Forget the big guns, everyone is betting on them and due to the amount of analysis and depth of insights, betting on these teams isn’t as exciting as it once was. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still a huge market out there, but more and more people are going ‘rogue’ and moving to betting on non-league football teams.
The UK has a unique relationship with football and non-league teams have a passionate fan base, largely due to the unpredictability of their games and the grassroots appeal. In this article, we’ll help you get started with non-league football betting, including the all-important consideration of responsible gambling.
Non-league football: What is it and why does it appeal to bettors?
The term non-league football refers to football outside of the English Football League (EFL). This consists of both semi-professional and amateur leagues. The non-league governing structure is called the National League System and there is a pyramid format for promotions and relegations.
The National League is the highest level of non-league football and sits directly below League Two in the EFL. There are 24 teams, and the champion earns automatic promotion to League Two alongside the playoff winners.
The second non-league tier includes the National League North and South. Teams are either promoted to the National League or relegated to regional leagues.
There are three regional leagues: Southern Premier, Isthmian Premier and Northern Premier. If teams win, they are promoted to the North or South National League. Relegation takes teams to the local divisions. This is grassroots-level football that includes local and amateur clubs.
An increasing number of bettors are getting involved with non-league football. There are a range of reasons for this, including:
- Unique betting opportunities
- Less information for bookies
- Local knowledge advantage for local fans
- Greater odds variability due to fewer bettors
- Unpredictability as the game outcomes are harder to predict
- Passionate, local support provides deeper insight
- The potential for small-stake opportunities to turn into decent returns
- The added layer of connection with grassroots football
There are also several challenges though, including the unpredictability of the teams, the fact that there’s less media coverage and the varying skill levels of the players.
Key betting markets for non-league football
There are several possible betting markets available for non-league football, but what you can expect to find depends on where you’re betting. Here are some options:
- Match result (1X2): The simplest market is betting on the outcome. It’s either home win, draw or away win.
- Over/under goals: Betting on the total number of goals scored in a match.
- Both teams to score (BTTS): This is a popular bet in non-league football due to attacking play and inconsistencies in defence.
- Handicap betting: This is useful in uneven matchups where one team is obviously stronger.
- First goal scorer/anytime goal scorer: Due to the unpredictability, these are thriving markets for non-league games.
Using local knowledge to gain an edge
As mentioned, one of the key benefits of betting on non-league football is having local knowledge. Non-league football relies heavily on local and niche knowledge and research is important. If you’re considering betting on non-league football, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on local newspapers, social media, team websites and fan forums to gain insights that bookies might not know about, including transfers.
Local knowledge also helps when it comes to understanding injuries and the impact of them. Local conditions, including the weather also might not be widely reported, which can affect the outcome of a game.
How to bet on non-league football
Many people interested in non-league football wonder how to go about betting on it. Thankfully, sports betting apps have made betting on non-league football more accessible and convenient. Popular, well-known apps offer betting markets for non-league football.
When choosing an app, however, it’s important to look for a range of features and not focus solely on the availability of non-league football betting. Some features to look for include:
- Live betting (if that appeals)
- Cash-out options
- Odds boosts
- Bonuses and promotions
- Access to statistics for non-league football
- Responsible gambling tools
- Suitable payment methods
Developing your betting strategy for non-league football
Once you’ve found somewhere to bet, it’s time to think about your betting strategy. Whether you’re betting on the National League or a lower league, this is crucial. Firstly, it’s important to consider your budget. Set an appropriate budget that means you’re not gambling with funds that you need for other things. You should only ever bet with money that you can afford to lose. It’s also important never to chase losses.
Another thing to consider is the avoidance of big accumulators. Accas come with high risks and with the higher unpredictability of non-league games, they’re very unlikely to go in your favour.
Also, since there are so many leagues, it might be a good idea to focus on a specific league or team for your betting. This will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of trends and patterns so that your knowledge is potentially better than that of the bookies setting the odds.
Finally, keep a record of your bets and how they perform. This will help you learn from your previous bets and improve your accuracy when you’re choosing what to wager on.
Bookmaker roles in non-league football
In non-league football, bookmaker knowledge can differ greatly. This means that the odds between different sites can be vastly different compared to league games where there is little fluctuation. Bookmakers also have lower liquidity when it comes to non-league football bets, which also affects the odds. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to shop around to find the best odds. However, always make sure to choose a licensed and reputable site to bet on.
Bear in mind that the odds can fluctuate considerably in the run up to games. This may be due to insider information that the general public might not have, but it can also be due to how the public is betting.
The importance of responsible gambling
We’ve briefly mentioned the importance of responsible gambling already but it’s incredibly important to maintain control over your betting activities. With local leagues, there can be extra passion and fervour, so it’s easy to get carried away and bet more than you originally planned.
There are several tools you can use to help you manage your gambling, such as:
- Deposit limits set by the day, week and month
- ‘Take a break’ for a set period
- Self-exclusion for longer periods
- Time reminders
- Loss limits
The most reputable betting sites will also have questionnaires to allow you to self-assess your gambling behaviour and links to gambling support and addiction websites like GamCare. You may think you won’t need these, but they’re always good to have available.
Conclusion: Key takeaways for betting on non-league football
Betting on non-league football is exciting. If you’re considering starting, there are several things you need to remember:
- Know the leagues and teams well to make the best predictions. Whether you’re a Barnet, Altrincham fan or otherwise, this is helpful.
- Learn about the different betting markets available for non-league football.
- Use a reputable sportsbook or betting app that is licensed by the UKGC.
Finally, it’s a good idea to start with small, manageable bets so you can concentrate on enjoying the experience with minimal risk.
