Rugby World Cup Betting (2024)

The 2023 Rugby World Cup is just around the corner. With 20 teams competing for the revered Webb Ellis Cup, NZ sportsbooks are readying their platforms to host wagering-themed activities on the "pinnacle 15s" Rugby tournament. With hundreds of alternatives available to gambling Kiwis, our experts have simplified the decision-making process by uncovering the best sportsbooks for 2023 RWC betting.

Best Bookies To Bet On For The Rugby World Cup 2023

Sort by
bet365
Get up to $100 in Bet Credits
  • World's Biggest Bookmaker
  • The Best Betting App
  • Free Live Streaming
Betway
100% up to $60
  • Great Odds
  • Good Welcome Bonuses
  • Esports Betting
New Customers from New Zealand only. Min Deposit: 10 NZD. First deposit matched up to 60 NZD. 1x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Credit Card and Debit Card deposits only. T&Cs Apply
Tonybet
100% Up To 150 NZD
  • Awesome Welcome Bonuses
  • Live Betting
  • 33+ Sports
First time players only. 18+ only, T&Cs apply. Gamble awareness
Royal Panda
Royal Panda’s 50% Matched Free Bet
  • 39+ Sports
  • Live Betting
  • Fantastic Welcome Bonuses
BetVictor
100% Deposit Match up to $300 + 50FS
  • Awesome Welcome Bonus
  • Live Betting
  • 30+ Sports
New customers only. Opt in. Deposit min $10 via card or paysafe within 7 days of opening new account. Receive 100% match up to $300 for selected games with 35x wagering. Bonus 3 days expiry. Geographical Restrictions and see below T&C's. 18+ Please Gamble Responsibly.
888Sport
Bet $10 Get $30 in Free Bets + $10 Casino Bonus
  • High Betting Odds
  • Daily Odds Boosts
  • Great iOS Betting App
LeoVegas
Matched Free Bet Up to $50
  • Weekly Offers on Live Sports
  • 40+ Sports
  • Great Customer Support

Best Sportsbooks Offering Bets on the Rugby World Cup

NZ bettors looking to bet on the 2023 Rugby World Cup should consider these online NZ sportsbooks:

bet365

#1 Bet365

Established in 2000, Bet365 has quickly become one of the most revered sportsbooks in New Zealand. You'll find multiple sporting categories on this betting platform, including a Rugby Union section hosting World Cup fixtures. Regardless of what event you wager on, one thing's assured — excellent odds! 

Unlike many NZ sportsbooks, Bet365 showcases its dominance with a unique live-streaming add-on. In the in-play segment, Kiwi gamblers will get real-time coverage of events. Thus, making informed bets and winning big via Rugby World Cup events is possible. 

Bet365 offers 24/7 support to their New Zealand customers. So, irrespective of your issue, you're one chat or call away from getting relevant resolutions.

Pros

  • 24/7 customer support
  • UKGC-licensed
  • Top-tier Responsible Gambling tools
  • Amazing in-play betting section

Cons

  • Doesn't have a loyalty or VIP scheme
Betway

#2 Betway

Betway has come a long way since its 2006 inception. This platform welcomes NZ bettors with "open arms" with a juicy Free Sports Bet incentive. With over 28 sports in its résumé, Betway's Rugby Union segment is billed to host numerous markets related to the World Cup.

If you'd like to wager on your favourite fixtures while on the go, the top-tier Betway app will sort your needs. Transacting on this platform is also seamless, thanks to credit card and eWallet alternatives featured at the Cashier section.

Pros

  • Betway app for Android and iOS devices
  • Cash Out feature
  • Safe and secure payment alternatives

Cons

  • Live coverage isn't extensive
  • The site design looks basic
Tonybet

#3 TonyBet

TonyBet is a site gaining steady traction among NZ gamblers. Established in 2009, TonyBet maintains the wagering thrill with 39 sports segments. If you fancy Rugby World Cup bets, the Rugby area has your back. 

Owned by TonyBet OÜ, TonyBet is regulated by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, a regulatory body that ensures fairness all around. The sportsbook also features multiple payment alternatives, spanning credit cards and eWallets to cryptocurrencies. 

Pros

  • Proprietary mobile application 
  • Accepts multiple payment alternatives
  • SSL-secure

Cons

  • Site looks cluttered on mobile
Royal Panda

#4 Royal Panda

Royal Panda released its unique sports betting platform in 2017. Based in Malta, this sportsbook operates legally within New Zealand, holding a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license. With 20+ sporting categories featured, New Zealanders can facilitate bets on the highly-anticipated 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

The Royal Panda platform is intuitive and clutter-free, prompting smooth navigation. You'll find graphic visualisations attached to in-play events. That way, you can formulate informed bets as an event progresses.

