How to Bet on League of Legends?

Betting on League of Legends (LoL) has gained immense popularity as this particular esports continues to grow – if it’s even able to still do so, at this point.
In order to prepare you the best we can, this LoL betting guide will help you understand the basics and give you the confidence to start betting on one of the most exciting esports games.
What is LOL Betting?
League of Legends (LoL) is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed and published by Riot Games. Released in 2009, it quickly became one of the most popular esports titles globally. Players control champions with unique abilities, working together to destroy the enemy Nexus located in their base – the Nexus being the most important but not an exclusive objective as a game.
LoL’s strategic complexity, dynamic gameplay, and frequent updates keep the game engaging. Its popularity in the esports betting community is driven by its well-structured competitive scene, including regional leagues and international tournaments. Bettors can place wagers on match outcomes, in-game events like first blood, and overall tournament winners, making it a thrilling and diverse betting experience.
How to Bet on LOL?
This section will guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you make well-informed and confident bets.
- To start, select a reputable LoL betting site. Look for platforms with good reviews, proper licensing, and secure payment methods. Check if they offer a variety of betting markets and competitive odds for LoL matches.
- Once you’ve chosen a site, sign up by providing the necessary personal information. After registration, you’ll need to deposit funds into your account. Most sites accept various payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
- As with all esports (be it CS: GO, Rainbow Six: Siege, or even Call of Duty) Understanding the differing betting odds is crucial. Odds can potentially be displayed in decimal, fractional, or moneyline formats.
- Decimal odds show potential returns for every dollar bet, fractional odds indicate the profit relative to the stake, and moneyline odds represent the amount needed to bet to win $100 or the profit on a $100 bet. Familiarize yourself with these formats to make better betting decisions.
Understanding LOL Betting Markets
In this section, we’ll break down the most popular betting markets to help you make informed decisions and enhance your betting experience. Let’s talk about it.
Match Winner
Betting on the match winner involves selecting which team will win a specific match. This is the most straightforward form of betting, focusing solely on the overall outcome of the game. It’s essential to research the teams’ past performances, current form, and any changes in the lineup to make an informed bet. Understanding team dynamics, strategies, and player statistics can significantly increase your chances of predicting the winner accurately.
Map Winner
In League of Legends, matches are often played in a best-of series format, with multiple maps determining the overall winner. Betting on the map winner allows you to wager on the outcome of individual maps rather than the entire match. This type of bet is particularly appealing when one team has a strong track record on a specific map.
Handicap Betting
Handicap betting in LoL involves giving one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage to level the playing field. This is useful when there is a clear favorite, making the bets more competitive. For example, if Team A is heavily favored, they might have a -1.5 map handicap, meaning they need to win by more than 1.5 maps for the bet to pay off. Conversely, the underdog might have a +1.5 map advantage.
Totals (Over/Under)
Totals betting, also known as over/under betting, involves wagering on the total number of maps played or total points scored in a match. The bookmaker sets a line, and bettors decide whether the actual number will be over or under that line. This type of bet is ideal when you have insights into how closely matched the teams are. For instance, if two evenly matched teams are playing, you might bet on a higher number of maps.
Outright Winner
Betting on the outright winner involves predicting which team will win an entire tournament or league. This type of bet requires long-term insight and knowledge of the teams’ performances throughout the season. Factors to consider include team form, roster stability, and past performances in similar tournaments.
Proposition Bets (Prop Bets)
Prop bets focus on specific occurrences within a game, such as which team will destroy the first turret, secure the first blood, or achieve a pentakill (5 kills in a row, for the uninitiated). These bets add an extra layer of excitement to the betting experience by allowing you to wager on various in-game events. Successful prop betting requires a detailed understanding of the teams’ playstyles, individual player performances, and strategies.
LOL Betting Strategies
Here, we’ll discuss three key strategies to enhance your betting experience and improve your chances of winning.
In-Depth Knowledge and Analysis
One of the most fundamental strategies for LoL betting is to have a deep understanding of the game and its current meta. This involves staying updated on patch notes, understanding champion strengths and weaknesses, and knowing the playstyles of professional teams and players. Regularly watching professional matches and analyzing team performances can give you insights into their strategies and tendencies.
