ - BetVictor
BetVictor stands apart from the rest of the top rugby betting sites in New Zealand for a few reasons.
One of these is that testing consistently shows BetVictor's rugby odds - for both rugby union and rugby league - are among the best around, ensuring that customers get top value.
Rugby-betting bonuses such as bet boosts and enhanced trebles are often offered on the BetVictor site as well.
Ante-post markets include the chance to bet on the winner of the Super League Grand Final well in advance of the competition coming to a close, while individual matches from both codes are covered from around the world as well.
Live rugby union and live rugby league betting are both provided at BetVictor, which has a great user interface as well.
At BetVictor, one of the unusual features is the chance to take a lucky dip bet. New Zealand users who want to take advantage of this can simply tap or click on the lucky dip button for matches in competitions like the Super League and get a random bet added to their betslip.
Matches involving the All Blacks are naturally among the most popular for sports fans in New Zealand to bet on. Browsing the BetVictor rugby union betting markets gives users a chance to pick from dozens of potential bets for each match, with options including the first try scorer in the match and a range of handicaps.
Data such as the head-to-head record of the two teams involved in a rugby match has also been provided to customers on the BetVictor site.
All in all, BetVictor clearly deserves to be named the best rugby betting site in New Zealand, with free bets able to be earned by taking part in the BetVictor Loyalty Club special VIP promotion too.
Pros
- The trending section shows popular rugby bets being chosen.
- Lucky dip is a good option for those unsure what to go for.
- High odds for both rugby union and rugby league.
- Strong mobile betting apps for both Android and iOS.
- Lots of markets for each rugby union or league match.
Cons
- More rugby-specific betting bonuses could be offered.
100% Deposit Match up to $300 + 50FS
| Min. Deposit | $10 |
|---|---|
| Max. Amount | $300 |
| Turnover | 35x |
| Expiration | 3 days |
#2 Best Rugby Betting Site in NZ - Betway
Betway might have a relatively basic and stripped-back user interface and site design, but it is easy for rugby fans in New Zealand to navigate.
A straightforward menu system makes switching between rugby union and rugby league a cinch, and there are many markets provided for both sports.
Rugby fans will also be happy to see how many different betting options are available for each match. A high-profile rugby union match, such as a clash between the All Blacks and the England side, would have dozens of options, including a range of winning margin bets.
At Betway, New Zealanders can also browse many live rugby betting markets, though the interface does not provide as much information on the ongoing action as other sites.
The cash-out feature can be used on rugby bets at Betway, giving its customers a chance to lock in some guaranteed profit if their bets on the site are on track to come in.
With ante-post betting markets offered well in advance - it is possible to place a bet on the winner of the next Rugby World Cup even though it is a couple of years away - there is a lot of choice to pick from here.
Pros
- Deep range of markets available for both codes.
- Easy to navigate around the Betway sportsbook.
- A reliable brand that operates in many countries.
Cons
- No rugby data or statistics are available to browse.
100% up to $60
| Min. Deposit | 10 $NZD |
|---|---|
| Max. Amount | 60 $NZD |
| Turnover | No wagering |
| Expiration | 7 days |
#3 Best Rugby Betting Site in NZ - Bet365
The self-proclaimed world's biggest betting site is a good choice for rugby fans in New Zealand who want to bet on both rugby and union. Bet365 offers a massive range of markets for both codes, with a huge number of ante-post options to pick from, as well as live rugby betting.
Betting bonuses are widely available at Bet365, with Kiwis able to take full advantage of them. Bet boosts are often put up to increase the price of a wager further - and Bet365 already has some of the highest rugby union and rugby league odds in the business - and rugby bets qualify for the multi-sport acca boosts on the site too.
Additionally, the Bet Builder+ tool at Bet365 gives its users a chance to add selections from different rugby matches into the same wager. The user interface at Bet365 is also one of the best around and its mobile betting apps are top notch too.
Bet365's rugby betting coverage has few gaps, and the site is therefore highly recommended.
Its mobile interface has an archaic look about it but bet365 has done remarkably well in trying to emulate the footprints of other United Kingdom giants, such as Paddy Power and William Hill.
Pros
- Vast choice of markets and matches to bet on.
- Globally recognised online sports betting brand.
- Excellent value odds for both rugby union and rugby league.
- Plenty of rugby betting bonuses are offered here.
- Some live streaming is available at Bet365.
Cons
- Not as many payment methods as rival rugby betting sites.
Get up to $100 in Bet Credits
| Min. Deposit | $5 |
|---|---|
| Max. Amount | $30 |
| Turnover | No wagering |
| Expiration | 30 Days |
#4 Best Rugby Betting Site in NZ - LeoVegas
New Zealanders may think of LeoVegas as primarily being an online casino site, but it has a growing sports betting section that covers both rugby union and rugby league to a high degree.
