How to Bet on Esports?

As video games increased in popularity since their inception with (arguably) Wolfenstein 3D, so does the ever-growing desire to bet on popular Esports games like DOTA 2, Rainbow Six Siege, and Counter-Strike, among others. 

This ultimate Esports betting guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of how to get started. Whether you’re new to Esports betting or looking to refine your strategy, you’ll find valuable insights and practical advice here to help you make informed decisions.

What is Esports Betting?

For all the newcomers to this exciting branch of sports betting, let’s define what Esports betting even is, or in other words: What is Esports betting? This exciting branch of the betting industry involves wagering on competitive video gaming events, a rapidly growing niche fueled by the popularity of games like League of Legends and Dota 2.

Unlike traditional sports betting, which focuses on physical sports, Esports betting centers on virtual competitions, so, in short, video games, both on the current console generation, as well as the PC.

The rise of Esports within the community has created a pretty robust betting market, offering diverse opportunities for bettors interested in an alternative to classic sports betting. While both forms of betting share similar principles, Esports gambling often involves unique variables, such as in-game events and player performance metrics. This dynamic field attracts a broad audience, blending the excitement only video games can offer with the thrill of betting. A win-win situation in our book.

How to Bet on Esports

Step-by-step guide on placing bets.

1. First, you have to select a game/event you want to bet on. This can be chosen, by really just following the game you’re excited to play or watch yourself. 
2. Analyze the team and individual players. You can do research by watching Twitch streams or reading one of our analysis pieces for the individual game.
3. Next up: Your bet type. Match winner, first blood, or even total maps played?

All that’s left to do is place the bet once you’re sure and confirm it. Done

Choosing a reliable Esports betting site.

Selecting a trustworthy Esports betting site isn’t only crucial, but can also be a bit overwhelming for newbies. In this case, you should look for platforms that: 

1. Are licensed and regulated in your jurisdiction. Ensure the site you have chosen operates under a recognized gambling authority, that works within your country of residence. 
2. Offer a wide range of Esports. Of course, some players dig into one game at a time or have been faithful to that one esports team for their entire career; but having options is a good sign of a dedicated Esports gambling site.
3. Provide competitive odds. This one is quite self-explanatory. Better odds = better betting returns. 
4. Have positive reviews. Check out places like Trustpilot or review sites, to see what other players say. Focus on reliability and customer service, this is usually a good indicator of a serious and professional betting site.

Setting up an account and making deposits.

1. First, you need to register an account at the betting site you have chosen according to our criteria, in the best case. Enter your email address and wait for the email to arrive. 
2. Verify your identity. You will receive a link, to ensure it’s indeed you trying to register. Really all you need to do from this point on, is follow the prompts of the verification process – this will vary from site to site, so do follow the instructions closely. 
3. After that step is done, all you have to do is make a deposit with your preferred payment method. On most modern betting sites, this will include methods like credit cards, e-wallets, or even cryptocurrencies, should you be so inclined.

Understanding odds (decimal, fractional, and moneyline).

Understanding the odds of every respective game is key to increasing your chances of winning. There are a few differences in each one, let’s try to break them down:

1. Decimal Odds: These represent the total payout – including the stake. Example? Odds of 2.25 mean you win $2.25 for every $1 bet you put in. Easy enough, right?
2. Fractional Odds: These odds show the profit in relation to the stake. So odds of 5/2 for example mean, you will win $5 for every $2 bet. 
3. Moneyline Odds: This type of odds is mainly used in the US. They indicate how much you need to bet in order to win $100, or how much you win on a $100 bet, respectively. For example, -200 (negative odds) means you need to bet $200 to win $100, whereas +150 means, you would win $150 on a $100 bet.

Popular Esports Games for Betting

As you probably know, no game is like the other – and that is very much indicative of the diversity of the online Esports betting industry, as it were. So in order for you to be able to place the best bet, you need to understand the core mechanics of the games and their respective betting markets. This will allow you to make informed wages on every game. Here’s a brief overview of some of the top Esports games for betting you might encounter. 

• League of Legends (aka LoL)

The leading MOBA game in the market. MOBA stands for “multiplayer online battle arena” and it all started with a popular Warcraft III mod back in the day. While League of Legends has progressed from its humble beginnings way back when it still remains true to its roots. Betting markets for this game include winner of the match, total kills, and first blood. The most watched tournaments are the World Championship and MSI.

