Introduction: Why Women’s Sports Are Worth Betting On

Imagine this: you’ve been watching the WNBA for a few months, following your favorite team, and one day, you’re at lunch, scrolling through your sportsbook app. You spot your team’s odds to win at +150. You’ve done the research, you know the roster, and you confidently place your first bet. You win. A small win, but it’s a start. This moment is your entry point into the world of women’s sports betting.

Women’s sports are surging in popularity, from the WNBA to NWSL to NCAA women’s basketball. With smaller betting markets, these leagues offer unique opportunities for beginners to learn without the overwhelming competition found in men’s sports.

In this article, we’ll help you get started with clear tips, beginner-friendly advice, and useful tools to build your betting strategy around women’s sports. No jargon, no pressure, just simple steps to place smart bets and enjoy the game more.

What Women’s Sports Are Best to Bet On?

Not sure where to start? You don’t need to bet on every women’s sport. Choose one you already follow or are interested in learning more about. These leagues offer great entry points for beginners:

• WNBA – With 12 teams and high-profile athletes like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson, the WNBA is perfect for learning how to bet on basketball with a bit less volatility than the NBA.

• NCAA Women’s Basketball – March Madness is the prime time, but the regular season has its own charm, especially when key players like Caitlin Clark or Paige Bueckers take center stage.

• NWSL – Women’s soccer is growing, and with stars like Alex Morgan and Sam Kerr, betting on the NWSL is a great choice for soccer fans.

• LPGA – For individual sports, golf offers a slower pace and a chance to learn from a matchup perspective.

Best Tip: Stick to one league to start. Betting on the WNBA or NCAA women’s basketball helps build knowledge before expanding to other sports.

How Does Betting on Women’s Sports Work?

Betting on women’s sports is similar to betting on men’s sports, but with a few unique twists. The betting lines for women’s leagues tend to move more slowly due to lower betting volume, giving you more time to research and act.

Why is this an advantage?

• Less competition: Fewer professional bettors mean the lines aren’t moved as quickly, creating opportunities for you to get ahead.

• Price inefficiencies: With fewer bettors, there’s a higher likelihood that the odds won’t reflect true probabilities. For example, if a star player is injured and the line doesn’t adjust fast enough, you can capitalize on it.

  
  

Example: In 2023, when the Las Vegas Aces were dominant in the WNBA playoffs, some early lines stayed too low for their performance. Bettors who backed the Aces before those odds corrected saw strong returns.

A report by Action Network noted that early WNBA playoff lines in 2023 showed significant value, especially on dominant teams like the Aces, due to lower sharp action and slower market adjustment.

Pro Tip: Women’s sports leagues might have fewer prop bet options than the NBA or NFL, but they still offer great opportunities. Focus on moneylines, point spreads, and totals for the best beginner bets.

The Most Beginner-Friendly Bet Types

You’ll find three main types of bets when you first open your sportsbook app. Master these, and you’ll have a solid foundation for betting on women’s sports:

Moneyline:

Just pick the winner.

Example: Indiana Fever +150 vs. New York LibertyA $100 bet on the Fever wins $150 if they win.

Point Spread:

The favorite has to win by a certain number of points for your bet to cash. The underdog can lose but still cover the spread.Example: Las Vegas Aces -6.5The Aces must win by 7 or more points for you to win.

Total (Over/Under):

Bet on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under the sportsbook’s set number.Example: Total 158.5If the final score is 82–80 (total = 162), the over wins.

Beginner Tip: Stick to these bet types as you build your confidence. Props and parlays can wait until your skills and strategy are more developed.

What Stats Should I Check Before Betting?

You don’t need to be a stats whiz, but you do need to check a few key factors before placing a bet on women’s sports. Here’s what to look for:

• Recent Form – Are they on a winning streak or slumping?

• Injuries – Is a star player missing or just returning to the lineup?

• Matchups – Do they struggle against fast-paced teams or physical defenders?

• Home vs. Away – Some teams play much better at home, especially in leagues like the NWSL.

• Motivation Level – Is the team clinching a playoff spot, playing a rival, or resting starters?

Pro Tip: 

Always check injury updates before betting. A single missing starter can drastically swing outcomes. especially in smaller leagues where depth is thinner.

Where to Research:

• HerHoopStats.com – In-depth WNBA analytics

• FBref.com – Soccer stats and player breakdowns

• WNBA.com – Official stats, schedules, and injury reports

Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Everyone makes mistakes when they start, but here are the most common—and how to avoid them:

• Betting with Emotion: Don’t bet just because you love the team. Bet because the numbers and matchups say it’s a smart choice.

• Parlay Overload: They look exciting, but they’re tough to win. Stick to single bets while you learn.

• Chasing Losses: If you’re down, don’t double down. Step away, reevaluate, and reset.

• Ignoring Research: Don’t skip the homework. Stats and news matter.

Pro Tip: 

Track your bets. Write down what you bet on, why, and what the result was. You’ll learn more from your first 10 bets than from reading 10 articles.

Walkthrough: Placing Your First WNBA Bet

Let’s say the Connecticut Sun are playing the Seattle Storm. You’ve done your homework: the Sun are healthy, rested, and playing at home. The moneyline is set at -140.

1. Log into your legal sportsbook.

2. Find the WNBA section and click on the game.

3. Select “Connecticut Sun -140” on the moneyline.

4. Enter your bet amount, say, $10.

5. Confirm the bet.

   
   

If the Sun win, you earn about $7.14 profit. More importantly, you’ve made your first calculated wager with confidence.

[BONUS] Quick-Start Checklist

Ready to go? Here’s a rapid-fire prep sheet to guide your first bet:

• Pick one league to follow (WNBA, NWSL, NCAA, LPGA)

• Choose a legal sportsbook that lists women’s events

• Learn moneyline, spread, and total bet types

• Use HerHoopStats or WNBA.com to research

• Bet the same small amount each time

• Avoid parlays, chase bets, or “gut feeling” picks

• Track every result and why you made the bet

• Celebrate learning—even more than winning

Conclusion: Start Smart. Stay Confident. Own Your Edge.

Betting on women’s sports isn’t about luck. It’s about strategy and smart choices. Women’s leagues offer incredible opportunities for beginners to place informed, thoughtful bets without the overwhelming competition of major men’s leagues.

So take your first step. Just like in the introduction’s story, start with that one bet you feel good about based on research, not instinct. Learn from it. Track it. Build your rhythm.

Your winning streak doesn’t begin with a lucky ticket. It begins with confidence that is calculated and entirely yours.