Whether you're looking for an exciting new sport to expand your horizons or you’re already a bandy fan looking for the absolute best online bandy betting options, then you’ve come to the right place. Our exclusive guide won’t just tell you the best sites to bet on the ice sport, but will also give you all the information you need to know to bet with confidence!
Best Bookies We Recommend for Bandy Betting
Bet £10 get £30 18+. New customers using Promo code R30 only. Min £10 stake, min odds ½, free bets paid as 3x £10, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment methods/player/country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £10 Get £30 18+. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins on Gold Blitz New customers only. Min Deposit: £10. First deposit matched up to £10. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 18+. BeGambleAware.org. Bet The Responsible Way. Terms apply #ad
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Bet £5 get £20 18+ New UK+ ROI Customers only. Deposit & Bet min £5 as first bet at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x £20 Free Bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excluded. Free bet valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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What Is Bandy?
If you’ve never heard of bandy before, or don’t know the details of the game, know that bandy can easily be understood by newcomers as a kind of hybrid game.
It uses the equipment of field hockey, and utilises similar rules to football – including the offside rule. The basics of a bandy and football game concepts are the same, with 11 players trying to score over two 45-minute periods by getting the ball into the back of the opponent’s net. There’s even an extra time period of two additional 15 minutes, and then a penalty shootout.
The only key rule difference between football and bandy in this regard is that extra time in the latter is played with a golden goal rule, where any goal in extra time wins the match. This used to be a common part of football as well, but was removed by FIFA post 2004.
A Bite-Sized History of Bandy
The origin of bandy is unknown, although there are reports of it being played on large expanses of ice in medieval times. Rules were few until some were published in the late 19th century.
Bandy began gaining traction throughout Europe and Russia, especially in Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Finland.
The split between bandy and ice hockey came from the formalisation of different rules produced in Canada, then known as British North America.
Differences Between Bandy and Ice Hockey – Rules
We’ve selected five key rule differences so you can easily understand just how distinct these two often-associated games actually are.
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There are 11 players per team for bandy, whereas ice hockey has only six.
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The bandy rink is far larger than an ice hockey rink, closer to the size of a football pitch
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This size means that bandy is a much less physical game than ice hockey, with players rarely getting into violent altercations.
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Ice hockey has a total game time of 40 minutes – less than one half of normal play in bandy at 45 minutes.
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Bandy is played with a ball, whereas ice hockey is played with a puck.
Top Bandy Recommended Betting Sites – Reviews
Sharing our top bandy betting sites is not enough, we also want you to know exactly why we think they are so great. With that in mind, here’s our pick of the greatest bandy betting sites available at the time of writing.
William Hill – Best For Big Tournaments
Bandy betting is all about those big events. It isn’t a game which is necessarily played at all times like some others which have more multi- layered professional leagues. Put simply, those big tournaments are when the best bandy betting takes place, and if you’re new to the sport, these are the ideal times to get involved. William Hill is exceptional at covering big tournaments like the Bandy World Championship and that is really where they thrive. Of course, the quality of the online betting experience is also all-round exceptional, with brilliant general promotions and consistently high-quality odds.
- A name we know and trust
- Ideal for those big events
- High-quality odds
- Might not cover some smaller contests
bet365 – Best All-Rounder
Seeing bet365 on a “best of” list is now so common it’s almost expected. They are simply really good at pretty much all elements of betting and that’s why they are in this position. Not to mention they have the reach to cover something like bandy which some lesser operators may not.
However, we do realise most of the people reading this are likely not solely looking to bet on bandy. Nevertheless, whatever else you happen to be looking for – including bandy betting, bet365 is almost certain to have it; from the best slot game options to a broad selection of sports betting markets.
- Sensational betting variety
- That includes lesser-known games like bandy
- Also ideal for casino fans
- May need to search for bandy due to immense sports variety
Betway – Best for General Promotions
As we’ll discuss in more detail, the best promotions you're bound to find for bandy aren’t exclusive to the sports itself. Rather, those top bonus offers are likely to be part of a more general offer – one you can use across multiple sports. That’s why if you want to make the most out of your bandy betting, you need an operator with a great selection of general promotions, and Betway is exactly that.
Betway have an ever-changing roster of generous bonuses, and when all that is backed up with a bookmaker talented enough to make the most out of pretty much any market including bandy betting, you’ve got yourself a prime candidate for the absolute best out there.
