Squash Betting: From Amateurs to Pros, How to Bet Like a Champ

When seeking comprehensive information on squash and its betting intricacies, one might encounter sparse resources online.

While squash mirrors tennis in terms of gameplay mechanics, their popularity levels are starkly divergent.

Originating in London, England, in 1830, squash boasts a rich heritage. It has graced events such as the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games since 1998. However, despite persistent efforts, the sport has yet to earn its place in the Olympic arena.

For the uninitiated, squash is a riveting sport involving two or four players wielding racquets within an enclosed court. Participants alternately strike a ball that ricochets off the front wall, aiming it at the opposing player.

Although squash might not enjoy mainstream acclaim, its intense, rapid gameplay and the sheer athleticism required can easily captivate both players and spectators.

Recognizing the underrepresentation of this exhilarating sport, we've crafted this comprehensive guide to squash betting. Dive in to discover reputable platforms for squash betting, master the art of placing informed wagers, and gain insights into premier squash tournaments. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with valuable strategies and insights to kickstart your betting journey.

Contrary to popular belief, numerous betting platforms cater to squash enthusiasts. Admittedly, options for sports like football, tennis, or basketball are more abundant. But during premier squash tournaments, one can readily find betting platforms.

Highlighted below is our curated list of top-tier online sportsbooks for squash betting. We've rigorously vetted these platforms for their authenticity, fairness, and reliability. Our evaluation encompassed various criteria including licensing, competitive squash betting odds, diversity of betting options, enticing bonus offers, and more. If you're seeking a trustworthy starting point, our recommendations are primed for you.

Squash enthusiasts enjoy a plethora of opportunities to both spectate and partake in this dynamic sport. Despite not being at the forefront of popular sports, the squash calendar remains bustling year-round, featuring myriad tournaments for both genders across global venues.

These events range from singles and doubles to mixed championships. If you're aiming to witness the crème de la crème of squash tournaments, ensure you bookmark the World Squash Championships, the British Open Squash Championships, and the Australian Open Squash Championships.

World Squash Championships

A marquee event in the squash calendar, the World Squash Championships unfolds annually, gracing different cities each year. Orchestrated by the Professional Squash Association, the championship made its debut for men in 1976, with women joining the ranks in 1979. Initially a biennial affair for women, it transitioned to an annual event in the early 1990s, paralleling the men's frequency.

While the championship has been a consistent annual fixture, it faced a brief two-year interruption in 2000 and 2001 due to sponsorship challenges. Fortunately, with the growing popularity of squash, such issues are a thing of the past.

The British Open Squash Championships

Predating the official World Championships, the British Open was once regarded as the squash world's unofficial crown jewel. Retaining much of its erstwhile prestige, it's often heralded as the Wimbledon of the squash realm.

Initially housed at the Wembley Conference Center for a decade, from 1994 onwards, the venue began alternating across Britain. Today, much like the World Championships, it rotates annually through various British cities, with sponsorship being readily available.

The Australian Open Squash Championships

Claiming the third spot in the hierarchy of squash prominence is the Australian Open. Launched in 1980, this annual extravaganza showcases both men’s and women’s contests and is an integral component of the Professional Squash Association's international circuit.

Primarily staged at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Center in Victoria, the Australian Open, much like its aforementioned counterparts, has witnessed occasional hiatuses. Notably, it was shelved in 2013 and 2014. Nonetheless, punters can typically anticipate its presence in the betting offerings of most reputed sportsbooks.

Other Major Squash Tournaments

1. U.S. Open Squash Championships:

Held annually in the United States, this championship attracts top players from around the world. It has both men's and women's divisions and is considered one of the premier events on the squash calendar.

2. Qatar Classic:

This is one of the major PSA World Tour events. Held in Doha, Qatar, it consistently features a strong field of the world's best squash players.

3. Tournament of Champions:

Hosted in the iconic Grand Central Terminal in New York City, this tournament is one of the most unique squash events in the world due to its location. The glass court set up amidst the hustle and bustle of the terminal provides a spectacular backdrop.

4. Canary Wharf Classic:

Taking place in London, this tournament is one of the most popular events on the PSA World Tour. Its glass court in the East Wintergarden is always a crowd-puller.

5. Hong Kong Open:

An integral part of the squash circuit, the Hong Kong Open is a longstanding event that attracts top players from all over the globe.

