Introduction to Esports Betting
What is Esports Betting?
Esports betting involves wagering real money on the outcomes of competitive video games. Professional gamers play competitive matches across different types of games, including Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), and League of Legends (LoL).
The betting concept mirrors that of traditional betting as you predict the outcomes of matches. You may predict tournament winners, match winners or specific in-game events, such as the number of maps played or the first kill. CS:GO bettors may also check the number of rounds won. Dota 2 players may check on the total kills in each match. Most people who bet on esports love its dynamic gameplay, rapid pace, and huge number of opportunities to bet on different games.
Most sportsbooks have a section dedicated to esports betting on the homepage. You will find all the upcoming competitive games listed there for you to make a choice on the games to wager on. You will also find live betting or in-play gaming opportunities. These opportunities allow you to bet on games as they play. For example, you may bet on the next person to make a kill. Here, you can also make money before the match comes to an end.
Why is Esports Betting So Popular?
There are several reasons why players throng to esports sections for betting. First, the sport has become a global sensation, with entertainment and competitive gamers gaining airplay on leading channels across the sporting world and social media. This has increased the love for the game incredibly among people who years ago did not know it.
Second, lovers of the game can now watch competitive sports with lots of ease across TVs, dedicated channels, and platforms like YouTube and Twitch. These viewings are usually free and most of the bettors that follow the tournaments end up betting on their favorite participants.
Third, esports is less predictable in many markets. So, there are a few cases where one opponent has an overwhelming advantage over the competitor. This ensures that the odds are substantially high, something that translates to high winnings. Finally, the game has several unique markets that you would not find in many other leading sports activities, which intrigues many gamblers.
Popular Esports Betting Markets
League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular esports titles in the world, and its betting market reflects its global appeal. This game is developed by Riot Games and offers multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) gaming opportunities where two teams of five players compete to destroy the Nexus of the enemy, which is located at the centre of the base. The game has attracted millions of fans around the globe. Therefore, it is no surprise that it has become a top choice for betting enthusiasts.
There are diverse gaming options available for both beginner and experienced bettors. Common wagers include predicting match winners, total kills, map victories, or even specific in-game events like the team destroying the first tower or securing the first dragon. These markets denote the common events that will take part in the progression of the game and match the game mechanics. Some of the major leagues include All-Star events, regional leagues across continents, mid-season invitationals, and League of Legends World Championships.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is one of the longest-standing and most popular esports titles. It is a first-person shooter game developed by Valve that pits two types of players (Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists) against each other as they try to meet specific goals. Its straightforward mechanics and high skill ceiling make it a fan favorite and a lucrative market for esports betting.
There are diverse betting opportunities with CS:GO depending on interests and skill levels. Some of the popular options include match winners, map winners, total rounds played, or specific outcomes like pistol round victories. If you are a seasoned player, you could go with other opportunities like the number of headshots or bomb defuses, among others.
CS:GO has several tournaments, including Intel Extreme Masters (IEM), ESL Pro League, and the BLAST Premier Series, which attract millions of viewers globally. This popularity creates high-stakes opportunities for bettors around the globe.
Dota 2
Dota 2 is another massive title in eSports gaming. It is developed by Valve and offers multiplayer online battle arena game features where two teams of five players each, each competing to destroy each opponent’s Ancient, which is at the heart of the base. The title is known for its vast hero pool, deep mechanics, and strategic complexity, all of which make it unpredictable.
There are diverse and exciting betting options in this game, including total kills, map victories, or even first blood (the first kill of the game). If you are an experienced player, you can go with such options as predicting the team that will reach such objectives as reaching the first tower or securing Roshan, the neutral boss of the game. Some of the biggest tournaments that pull players include the International (TI), ESL One, and Dream League. There are also regional events that you can bet on.