- Great promotional variety
- Bonuses are often broadly available
- Backs that up with a quality bookmaker
- Have to register and log in to see your full promotional selection
Betfair – Best for Betting Exchange
There’s almost no argument that Betfair is the finest option for those looking for a betting exchange.
Betfair offer an exciting and innovative opportunity for bandy betting, as not only will you be able to find bandy betting markets on their traditional sportsbook, but you can also bet against your fellow bandy fans from all around the world.
Either way, whether you go for their sportsbook or their betting exchange, Betfair are one of the absolute top options for bandy betting.
- Biggest betting exchange in the world means more markets
- Those markets include bandy betting when available
- Brilliant traditional sportsbook
- Number of options may overwhelm some
Coral – Best for Newcomers
If you’re not just new to bandy betting, but also new to online betting overall, Coral is the one for you.
Coral have managed to bridge the gap for people who used to go to their local bookmaker and would like to have that same level of simplicity with the added convenience of going online. Put simply, Coral's brilliantly-minimalistic design absolutely nails it – you can go forth and explore bandy betting without any extra hassle.
- World-class design
- Balances a colossal betting selection with ease
- Great for those used to brick-and-mortar bookmakers
- Perhaps not a huge crossover between bandy betting fans and those used to old-school bookies
888sport – Best for International Appeal
This is an operator that is like going to a restaurant where you look at the menu and you feel like there’s just too much for them to manage it all. The kitchen can’t cope with all that, you think. Well, 888sport appear to have all of their hobs blazing because their appeal and sheer international scope of their markets never seems to waver, even across their stunning betting apps which includes dedicated casino and poker options.
Bandy betting is just another delicious dish in the betting buffet 888sport have proven they are capable of delivering, time and time again. The fact that bandy betting is more popular elsewhere is irrelevant to the eclectic, ever-expanding reach of this jumbo jet of a betting site.
- Incredible betting apps
- International sport like bandy feels right at home
- Consistent odds boost across lots of markets
- Bandy isn’t that prominently advertised
LeoVegas – Best for Casino Fans
It is understandable that LeoVegas are better known for their casino offering; after all, that’s the thing which is advertised to you the moment you step through their virtual doors. We never forget that for most people, betting is multifaceted and loads of you reading this may primarily be casino fans. If that is the case, then we think LeoVegas, with its underrated sportsbook with terrific variety alongside one of the greatest slot selections on Earth, could be ideal.
- Casino every bit as good as its reputation
- Underrated sportsbook
- Surprisingly international sports variety
- Casino focus won’t be for everyone
Paddy Power – Best for Streaming
Similar to Coral, this is one bookmaker that has the benefit of being recognisable to your average punter on the street, and it backs that up with a site that is suitable for pretty much everyone. For most operators, that quality and crossover appeal would be enough, but Paddy Power didn’t become the runaway train of success they are by resting on their laurels. They go above and beyond with market variety, as well as with the extent of their coverage. Live streaming for any sport, for instance, depends on the logistics of the game, but if you can find bandy betting live streaming anywhere on a particular game, it’s likely you’ll find a buttery-smooth live stream on Paddy Power.
- Household name will put newcomers at ease
- Market variety that goes beyond even their immense reputation
- Great live coverage
- No streaming guarantee for any game, as is the case with all operators
What Makes a Great Bandy Betting Site?
We’ve taken a look at our absolute favourite bandy betting sites, and have discussed why they are our favourites and what makes them so special. Additionally, if you want to know what we look for when assessing what makes a great bandy site, here is a look at five steps towards bandy betting greatness.
1. Market Variety
Let's be honest, bandy isn’t most bookmakers' top priority. They might be focused on being the best horse racing betting sites or producing the best comparable odds on football markets. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, you can’t find a wide selection of bandy markets everywhere. You need a special betting site with exceptional international market variety to really make the most out of the bandy contests going on worldwide. And not only do we want as many events covered as possible, but we want as broad a spectrum of betting markets on each event as we can get.
2. Easy To Find
One problem with bandy being less mainstream is that even when markets are available, they can be hidden – especially on mobile. However, we don’t only want to be able to find the best bandy betting markets, we want them to be prominently displayed, in a well-structured environment so anyone can immediately see what’s available to them.
3. Odds Quality
This one is always a no brainer. Better odds mean higher payouts if your bet wins. Now there may not be as many comparison points for certain bandy markets, but we assure you that our focus on quality odds remains the same as it would for the most popular sports in the country. If there aren’t many bookmakers to compare between, for instance, we’ll utilise the overround to ensure you’re always getting the best deal.
