Types Of Esports Bets
Esports betting has become a major trend, with more people placing bets on games like League of Legends and CS:GO. Many people are curious about how to bet on esports but don’t know where to start.
This guide will explain the popular esports bet types and how they work. With our guide, you will improve your betting and make more informed choices.
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Key Takeaways
- Esports betting comes in different types, like picking the match winner, who gets the first blood, or guessing over/under rounds.
- CS:GO, League of Legends, and Valorant are some of the most popular games.
- Odds can look different depending on where you are (like decimal odds in Europe or fractional in the UK).
- Handicap bets help level the playing field between strong and weak teams by giving point advantages.
Esports Bet Types
There are various esports bet types for competitive gaming, including match winners or total maps played. Knowing these options can improve your betting experience and increase your returns.
Match Winner
Betting on the match winner is a common type of esports bet. You place a bet on which esports team will win an entire match or series. Popular games like CS:GO, League of Legends, or Dota 2 often offer this betting option.
Odds are set based on each team's past performance and strength.
Odds show the chance of a team winning an esports match. For example, decimal odds like 1.50 mean you win €1.50 for every €1 bet if your team wins. Higher odds, such as 3.00, signal less chance of that team winning but bring bigger payouts.
Different formats exist based on regions—decimal (Europe), fractional (UK), or American (+100). Esports betting sites offer these to suit users globally.
Betting on Maps or Rounds
Betting on a specific map or round is popular in esports, too. For example, in CS:GO or Valorant, players place bets on which team will win the first map or a single game round. This bet type focuses on smaller match segments instead of the entire series.
Esports odds for these bets depend on team performance and past stats. In popular esports games like CS:GO, betting markets often highlight “First Map Winner” as an option. This allows gamers to focus their strategy for faster outcomes compared to full-match wagers.
Bets on the Number of Rounds on a Map
Predicting rounds or maps focuses on whether the total will go above or below a set number. This type of esports bet is common in games like CS:GO and Valorant. For example, you can place a bet if you think a map will end after fewer than 25 rounds (Under 25) or more than 25 rounds (Over 25).
Betting sites often use these numbers to balance betting odds.
Over/Under bets also apply to total maps in an esports match. In a best-of-5 series, you may bet that the game concludes in three maps or stretches to four or five. These bets are popular because they let fans analyze teams' strengths and strategies deeper when placing bets.
Betting on the Handicap
A handicap bet adjusts esports odds by giving one team an advantage or disadvantage. For example, in League of Legends, SK Telecom T1 might start with a -1.5 handicap against a weaker team.
This means they must win the match by at least 2 games for your bet to succeed.
This esports bet adds balance to uneven matches and makes betting more exciting. If you place bets on the underdog with a +1.5 handicap, they only need to win one game or lose closely for it to count as a winning bet.
Many betting sites use this option during popular esports competitions like LCS or Valorant tournaments.
Betting on Total Points (Over/Under)
Over/Under bets focus on predicting if total points or rounds go above or below a set number. For instance, in an esports match like CS:GO, bettors might bet on whether the total rounds will exceed 26.5.
If it’s under, you win if the game ends at 26 or fewer rounds.
Betting on total points is common in games with multiple maps, such as League of Legends or Valorant. It adds variety to betting options without requiring you to pick who wins outright.
Esports markets often use this as a simple way to bet based on expected gameplay length rather than specific outcomes.
First Blood/First Kill Betting
First blood bets are based on predicting which esports team or player gets the first kill in a match. This type of bet is popular in games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS:GO. Players often rely on their knowledge of an esports team’s strategy or individual performance to place accurate bets.
For example, some teams are known for aggressive early plays that increase their chances of securing the first kill.
These esports betting markets require expertise and quick analysis. Statistics, such as previous matches or player tendencies during live esports competitions, can give bettors an edge.
Esports odds for this bet type vary based on how skilled players are at landing kills early. After placing these bets, fans may also explore wagering on major objectives like towers and dragons next!
Betting on the First Important Objective
Betting on key objectives, pay attention to early game moments. In League of Legends, you can bet on the team to slay the first dragon or destroy the first tower. In Dota 2, bets often target Roshan kills.
These esports betting markets require analyzing team strategies and player roles.
Esports odds reflect which team is more likely to secure these objectives. For example, a stronger jungle player may give one team an edge for securing “first blood” objectives like dragons.
Understanding gameplay and recent performance helps in placing winning bets in this type of esports bet.
Long-term Betting (Futures)
Bet on who wins big esports tournaments like The International, DreamHack, or Intel Extreme Masters. This type of bet is based on predicting the overall champion of a competition or league.
Esports betting markets often offer this as a popular option.
Bettors can choose from teams competing in stages like brackets or group phases. For example, predict which team will dominate their group during League of Legends World Championship. Odds may vary depending on how strong an esports team performs throughout the event.
Betting on Player Performance (Player Specials)
In this scenario, you bet on specific player stats like kills, assists, or time spent on objectives. For example, in popular esports games like League of Legends or CS:GO, you can bet on the total number of kills a player will achieve during a match. These bets focus more on individual gameplay rather than team success.
