Betting on underdog teams can be one of the most exciting and rewarding strategies in sports betting. While favourites are expected to win, underdogs often provide higher odds, creating opportunities for bigger payouts when they pull off an upset.
For UK bettors, finding the right betting site is crucial when betting on underdogs. The best platforms offer:
- Competitive odds on underdog teams
- Special promotions for long-shot bets
- In-depth stats & analysis to make informed decisions
- Live betting options to capitalize on shifting odds
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- What makes a great betting site for underdog betting
- The best UK betting sites for backing underdog teams
- How to find value in underdog bets
- Top sports for underdog betting in the UK
- Tips & strategies to maximize profits
Let’s dive in!
Why Bet on Underdog Teams?
While favourites win more often, underdog betting offers several advantages:
✅ Higher Payouts – Betting on an underdog means higher odds, leading to bigger profits if they win.
✅ More Value in the Odds – Bookmakers often overestimate favourites, leading to inflated odds for underdogs.
✅ Exciting Betting Experience – Rooting for an underdog adds excitement, especially when they pull off a shock win.
✅ Unexpected Results Happen Often – Major upsets are common in football, tennis, boxing, and horse racing.
Now, let’s look at the best UK betting sites for betting on underdog teams.
Best UK Betting Sites for Betting on Underdogs
1. Bet365 – Best Overall for Underdog Betting
⭐ Key Features:
- Consistently offers some of the best odds on underdogs
- Excellent cash-out options for in-play betting
- Detailed match stats & live streaming to analyze underdog performances
💰 Best for: Football, Tennis, Boxing
📌 Why Choose Bet365? – Bet365 is one of the best for competitive odds and in-depth analytics, making it a top choice for underdog bettors.
2. Betfair – Best for Betting Exchanges (Lay & Back Underdogs)
⭐ Key Features:
- Betting exchange allows players to bet against favourites or back underdogs
- Often higher odds than traditional sportsbooks
- Unique “Cash Out” feature lets you secure profits early
💰 Best for: Horse Racing, Football, UFC
📌 Why Choose Betfair? – Betting exchanges often offer higher odds on underdogs compared to regular bookmakers.
3. William Hill – Best for Football Underdog Betting
⭐ Key Features:
- Enhanced odds and special promotions for underdog teams
- Strong focus on football betting markets
- In-play betting with live stats for underdog tracking
💰 Best for: Premier new betting sites not on GamStop League, Champions League, International Football
📌 Why Choose William Hill? – Their boosted underdog odds and detailed match insights make them great for football upsets.
4. Unibet – Best for Tennis & UFC Underdogs
⭐ Key Features:
- Great odds on lower-ranked players in tennis & MMA fights
- Unique prop bets for unexpected outcomes
- Live streaming of matches for better analysis
💰 Best for: Tennis, UFC, Boxing
📌 Why Choose Unibet? – Unibet excels in offering strong underdog odds in individual sports like tennis and combat sports.
5. Paddy Power – Best for Promotions & Money-Back Specials
⭐ Key Features:
- Money-back specials if your underdog bet loses
- Enhanced odds on selected upsets
- Strong focus on football and rugby
💰 Best for: Football, Rugby, Golf
📌 Why Choose Paddy Power? – The risk-free promotions make it a great option for betting on high-risk underdogs.
How to Find Value in Underdog Betting
1. Analyze the Odds
- Compare odds across different betting sites to get the best value.
- Use Betfair Exchange to find higher odds for underdogs.
2. Look at Team Form & Stats
- Some teams perform well against favourites despite their underdog status.
- Check head-to-head records, injuries, and recent performances.
3. Consider Situational Factors
- Home vs. Away – Some underdogs perform much better at home.
- Weather Conditions – Certain weather can favor underdogs (e.g., rain in football).
4. Look for “Live Underdogs”
- Some underdogs may start slow but gain momentum during a match.
- Live betting allows you to bet at the right time when the odds improve.
5. Use Handicap & Double Chance Bets
- Asian Handicap (+1 or +2 goals) reduces risk while still backing the underdog.
- Double Chance Bets (Underdog win or draw) provide safer alternatives.
Top Sports for Underdog Betting in the UK
Some sports offer more opportunities for underdog betting than others:
1. Football (Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup)
- Major upsets happen frequently (e.g., Leicester winning the Premier League in 2016).
- FA Cup matches often see lower-league teams defeating Premier League giants.
2. Tennis (ATP & WTA)
- Underdogs in early tournament rounds often win due to inconsistent favorites.
- Look for players on winning streaks but ranked lower than their opponent.
3. Horse Racing
- Long-shot horses win more often than people expect, offering huge payouts.
- Betting exchanges provide great odds on underdog horses.
4. Boxing & UFC
- Fighting sports are unpredictable, and underdogs often pull off upsets.
- Research fighters’ styles, stamina, and weight cuts before betting.
5. Rugby (Six Nations, Premiership Rugby)
- Lesser-known teams can beat heavy favourites, especially in bad weather.
- Handicap betting is great for rugby underdogs.
Tips to Maximize Profits on Underdog Betting
✔ Use Multiple Betting Sites – Always shop around for the best odds.
✔ Follow the News – Injuries, team changes, and suspensions affect underdog performance.
✔ Cash Out When Needed – If an underdog is winning but the game is close, consider cashing out early.
✔ Be Selective – Not all underdogs have value. Pick bets based on research rather than emotions.
✔ Use Matched Betting – Take advantage of free bets to minimize risk when betting on underdogs.
Conclusion: Best Betting Sites for Underdogs in the UK
Betting on underdogs can be incredibly profitable and exciting, especially if you choose the right bookmaker. Here’s a quick recap of the best UK betting sites:
🏆 Best Overall – Bet365 (High odds, great in-play betting)
📈 Best for Exchanges – Betfair (Higher odds for underdogs)
⚽ Best for Football – William Hill (Top-tier football betting options)
🎾 Best for Tennis & UFC – Unibet (Strong underdog odds)
🎁 Best for Promotions – Paddy Power (Risk-free underdog bets)
By following the right strategies and using the best platforms, you can capitalize on underdog betting and turn the odds in your favor! 🚀💰