The rise of eSports has transformed the landscape of online betting. With millions of viewers tuning in to watch competitive gaming, the industry has grown into a multi-billion-dollar sector. As eSports continues to expand, betting on these events has become increasingly popular. However, before placing your bets, it’s crucial to understand the ins and outs of eSports betting, including the different types of bets, key terminology, and strategies to improve your chances of success. This article will provide you with everything you need to know to start betting on eSports.
What is eSports Betting?
eSports betting involves placing wagers on the outcome of competitive video game matches. These events are played by professional gamers or teams who compete in various popular games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Overwatch, and Fortnite. Betting on eSports is similar to betting on traditional sports, with the key difference being that the events are virtual and the players are competing in digital environments.
As eSports events attract massive audiences, bookmakers have capitalized on this trend by offering a wide range of betting markets. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the scene, understanding the basic principles of eSports betting is essential for making informed wagers.
Popular Games for eSports Betting
While there are countless games that fall under the eSports category, some are more popular than others when it comes to betting. Here are some of the most widely bet-on games:
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League of Legends (LoL): This multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game is one of the biggest eSports titles, with a global competitive scene. The League of Legends World Championship is a highlight in the eSports calendar, attracting millions of viewers and a vast number of bettors.
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Dota 2: Another popular MOBA game, Dota 2 is known for its complex mechanics and highly strategic gameplay. It features large prize pools, especially at the annual The International tournament, where betting on the top teams is a favorite among eSports fans.
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CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive): This first-person shooter (FPS) game has maintained its place as one of the most popular eSports games. CS:GO tournaments are held worldwide, with teams from different countries competing in various events. The CS:GO Major Championships is a key tournament for bettors.
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Overwatch: A team-based FPS game that offers exciting gameplay, Overwatch has its own competitive league, the Overwatch League (OWL). The league has attracted large audiences and offers several betting opportunities.
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Call of Duty: Known for its fast-paced action, Call of Duty has an established competitive scene, with annual tournaments and leagues that attract significant betting interest.
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Fortnite: While not a traditional eSports game, Fortnite has gained immense popularity, with its Battle Royale mode becoming a major attraction for competitive gamers and bettors alike.
Types of Bets in eSports
Just like traditional sports, eSports betting offers a variety of bet types, each catering to different aspects of the game. Understanding these bet types is crucial for making educated wagers.
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Match Winner: This is the most straightforward type of bet, where you wager on the team or player you think will win the match. This is similar to betting on the winner of a traditional sports game.
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Outright Winner: An outright winner bet is placed on the overall winner of a tournament or league. For example, you can bet on who will win the League of Legends World Championship before the tournament begins.
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Map or Round Winner: In many eSports games, the competition is divided into multiple maps or rounds. You can place bets on which team will win a specific map or round within the match.
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Handicap Betting: Similar to traditional sports betting, handicap betting in eSports is used to even the playing field when there is a clear favorite. The stronger team may be given a handicap, and you bet on whether the favored team can overcome the handicap.
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Over/Under Bets: These bets focus on a specific aspect of the game, such as the total number of rounds or kills in a match. You bet whether the actual number will be over or under a set amount.
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Special Bets: Special bets allow you to wager on specific events within a match, such as the first team to achieve a certain objective, the first blood (the first kill), or the first team to destroy a specific tower. These bets offer more granular opportunities for bettors to engage with the action.
Key Terminology in eSports Betting
To be successful in eSports betting, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some key terminology. This will help you make more informed decisions and better understand the odds and markets available to you.
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Odds: Just like in traditional sports betting, odds represent the probability of an outcome occurring. The odds can vary between bookmakers, so it’s important to shop around for the best value. Odds can be presented in decimal, fractional, or American formats.
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Live Betting: Live betting allows you to place bets during a match, based on the real-time progression of the game. Live betting adds an extra layer of excitement, as you can bet on changing circumstances within the match, such as a team’s momentum or the number of kills.
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Picks: Picks refer to the predictions made about a team or player’s performance. Bettors often look at the picks from experts or analysts to help them make more informed betting decisions.
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Match Fixing: This refers to illegal activities in which players or teams manipulate the outcome of a match for financial gain. Reputable eSports betting platforms work hard to monitor and prevent match-fixing, but it remains an issue to be aware of in the industry.
Tips for Successful eSports Betting
While eSports betting can be thrilling, it’s essential to approach it with a strategic mindset. Here are some tips for increasing your chances of success:
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Research the Teams and Players: Just like any other form of betting, knowledge is key. Research the teams, players, and recent performances to make more informed bets. Look at factors such as team synergy, individual player skills, and past results.
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Understand the Meta: Every eSports game has its own “meta” (the most effective strategies and playstyles). Understanding the meta can give you insight into which teams or players are likely to perform well in specific scenarios.
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Manage Your Bankroll: Effective bankroll management is essential for long-term success in any form of betting. Set a budget and stick to it, ensuring you don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
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Watch the Games: One of the best ways to gain insight into eSports betting is to watch the games yourself. By observing the gameplay, you can learn more about the teams, their strategies, and potential weaknesses.
Conclusion
Betting on eSports presents an exciting opportunity for bettors to engage with the growing world of competitive gaming. However, success in eSports betting requires a deep understanding of the games, players, and strategies involved. By familiarizing yourself with the key games, bet types, terminology, and strategies outlined in this article, you’ll be better equipped to make informed and confident wagers on eSports events. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer to the world of eSports, embracing these principles will help you navigate the fast-paced world of competitive gaming betting.