Some betting sites also let you predict the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of an esports game. This type of bet adds excitement by spotlighting standout players in competitions.
Streaks Betting
Betting on streaks is thrilling for many esports fans. You can bet on teams maintaining winning streaks or players losing multiple games consecutively. These bets depend heavily on studying esports team stats, recent form, and performance trends.
For instance, in League of Legends or CS:GO, reviewing a team's last 5-10 matches helps forecast outcomes. Esports betting sites provide odds adjusted to these patterns. System bets make this safer by permitting one wrong prediction without losing the entire bet slip.
This type of bet works effectively during major tournaments or league events like ESL Pro League or LCS competitions.
Bets on the Outcome of Tournaments
betting on esports tournaments often means picking champions. In this case, you can bet on teams winning huge events like The International or DreamHack. Predicting the winner of a bracket stage is also popular in esports betting markets. Esports odds for these bets depend on team performance and competition levels.
This type of bet works well for fans who follow league details, such as LCS or Intel Extreme Masters. It’s a longer-term play compared to live betting during matches. Many bettors use stats and past results to make smarter choices about which esports team might win it all.
Betting on Tournament and League Specifics
Some esports tournaments last a day, while leagues run for weeks—betting options depend on their format and length, making exploring it very interesting.
Single-day esports events concentrate on one match or a small set of games. Betting here is quicker and revolves around specific outcomes, like who wins an esports match or gets “first blood.” These events keep the betting market fast-paced.
Full tournaments, like the LCS or ESL Pro League, last days or weeks. You can bet on long-term outcomes, such as predicting league winners. Bets also extend to group stages or bracket performances in these longer competitions.
Growth of Esports and Its Influence on Betting Markets
Esports has grown fast, with events like The International and DreamHack pulling millions of fans. The Intel Extreme Masters is another popular esports event that attracts global attention.
Big prizes, such as the €1,000,000 Intel Grand Slam award for Counter-Strike wins, add even more. This growth makes betting markets expand rapidly, too.
Fans can now place bets on esports teams or players during live matches. Betting odds are updated in real-time to keep up with these fast-paced games. Popular esports like League of Legends or CS:GO offer many betting options.
The rise of online platforms has made it easier to bet on the outcome of any match or tournament worldwide.
Key Differences Between Traditional Sports Bets and Esports Bets
Aspect | Esports Betting | Traditional Sports Betting |
---|---|---|
Types of Bets | In-game events (e.g., “First Blood”, first dragon slaying) | Final scores or match winners |
Skin Betting | Uses in-game items as stakes | No direct equivalent |
Odds Dynamics | Fast-changing odds due to rapid gameplay | Less common changes in odds |
Common Esports Betting Strategies
Smart strategies can improve your chances in esports betting. Focus on team stats, recent form, and game meta before you place bets.
Always study esports teams before placing a bet. Check how the team has performed recently and in similar esports competitions. For example, if betting on League of Legends, see how their strategies match up with opponents’.
This helps predict which team will win an esports match or tournament.
Understanding the meta is key in any popular esports game. The meta shows what strategies and characters are strongest right now. So, watch recent games to learn trends. Use stats like kill-death ratios or objective control rates to guide choices for live betting or long-term bets.
Betting on maps or rounds requires knowing map strengths—next, explore wagers focusing on specific maps or rounds like in CS:GO matches.
Gamble Responsibly
- Stay in control when placing bets—set a budget and stick to it. Always treat esports betting as fun, not as a way to make money.
- Set a clear spending limit before placing bets. Stick to this budget, even if you feel confident about an esports team or match outcome. Small stakes work best for beginners. This keeps losses manageable and helps avoid overspending.
- Track your bankroll by recording all bets on your bet slip. Use cash-out options from an esports betting site when unsure about the final results. This reduces risks while still securing part of your winnings or cutting losses early.
Esports Bets Bottom Line
Understanding the various types of bets in esports can help you maximize your chances of success. If you're a beginner, beginner-friendly bets include match winner and handicap bets. On the other hand, advanced options include prop and live bets.
Whatever you choose, always consider factors like team performance and player statistics, as these can affect the outcome of your bets. Furthermore, remember to bet responsibly to enjoy esports!
FAQ on Esports Bet Types
1. What is esports betting?
Esports betting is placing bets on competitive video games. Players or teams compete in popular games, and you bet on who might win.
2. What are the best esports to bet on?
The best esports for betting include games like League of Legends, CS:GO, Dota 2, and Valorant. These games have big tournaments and active fan bases.
3. How do different types of esports bets work?
You can place simple bets like predicting the winner or more detailed ones like guessing scores, maps won, or specific player performances.
4. Is it easy to start with esports betting?
Yes! Many platforms explain what is esports betting clearly and offer tips for beginners to get started safely while enjoying the experience.
5. Can I bet on esports matches live?
Yes, many betting platforms offer live betting options, allowing you to place bets during the match.