One of the best things about using LeoVegas as a rugby betting site is that it shows the most popular events at the top of the page by default, rather than having a match few people will care about in a prominent position just because it starts sooner than a high-profile international does.
LeoVegas has NRL, Super League and State of Origin betting markets available to browse on the rugby league side, with union fans able to pick from options like the Currie Cup.
But it is rugby union internationals that capture the attention at LeoVegas, which provides markets such as handicaps and the chance to back a team to be first to score a certain number of points.
A key benefit of using LeoVegas over other top rugby betting sites in New Zealand is the fast pace of withdrawals. Winning wagers are paid out rapidly and it does not take long at all to process a withdrawal, so customers of LeoVegas will quickly get their hands on their cash.
With LeoVegas also having a huge number of casino games to pick from, signing up for an account here is opening up a whole world of entertainment for NZ-based rugby fans.
Pros
- Great mobile betting apps for rugby fans.
- Excellent casino attached at LeoVegas.
- Rapid withdrawals for winning rugby bets.
Cons
- The focus is largely on the online casino at LeoVegas.
Up to NZ$50 Free Bet
| Min. Deposit | NZ$10 |
|---|---|
| Max. Amount | NZ$50 |
| Turnover | No wagering |
| Expiration | 14 Days |
#5 Best Rugby Betting Site in NZ - Tonybet
Wrapping up our picks for the top five rugby betting sites in New Zealand right now is Tonybet. The site boasts top-quality welcome bonuses to tempt Kiwi rugby fans into signing up for an account, while the sportsbook has more than 30 sports to pick from, including both codes.
For rugby league fans, Tonybet provides betting markets for the most high-profile events, such as the Super League and the NRL, but there are also international youth tournaments. On the rugby union side, the prime focus is on international matches, but some domestic rugby is available to bet on as well.
One slightly confusing thing for new customers who join Tonybet is that the rugby union and rugby league betting markets are all in the same section, rather than being split up by code, but this is fairly easy to get used to after a couple of visits to the site.
Tonybet has a raft of data and statistics for high-profile rugby matches. Kiwis who like to crunch the numbers when deciding what to bet on will find information such as the respective teams' head-to-head records handy.
Like most of the top rugby betting sites in New Zealand these days, Tonybet also offers a wide array of casino games to try.
Those who use Tonybet regularly can also benefit from its loyalty scheme while betting bonuses include the chance to boost potential profits on combo bets by a full 100%.
Pros
- More than 30 different sports to bet on, including rugby league and rugby union.
- Great welcome bonuses to tempt new customers to sign up for an account.
- A wide array of betting markets across both rugby codes at Tonybet.
- VIP loyalty scheme available for Tonybet customers in New Zealand.
Cons
- Rugby union and rugby league markets are presented on the same page here.
100% Up To 150 NZD
| Min. Deposit | 15 NZD |
|---|---|
| Max. Amount | 150 NZD |
| Turnover | 5x (Deposit) |
| Expiration | 14 days |
Rugby League vs. Rugby Union: Unveiling the Contrasts
Rugby League and Rugby Union, while sharing origins, have distinct characteristics that set them apart:
| Rugby Type | Team Size | Scoring System | Possessions | Set Pieces | Tackling Rules | Duration of Play | Gameplay Philophy | Scrums | Lineouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rugby League | Teams have 13 players on the field. Substitutions are unlimited and common | A try is worth 4 points. Conversions and penalty kicks result in 2 points. | Teams have five tackles before possession changes. | The play restarts quickly with a play-the-ball after a tackle. | Tackles are lower and focus on stopping the player's legs. | Shorter matches, typically lasting 80 minutes. | Emphasizes speed, simplicity, and high-scoring matches. | Scrums are rare, only occurring after knock-ons or forward passes. | Both codes have lineouts, but Rugby Union's lineouts involve more players and strategic formations. |
| Rugby Union | Teams comprise 15 players. Substitutions are limited, with replacements allowed for specific positions. | A try is worth 5 points. Conversions score 2 points, while penalty kicks or dropped goals count for 3 points. | Possession is retained after a tackle, allowing for continuous phases of play. | Play restarts with a scrum, lineout, or free-kick. | Tackles often target the upper body to contest the ball. | Longer matches, usually 80 minutes but can extend due to stoppages. | Emphasizes tactics, strategy, and complex game situations. | Scrums are more common and are used for restarts after certain infractions. | Both codes have lineouts, but Rugby Union's lineouts involve more players and strategic formations. |
The Different Rugby Betting Markets
Here are some examples of rugby betting markets Kiwis are likely to encounter when scouring online sportsbooks:
Outright Betting
This is a beginnerâs delight. Simply select whoâll lift the silverware at the end of a tournament/championship. For example, who will claim the NRL minor premiership title (Giltinan Trophy for the top-of-the-table finish before playoffs), and will the same outfit go on to etch its name on the Provan-Summons Trophy?
