Online bettors often focus on the English Premier League and the different top leagues around Europe. As such there's something that many forget – non-league football can be as exciting and profitable to punters as the big leagues. Sportsbooks offer a similar variety of markets to their users, as some of the great betting sites here show, and the thrill of a win is no less satisfying.
Join us now as we run through some of the best bets in the three English National leagues for the 2023/24 season. Let's start with the National League itself.
According to the odds, no side should beat the 5/6 National League favourites, Chesterfield FC to the title this season. Despite this, The Spireites haven't had things all their own way so far. After the first five league games, Chesterfield lies in fourth position on the table.
After a perfect start, the club has only picked up a single point from the last two fixtures. The favourites' most recent setback was a 1-2 away loss to 40/1 outsiders, Altrincham FC. With this hiccup so early in the season, it may be worth looking at the current odds of some of the other teams that may challenge later on.
Early pace-setter Hartlepool United FC has seen money coming, with the odds on offer for the County Durham side averaging 10/1. Investigating the sportsbooks might find you odds as long as 18/1, which may be worth a punt if you feel the team's form could continue.
Five games in, Solihull Moors FC and the upsetters Altrincham are the only unbeaten clubs in the league. Two away wins started The Moors campaign. A good 3-0 home win over 500/1 long shots Dorking Wanderers preceded a 1-1 draw with fellow 40/1 hopefuls Halifax Town at Damson Park. Should these positive results continue, the current odds will be hard to find for much longer.
If backing relegation candidates is your thing, don't let Southend United's current position fool you. The club was recently docked 10 points for its failure to pay taxes, with the chairman intending to appeal the penalty. The Shrimpers already have three wins this season and their current odds of 40/1 contradict the -1 points the team presently has. It's likely Southend won't be in the relegation zone for long.
Moving to the National League North, favourites Scunthorpe United have started the season well. The Iron lies in second position early doors. With 4/5 odds at present, their competition will be hard-pressed to beat them to the title in 2023/24. This doesn't mean it can't happen, though.
With competitive odds of 8/1 on offer for current log leaders Spennymoor Town, you could do worse than gambling on the second favourites. Another team with a shot and worth a look based on the form book is Brackley Town (10/1). The club is in eighth spot but remains unbeaten. Boston United is also well-positioned in third, and if you look hard you may find odds as long as 18/1.
The National League South outright winners market looks like a bettor's market as things stand. Torquay United is the current bookmakers favourite at 9/4, and is well positioned in fifth, two points off the league leaders, Worthing FC. The Rebels themselves, third favourites with sportsbooks at 7/1, could find more money if their current form continues. It may be worth putting down a few bob on the league leaders early.
With the market so open at present, the National League South may be worth your attention if you're looking for some decent odds. Remember that there is still a plethora of other lower leagues in England that online sportsbooks may offer markets for. Your betting options are widespread and interesting.
