You thought ping pong was just a fun game? Place a couple of bets on 20Bet and see for yourself — you can make some fun wagers on ping pong too.
If you think betting is only for football, basketball, or boxing, it’s time to broaden your horizons. Ping pong, or table tennis, is also a sport you can bet on — and potentially win big. It has its own history, unique features, and nuances that set it apart from other types of betting.
A Bit of History to Get the Picture
Ping pong originated in England in the late 19th century. At first, it was an aristocratic parlor game: the net was made from books, the paddles were cigar box lids, and the ball was a champagne cork. Over time, the equipment evolved, and the game became an Olympic sport in 1988. Today, ping pong is popular not just in China and Korea but in many countries around the world.
Yes, People Really Bet on Ping Pong
Bookmakers offer lines on major international tournaments, national championships, and even amateur leagues. On top of that, ping pong is played year-round, without an “off-season,” giving constant opportunities for betting.
How Ping Pong Betting Differs from Other Sports
- Speed of the Game
Matches are short — usually 3–5 sets to 11 points. Everything happens fast, and the outcome can change in just a couple of minutes. This makes it great for live betting but challenging for those used to the slower pace of football. - Dependence on the Player’s Form
There’s no team here — everything depends on one athlete. Reaction speed, focus, and mental state are key factors. - Favourites Have More Weight
In top-tier matches, underdogs rarely cause upsets, but in mid-level tournaments, surprises are common. - Less Information Available
Unlike football or hockey, there’s little news coverage of table tennis. You’ll need to dig up stats on specialized sites and forums.
What to Check Before Placing a Bet
- Current Player Form — how many matches they’ve won or lost recently.
- Play Style — offensive or defensive. Sometimes style matters more than ranking.
- Head-to-Head Record — one player may consistently dominate another, even with a lower ranking.
- Table Surface — some players perform better on certain types of surfaces (slower or faster).
- Psychology — mental stability is crucial; an emotionally unstable player is a risky bet.
Pros and Cons of Betting on Ping Pong
Pros:
- Matches are held year-round.
- High pace and excitement.
- Good odds can appear in live betting.
Cons:
- Limited publicly available statistics.
- Hard to predict due to fast gameplay.
- One mistake in analysis, and your money’s gone in minutes.
The Bottom Line
Ping pong betting is for those who love fast-paced sports and can think on their feet. There’s no long wait — everything is decided instantly. But to stay in profit, you’ll need to put in the work with stats and player analysis.
Approached wisely, it can be an exciting and profitable alternative to betting on football or basketball. But diving in without preparation or understanding the game’s specifics is like playing blindfolded — you might get lucky, but you could just as easily lose it all.