• Dota 2

The smaller cousin of League of Legends. Dota 2, as mentioned in our Dota 2 betting guide, offers bets on match outcomes, total kills, and even individual player performance. While not as well-known as LoL, Dota 2 still has a dedicated player base and is beloved by many. Key events include, but aren’t limited to the International League and Majors.

• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO)

We feel like this game doesn’t need an introduction, but we’re going to do it anyway. CS: GO has come a long way from being just a Half-Life mod and is probably the most well-known first-person multiplayer shooter out there.

A team-based shooter through and through, Counter-Strike: GO encompasses markets such as match winner, total points, map winner, and total rounds. There is more to it, which is detailed explained in the betting on CS: GO guide. Also, not to forgot, notable tournaments are the ESL Pro League and – yet again – the Majors.

• Overwatch

As a deviation from the rule, Overwatch is one of Blizzard Entertainment’s more shooter-focused titles, as opposed to their quite strategy and/or RPG-heavy outings thus far. Overwatch can be classified as a hero shooter with team-based elements and the betting markets reflect that sentiment. Match winner, total points, and map scores are some of the betting markets you can indulge in, with key competitions being the Overwatch League and the World Cup.

• Fortnite

While some argue the validity of this title as an Esport, this battle royale game has proven its merits time and time again. The cartoonish graphics and nearly juvenile gameplay might have you overlook its overall complexity and high skill ceiling, making it a thrilling game to watch and bet on. The markets contain match outcomes, top finishes, and total kills, with competitions such as the Fortnite World Cup and FNCS.

• Call of Duty (CoD)

With new iterations hitting the market on a yearly basis, it comes as no surprise, that Call of Duty also has a huge market share when it comes to betting on Esports. Every game has its intricacies, making Call of Duty one of the more unpredictable FPS games to bet on. Match winner, map scores, and individual player performance are some of the markets you can (and should) bet on. Important events are the Call of Duty League and Majors.

• Valorant

This heavy-hitting, tactical FPS game has a high skill ceiling making Valorant incredibly thrilling to bet on, in our opinion. Major tournaments include the Valorant Champions Tour and Masters. You can bet on markets such as match winner, total rounds, and – who would’ve thought – first blood.

• FIFA 

EA’s poster child for annual releases, this sports simulation game comes with the expected football-centric betting options such as match outcomes, total goals, and of course tournament winners. Each year the FIFA World Cup and FUT Champions grace us with their outings and are two of a few major events to look out for when betting on Esports in this genre.

• Rainbow 6 Siege

While not as popular as its cousin Counter Strike, Rainbow Six Siege still has some aces up its sleeve, which makes it incredibly fun to watch. This tactical shooter comes with destructible environments to gain the advantage over your enemy and shines with an ever-increasing roster of operators to choose from – all with their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Betting markets you can choose from include (but aren’t limited to) match winner, total rounds played, and map scores. If you enjoy big Rainbow Six Siege events, we recommend betting at the Six Invitational.

Types of Esports Bets

With all the talk of different types of Esports bets, we thought it a good idea, to explain these in a short list. These types cater to different strategies and preferences and understanding your own is paramount to enhancing your betting experience, as well as improving your chances of making successful wagers.

• Match Winner

This is probably one of the most straightforward bets and for a good reason. It simply is all about a bet on which team or which player will win a specific match. For example, betting on Team Blue or Orange in a Rainbow Six Siege match.

• Handicap Betting

Handicap betting levels the playing field by giving one team a head start. For instance, Team B may start with a +1.5 map advantage in a best-of-three series.

• Totals (Over/Under)

Betting on whether a certain statistic (e.g., total kills, rounds) will be over or under a specified number. For example, betting on over 25.5 total kills in a Dota 2 match.

• Outright Winner

Wagering on the overall winner of a tournament or league. For example, betting on a team to win the entire CS: GO Major Championship.

• Proposition Bets (Prop Bets)

Bets on specific events within a match, such as the first team to achieve a certain objective. For instance, betting on which team will get the first kill in a Valorant match.