Overwatch
Overwatch is also catching up with the titans in the esports world. The game is developed by Blizzard Entertainment and is a first-person shooter where two teams of six players compete to complete particular objectives, such as escorting payloads or capturing a given number of points while using superheroes that have special abilities. This is a fast-paced game where strategy plays a major role in winning.
You can wager on various markets on Overwatch, including predicting map outcomes, match winners, and the total number of kills for each player or entire team. There are also several prop bets, including the first to make a kill or the first team to get a point. So, with a little analysis and a bit of luck, you can make some good wins.
The biggest event to bet on is the Overwatch League (OWL) with a huge prize pool. There are also regular seasonal matches throughout the year that provide opportunities for betting.
Valorant
Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter game developed by Riot Games. The game is a later entrant in the league of digital video games but has also gained coverage around the world. One of its unique features is the ability to combine the strategic features of such games as CS:GO with the hero-based abilities of titles like Overwatch. It is played by teams of five players who fight on a digital battlefield where they plant and diffuse bombs while taking each other’s territories. There are several agents, each having some unique capabilities.
Apart from the regular markets that include map outcomes, match winners, and total rounds played, you will find such prop bets as the first team to win a pistol round and the total kills that will happen in a match. There are competitive titles across the year, with some leading tournaments being Valorant Game Changers and Valorant Champions Tour (VCT).
FIFA and Sports Simulations
You will also find simulated games of some of the popular games like football and basketball. In this realm, you will find FIFA and NBA 2K being some of the leading games in this niche where you enjoy a mix of realism and strategy. FIFA is a simulation created by EA Sports where players control teams that appear in real life and compete in soccer (football) matches that follow the rules of the game. On the other hand, NBA 2K and its sister game Madden NFL offer basketball and American football experiences, respectively.
Simulations offer betting opportunities like their real-life games. So, in simulated football, you can bet on the winner, the first goal, over and under markets, half-time scorelines, or corner kicks. On the other hand, simulated basketball offers such opportunities as match-winner bets, point-spread bets, and totals (over/under), among others. The leagues for these games are available around the year.
Types of Esports Bets
Match Winner Bets
Match-winner bets are the most popular types of bets on esports bets. You just predict the team that wins in a specific game. So, if your choice team wins the game, you take home the win. This straightforward type of betting makes it one of the easiest, as you do not need to focus on metrics like score or in-game performance. However, these metrics are important in determining which team has a higher chance of winning the game or set.
Some of the performance metrics that you can check include analyzing the recent form of each team, past games, and how these teams have been performing in matchups. Match-winner bets favor the favorites, who get lower odds like underdogs. However, if you bet on underdogs and they manage to beat the favorites, you stand a chance to make higher wins.
Handicap Betting
Most of the teams that meet up in competitive sports are not of the same strength. Most have different skill levels. Handicap betting seeks to level the playing field so that they increase the odds. They introduce an artificial disadvantage or advantage to one of the teams so that the opponent has to work harder to reach the level.
In eSports betting, the stronger team (also called the favorite) starts with a handicap, usually a negative round count or map. For them to win, they must overcome the deficit and win by a given margin. Here is an example. If the team has a -1.5 map handicap, they must win with at least 2-0 for the bet to go through.
On the other hand, underdogs have a positive handicap or boost. This bet wins if the underdog wins or loses with less than the set map. For example, with a +1.5 handicap, the team can win or lose by up to one map for the win to occur.
Over/Under Bets
Over/under bets depart from the past two types of bets in that they focus on in-game statistics rather than the outcomes of the match at hand. Most bookmakers give you one or a few measurable events, such as rounds played, total kills, or maps won. However, instead of asking bettors to predict a definite number, it sets a limit against which the winner should be over or below.
Here is an example: you may find a market where the total rounds for a CS:GO match is 26.5. If you pick the over-market, it means you expect the match to exceed 26 rounds. The opposite is true for under market. This style also applies to the number of kills and maps. The beauty of this bet is that you can focus on the flow of the game rather than the ultimate winner.
