Esports Betting Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Welcome to your ultimate guide for esports betting! Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned bettor in the world of esports, this guide will provide all the knowledge you need to make informed, strategic betting decisions.
From selecting the best esports sportsbooks to understanding betting strategies and promotions, we’ll help you maximize your chances of success in esports betting.
What is Esports Betting?
Esports betting is the practice of placing wagers on the outcome of competitive video game events. Esports has grown exponentially in recent years, drawing massive audiences and offering thrilling betting opportunities with popular games like:
League of Legends
Dota 2
CS:GO
Valorant
In Esports betting, you can place wagers on match results, specific player performances, in-game events, or even long-term outcomes like tournament winners.
Understanding the mechanics of esports betting will help you become a successful bettor in this fast-paced, exciting world.
Types of Esports Bets
Esports betting offers a wide range of betting options, allowing fans to wager on competitive gaming events.
These bets are similar to traditional sports betting but often come with unique types of wagers that cater to esports’ fast-paced and strategic nature. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of bets in esports betting:
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Match Winner Bet
This is the simplest and most common form of esports bet. You predict which team or player will win the match. The odds are determined by the perceived strength of the teams or players involved, with favorites having lower odds and underdogs offering higher payouts.
Example: In a CS:GO match between Team A and Team B, you bet on who will win the game.
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Map Winner Bet
In games like CS:GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2, matches are often played across multiple maps. You can place a bet on which team will win a specific map or series of maps.
Example: In a CS:GO match, you bet on Team A to win Map 1.
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Handicap Bet
Similar to traditional sports, esports matches sometimes feature a handicap bet. This means one team is given a theoretical advantage or disadvantage to level the playing field. In esports, this might mean a team starts with a map advantage or needs to win by a certain number of kills or rounds.
Example:Team A is given a -1.5 map handicap, meaning they need to win the series by 2 maps or more.
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Over/Under (Total Rounds or Kills) Bet
In an over/under bet, you wager on whether a specific statistic (like the total number of rounds in a CS:GO match or kills in a League of Legends game) will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook.
Example:You bet that the total number of kills in a League of Legends game will be over 25.5.
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Prop Bets (Proposition Bets)
These bets are on specific occurrences during the game, such as whether a player will get a certain number of kills or if a specific event will take place. Prop bets add variety and excitement to the betting experience.
Example: You place a bet on whether a particular CS:GO player will score more than 20 kills in a match.
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Futures Bets
Futures bets in esports are placed on long-term events, such as predicting the winner of a tournament before it begins. These bets are riskier because they require a prediction of future outcomes, but they offer high rewards if you pick correctly.
Example: Betting on which team will win The International (Dota 2's annual championship) months before the event starts.
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Live/In-Play Betting
Live betting in esports allows you to place bets during a match, with the odds changing in real time as the action unfolds. This type of betting requires quick decisions and a deep understanding of the game’s pace and flow.
Example: You place a bet on Team A to win after they score an early lead in a CS:GO round.
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Accumulator (Parlay) Bets
An accumulator bet combines multiple individual bets into one wager. All bets must win for the accumulator to payout, but the potential reward is greater due to the higher combined odds. This is a high-risk, high-reward betting option.
Example:Betting on the winner of a CS:GO match, the first blood of a League of Legends game, and the MVP of a Dota 2 tournament, all in one parlay bet.
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Outright Tournament Winner Bet
This is a specific type of futures bet where you predict the winner of an entire esports tournament or league. Outright bets are typically placed before or during the tournament’s early stages.
Example: Placing a bet on Team A to win the ESL Pro League before the tournament starts.
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First Blood Bet
In games like League of Legends or Dota 2, the first blood bet is about predicting which team will get the first kill of the match. This is an exciting and fast-paced bet that can be placed early in a game.
Example: Betting on Team A to secure the first kill in a League of Legends match.
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Total Kills/Points Bet
Some sportsbooks offer bets on the total number of kills or points scored across multiple rounds or maps within a match. This is an exciting way to wager on a game’s overall momentum rather than just a match winner.
Example: Betting that the total number of kills in a CS:GO match will be over or under 150.
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Correct Score Bet
A correct score bet is where you predict the exact score of a match or map. This type of bet can be more difficult but offers higher odds due to the accuracy required.
Example:You bet that the final score of a CS:GO match will be 16-12 in favor of Team A.
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Round Winner Bet
In games like CS:GO or Rainbow Six Siege, you can bet on the outcome of a specific round. The round winner bet can apply to particular rounds, such as who will win the first round or a series of rounds.
Example: You place a bet on Team A to win the first round in a CS:GO match.
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Special Event Bets
In addition to the usual match, map, and player bets, some sportsbooks offer special event bets. These might include unique scenarios that could happen during the event, such as specific strategies or unusual plays.
Example:You bet on whether a team will secure an ace (killing all players from the opposing team) in a round of CS:GO.
Esports Book Bonuses and Promos
Esports betting sites offer various bonuses and promotions to attract bettors and boost their bankrolls. These bonuses can vary from sign-up offers to special event promotions, so it's essential to understand them to get the best value for your bets.
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Sign-Up Bonuses
Matched Deposit Bonus:
This is one of the most common sign-up bonuses, where the sportsbook matches your first deposit, often up to a certain percentage.
Example: Deposit $50, and the sportsbook matches it 100%, giving you an additional $50 to bet with, doubling your starting balance.
Free Bet Bonuses:
Some sportsbooks give new users a free bet after signing up and making a deposit.
Example: Receive a $20 free bet, use it to wager on a Dota 2 match, and keep any winnings if your bet is successful.