Esports Betting Strategies

In the same vein as understanding the different betting types, developing effective strategies is just as crucial to your success in Esports gambling. There are quite a few things to keep track of, but leveraging your knowledge of any combination of these attributes will increase your chance of winning significantly and maximize your potential returns. Some of these key strategies are listed below.

Research and Analysis

Thoroughly researching teams, players, and past performance is as essential as it is in regular sports betting, maybe even more so. In order to maximize your success, you should analyze statistics, recent matches, and head-to-head records to make informed betting decisions.

Bankroll Management

As with any betting endeavor, managing your betting funds wisely to avoid significant losses is paramount. Set a budget, use consistent stake sizes, and avoid chasing losses to maintain control over your finances.

Understanding Meta and Patch Updates

This point may very well be one of the most important steps since it’s unique to video games and Esports in general. You should always stay updated on game meta and patch changes, as they can significantly impact team performance. Understanding these changes helps in predicting outcomes more accurately, especially in regards to FPS games, since meta changes can and will impact performance on certain meta loadouts.

Following Professional Scene and Player Form

Keep track of the professional scene and player form. Monitor tournaments, roster changes, and player performance to gauge current strengths and weaknesses

Utilizing Betting Tools and Resources

Last but not least, we advise the use of betting tools and resources like odds comparison sites, prediction models, and community insights. These tools can provide valuable information and enhance your betting strategy. Our tip up front? Try Esports betting with Bitcoin, in order to have the fastest deposit and withdrawal times. Ready for more? Keep on reading.

Live Betting in Esports

Live betting, sometimes also referred to as in-play betting, allows you to place bets on Esports matches as they happen. This dynamic form of betting provides several advantages, including the ability to react to in-game developments and adjust your bets accordingly. Live betting offers a more interactive and engaging experience compared to pre-match betting, as it allows bettors to leverage their real-time observations and insights.

One of the key strategies for successful live betting is to stay informed by watching the match live. Observing team performance, player form, and in-game strategies can provide valuable betting opportunities. Being prepared to act swiftly is crucial, as live betting odds can change rapidly. 

Having an Esports betting strategy in place and being decisive can capitalize on favorable odds before they shift. Additionally, focusing on critical moments in the game, such as pivotal team fights, objective captures, or significant player actions, can influence the match’s outcome and provide betting opportunities.

Popular games for live betting include League of Legends, which offers dynamic live betting markets like matchwinner and in-game events such as first blood or dragon kills. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is also popular for live betting on rounds, total maps, and individual player performance. Dota 2 provides numerous live betting options, such as team to destroy the first tower, total kills, and match duration.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive online Esports betting strategy guide, we covered the basics of how to bet on Esports, explored popular games like FIFA, League of Legends and CS: GO, and discussed various bet types and Esports strategies. We also highlighted the dynamic nature of live betting. 

By applying these insights to your betting routine, you can significantly enhance your betting experience and increase your chances of success. 

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Esports Betting FAQs

Whether you’re new to the scene or looking to deepen your understanding of all things Esports, there are always some frequently asked questions, that need answering. Here are some of these, to make your start into Esports betting that much easier.

Is betting on Esports profitable?

Yes, betting on Esports can be profitable with thorough research, effective strategies, and proper bankroll management. Success requires understanding the games and staying updated on the latest trends and esports betting statistics. For the best betting on Esports tips and how to improve your game, you can always check our comprehensive guides for diverse games you can bet on.

What is Esports betting?

Esports betting involves wagering on competitive video gaming events. Bettors place bets on outcomes such as match winners, total scores, or specific in-game events in various tournaments.

Is Esports betting legal?

The legality of Esports gambling varies by country and region. It’s essential to check your local gambling laws and regulations to ensure that betting is allowed in your area.

How do I choose a reliable Esports betting site?

Choose a site that is licensed and regulated, offers a variety of Esports, has competitive odds, and maintains positive user reviews. Research and read reviews to ensure the site’s credibility and reliability.

What types of bets can I place on Esports?

You can place various types of bets, including match winner, handicap betting, totals (over/under), outright winner, and proposition bets. Each type offers different ways to engage with the game.

Can I bet on Esports live?

Yes, live betting on Esports is available. This allows you to place bets on matches as they happen, offering a dynamic and interactive betting experience based on real-time developments.