Such outright wagers on which team is likely to claim the season-ending competition titles fall in this category.
Building Bet Bundles
Some sportsbooks provide bet-building modules that combine several aspects of a game or different games into a mix-and-match bundle.
Our advice is, especially to the rookie bettors, to be wary of a spike in risks, owing to keeping tabs on numerous elements. Factor in longer odds and life becomes complicated. Bookies always come up with novel ways to keep Kiwis interested.
Extra-Time Betting
Stalemates in rugby are a rarity. Thatâs why sportsbooks offer fantastic odds for those who are brave enough to predict what the outcome is likely to be should the game go past the 80-minute full-time hooter. Teams tend to have dropped-kick specialists who rehearse for this one-point margin.
Futures Market Betting
This tends to entail end-of-season â often excluding the grand final playoffs phase â predictors. Which players will walk away with medals, top try scorer bragging rights, and most line-breaking runs or highest tackle count, to name a few.
Note that includes bookmakers offering odds on the Dally M Medal (NRL), Lance Todd Trophy (Carnegie Challenge Cup), Steve Prescott Man of Steel (English Super League), and the Wally Lewis Medal (NRL). If you bet early in the season, keep a tab on the odds of an individual contender because it can mutate after each round.
Handicap Betting
Nothing encapsulates rugby league wagering better than the gargantuan odds of the favourites thumping the underdogs.
This also is known as line or point-spread betting. The head-to-head odds are spread out. Akin to golf handicapping, bookies offer the underdogs a points buffer of beating or losing by a narrow margin.
For example, if the Penrith Panthers are a 10.5 favourites to beat the Warriors and you place a handicap bet on the latter, then should the Kiwi franchise win or lose under the 10.5-point margin, youâll come away richer.
Individual Player Betting
Kiwis who find straightforward wagering boring will welcome the variety of individual betting offers.
Who will score the opening points of a match? That can come from a kick between the sticks or a try, although itâll be interesting to see what a bookie makes of a referee awarding a penalty try.
What about the first-try scorer? Wingers and halfbacks will have shorter odds over burly props and hookers. Even picking a yellow (10-minute sin bin) or red card (early shower) recipient is fair game. Know which players lack discipline.
Margin Betting
This is a Kiwi beginnerâs delight. Simply select which team will win by opting for 1-12 or 13+ gulf at the final whistle of a match. Some sportsbooks allow for picking teams thatâll make the playoffs.
Over/Under Betting
Also known as âtotals bettingâ, this has the appeal of outright betting. The over/under betting dumbs it down to a simple equation of how many points both teams will register at the final whistle.
If the bookie opens betting on a 30.5 threshold, you can opt for exceeding that ceiling or staying below it to collect wins. Selecting a fraction can ward off rival gamblers wanting a slice of the winnings. Some bookmakers also offer odds on the total number of tries scored in a match.
Rugby Betting Tips & Strategies
When it comes to gambling, we want to impress on New Zealand bettors that knowledge is the key that unlocks the secret to wagering. It isnât some hard-and-fast formula to become rich. Online sports betting is, after all about risk and reward.
Those who have their finger on the pulse of rugby wonât have to feel their way around a dark room to find the light switch. In our tips and strategies, we recommend going through information and statistics with a fine toothcomb. Bookmakers will do that.
Here are some key pointers:
- Climate: Does the heavy, underfoot conditions at Mt Smart Stadium favour the Warriors more than the Brisbane Broncos? Research conditions.
- Head rules, not heart: No matter how much you like the Warriors or your hometown players, study the bookiesâ odds and the sidesâ head-to-head record.
- Historical factors: Favourites tend to have a psychological advantage over the underdogs on account of titles won. Bookies disclose such details. The Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm have the wood, respectively, in the NRL. The Leeds Rhinos have that tag in the Super League.
- Lineups: It pays to check if the key players are available or out due to injury or some other reason. An inexperienced injection or a rookie/replacement coach can also upset the rhythm of a dominant team.
- Tactics: Some teams spread the ball out wide to rely on their pivotal players to kick them into a front-foot position before resorting to gang tackles. Others bank on their burly forwards to grind down the opposition with mounting back-to-back, five-count tackles. What teams have the art of dragging referees into their corner during battle?
- Wagering mark: Determine what your betting limit is and stick to it, especially if youâre combining bets or engaging in in-play.
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Ijeoma Esther is an iGaming content writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the New Zealand mobile casino industry. While initially diving into online casino gaming as a hobby, she soon found herself immersed in the enthralling world of mobile slot and live casino games.Through the years, she discovered that writing about her favorite pokies was just as fun as playing them.