Although players won't find cryptocurrency alternatives for deposits and withdrawals, Royal Panda features credit card and eWallet options for swift transactions.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Generous Welcome Sports Bonus
  • Visuals available on in-play events

Cons

  • Doesn't accept cryptocurrencies
BetVictor

#5 BetVictor

Created in 1946, BetVictor understands the ins and outs of sports betting. This wealth of experience has seen the operator expand operations to 150+ jurisdictions since its launch.

Fielding 30 distinct sports, BetVictor will host Rugby World Cup events with decently-priced odds. Currently, the bookie has just "Outright" markets for this competition. However, we expect an expansion in the coming months. 

BetVictor's user interface is free from glitches and annoying adverts, granting Kiwis a smooth-sailing wagering adventure. Additionally, bettors are inundated with several promos upon registration. Speedy payments are guaranteed as the operator's incorporates eWallets, prepaid cards, and credit cards.

Pros

  • Glitch and ad-free user interface
  • Simple registration process
  • Exciting promos for new and existing players

Cons

  • Occasional slow payouts
888Sport

#6 888sport

Although 888sport isn't #1 among NZ bettors, it does so many things right in the sports wagering arena. Established in 2008 and headquartered in Gibraltar, this operator caters to over a million players from multiple jurisdictions, New Zealand included. 

At 888sport, players get unfiltered access to Rugby World Cup events with competitive odds. Hosting UKGC and MGA licenses, this bookie's decent Welcome Bonus gives NZ bettors the perfect head start!

888sport also has a live-streaming add-on. Albeit available for selected sports, the sportsbook provides live visual statistics on non-streamable events. 

If on-the-go betting tickles your fancy during the Rugby World Cup, 888sport has a dedicated application for iOS and Android devices. With an interface reminiscent of the actual site, the 888sport app is faster and more fluid. 

Pros

  • Numerous promotional offers
  • Tip-top odds
  • MGA and UKGC-licensed

Cons

  • Android application is glitchy
  • Low Welcome Bonus compared to the competition
LeoVegas

#7 LeoVegas

LeoVegas is another sportsbook revered in New Zealand. Hosting a dedicated NZ website, Kiwis can place bets on 30+ sporting categories. This bookie also caters to die-hard Rugby fans with attractive markets on several tournaments, the 2023 RWC inclusive, available.

LeoVegas is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). This certification ensures the sportsbook attains stringent fairness and safety standards. 

LeoVegas takes mobile wagering to the next level with its proprietary application for Android and iOS devices. Incorporating Dark Mode and Touch ID, this revolutionary software offers competitive odds alongside incentivising weekly bonuses. 

For payments, LeoVegas offers cards and eWallets. Although the bookie doesn't feature crypto alternatives, available payment mediums function as intended. 

Pros

  • Top-tier mobile application
  • Hosts NZ and international events
  • Distinct blog issuing guides and betting tips

Cons

  • Bookie doesn't have a loyalty scheme
  • Cryptocurrencies aren't available for payments

All You Need to Know About the 2023 Rugby World Cup

2023 will witness several Rugby tournaments, the most notable being the Rugby World Cup. This competition will start on the 8th of September and end on the 28th of October 2023.

Unlike previous RWC tournaments, the 2023 fields an extra week to integrate an extra rest day for player welfare. This policy, announced by World Rugby in February 2021, gives each team at least five rest days after every match-up. 

The 2023 RWC will be held in France, making it the third time they've hosted this prestigious competition. Match-ups will take place across nine stadiums at distinct locations. The biggest of these stadiums — Stade de France at Saint-Denis — has a sitting capacity of 80,000. This venue will host the opening fixture, two quarter-finals, both semi-finals, and the main final.

Other stadiums hosting RWC 2023 match-ups include:

  • Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

  • Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille

  • OL Stadium, Lyon

  • Stade Vélodrome, Marseille

  • Stade de la Beaujoure, Nantes

  • Stade de Nice, Nice

  • Stade Geoffrey Guichard, Saint-Étienne

  • Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse

Reigning Champions and Favourites

South Africa is the reigning RWC champion. This Rugby team defeated England in the 2019 final to become the second Rugby nation with three RWC titles, as the New Zealand's All Blacks attained this stellar feat first. 

Sitting behind these Rugby juggernauts are Australia (two RWC titles) and England (one RWC title). It's vital to note that besides the aforementioned RWC winners, only one other Rugby national team has featured in the final — France. 

And guess what? They've lost in each of their last three finals. Ouch!

Talking about RWC favourites, France takes the top spot. If they can win the final, they'll become the third team to win the tournament whilst hosting it.

The All Blacks of New Zealand rank second in the "favourites" contest. Although they've not been at their best in recent RWC tournaments, this Rugby team remain a force to reckon with, regardless. 

