Betting on the Stands: How the Atmosphere of English Stadiums Influences Your Wagering Choices

One of the things that helps make English football unique is that whatever division you play in or whatever ground you visit, the atmosphere inside a stadium is usually brilliant, and the support behind any home team is usually incredible.

The majority of English football league clubs have been in existence for decades, and many stadiums are throwbacks to the days of old and far removed from the modern stadiums that we see built. With the stands closely aligned with the pitch, the rise of ultra-fan groups and standing areas making a comeback, the atmospheres generated across the leagues can be truly special.



Atmospheres within a stadium can have a real say on how people bet and have a real influence on decision-making. If you are wondering what things to be mindful of when considering how an atmosphere can directly affect the action on the pitch, here is our list of factors to be considered:

1. Home team atmospheres;
2. How an atmosphere can fluctuate;
3. Away form;
4. How atmospheres can affect European games.

Home Form

For any team to be successful no matter what division they play in, home form and making the most of the noise and atmosphere generated in the stands is key.

During Manchester United's peak years under Sir Alex Ferguson, teams were often defeated in the tunnel before the match began. In Jose Mourinho's glory years at Chelsea, the Blues went over four seasons and 86 matches without losing a home game.

It goes without saying that teams have a significant advantage when they play at home. Not only do they have the bulk of the crowd behind them, but home comforts such as the home dressing room, familiarity with the pitch, and pre-match songs can all provide a team with a massive lift.

Due to the many advantages of playing at home, betting lines are often skewed between those teams. Home teams are often encouraged to attack, and because of this, it is more likely that they will win over those that play away.

Over the years, we have seen teams that are entirely different animals when it comes to playing in front of their home fans. Teams like Brentford have been able to become Premier League mainstays due to their solid and consistent form, and at the other end of the table, teams like Everton have been able to avoid the dreaded drop due to the fact that they can successfully harness the energy of the passionate home crowd.

When betting on a match where the odds look evenly poised, if you are choosing to opt for one team over another, the safer bet might be to choose the home team for all of the reasons that we have mentioned above.

Fluctuating Atmospheres in Games: Stay Aware of the Variables

Although some stadiums, such as Anfield, Selhurst Park, and Fratton Park, are famed for creating truly brilliant atmospheres, the wave of energy and positivity won’t be able to be sustained for an entire 90 minutes, and several different factors can affect it.

Weather - if it is freezing cold or the rain is falling, the atmosphere inside a stadium can often be sucked out, and a passionate home crowd might not be as loud. If a game is being played in poor weather, you should check if this has an impact on the home team or could give the away team a lift. Although it seems a menial thing, weather can greatly determine the overall atmosphere of a game.

Goals change games - we have all seen it. A home team is trailing 1-0, and after spurning numerous missed chances, they finally score the equalizer, and the ground becomes alive. The injection of energy and passion into a crowd can give a team a new lease of life, and often, a second goal is quick to follow. In moments like this, an atmosphere can change on a dime, and for those who might like to bet in play, this can be crucial in deciding if you should back the team in ascendancy or stick to your guns and any initial bets that you have placed.



Backing Big Guns Away: Home Form Makes It Appealing

When placing bets on football, you always want to back teams that are towards the top end of the table. However, backing these teams often returns very minimal odds. That can change when playing away.

Due to the difficulties of playing away, even the best teams are priced more generously. Although they may still be regarded as the favourites, the amount that could be won is usually far higher than if these teams were playing at home.

There are some bettors who exclusively tend to back the best teams when they play away, and this could be a good strategy for those looking to make consistent returns.

Teams That Will Defy the Trend

Although every team and manager prides itself on having a strong record at home, for some teams, the pressures from playing in front of an expectant crowd can actually be detrimental. Every season, there will be teams that play better away from home than they do in front of their own fans. Often, an away following will contain the most loyal fans, and these fans can often help inspire a team to victory.

Before you decide on whether to bet on either the home or away team, make sure you look at the form tables. Most apps and results websites will have detailed tables that list how a team fares at home and away. As the odds are often better for those teams that play away from home, the form table might reveal which team could take advantage of the odds and win consistently away from home.

European Atmospheres: Unique and Intimidating – Tips for Placing European Bets

It is common for teams from England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France to compete in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. However, before these teams separate themselves from the rest, they need to overcome tricky contests against teams from some of Europe’s lesser leagues.

Although teams from leagues in Turkey, Russia and other corners of Eastern Europe might not have the quality to win some of Europe’s biggest tournaments, the atmosphere that is generated by fans of these teams is often special, and any big team that travels to these areas may have a real struggle on their hands.

Playing games away in a real cauldron of an atmosphere can be tough for even the very best teams, and if you are backing the big guns to pass these tests, you will need to be assured that these teams will be able to come through these contests.

Some of the most intimidating stadiums in Europe are:

Team	Country
Galatasaray	Turkey
Red Star Belgrade	Serbia
Olympiacos	Greece
Borussia Dortmund	Germany
Celtic	Scotland

Atmospheres Will Continue to Play a Crucial Part in the Game

Despite the ever-changing nature of football, one thing that will always make football a beautiful game is the atmosphere that stadiums and fans can produce.

Football is by far the biggest bet-on sport in the UK, and some of the best online casinos for players residing in the UK operate sportsbooks that can see all of the top domestic and European action being able to be wagered on.

Atmospheres will dictate the odds and can influence which direction a game can head. Before you place your bets, be mindful of the type of atmosphere that might be generated and how that can impact your bets.