In recent years, Esports has rapidly grown from a niche pastime to a mainstream competitive event, with tournaments packing out arenas and millions tuning in online. This explosion in popularity has led to increasing interest in Esports betting. But for those unfamiliar with competitive gaming, the world of Esports and Esports betting can seem complex and impenetrable. This guide aims to provide an accessible introduction to betting on Esports.
Understanding Esports
Esports refers to organized, competitive video gaming events and leagues. Some of the most popular Esports games include:
- League of Legends (LoL) – Two teams of 5 players compete in a battle arena game.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – Terrorists battle counter-terrorists in this classic first-person shooter game.
- Dota 2 – Two teams compete to destroy the other’s “ancient” in this complex strategy game.
- Overwatch – Two teams of 6 players battle in this team-based first-person shooter.
- Call of Duty – Fast-paced first-person shooter game.
These games require strategy, quick reflexes, and teamwork. Top Esports players train for hours each day and compete in leagues and tournaments for millions in prize money. Major events like ESL One and The International can attract audiences of tens of millions.
| Game | Genre | Description |
|---|---|---|
| League of Legends | Multiplayer online battle arena | Teams compete to destroy the opponent’s ‘Nexus’ |
| Counter-Strike: Global Offensive | First-person shooter | Terrorists vs. counter-terrorists |
| Dota 2 | Multiplayer online battle arena | Teams aim to destroy the enemy ‘Ancient’ |
| Overwatch | First-person shooter | Team-based battles with various hero characters |
| Call of Duty | First-person shooter | Fast-paced military combat |
Betting Markets for Esports
As with traditional sports betting, there are many different ways to bet on Esports matches:
- Match winner – Betting on which team will win the match overall. This is the most straightforward Esports bet.
- Map winner – For games like LoL and Overwatch that are divided into multiple “maps”, you can bet on which team wins each individual map. Allows you to bet on a team you expect to win at least one map but not necessarily the whole match.
- Handicaps – One team is given a virtual deficit that they must overcome. Allows you to bet on unevenly matched contests or get better odds on a favored team.
- Totals – Betting on the total number of rounds, kills, etc in a match. Bet on whether there will be over or under a set line.
- Specials – Unique bets like which player will get the first kill or achieve a certain milestone. Great way to make otherwise one-sided matches more exciting.
Tips for Betting on Esports
If you’re new to Esports betting, keep these tips in mind:
- Research the teams and players – Get to know strengths, weaknesses, roster changes, form. Use sites like Liquipedia to research match history and statistics.
- Watch past performances – Study how teams have played in recent matches. See how maps or opposing teams affect their performance.
- Follow roster and patch changes – Roster moves or game updates can significantly impact a team’s performance. Keep up to date to spot betting value.
- Start with major tournaments – It’s easier to research and handicap teams in major tournaments like ESL One or the LoL World Championship with extensive data available. Build your knowledge before betting on lesser leagues.
- Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose – As with any type of betting, have a clear budget and don’t chase losses. Esports can be volatile so bet responsibly.
- Use Esports focused sites – General sportsbooks may offer Esports odds but specialist Esports betting sites like ArcaneBet and GG.bet will have better lines and bonuses.
Where to Bet on Esports
Many major online sportsbooks now offer Esports betting, including:
- Bet365
- William Hill
- Betway
- 888Sport
- Unibet
- 21 Bet
Options vary between sportsbooks but most cover major tournaments for games like LoL, CSGO, Dota 2, Overwatch, Call of Duty and more. Some sites also offer fantasy Esports and betting exchanges for Esports.
While Esports betting is growing rapidly, it is still a largely unregulated industry. Be sure to only play at licensed, reputable sites and check what consumer protections apply before depositing funds.
The Future of Esports Betting
Esports betting is still in its infancy and faces challenges like game integrity concerns and balancing regulation with innovation. However, the continued growth of Esports audiences and mainstream acceptance suggests a bright future for Esports betting.
As betting sites expand offerings, fantasy Esports grows, and data analytics improves, expect more complex and engaging betting markets to emerge. The possibilities are endless in this rapidly evolving industry.
Whether you’re a casual gamer looking to add excitement to your favorite Esports match or a professional bettor seeking new opportunities, Esports betting offers fun, engaging wagers on the competitive gaming matches of the future. Just be sure to gamble responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
All in all, whether you’re a casual gamer looking to add some excitement to your favorite Esports matches or a professional bettor seeking new opportunities, Esports betting can provide a fun way to engage with and potentially profit from your Esports knowledge. However, it’s important to keep in mind that betting should be seen primarily as entertainment, not as a way to get rich. Maintain a budget, bet responsibly, and never wager more than you can comfortably afford to lose.