eSports Betting Guide for Beginners Cover

eSports Betting Guide for Beginners

by Oddspedia Experts
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eSports is one of the most competitive sports, with action-packed tournaments and entertaining leagues. Its worldwide popularity has seen the rise of esports betting sites offering bettors matches from games such as Overwatch and Dota 2. This piece will take you through everything you need about eSports betting. Read the details below and learn how to place eSports bets like an expert.
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How eSports Betting Works

To understand how to place eSports bets, you must know how eSports betting works. First, eSports matches are competitive video games played by two teams or individuals. Sportsbooks compile eSports fixtures and allow you to place bets on any event you want.

Some of the top eSports games include Counter-Strike Global Offensive, Valorant, Leagues of Legend, Dota 2, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Fortnite.

Like sports betting, online eSports betting requires you to go through the betting markets and compare odds before placing bets. Note that every eSports betting site allows you to place in-play bets, too. They also provide live streaming services to assist with eSports betting. That has seen an increase in dedicated eSports betting sites, with most offering competitive odds.

eSports Odds Explained

eSports odds play a massive role when it comes to eSports betting. They determine how much you will earn in case of a win. These vary depending on the market, and they can help differentiate between the favourite and the underdog.

When selecting an eSports betting site, you must ensure the odds are competitive. To do so, scrutinise common markets such as Match Winner and make comparisons with other sportsbooks. Apart from competitive odds, betting sites offer multiple eSports odds formats, for instance:

  • American
  • Hong Kong
  • Indonesian
  • Malay
  • Decimal

Such formats assist with eSports betting by making eSports betting sites accommodating and ensuring effortless odds conversion.

Most Common eSports Betting Types Explained

Bookies provide you with different eSports betting markets. Their number usually depends on the sportsbook and event. However, if you go through eSports betting sites, you will find common bet types such as:

Match Winner

Match Winner is a betting option that requires you to predict which eSports team will win the match. For instance, if Team Aster is playing a Dota 2 match with Team Nigma, the Match Winner market requires you to predict which one will win the event. If you choose Team Nigma and they win the match, you win the bet.

Map Winner

Map Winner is a standard bet type, especially when punting on CS: GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2 events. The betting option requires predicting which team will win a specified map. For example, in a CS: GO match between Astralis and GODSENT, you can choose Astralis to win Map 1. If they beat GODSENT in map 1, you win the bet.

Total Maps played

Total Maps played is an incredible alternative to Match Winner bets. The market requires you to punt on the number of maps to be played in a specific match. In most cases, the Total Maps bet type occurs as Over/Under. For instance, if Quincy Crew is playing Wings Gaming, you can predict whether the Total Maps played will be over 2.5. You will only win if the Total number of Maps played is more than three.

First Blood/Kill

Among the most popular eSports bets you can place in a bookie is First Blood/Kill. That means predicting which team will either draw the first blood or make the initial kill. In the Dota 2 match between BOOM ID and Thunder Predator, you can pick Thunder Predator to make the first kill or draw the first blood. If they do, you win the bet.

Total Kills

Total Kills is a betting option that requires you to predict the number of kills made in a particular match. Similar to Total Maps played, Total Kills takes the Over/Under format. Hence, you can pick Total Kills Over 2.5 in a CS: GO match between Tyloo and Blink. If the Total Kills exceeds two, you win the event.

Outright Winner

Outright Winner is an eSports market where you have to predict the winner of a specific eSports tournament. That can be a tournament such as the Intel Extreme Masters or the League of Legends World Championship. For instance, you can pick PSG Talon to win the World Championship. Your stake will be multiplied by the odds and the profits deposited in your account if they win.

How Does Live Betting on eSports Work?

eSports bookies provide pre-match and live betting features. Unlike pre-match punting, eSports live betting requires placing bets on events after they begin. It has become popular among eSports bookmakers, with most offering a wide range of live fixtures.

In-play betting events come with basic and complex betting markets. For instance, you can access bet types like Map Winner, Total Number of Rounds, Total Maps Played, and First Blood/Kill. But then, you should know that before placing any live eSports bets, you must do your research. Bookies provide you with live statistics, live streaming service, and live results to assist in identifying a likely eSports bet. With such features, you can access valuable statistics on the ongoing eSports event.

How to Place an eSports Bet: Step-By-Step Guide

Placing an eSports bet is simple, especially if you have the basics. Like sports betting, you need to identify the right bookie and proceed with the process. If you are new to real money eSports betting, here is a step-by-step guide that you should use.

