2023 Snooker World Championship Betting Guide & Tips

The World Snooker Championship is the most prestigious tournament in the world of Snooker, renowned for its rich history and grandeur. As the largest event in Snooker, World Snooker Championship betting promises a thrilling experience for enthusiasts.

Witness the world’s most skilled snooker players showcase their talent at the Sheffield Crucible, marking one of the most anticipated sporting events of the calendar. Get ready for the best of snooker with our comprehensive coverage of the World Snooker Championship, including player analysis, odds, and expert picks.

History of the Snooker World Championship

The Professional Snooker Championship, now known as the World Snooker Championship, was first held in 1927 at Thurstons Hall, Leicester Square, London, with ten professional players participating in matches played over as few as 15 frames. In 1969, the tournament became a knock-out event, replacing the previous challenge format where players would compete to earn the right to challenge Joe Davis in the final.

Over the years, the championship has changed venues several times, with the final moving to Blackpool Tower Circus in 1950 and being held in Australia in 1970 and 1975. In 1976, the event was split between Middlesbrough and Manchester before moving exclusively to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 1977. The championship lasts for 17 days, usually in late April and early May, with the final often coinciding with the British May bank holiday.

Cazoo Snooker World Championship Tournament Structure

The World Snooker Championship is one of the most prestigious and anticipated tournaments in the snooker world, organised by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) since 1968. The tournament is held annually and is the third of the three Triple Crown events of the season after the UK Championship and the Masters. The structure and format of the event is as follows:

• First Round: The matches of the opening round are in the best-of-19 format, played over two sessions max.
• Last 16: The matches at this stage are in the best-of-25 frames over three sessions.
• Quarterfinals: Once again, each match is in the best-of-25, up to three sessions.
• Semi-finals: The format becomes best-of-33 frames played over the course of four sessions.
• Final: The two top players will face each other in a best-of-35 frames showdown that could go on for up to four sessions.

The winner of the tournament receives a prize of £500,000, out of a total prize fund of almost £2.4 million, with the runner-up receiving £200,000 and the semi-finalists receiving £100,000 each.

Only 32 players from around the world qualify for the First Round, making it an incredibly competitive event. The tournament stages long matches, with the best-of-19 frames format, allowing fluctuations in form and temperament to add to the entertainment.

Tournament Favourites

Ronnie O’Sullivan 

O’Sullivan is a giant of the game and he will have his sights set firmly on the upcoming World Snooker Championship. Having won the championship seven times previously, he is the man to beat this year. After defeating Judd Trump 18-13 in the final last year, O’Sullivan will be eager to defend his title and add another world championship to his tally. With most bookmakers placing him as the clear favourite at 4/1, it’s easy to see why. O’Sullivan’s skill and focus on the table make him a constant threat to his opponents, and if he can maintain that focus throughout the tournament, he could well emerge victorious once again.

Judd Trump

As the 2023 Snooker World Championship approaches, all eyes will be on Judd Trump. Having already won the UK Masters earlier this year, he will be keen to put last year’s disappointing loss in the final behind him and add another World Championship title to his collection. With 17 ranking event crowns and the Masters tournament under his belt, Trump is no stranger to success on the snooker circuit. In 2019, he fulfilled his lifelong dream by winning the World Championship and completing the coveted ‘triple crown’ of snooker. With his prodigious talent and fast potting style, Trump is a crowd favourite with prices offered around the 9/2 mark.

Neil Robertson

Neil Robertson is one of the top contenders for the 2023 Snooker World Championship, having established himself as one of the most consistent and accomplished players in the sport. The Australian left-hander has won 20 ranking titles in his career, including the World Championship in 2010. Although Robertson has not won the World Championship since 2010, he has been a regular presence in the later stages of the tournament, reaching the semi-finals on three occasions since then. With his experience, skill and hunger for success, It’s clear to see why the bookies fancy him as one of the favourites with odds of 6/1.

Snooker Betting Free Bets & Offers

Enhanced Odds

Enhanced snooker odds are popular among existing customers, offered by bookmakers to keep them entertained with generous odds on lower odds selections.

Customers get more value for their money, but bookmakers often have a maximum amount for wagers.

Snooker outright markets are targeted for enhanced odds promotions despite bookmakers typically having limited promotions for snooker betting.

Snooker Free Bets

In the world of snooker, free bet offers are a common promotion offered by bookmakers to attract new players to their platforms. These free bet offers are a way for players to get started with their snooker betting journey without risking their own money.

To claim the free bet offer, players are usually required to make a qualifying deposit. This means that players must deposit a certain amount of money into their account to be eligible for the free bet offer.

Once the qualifying deposit is made, players can use the free bet offer to place bets on snooker matches and tournaments.

Matched Deposit Bonuses

In snooker betting, a popular promotion offered by bookmakers is a matched deposit bonus. This promotion matches the value of a player’s qualifying deposit up to a certain maximum amount.

The matched bonus is typically shown as a percentage, with 100% being the most common for welcome bonuses.

It’s important to note that certain bookmakers offer this promotion to both new and existing players, so it’s important to check the terms and conditions to see if you qualify.

Snooker Betting Tips & Strategy

Betting on Snooker can be a confusing thing for newcomers to the sport. This section is designed to give you the best betting strategy and advice so you never miss a beat with the bookies.

