FA Vase Betting
Sticking a bet on the latest FA Vase odds may sound somewhat foolhardy at first glance. After all, what do you know about Tier 9 non-league football? Well, while most of us probably don’t follow the ins and outs of English football’s lower leagues, those who bet on FA Vase games will testify that it can be a great pursuit for wagers.
In this section we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the FA Vase, and your online betting options. You’ll learn the structure of the tournament, which teams enter, how FA Vase betting works, and get tips on the best bets.
Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to look at the FA Vase odds in a new light, and place smarter wagers on this historic tournament.
How the FA Vase works
Let’s start with the basics. The FA Vase is a nationwide competition for teams in Tiers 9 and below. This tier includes leagues such as:
- United Counties League
- Wessex League
- Northern League
- Southern Combination League
Clubs from Step 10 also compete, which means each year the FA Vase oversees 586 teams. That's a lot of football. To whittle it all down, the FA Vase qualifying rounds begin in August, with the final coming 10 rounds later in May.
The FA Vase is a straight knockout competition with no replays. If a match is level after 90 minutes it goes straight to a shoot-out, unless the teams agree to 30 minutes of extra time before the game is played. Only in the FA Vase final is extra time guaranteed in the case of a draw.
The final is traditionally played at Wembley. The record attendance was set in 2007 when more than 32,000 fans watched Truro City beat A.F.C. Totton 3–1 at the Home of Football.
FA Vase betting explained
Here at Bet UK we offer extensive odds on FA Vase matches throughout the competition. This means bettors get access to the same great odds as found in the Premier League, Championship and Champions League. Five of the most popular bet types are:
Match Result (1X2): This is the simplest type of bet where bettors predict the outcome of a match – home win (1), draw (X), or away win (2). This type of bet is perfect for beginners due to its simplicity, and ideal if you’re new to the FA Vase. Both Teams to Score (BTTS): In this bet, the prediction is whether both teams will score at least one goal each during the match. Bettors who enjoy studying team statistics and offensive capabilities often prefer this bet. And it’s particularly great in the FA Vase. Just 32 of the 103 first-round games played in 2022 failed to witness both teams scoring.
Over/Under Goals: This involves betting on whether the total number of goals in the match will be over or under a particular figure set by the bookmaker. This bet appeals to bettors who are seeking big wins for high-ranked teams against lower-ranked opponents in the early rounds. Read more about Over/Under Goals betting
Correct Score: This bet involves predicting the exact final score of the match. There’s a higher risk for potentially larger rewards here, as the odds are usually quite high due to its difficulty. Predicting the correct score in the FA Vase is even tougher due to the varying quality of the teams, and also decisions over team selection.
Placing an FA Vase bet requires you to join Bet UK first, and set up a profile. Once you’ve made a deposit, head over to the sportsbook and search for “FA Vase” in our search bar. Upcoming fixtures and outright odds will be listed. From here, click on the game and the odds you want to back, enter your stake in the pop-up bet slip, check your risk and reward, and hit Place Bet.
Most of the bets you can place for the FA Vase are similar to all football betting markets.
Best FA Vase odds and bets
It’s important when betting on the FA Vase to consider different variables compared to, say, the Premier League. While many bettors will be well-versed with betting on the big teams in England and Europe, you might have to change your mindset for the FA Vase.
After all, teams at Tiers 9 and 10 can suffer greater swings in form compared to the professional outfits higher up the ladder. Here are some variables to look out for:
Injuries and suspensions – Teams at this level can sometimes rely on one or two star players to drag them through seasons. If these players are injured or suspended then their chances of winning might not be reflected in the odds.
Squad changes – Managers don’t always prioritise the FA Vase, especially if they’re gunning for promotion or in a relegation scrap. So, be mindful of team selection and keep an eye out for weakened teams before placing your bets.
Winter schedule – The winter schedule for the majority of FA Vase games means there’s always a possibility a match is postponed. Keep an eye on this as it could impact any accas you place.
Back a winner at Wembley – As of 2023, just two of the past 20 FA Vase finals have gone to extra time. What’s more, exactly half of those other 18 finals have been won by a single goal. The favourites are therefore a good wager to win by two goals or more.
When it comes to looking at the FA Vase betting odds, remember to do your research too. Use the Bet UK stats bank to look up past results, or other trusted sources. Look at team social media pages for the latest team news, injuries and suspensions, and check the form of every team you’re planning to bet on. This way you can make more reasoned bet on a competition you might know little about – and the smarter your bet choices, the more chance you have of winning!
FA Vase FAQs
What is the best FA Vase bet?
The best FA Vase bet for a newcomer to the competition is a match bet on a heavy favourite. This might not land you much profit but a winning bet is better than a losing bet. And if you start here, you can then work your way up to bets with bigger odds as your knowledge increases.
Can I bet on FA Vase final?
Yes. You can bet on the FA Vase final here at Bet UK. Get all the best bet options, such as match betting, over/unders, and correct score wagers.
Is FA Vase betting outright available?
Yes. You can access FA Vase betting outright at Bet UK and wager on the winner of the competition each season.
