English Championship Betting at 96.com
The Championship might play second fiddle to the Premier League, but it’s arguably even more exciting than the top league in the English football pyramid.
Every team in the Championship has promotion aspirations at the start of the season, and anything can happen after the first ball is kicked in August.
As a football fan, access the best English Championship betting odds and markets at 96.com, together with expert tips and insights.
Popular English Championship Betting Types
You can bet on the English Championship from the first match in August until the playoff final in May. Here are some of the most popular markets with football fans at 96.com:
Outrights
Keep things simple and bet on the team you think will win the English Championship outright. You can back any team to win the league, but there are plenty of outright wagers to consider:
- Winner: Bet on the team you think will win the Championship title.
- Automatic promotion: Bet on the two teams you think will gain automatic promotion, finishing first or second.
- Playoff promotion: Back the team you think will win promotion via the Championship playoffs, contested by the teams finishing third to sixth.
- Top scorer: Bet on the player you think will end the 2025 season as the top goal scorer.
- Relegation: You can also look to the bottom of the table and bet on the three teams you think will drop to League One at the end of the campaign.
Leicester City are the most successful team in English Championship history, winning the title eight times. If you’re planning an outright wager on the league’s previous winners, here’s a rundown of recent winners of England’s second tier:
| Year | Winner | Automatic promotion | Playoff winner | Top Scorer |
| 2025 | Leeds United | Burnley | Sunderland | Joel Piroe (19) |
| 2024 | Leicester City | Ipswich Town | Southampton | Sammie Szmodics (27) |
| 2023 | Burnley | Sheffield United | Luton Town | Chuba Akpom (28) |
| 2022 | Fulham | Bournemouth | Nottingham Forest | Aleksandar Mitrovic (43) |
| 2021 | Norwich City | Watford | Brentford | Ivan Toney (31) |
| 2020 | Leeds United | West Bromwich Albion | Fulham | Aleksandar Mitrovic (26) |
| 2019 | Norwich City | Sheffield United | Aston Villa | Teemu Pukki (29) |
| 2018 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | Cardiff City | Fulham | Matej Vydra (20) |
| 2017 | Newcastle United | Brighton & Hove Albion | Huddersfield Town | Lewis Grabban (20) |
| 2016 | Burnley | Middlesbrough | Hull City | Chris Wood (27) |
Match Betting
In addition to betting on the teams you think will gain promotion from the Championship at the end of the season, you can also bet on each EFL Championship match throughout the campaign at 96.com.
Your English Championship betting options during each game week include:
- 1×2: Bet on any team to win, lose, or draw a Championship fixture.
- Draw no bet: Bet on any team to win a Championship clash and take the draw out of the equation.
- Total goals: Place a wager on the total number of goals you think will be scored in a match, over or under 2.5 or 3.5.
- Both teams to score: Keep things simple and bet on both teams to find the net in an English Championship clash.
- Player specials: Back any player to score and access other specials before each game.
One of the best ways to add excitement to English Championship betting is to build a weekly accumulator with three or more selections. Just be mindful that every team needs to win for your bet to be successful.
In-play Markets
At 96.com, you can also enjoy weekly in-play markets for every EFL Championship fixture. Wait for the match to kick off and bet on any outcome, including which team will win and how many goals you think will be scored.
96.com also offers players specials, including first or anytime scorer, the number of corners, and the number of cards issued by the referee.
The Biggest Teams & Top Fixtures for English Championship Betting
- Eight-time winners Leicester City will be back in the English Championship for the 2025/26 campaign and are among the favourites to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
- Leicester are joined by Ipswich Town and Southampton, who will both be keen to rebuild after disappointing seasons in the top flight.
- There’s also much anticipation about the arrival of US-funded Birmingham City and Wrexham, who will feature in the second tier this season after three successive promotions. Both teams have lots of money and will be keen to compete for Premier League promotion.
- While there’s so much excitement throughout the season, the Championship truly comes alive in May every year with the postseason playoffs.
- After 46 games, the teams in third, fourth, fifth, and sixth place will meet in a mini-tournament. Third will play sixth, and fourth will meet fifth in the two-legged semi-finals. Then, the aggregate winners of these two semi-finals will meet at Wembley Stadium in the playoff final.
- This is often dubbed the richest game in English football, worth upwards of £200 million to the winners.
How to Bet on the English Championship: Strategy & Expert Betting Tips
As you prepare your selections, here are some expert tips and strategy insights that will help you with your approach to English Championship betting this season:
Do your Research
So much can happen throughout the English football season, so you must keep up with the latest signings, injuries, form, and suspensions.
Never bet on a team blindly, and always consider how a team’s form and injury list could affect their chances. If you don’t do your research, you could be caught out when backing an overwhelming favourite to win.
Bet with Your Head, Not Your Heart
The Championship is one of the most passionate leagues on the planet, with so much at stake. So, if you’re a fan of one of the 24 teams in the league, we advise you to exclude them from your slip.
Betting on your own team is tricky, as it can affect your judgment. In other words, bet with your head and not your heart, using your research to guide your selections.
Unlock Promotions for Bankroll Boosts
You can access and utilise weekly promotions at 96.com to top up your balance throughout the English Championship season.
Check the weekly promotions tab for free bets, football bonuses, and other perks to maximise your winning chances.
Gamble Responsibly
Crucially, always gamble responsibly when betting on the English Championship. Use deposit tools to control your expenditure and only bet what you can afford to lose.
You can visit GamCare and other responsible gambling websites for further information and details on how to receive support for problem gambling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is English Championship betting on 96.com?
English Championship betting on 96.com means you can bet on football games in England’s second division, picking winners, promotions, relegations, and top scorers.
What kinds of bets can I place on English Championship at 96.com?
You can bet on match winners, draws, total goals, both teams to score, top scorers, and who will be promoted or relegated, plus live and in-play bets on 96.com.
Which teams play in the English Championship in 2025-26?
Teams like Leicester City, Leeds United, Burnley, Ipswich Town, Sunderland, and Wrexham compete in the English Championship, offering many exciting matches to bet on at 96.com.
How can I improve my chances betting on the English Championship?
Do research on teams’ form, injuries, and stats, avoid betting with your heart, watch live matches, and use 96.com promotions and free bets smartly to bet responsibly.
How do I start betting on English Championship at 96.com?
Register on 96.com, add funds, explore all football markets for the English Championship, and place your bets with easy navigation and helpful odds on the website or app.
Bet on the Championship at 96.com
The English Championship is one of the world’s most exciting football leagues, with Premier League football and all its riches on the line.
For English Championship betting markets and the best odds, register for a 96.com account today and access the latest football promotions for great value wagering.