Prop Bets
Prop bet means proposition bets and betting options that touch on specific mechanics of the game. Therefore, instead of traditional bets, you can focus on specific events that happen in the course of the game and bet on them. Others focus on specific milestones and achievements. Due to the relative unpredictability of such events, these bets usually have high odds.
In Dota 2 and League of Legends, some of the popular betting options include teams that will secure the first blood, claim the first baron or Roshan, or destroy the first tower. In other games like CS:GO, you may bet on the number of headshots that any player may achieve or the team to claim a win for the first pistol round. You can bet on the team that will ace the opposing team or make the first score. On the other hand, for simulation bets, things like corner kicks, first scorer, and first-to-reach specific scores are some popular prop bets.
Live Betting
Live betting is also known as in-play betting and involves placing bets during a match as actions unfold. It differs from pre-match betting in that it takes advantage of the current performance of the team, which may be different from the overall outcome of the game. This dynamic betting style requires quick decision-making and a deep understanding of the game, as odds shift rapidly based on the events taking place.
Many esports titles are well-suited for live betting as the games are fast-paced and enjoy constant strategic shifts. Here is an example. In a LoL match, you may bet on which team is meeting the next objective, such as capturing a dragon or Baron Nashor. On the other hand, in CS:GO you may wager on the winner of the next round or the team that will enjoy the next kill in the match.
Several bookmakers will provide you with live scores of the matches so that you can make the best decision. You also need to have stable internet so that you can place a bet at the right moment before the dynamics of the game change. Here, even markets with poor odds at the start may improve momentarily due to the performance of the teams in question.
Choosing the Best Esports Betting Platform
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Platform
There are hundreds of platforms out there where you can bet on eSports games. Here are some of the factors that you should consider when choosing the next betting platform. First, check the licensing and regulation information. A reputable platform is licensed by a recognized authority. This ensures that the platform follows strict guidelines to protect bettors’ information and money.
You should also evaluate the quality of odds and the variety of betting markets. The right platform offers competitive odds and diverse betting options, from standard match-winner bets to unique prop bets and live betting. This is especially important for popular games like League of Legends, CS:GO, and Dota 2.
It is also important to check the game selection on the bookmaker. Go for platforms that offer a wide range of titles, including Overwatch and Valorant, and competitions from around the world. Additionally, consider the user experience. Look for websites that have fast loading times, intuitive interfaces, and can be accessed via mobile devices. Other features to look out for are real-time odds updates, odds comparison, and live streaming.
Finally, check the payment options and the quality of customer support. A reliable bookmaker has various payment options, fast transaction processing, and responsive customer support.
Popular Esports Betting Sites
There are several esports betting sites out there with different features. Here are some of the most popular ones.
Betway: Betway is a market leader that has a dedicated esports section. Here, you will get comprehensive coverage of games as Dota 2, CS:GO, Valorant, and others. It has features like detailed statistics, live betting, and regular promotions.
William Hill: William Hill is an established bookmaker with good odds on most major esports markets across different titles. It also has a reputation for security and reliability in all markets it serves.
Paddy Power: Paddy Power is also another reliable bookmaker with a solid service in the esports section. It is known for a wide variety of prop bets and frequent promotions for all types of players.
Ladbrokes: The platform provides competitive odds on major events, user-friendly navigation, and mobile betting options. It also has solid gaming options, regular promotions, and coverage of esports around the world.
Strategies for Successful Esports Betting
- Manage Your Bankroll – Tracking your spending and winnings is essential for responsible betting. Start by setting a budget—money you can afford to lose without impacting your financial responsibilities. Limit individual bets to no more than 2% of your total budget. For example, with a $500 bankroll, bet no more than $10 per wager. Keep a record of all your wagers, wins, and losses, and use this data to refine your strategy. Proper bankroll management ensures you can bet responsibly and maximize your chances of long-term success.