Rounding up our favourites list are:

  • South Africa
  • Ireland
  • England
  • Australia

The RWC 2023: Qualified Teams

The following are teams who've qualified for the RWC 2023 tournament alongside their pools:

Pool A New Zealand, France, Italy, Uruguay & Namibia
Pool B South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga & Romania
Pool C Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia & Portugal
Pool D England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa & Chile

Format of the RWC 2023

The prestigious Rugby 15s event — the Rugby World Cup — will feature 20 teams divided into four distinct pools. Twelve of these teams gained an automatic qualification by earning a top-three finish in their respective pools at the 2019 Japan RWC. The remaining eight qualified from the global qualification procedure

The 2023 RWC hosted by France will feature 48 matches in 51 days. 

Here's how games are played:

Nations play against four teams within their pools. Note that if two pool teams are tied on point, the winner of the match where they faced off ranks higher.

Eight teams — top spot and runner-up from each pool — enter the competition's knockout round. This stage includes the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals.

The winner of each pool is tied against the runner-up of a different pool to form the quarter-finals. Nations who win their quarter-final match-ups progress to the semi-finals. Winners in the semi-finals proceed to the main final. Conversely, losers at this stage will contest for a third-place spot in the Bronze Final. 

During the knockout stage, draws after the regulatory period will lead to extra time. If there's no winner in this round, the game goes to a "sudden death" stage where the next team to score points becomes the WINNER!

What Is the Rugby Would Cup Schedule?

  • 8th September - 8th October - Group Stages
  • 14th and 15th October - Quarter Finals
  • 20th and 21st October - Semi Finals
  • 27th October - Third Place Play-Off
  • 28th October - World Cup Final (Stade de France)

Rugby World Cup Betting Markets

Just like other major sports events, the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2023 offers a bunch of different types of bets you can consider for your betting slip. If you're curious about the kinds of bets you can place, you're in for a treat. Here are some bets you are most likely to see:

  • Outright Winner or Tournament Winner: This one's simple – you're betting on the team you think will win the whole tournament.

  • Match Winner: A bit like outright, but for individual matches. You're picking the team you believe will win a specific game.

  • Handicap Betting: This kind of bet evens the playing field in a match. For example, if New Zealand is against France and it seems one-sided, the bookies might give New Zealand a handicap of -30 points and France a +30 points advantage. If you believe France will win with that points advantage or lose by less than 30 points, you'd bet on them.

  • Over/Under: Here, bookies predict how many points will be scored in a match. You decide whether you think the actual total will be more or less. There are variations, like predicting if it's over or under a specific number set by the bookies.

  • Total Points: With this bet, you're guessing the total number of points both teams will score in a match. Bookies set a number, and you decide if it'll be more or less.

  • First Try Scorer: You're betting on which player will score the very first try in a match. If your chosen player makes the initial breakthrough, you're a winner.

  • Win Margin: This bet lets you predict the gap between the scores of the winning team and the losing team. If you're right about the margin, you win!

  • Props: These bets get creative, focusing on aspects outside of just the winner. You might bet on a player's tries, or even how many cards a team gets.

  • Specific Player Bets: If you want to focus on individual players, this is your go-to. You can bet on things like who gets player of the match or who scores the first try. If you're confident about someone's performance, this is where to place your bet.

Tips to Note When Betting on the 2023 Rugby World Cup

The 2023 Rugby World Cup is still months away. However, getting a grasp of betting tips to facilitate positive yielding wagering stints on RWC fixtures is essential.

If you'd like to improve your wagering results, do well to adopt these tips:

  • #1 Watch Out for the Favourites

    As we've established, only four nations have won the revered William Webb Ellis Cup — South Africa (x3), New Zealand (x3), Australia (x2), and England (x1). 

    Although you might think past performance rarely affects future results, underestimating the aforementioned teams could prove damaging to your bet slip.

  • #2 Don't Wager With Your Heart

    Rugby is an emotion in multiple jurisdictions, including New Zealand. As such, it's no surprise Kiwis favour the All Blacks even when the odds are clearly against them. However, towing this route will see you make more losses than wins.

    When placing bets on RWC events, always consider statistics. If you lean towards one or more teams, don't bet on them if the data is against them. 

    If you feel bias will affect your decisions on several games, consider other match-ups. After all, the 2023 RWC tournament fields 48 fixtures. 

  • #3 Consider Home Advantage

    RWC host nations are known for outperforming. Although France is an accomplished Rugby nation, they've failed to win their last three finals.

    Nonetheless, the 2023 RWC provides France with the host-themed morale boost required to trump the competition. Thus, it'll be best to give them the "benefit of the doubt" and bet on them during the pool play and knockout round.

Past Rugby World Cup Winners

Here's a list of past RWC winners:

  • 1987: New Zealand
  • 1991: Australia
  • 1995: South Africa
  • 1999: Australia
  • 2003: England
  • 2007: South Africa
  • 2011: New Zealand
  • 2015: New Zealand
  • 2019: South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

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.