4. Promotional Inclusion
The truth is although there aren’t that many bonus offers dedicated to bandy at the time of writing, promotions are possible, especially during major tournaments. However, the promotional goodness for bandy comes from general sports promotions, which is not a bad thing. Most sports and events don’t get their own dedicated bonus offers, and quite honestly, the generally-available sports promotions such as free bets, cash back and welcome offers tend to be the most generous. All we ask then from our finest bandy options is that the icy betting hybrid be included.
5. Suitability For Newcomers
Many people reading this looking to bet on bandy will be doing so for the first time, which means that a site that makes the process of doing so as easy as possible, is a huge plus in our book. When you’re trying to figure out new markets and how to strategise, you just don’t need any extra hassle. And of course, if you’re a long-term bandy fan, usability is still something which can have a big impact on your betting enjoyment, so it’s a vital consideration for our best bandy betting sites regardless.
Key Bandy Betting Tournaments for Newcomers
If you’re new to bandy, you may be wondering exactly what kind of tournaments and events are available to bet on. Well, just because it isn’t as big as some others in the UK, doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of great bandy events taking place across the globe, broadly available on the best UK bookmakers. Here’s a trilogy of greats to get you started.
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Bandy World Championship – This big international tournament might be the perfect place to get started. It takes place every year and pits the 20 top international sides against each other.
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Bandy Women’s World Championship: Much like football, there’s a separate world cup for female players, which takes place every other year and will complete your easy education into the best bandy playing the world has to offer.
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Bandy World Cup – Distinct from the world championship, this tournament is played in Sweden in mid October each year and although it contains international teams, it is a contest between the best international club teams – similar to the Champions League.
Bandy Betting Strategy
Now we’ve gone through what the sport is all about and where you can enjoy bandy betting, it’s time to take things one step further and show you how to make the most out of your bets. Take a look at our five top bandy betting tips below.
Bandy Betting Tips 1: Study Previous World Championships
Our choice for big international tournaments as the ideal place to start betting on bandy is not just because they are somewhere to get to know top players and teams, but also because they are an ideal place to begin your research.
Studying those previous big tournaments in as much detail as you can manage gives you a great overview of the pecking order of the best teams and a foothold into what to expect from future contests.
Bandy Betting Tips 2: Focus On a Team Or Two at a Time
A vital part of our bandy betting tips is that you need to work your knowledge base up. The big tournaments are a great place to start, but even that could be overwhelming considering how many teams are involved. With that in mind, it might be a good idea to focus on betting on a team or two to begin with before branching out.
Bandy Betting Tips 3: Keep in Mind the Less Aggressive Tone of the Game
While bandy may look like ice hockey, it is a far slower-paced, less aggressive style of game. When betting, especially in alternative markets such as over and under odds, you should keep that in mind because this distinction in pace of play has a big impact on the outcome of the match – and thus the accuracy of your bets. Bandy is like many sports, but much be respected as its own beast.
Bandy Betting Tips 4: Bet in Small Amounts if You’re a Newcomer
Of course, you should never bet more than you can afford to lose and should always practise responsible gaming. And if you’re brand new to this sport, it may be worth considering betting a small amount while you get the hang of things and figure out what works best for you. Once you know a bit more, you can start betting larger amounts as you grow in confidence.
Bandy Betting Tips 5: Utilise Multiple Betting Markets
As discussed above, one thing the best bandy betting sites really benefit from is market variety, and that includes what is available on each individual match. Put simply, there’s more to bet on than just the winner of the game, and that means more chances of finding great odds and betting opportunities to take advantage of – so use them as best you can!
Best Betting Markets
Bandy Match Betting
This is your most common and most popular market. Also known as 1×2 bandy betting, this is where you choose the end result of the match. The options consist of one of the two teams winning, or normal play ending in a draw. The term “normal play” is important here because like football, most betting sites conclude this market at the end of 90 minutes plus injury time, with anything happening after that being irrelevant to the bet result.
Bandy Handicap Betting
As is the case with most sports, bandy often sees one team being heavy favourites over their opponents. This can lead to boring games and boring betting. Handicap betting aims to solve this problem by handicapping the favourites by a number of goals. This means that they don’t just have to win the game, but the goal handicap as well. Alternatively, the underdog team need only not lose by over the handicap amount for your bet to be successful. This makes even the most lopsided games fun and is a perfect example of a market improving your enjoyment of a game.
