Esports betting has surged in popularity over the past decade, with millions of fans around the world engaging in competitive gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the world of esports, understanding how to bet on esports can enhance your overall experience and increase your chances of making informed wagers. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about betting on esports, from the basic principles to more advanced strategies, along with examples, tips, and fun facts to keep you engaged throughout the process.
What is Esports Betting?
Esports betting involves placing bets on competitive video game tournaments and matches, similar to traditional sports betting. Players wager money on the outcome of a specific match, event, or tournament within popular esports games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO), Dota 2, and more.
Esports has evolved into a massive industry, with tournaments drawing millions of viewers and offering prize pools that rival those of traditional sports events. As esports continues to grow, betting platforms are offering a range of options for fans to bet on their favorite games and teams.
Popular Esports Titles
To get started with esports betting, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the games that dominate the esports scene. Here are some of the most popular titles you’ll encounter when betting on esports:
- League of Legends (LoL): A multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where two teams of five players compete to destroy each other’s base.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO): A tactical first-person shooter game that pits two teams of five players against each other, with one team planting bombs and the other trying to defuse them.
- Dota 2: Another popular MOBA where two teams of five players compete to destroy the enemy’s Ancient while defending their own.
- Overwatch: A team-based first-person shooter with players choosing heroes with unique abilities and roles, battling to complete various objectives.
- Valorant: A tactical first-person shooter game from Riot Games that combines precise gunplay with unique character abilities.
- Call of Duty: A franchise of first-person shooters, with various iterations including competitive multiplayer modes in tournaments.
Types of Esports Bets
Now that you’re familiar with the main esports titles, it’s time to dive into the types of bets you can place on these games. Much like traditional sports betting, esports offers various betting markets. Let’s take a look at the most common types of bets you’ll encounter:
1. Match Winner
The most straightforward form of esports betting is betting on the winner of a specific match. This is similar to betting on a team to win in traditional sports. If you think Team A will beat Team B, you can place a bet on Team A to win the match. Match winner bets are simple, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
Example: In a League of Legends match, you might place a bet on Team X to defeat Team Y. If Team X wins, you win your bet!
2. Outright Winner (Tournament Winner)
Betting on the outright winner means predicting which team or player will win the entire tournament or league, not just a single match. This bet is generally placed before the tournament starts, and the odds are determined by the overall strength of the teams and players involved.
Example: If you’re betting on a CS: GO major tournament, you might place a wager on Team Z to win the entire tournament. This bet will be valid until the final match of the tournament, and if Team Z wins, your bet is successful.
3. Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is often used in esports to level the playing field when one team is clearly stronger than the other. In this case, the weaker team is given a virtual advantage to make the betting market more competitive. The stronger team will need to overcome this handicap to win the bet.
Example: If Team A is heavily favored to win, the bookmaker may offer a -1.5 handicap. This means Team A must win by at least two maps (or rounds) for your bet to be successful. If they win 2-1, you lose the bet, but if they win 2-0, you win your bet.
4. Over/Under Betting
Over/Under betting allows you to bet on whether a particular statistic will be higher or lower than a given number. In esports, this could refer to things like the number of kills in a match, the total rounds played, or the total time it takes for a team to win.
Example: In a Dota 2 match, a bookmaker may offer an over/under of 40 minutes for the total match duration. If you bet on the over and the match lasts 45 minutes, you win the bet.
5. Map Betting
Map betting is a type of bet where you predict the outcome of individual maps within a series. Many esports tournaments are played in a best-of-three or best-of-five format, meaning there are multiple maps within a single match. You can place bets on specific maps, such as which team will win the first map or how many maps each team will win.
Example: In a CS: GO series, you might place a bet on Team A to win the first map. If they win the first map, your bet is successful, regardless of whether they win the overall match.
6. Prop Bets (Proposition Bets)
Proposition bets, also known as prop bets, involve betting on specific events within a match that don’t necessarily affect the overall outcome. These bets can be fun and engaging for beginners, as they allow you to bet on things like player performance, in-game events, or team strategies.
Example: A prop bet might ask, “Will Player X get the first kill of the match?” or “How many kills will Player Y get in the first 10 minutes?” These bets add an exciting twist to your esports betting experience.
How to Choose the Right Esports Betting Site
Choosing a reliable and trustworthy esports betting site is critical for ensuring a safe and enjoyable betting experience. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a platform:
1. Licensing and Regulation
Ensure that the betting site you choose is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. This guarantees that the site operates fairly and in compliance with the law. Some popular regulatory bodies include the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the UK Gambling Commission.
2. Available Betting Markets
Not all esports betting sites offer the same games or betting markets. Check whether the site provides betting options for your favorite esports titles and whether they offer the types of bets you’re interested in.
3. Payment Options
Make sure the site supports a variety of payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, such as credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrency. Fast and secure transactions are essential for a smooth betting experience.
4. Odds and Payouts
Compare the odds offered by different betting sites to ensure you’re getting the best value for your bets. Look for sites with competitive odds and fair payout percentages.
5. Bonuses and Promotions
Many esports betting sites offer bonuses and promotions, such as welcome bonuses, free bets, and loyalty rewards. Take advantage of these offers to boost your bankroll, but make sure to read the terms and conditions to understand the wagering requirements.
Esports Betting Strategy: Tips for Beginners
While esports betting may seem straightforward at first, there are several strategies you can use to improve your chances of success. Here are some tips for beginners:
1. Do Your Research
Before placing any bet, it’s essential to research the teams, players, and tournaments you’re betting on. Study recent form, player statistics, team rosters, and head-to-head records to make more informed decisions. Following esports news and updates can give you valuable insights into potential outcomes.
2. Start Small
As a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with small bets to get a feel for the betting process. Avoid placing large bets until you gain more experience and confidence in your understanding of the games and betting markets.
3. Manage Your Bankroll
Effective bankroll management is key to long-term success in esports betting. Set a budget for your bets and stick to it. Don’t chase losses or bet more than you can afford to lose. Consider using the “unit betting” system, where you bet a small percentage of your bankroll on each wager.
4. Stay Updated
Esports is a dynamic industry, and the performance of teams and players can change rapidly. Stay up to date with the latest news, roster changes, and tournament results to make more informed betting decisions.
Conclusion
Esports betting is a thrilling and engaging way to immerse yourself in the world of competitive gaming. By understanding the various betting types, doing your research, and following the right strategies, you can increase your chances of success while having fun. Remember, betting on esports should always be done responsibly, and it's important to treat it as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make quick profits.
Whether you’re betting on your favorite team or exploring new esports titles, the world of esports betting is full of opportunities. With time, experience, and careful planning, you can enjoy this exciting industry while improving your betting skills.