6. Windy City Open:

Held in Chicago, this is another premier squash event on the PSA World Tour, drawing in top talent and boasting significant prize money.

7. El Gouna International:

Held in the beautiful resort town of El Gouna in Egypt, this tournament is one of the prominent events in the squash calendar, especially given the country's current dominance in the sport.

8. Grasshopper Cup:

Situated in Zurich, Switzerland, the Grasshopper Cup has steadily grown in stature and is now a major event on the PSA World Tour.

9. Egyptian Open:

Given Egypt's strong influence and dominance in modern squash, the Egyptian Open, held against the backdrop of the Pyramids, is a must-watch for squash enthusiasts.

10. Saudi International Squash Tournament:

This relatively newer addition to the PSA World Tour has quickly gained prominence due to its high prize money and competitive field.

These tournaments, among others, make up the rich tapestry of the professional squash circuit, providing fans with thrilling action throughout the year.

Diving into the world of squash betting offers a plethora of intriguing wagering options. While the thrill of predicting the outright winner remains, seasoned and novice bettors alike can relish the diverse bet types that squash introduces.

Here's a deeper dive into some of the most prevalent betting types you might want to explore:

1. Outright Bets

These are the quintessential bets, straightforward in nature, where you predict the outright winner of a match or tournament. Should the format allow it, you could also wager on a match culminating in a draw. In larger tournaments, this type of bet can be placed both on individual matchups and the overall tournament outcome.

2. Over/Under Bets

A staple in many sports betting scenarios, over/under bets in squash involve wagering on whether the cumulative points will surpass or fall below a stipulated benchmark. Given their straightforward nature and typically favourable odds, they're a top pick, especially for those just getting started.

3. Period Betting

Taking a slice from the entire game, period betting lets you focus on specific segments. Instead of zeroing in on the full match, you could place wagers on the accumulated points or score at the conclusion of distinct intervals—be it quarters, halves, sets, or other defined periods.

4. Handicap Betting

In matches where there's a discernible skill disparity between opponents, handicap betting levels the playing field. Here, the perceived stronger contender is assigned a negative score handicap, ensuring a more equitable betting scenario. The challenge? Predicting the outcome once the handicap is factored in.

5. Totals

Totals bets turn the spotlight onto specific numerical outcomes within a match or tournament. For instance, bettors could stake on the total sets won by a player or the aggregate points they amass. These bets can be tailored for singular matches or span the breadth of an entire championship.

Embracing these varied bet types can not only enhance your squash betting experience but also heighten the chances of securing a profitable outcome. Happy wagering!

Certainly! Squash offers a variety of betting opportunities due to the fast-paced nature of the sport and its scoring system. Here are a few examples of different types of squash bets that punters might place:

1. Match Winner:

• Bet on Ramy Ashour to beat Nick Matthew in an upcoming World Championship match.

2. Outright Tournament Winner:

• Wager on Nour El Sherbini to win the entire Women's World Squash Championship.

3. Handicap Betting:

• Given Mohamed ElShorbagy's dominance, he might be given a -1.5 game handicap against his opponent. This means for a bet on ElShorbagy to be successful, he'd need to win by a margin of 2 games or more.

4. Total Points Over/Under:

• In a match between Sarah-Jane Perry and Amanda Sobhy, you might bet that the total points scored in the first game will be under 22.5.

5. Correct Score:

• Place a bet predicting that Tarek Momen will beat Paul Coll 3-2 in their upcoming match.

6. Game Betting:

• Wager on Ali Farag to win the 3rd game in his match against James Willstrop.

7. First to Score 5 Points:

• Bet on Raneem El Welily to be the first to reach 5 points in the 2nd game of her match.

8. Total Games in Match:

• Predicting the match between Joelle King and Tesni Evans will have a total of 4 games.

9. Double Result:

• Place a bet predicting that Diego Elias will win the first game but lose the match to Fares Dessouky.

10. Odd/Even Total Points:

• Betting on the total number of points in a match between Gregory Gaultier and Saurav Ghosal to be an odd number.

These are just some of the numerous betting options available for squash matches. Like all sports betting, it's essential to have a solid understanding of the sport, the players, and the form they are in to increase your chances of placing successful bets.

