How to Bet on the British and Irish Lions
Betting on a Lions tour runs from one long series bet to a full card on every Test and tour match. Here is how each market works, with the South African angle in mind.
The main markets
- Series result — the Lions, the host, or a drawn series; see the test series page.
- Series winner — the outright on the three-Test series; see the British Irish Lions odds page.
- Match result — the winner of a single Test or tour match.
- Handicap — a points start or deficit to level a margin; see handicap betting.
- Total points — over or under a line on the combined score; see over/under.
- First try scorer — a player market on each Test and tour match.
Tests, tour matches and a sensible approach
The three Tests are the main event, but the tour matches against the host's franchises and provinces come first and are where the Lions find their combinations — and where bettors read their form. Those games can be one-sided, so the handicap and total points often offer more value than a short-priced match result. You can also follow a Test live with in-play betting. See the British Irish Lions predictions page for our take and the Lions guide for the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest Lions bet to start with?
The match result — backing the winner of a single Test or tour match. From there, the series result, the handicap and total points add depth, especially in one-sided tour matches.
Can I bet during a Lions Test?
Yes. Live, in-play betting runs through each Test at shifting odds, so you can back a comeback or a tightening margin as it happens.