The more knowledge you have, the better your predictions will be, which can significantly improve your betting outcomes
Line Shopping and Value Betting
Line shopping involves comparing the odds offered by different sportsbooks to find the best value for your bets. This strategy ensures you get the highest possible payout for your winning bets. Different sportsbooks might offer slightly different odds on the same event, so taking the time to compare can be beneficial. Value betting, on the other hand, focuses on identifying bets where the probability of an outcome is higher than what the odds suggest.
Specializing in Specific Markets
Specializing in specific betting markets can give you a competitive edge. Instead of spreading your bets across all possible markets, focus on one or two where you have the most knowledge and experience. For example, you might specialize in betting on the first blood or the first turret destroyed, as these markets can be more predictable if you understand the early-game strategies of the teams involved.
Popular LOL Tournaments and Events
Here, we’ll cover the most significant tournaments and leagues in the LoL esports scene, so that you’re always in the loop as to which event to watch – or bet on.
League of Legends World Championship
The League of Legends World Championship, commonly known as Worlds, is the pinnacle of the LoL competitive scene. Held annually, it brings together the best teams from around the world to compete for the title of world champion. The tournament spans several weeks and includes a group stage, knockout rounds, and a grand final. Betting on Worlds offers various markets, from match winners to specific in-game events, making it a highlight for esports bettors.
Mid-Season Invitational (MSI)
The Mid-Season Invitational is another premier event in the LoL calendar. Held annually between the spring and summer splits, MSI features the top teams from each major region. It serves as a mid-year showdown where regional champions compete against each other. MSI is known for its high-level competition and unpredictability, providing numerous betting opportunities such as outright winner bets and individual match outcomes.
League of Legends Championship Series (LCS)
The League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) is the top professional league in North America. It features ten teams competing in a regular season, followed by playoffs to determine the regional champion. The LCS is split into spring and summer seasons, with the summer split champion earning a spot at Worlds. Betting on LCS matches involves markets like match winners, map winners, and specific player performances.
League of Legends European Championship (LEC)
The League of Legends European Championship (LEC) is Europe’s premier LoL league. Similar to the LCS, it has ten teams competing in two splits each year, culminating in playoffs. The LEC is known for its high skill level and intense rivalries. Bettors can engage in various markets, including handicaps, totals, and proposition bets, making it an exciting league to follow and wager on.
LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea)
The LCK is South Korea’s top-tier professional league and is widely regarded as one of the most competitive leagues in the world – no joke. Known for producing many of the top teams and players, the LCK’s matches are a must-watch for any LoL fan. Betting on the LCK offers numerous markets due to the high level of play and the league’s strategic depth.
LPL (League of Legends Pro League)
The LPL is China’s premier professional league and boasts some of the most passionate fans and talented teams. The league operates similarly to the LCS and LEC, with two splits per year and a playoff system. The LPL is known for its aggressive playstyle, providing exciting matches and diverse betting opportunities, including match winners and specific in-game events.
Conclusion
In this LoL betting guide, we’ve explored the essential aspects of betting on League of Legends. We covered the basic mechanics of the game, popular betting markets, and effective betting strategies. Applying these strategies and your newly-gained wisdom in regards to all these markets, is – in our opinion at least – the way to success. If you’re looking to learn more, the general esports betting guide is the next stop for all the details and tips you need.
Ready to get down to business and enjoy some slick esports betting? Head on over to Discasino’s League of Legends betting page to place your bets on LoL and other esports events. Enjoy and bet responsibly!
FAQ’s
What is the best way to bet on League of Legends?
Research teams, understand the meta, and compare odds across multiple sites.
What is LoL in sports betting?
LoL stands for League of Legends, a popular esports game.
Is LoL betting legal?
Yes, if esports betting is legal in your jurisdiction. Please check each individual site/market, before you place a bet.
What are proposition bets in LoL?
Bets on specific in-game events, like the first turret destroyed for example.
Can I bet live on LoL matches?
Yes, many sportsbooks offer live betting options, which – in our opinion – is the best way to enjoy the thrill of League of Legends betting.
How can I find reliable LoL betting sites?
Look for licensed, reputable sportsbooks with positive reviews and secure payment methods.