Casinos offering free bet bonus:
- Wild.io: Offers a First deposit 100% bonus up to 200$ In free bets for new players when you sign up and deposit.
- Loot.Bet: Provides First deposit bonus 100% up to 1000€ + 100€ Free bet.
- BC.Game: Grants a 120% match bonus up to $500 + 5 free bets on the first deposit.
- Roobet: Offers a 20% cashback + $5 free bet bonus.
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Risk-Free Bets
With a risk-free bet, if your first bet loses, the sportsbook will refund the amount of the bet (up to a certain limit) in the form of site credits or free bets.
Example: Bet $50 on a League of Legends match, and if it loses, you get your $50 back as free
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Enhanced Odds
Some sportsbooks offer enhanced odds, which boost the odds on certain bets, giving you the potential for a higher payout.
Example: A sportsbook may offer enhanced odds on the favorite team in a CS:GO tournament final, providing higher potential returns.
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Reload Bonuses
These bonuses are available for existing customers. When you deposit funds into your account, the sportsbook may match a percentage of your deposit, allowing you to place more bets with extra funds.
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Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs reward regular bettors by offering points or bonuses for frequent betting activity. Points can often be redeemed for free bets or cash rewards.
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Cashback Offers
Cashback promotions return a percentage of your losses over a certain period, such as a week or month. These offers help cushion the blow of losses and provide funds to continue betting.
Example: Get 10% cashback on all losses during the week, up to $100.
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Betting Insurance
Betting insurance offers protection for certain bets. If your bet loses by a narrow margin, you may get a portion of your stake back as a free bet or bonus.
Example: Place a bet on a CS:GO match, and if your team loses by less than 3 rounds, you get 50% of your stake back.
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Tournaments and Challenges
Some sportsbooks run betting tournaments or challenges where you can compete against other players for rewards such as cash prizes, free bets, or bonus credits.
Example: Participate in a weekly esports betting challenge, where the bettor with the highest net profit wins a $200 prize.
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Referral Bonuses
Referral bonuses reward you for inviting new customers to the sportsbook. When your referral signs up and meets certain conditions, both you and your referral may receive a bonus.
Example:Refer a friend, and when they make their first deposit, you both get a $25 free bet.
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Exclusive Esports Event Promotions
Sportsbooks often offer special promotions tied to major esports tournaments or events, such as boosted odds, free bets, or specific offers related to the event.
Example:During the League of Legends World Championship, sportsbooks may offer increased odds on match outcomes or special bets like “Which team will get the first dragon?”
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Bet Builder or Same Game Parlay
The "bet builder" feature allows you to create personalized bets from multiple selections within the same match. All selections need to be successful for a payout, offering potentially higher value bets.
Example:In a CS:GO match, you can build a bet combining the winner, total kills, and first blood all into a single wager.
Choose the Right Esports Book
Selecting the right sportsbook is crucial for success in esports betting. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:
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Reputation: Look for sportsbooks with good user reviews and ratings to ensure trustworthiness.
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Odds: Compare the odds across different sportsbooks to find the best value for your bets.
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Bonuses and Promotions: Take advantage of sign-up bonuses, free bets, and loyalty programs to maximize your betting potential.
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Payment Options: Choose a sportsbook that offers secure and convenient payment methods for deposits and withdrawals.
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Customer Support: A sportsbook with responsive customer service is essential if you encounter any issues.
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Mobile Accessibility: Look for sportsbooks with mobile apps or mobile-friendly websites if you prefer to bet on the go.
Tips for Successful Esports Betting
To improve your chances of success in esports betting, keep these tips in mind:
- Research: Study teams, players, and game strategies to make informed bets.
- Manage Your Bankroll:Set a budget for betting and stick to it to avoid risky financial decisions.
- Stay Updated: Follow news, patches, and tournament updates to stay ahead of the competition.
- Start Small: If you're new to esports betting, start with small bets and gradually increase your stakes as you gain experience.
- Bet with Your Head, Not Your Heart:Avoid betting on your favorite team or player without considering the odds and competition.
Understanding Esports Betting Odds
Sports betting odds represent the probability of an event happening and determine how much you can win if your bet is successful. There are three main types of odds used in sports betting:
- American Odds (Moneyline): These odds are commonly used in esports betting, especially in the United States. Positive odds represent the amount you can win from a $100 bet, while negative odds show how much you need to bet to win $100. For example, if a CS:GO team has +250 odds, a $100 bet would win you $250 if the team wins. Conversely, if the team has -150 odds, you would need to bet $150 to win $100.
- Decimal Odds: Popular in Europe and Canada, decimal odds show the total payout for a winning bet, including the original stake. For example, odds of 2.50 mean you would receive $2.50 for every $1 wagered, including the original stake. In esports, this could apply to a bet on a Dota 2 team where odds of 2.50 indicate a payout of $250 for a $100 bet if the team wins.
- Fractional Odds: Commonly used in the UK, fractional odds show how much you can win relative to your stake. For example, odds of 5/1 mean you can win $5 for every $1 wagered. In esports betting, such as on a Valorant match, a bet with odds of 5/1 would yield $5 for every $1 bet if your chosen team wins.
Conclusion
Esports betting can be both exciting and profitable when approached strategically. By understanding the different bet types, taking advantage of promotions, and choosing the right esports sportsbooks, you can elevate your betting experience.
Whether you're betting on League of Legends, CS:GO, or another esports title, the key to success lies in knowledge, patience, and smart betting strategies.
Ready to start betting on esports?
Check out top sportsbooks like Thunderpick, GG.Bet, Loot.Bet, or BetFury for a wide range of esports betting options, promotions, and exciting betting opportunities!