To Go to Penalties
One of the things bandy shares with football is the possibility of the dreaded penalty shootout. It also means that if you think that a contest has the potential to go down to the wire, you can back that possibility. You can also bet on a team to win on penalties, or even extra time, meaning you can really mould the odds to be as specific as you like.
Tournament Winner
Backing a team to win a big tournament is a great way of keeping your interest going through many matches, and really takes an already-epic event to another level. This is also a really important one from a strategic point of view, as backing a team early in the world championship or World Cup can provide some massive returns for relatively low stakes.
Bandy Totals Betting
Bandy Totals is betting on the kind of game you think you are going to see rather than who is going to win, and you do so by predicting whether the total goal amount will be over or under a certain amount by the time that final whistle blows. Great to view bandy from an entirely different angle.
Other New Sporting Experiences
esports
If you’re not already aboard the esports train, you’re missing out on both a sport and betting revolution. The best esports gambling sites even have live streaming and market variety to compete with any traditional example.
Netball
The speed, excitement and international appeal of netball means it has become not just one of the nation’s favourite games, but one of our favourite ways to bet as well. Very different from the slower pace of bandy, but no less enthralling.
T20 Cricket
This shortened form of cricket was created in 2003 and allows you to enjoy world-class cricket action without needing to take a few days off work to really appreciate it. It’s biggest in India but actually began in the United Kingdom, where it is steadily growing in popularity.
Bandy Live Betting Streaming
Bandy betting is in a rather interesting place when it comes to live streaming. You may think that it is popularity which dictates how likely it is a sport will be provided with live betting streaming, however, quite often, the opposite is true.
Very mainstream sports tend to have licensing deals, with the exception of much of types horse racing – which is why you will rarely see the likes of the NBA or the football World Cup being streamed live. This is largely not the case for bandy live betting streaming, asbookmakers can offer live streaming for the sport pretty freely wherever it is filmed. Whether that is the case depends on the individual bookmaker and their commitment to providing the finest online experience possible.
Bandy Mobile Betting
There is no notable difference between bandy betting and any other sporting market in terms of its availability on mobile phones. We are aware that some mobile versions of betting sites do lose some content in the conversion to the small screen, however this is not true of the best betting apps available for UK players, as top-quality examples tend to offer everything that is provided by their desktop equivalent, and sometimes more.
Glossary
One of the things that makes bandy such an appealing sport to newcomers is that it doesn’t have much in the way of confusing terminology.
There are a couple of examples of terms that can help you understand how the game works and keep you in the loop as you learn more. Here’s a quick glossary of key terms exclusive to bandy:
Bandy stick – Similar to a field hockey stick, the bandy stick is how the ball is moved, dripped, passed, and how shots are made.
Bandy field – This is the large ice rink on which the game is played.
Stroke In – Like a throw in, but the ball is played using the bandy stick passing forward.
Restart stroke – When the game is stopped, normal play resumes with a restart stroke as the request of the referee.
Free stroke – The bandy equivalent of a free kick.
Blue card – This is a warning card for players breaking the rules in a non-serious manner, such as illegally blocking the ball. Three blue cards will see a player sent off the field. A red card can be administered too for serious offences, which means immediate dismissal.
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Bandy Betting Sites FAQs
Bandy is a game where two teams of 11 players try to direct the ball into the opposition’s goal, using a stick. Most goals win. It is played on ice but is most similar to football in its rules.
The rules are fundamentally different, the equipment is distinct, the number of players, size of field and time played is near double for bandy. It also tends to be played at a slower pace.
It’s a highly-competitive, skilled sport that manages to offer something unique while also having enough in common with many popular UK sports to be easy for newcomers to follow. Really, the reason you should bet on bandy and any other sport is to have fun.
Yes. There may be some apps where bandy is left out, but that is certainly not the case amongst the best mobile options.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
Bandy is a great example of the kind of weird and wonderful sports that are available thanks to betting online and its international scope. Online betting hasn’t just made gambling more convenient, it has also allowed us to really broaden our betting horizons. That’s really what bandy betting should be all about.
Many of you wanting to get into bandy will not have any connections with any team. You probably won’t even know who to support. Bandy betting, even a small amount if you’re new and haven’t formed much in the way of tactics yet, won’t only provide you with a left field betting option, but could provide you with a whole new sport to join your roster of favourites.
Bandy is an icy cool example of pure sporting and betting enjoyment, and is ideal for those looking to try something new. For those of you who are already into bandy, you don’t need us telling you this, but you might need a better place for your bandy betting – and our top list is for you just as much as it is for the newcomers.