Starting your squash betting journey might seem daunting, especially given the sport's relative obscurity in popular media. But, with dedicated effort and a few strategic insights, you can turn this challenge into a profitable and entertaining endeavour. Here's a consolidated guide to refine your approach:

Monitor Injury Updates

Squash, with its intense rallies and demanding agility, can be taxing on players. It's crucial to be updated on players' health. A seemingly minor injury can impede a player's performance. Always assess the physical fitness and any reported injuries of the players before placing a bet.

Immerse in Squash Publications

Given the scarcity of readily available squash-related content online, turn to dedicated magazines. Publications like 'Squash Player' and 'Squash Magazine' offer in-depth analysis, player interviews, and match reviews. YouTube also serves as a reservoir for match highlights, player profiles, and expert analyses.

Diversify Your Betting Platforms

Loyalty to a single sportsbook can limit your odds variety. To optimize potential returns, it's advisable to hop across multiple platforms, comparing odds and offerings. Leveraging the sportsbook recommendations provided earlier can give you a head start in this pursuit.

Leverage Social Media

In today's digitized age, social media is a treasure trove of real-time updates, player insights, and fan opinions. Following official accounts of players, tournaments, and squash pundits can provide an edge. Engage in discussions, share your predictions, and glean insights from fellow enthusiasts.

Understand Player Dynamics

Every player has a unique playing style, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Watching matches, analyzing player strategies, and understanding head-to-head statistics can prove invaluable. Being familiar with player dynamics aids in predicting potential outcomes more accurately.

Stay Updated on Court Conditions

The court's condition and type can influence gameplay. Some players excel on specific court surfaces or under certain conditions. Being aware of these nuances can offer an additional layer to your betting strategy.

Venturing into squash betting demands dedication and a genuine interest in the sport. However, with a strategic approach, continuous learning, and a bit of patience, it can evolve into a thrilling and rewarding experience.

Betting on squash, like any other sport, comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons of wagering on squash:

Pros:

1. Less Popular Means Less Competitive:

Since squash is less mainstream than sports like football or basketball, there might be less competition, potentially offering savvy punters a better chance of finding value odds.

2. Predictable Patterns:

The top players in squash are quite dominant. If you follow the sport closely, you might recognize consistent patterns and performances which can be helpful in betting.

3. Live Betting Opportunities:

Squash is a fast-paced game, providing ample opportunities for in-play or live betting. This can make for an exciting betting experience as you can bet on point-by-point action.

4. Diverse Betting Options:

From match winners and game scores to point totals and handicaps, squash offers a variety of betting markets.

5. Growing Sport:

As squash grows in popularity globally, more betting options and markets are likely to emerge, providing more opportunities for punters.

Cons:

1. Limited Coverage:

Squash doesn't receive as much media coverage as some other sports. This can make it challenging to find up-to-date news, statistics, or player information.

2. Fewer Bookmakers:

Not every sportsbook offers squash betting, limiting the options for punters.

3. Volatile Performance:

Though top players tend to be consistent, the physical demands of squash mean injuries or fatigue can unexpectedly alter the outcome of matches.

4. Limited Knowledge:

If you're unfamiliar with squash, there's a steep learning curve to understanding the game, the players, and the strategies.

5. Less Liquidity:

Because fewer people bet on squash, some markets, especially niche ones, might have lower betting limits.

In conclusion, while squash offers a unique and potentially lucrative betting experience, it's essential to be well-informed and cautious. As with any form of gambling, it's crucial to bet responsibly and ensure that betting enhances your enjoyment of the sport rather than detracting from it.

Squash, although lesser-known in the mainstream betting sphere, offers a refreshing alternative for avid punters. Its dynamic nature provides a multitude of betting opportunities, ranging from outright winners to intricate in-play bets. While the sport's lower media coverage may initially appear as a hindrance, it can actually be an advantage for the well-researched bettor, offering potential value odds not immediately apparent to the general betting populace.

However, like all sports, it is essential to approach squash betting with a blend of passion for the game and calculated strategy. Ensuring you're equipped with the latest player statistics, performance data, and game insights will put you in a favourable position.

We at the VP-Bet Team believe that as the world of sports betting diversifies, squash will claim a more prominent spot in the punting arena. We encourage bettors to delve into this exhilarating sport, but as always, to do so responsibly, and with a commitment to understanding the nuances of the game.