Do Your Research

Before placing any bets on snooker, it’s crucial to do your research and gain a thorough understanding of the game. Without this knowledge, it’s difficult to know which events to consider and which markets to choose. Start by learning the basic rules of the game, including what happens when a player fails to hit any other ball with the cue ball. It’s also important to understand the differences between non-ranking and ranking tournaments and how they can influence the outcomes. With time and effort, you can become well-versed in snooker and start placing bets with confidence.

Find the Best Snooker Odds Available

When it comes to snooker betting, selecting the best odds is a crucial strategy, especially for regular bettors. Higher odds values will lead to higher potential earnings when placing correct bets. That’s why it’s essential to compare the match and tournament odds offered by different bookmakers before choosing one. Additionally, consider a bookmaker with multiple odds formats to ensure you understand the odds provided by the operator. Doing so will help you make informed betting decisions and potentially increase your earnings.

Know the Players

To pick a winner, researching the players is a critical step. With numerous snooker players participating in various events worldwide, it’s essential to study each player and use their statistics to your advantage. Player statistics such as win/loss ratio, highest breaks, and past performances at the Crucible can provide valuable insights into a player’s current form and potential to perform at World Championship. Additionally, keep an eye on up-and-coming players who might offer excellent value bets.

Look at the Tournament Structure

The Snooker World Championships is known for its gruelling and mentally challenging matches, with each round featuring longer and more intense games. As the tournament progresses, players face increasingly difficult opponents, with the final being a best-of-35 frames layout. It is crucial for bettors to understand the tournament’s structure and schedule, as well as keeping an eye on the constantly changing odds offered by bookmakers. Knowing who your chosen player will face in the next round and how they perform under pressure is essential when making selections.

Popular Snooker Betting Markets

Snooker is a popular sport for betting, and there are several popular betting markets that fans of the game can wager on.

Outright Betting
The outright betting market is one of the most straightforward and popular bets for snooker betting. In this market, players can bet on a specific player to win the Snooker World Championship 2023. Each way terms can also be a valuable tool if you prefer to select a player a longer price.

Frame Betting

Frame betting allows punters to try to predict the frame score of each match in the Snooker World Championship. This can be a challenging task, as it requires a good understanding of the players involved and their form going into the tournament. However, for fans who have a good knowledge of the sport, frame betting can be an exciting way to follow the progress of the tournament.

Player to Pot First Red

Another popular snooker betting market is the player to pot the first red ball. This bet is essentially a first player to score bet and involves backing a specific player to pot the first red ball, which usually happens with their first break. This market is popular among snooker fans who want to add an extra level of excitement to a game.

147 Breaks Betting

The 147 breaks betting market is a prop bet that involves staking on a player to score a 147 maximum break. A 147 involves potting all 15 red balls followed by a black ball every time and then the correct colour sequence thereafter. This market is popular among fans who enjoy the thrill of the unexpected, but be wary, there has only ever been 12 maximum breaks in the history of the Crucible.

Highest Break Betting

The highest break betting market is another popular betting market that offers enticing odds. In this market, you can place a bet on a specific player to score the highest break in a match. As the World Championship consists of matches that are contested over a longer format, players can expect to see some significant breaks compiled, and this market offers a chance to win big.

Century Breaks Betting

Finally, the century breaks betting market involves betting on a match in which players believe that one of the two competitors will make a century break at any point during the game. This market is popular among fans who want to add an extra level of excitement to a match and who enjoy the thrill of a big break.

In conclusion, there are several popular snooker betting markets that fans of the game can wager on. Each market offers its own level of excitement and thrill, and players can choose the market that best suits their interests and betting style. With the right knowledge and a bit of luck, snooker betting can be an enjoyable and potentially lucrative market.

Snooker World Championship Tips & Free Bets

NAP

Unibet Snooker Markets

Selection – Ronnie O’Sullivan 4/1 (Fav)

It’s no secret that Ronnie O’Sullivan is considered the top contender for the Snooker World Championship according to bookmakers. If he wins in April, it would be his eighth time claiming the World Championship title. You can currently find odds of 4/1 on Unibet if you think he has what it takes to come out on top once again.

Next Best

William Hill Bet £5 & Get £5 Snooker Offer

Get a £5 free bet when you opt in and stake £5 on the Snooker World Championship Outright market.

Selection – Mark Allen 14/1

The Northern Irishman is priced at 14/1 @ William Hill to secure his first world title, which would cap off a memorable season for him. He has already claimed three ranking titles this season, including the esteemed UK Championship, so it’s no wonder he’s feeling confident about his chances of making a deep run in the upcoming 2023 World Snooker Championship in Sheffield.

Each Way

William Hill Bet £5 & Get £5 Snooker Offer

Get a £5 free bet when you opt in and stake £5 on the Snooker World Championship Outright market.

Selection – Anthony McGill 66/1

Anthony McGill is showing great resilience in the 2023 World Snooker Championship qualifying. At the age of 32, he has already demonstrated his fighting spirit by coming from behind to beat Cao Yupeng in qualifying, following a similar comeback victory over unseeded John Astley in the opening round. Mentality is everything in snooker and McGill is showing he has it.

McGill has a strong track record, having claimed two ranking event titles so far in his career. In the last year he has achieved a career high ranking, further cementing his position as a formidable competitor on the snooker circuit. At 66/1 McGill is definitely worth a look at in the each way market.