- Use Statistics and Analysis – Effective betting relies on data-driven decisions rather than guesswork. Analyze key performance stats like win-loss records, kill-death ratios, and head-to-head outcomes. Check for team roster changes and consider how player transfers may impact performance. Evaluate the stakes of the tournament, as underdogs often perform exceptionally well in high-stakes events. By leveraging these insights, you can make educated predictions and avoid relying solely on luck.
- Stay Updated on Esports Trends – The dynamic nature of esports requires staying informed about game updates, player transfers, and emerging trends. Major game patches or updates can significantly impact gameplay, so it’s crucial to understand how these changes might affect your bets. Follow esports forums and platforms like Reddit, Twitch, and YouTube for community insights and gameplay analysis. Watching recent tournaments can also reveal evolving strategies and trends, giving you an edge in placing informed bets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Betting without Research
Betting without carrying out research is the most frequent mistake bettors make. However, it tends to be the most costly. Many players place bets based on hype, intuition, or blind faith and often end up losing. Do not be like them. Take time to analyze the team that is meeting and understand the key factors that may influence the outcomes of the game in question.
In the same spirit, avoid looking for predictions and stats from a single source. Explore different opinions, analyses, and stats from different games so that you have a wholesome image of the likely performance of the teams in question. In the same breath, bet on markets that you are comfortable winning. Also, avoid betting on the same market twice to mitigate likely losses.
Overvaluing Favourites
Another major mistake that players make is to place too much faith in the performance of the favorites. While the favored team may seem like a safe choice, you are likely to have very low payouts and overlook some complexities of the game, which may cost you your win. Since esports is highly dynamic, even the best teams can lose to underdogs due to issues like strategic mismatches, overconfidence, and roster changes.
Given that there are tens of markets where you can predict many things that will happen at the event, consider checking other markets that may have better outcomes, even if it is not the outright winner.
Chasing Losses
Chasing losses is the most disastrous strategy followed by players. Unfortunately, many of them follow it. It involves increasing your bet amounts until you make a win. While the urge to bounce back quickly can be tempting, this emotional decision-making often leads to bigger losses and poor bankroll management.
When you lose a bet, take time to analyze and see what went wrong rather than double down on your bet. You should also have a maximum loss amount beyond which you do not bet for a specific period. This helps you cut your losses when you still can. Also, stick to your budget and bankroll management strategy so that you maintain sustainable bet sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best game to bet on in esports?
The best game to bet on in esports depends on your preferences and objectives. Some bettors are good at simulated sports, while others love betting on CS:GO or Dota 2. Pick a sport that you understand well and that you can make predictions about comfortably. This increases the chances of winning the market you have chosen.
Is esports betting legal?
Esports betting is legal in jurisdictions that allow real-money gambling. Therefore, if you are in a country where it is legalized, you can bet on various events without a problem. We recommend that you check if your jurisdiction allows for betting before considering opening an account with an esports provider to prevent legal consequences.
How can I find the best odds for esports?
If you wish to find the best odds for a given market, you may consider comparing the odds on different bookmakers and picking the ones with the best. There are odds comparison websites out there. You can also take part in promotions that increase your odds like boosted odds. This way you increase your odds without additional spending.
Can I bet on esports using mobile apps?
It is possible to bet on esports using mobile apps. Check if your esports bookmaker has an app for your mobile platform and install it on your device. From then on, you can conveniently make bets without having to search the site with your browser. If the bookmaker does not have an app, you can install a shortcut on your screen home screen for easy access.
What are the safest esports betting platforms?
The safest esports betting platforms are those that are fully licensed and regulated by reputable authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. Platforms like Betway Esports, Paddy Power, GG.Bet, and Unikrn are widely recognized for their secure environments, fair practices, and reliable payment options. Go for sites with strong user reviews, transparent terms, and advanced encryption technologies to protect personal and financial data.