Choose an eSports Betting Site

You must choose the ideal eSports betting site. The best bookmaker for placing eSports bets should cover all, if not most, eSports tournaments and events. It should also have competitive odds with a full range of eSports markets. The most recommended eSports betting sites have exciting live betting features such as live streaming and cash-out. With such a bookie, you will always have an easy time placing eSports bets.

Create Your Betting Account

Before you access eSports content and start betting, you need to create an eSports betting account. To do so, you must load the eSports sportsbook of your choosing and complete the registration form. After creating an account, the operator will email you the link to access your sportsbook account or give you direct access to the bookie's lobby.

Choose a Payment Method and Make a Deposit

Choosing a payment method that suits you is a big part of eSports betting. Go through the cashier section and pick the payment method that you want. Some of the standard payment options you will find in a bookie include:

  • VISA
  • Neteller
  • PayPal
  • MasterCard
  • Skrill

Using either of the payment methods, deposit some cash in your account while observing the minimum deposit requirement.

Make your Bets

Finally, you can proceed to place your bets. But then, the process of placing a bet is not that direct. To make a likely prediction, you need to choose a market and research the eSports events. Additionally, it would be best if you compared the available odds. After that, you can place a bet depending on your findings. Once the bet slip is submitted, you need to wait for the outcome to find out whether you have won the match or not.

How To Start Betting?

Everything You Need To Know In 5 Easy Steps!

How To Start Betting?
Pick A Highly Rated Bookie

Find the right bookmaker for you and sign up.

Fund Your Account

Make a deposit with the payment method you prefer. Consider responsible gambling features and bankroll management.

Claim Your Bonus

Many betting sites have a welcome bonus or free bet, which you can claim after making the first deposit. *never forget to read the small print!

Choose An Event To Bet On

Find an event you are interested in, select a betting market that appeals to you the most and "click" on the odds.

Start Betting

Go to the bet slip and input the details of your desired bet and confirm the wager.

Tips and Strategies For Betting On eSports

Placing a likely eSports bet in online bookmakers is not simple. However, with eSports betting tips and strategies, you will find the process manageable. Here are tips and strategies you should consider when punting on eSports.

Look out For the Best Available Odds

eSports odds determine how much you will earn if the bet you place is correct. That is why you need to look out for the best available odds. More often than not, the riskier the market, the bigger the odds. There are various types of betting, for example, handicap betting, that guarantees substantial odds. Note that by going for the best available odds, you stand a chance to enjoy significant earnings.

Take Advantage of Matched Betting and Arbitrage Betting

Taking advantage of matched and arbitrage betting is necessary to lock in profit. In matched betting, you use a sportsbook's promotions to turn a profit, whereas in arbitrage betting, you gamble on both sides of a market. That means in both events, you are guaranteed a profit. But then, you should know that arbitrage betting is a long-term strategy, unlike matched betting.

Follow eSports Tipsters and Their Expert Predictions

The best way to increase your chances of placing likely bets is by doing adequate research on eSports events. Apart from using the statistics provided by sportsbooks, follow eSports tipsters and their expert predictions. eSports tipsters usually extensively research the markets and games to predict a likely outcome. Their predictions tend to be correct most of the time.

Keep Track of Your Betting Record

Make sure you track your betting records. The information will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in eSports betting. It will also make it easier to research some eSports events. Ultimately, you will know the betting methods that are working and those that are not. To make record tracking easy, make sure the information is detailed. For instance, it includes wins, draws, and losses of every event you punt on.

Take the Small Wins and Profits

Don't wait for significant eSports winnings to celebrate. Instead, take the small wins and profits whenever they occur. Small wins and profits play a massive role in boosting your eSports betting morale. Furthermore, it is the only way to withstand losses in case they occur. That is why you should always celebrate regardless of the win or profit you make.

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Most Common eSports Betting Mistakes

Not Familiar with The Sport

Not being familiar with the sport makes it harder for you to place likely bets. That is because you have no idea where to start and how to proceed. Moreover, without the basics, you will not understand the markets. Studying the sport and learning basic rules and terms before betting on select eSports events is advisable.

Ignoring Team/player Form

The team's or the esports players' form is an essential factor. A team's form will determine its performance in every match it plays. Additionally, since eSports gaming is a team sport, you need to take note of every player's form. If you identify any problem in that area, don't ignore it. It will determine the performance of the team.

Mismanaging Your Bankroll

Unless you are an expert eSports bettor, you will likely mismanage your bankroll. This happens when you are too focused on winning big or trying to cover your losses. Bankroll mismanagement may see you lose your savings and can drown you in debt. Have a habit of setting your daily, weekly, and monthly betting limits.

Avoid Betting on Your Favourite Team or Player

The biggest mistake you can make is betting on your favourite team without doing the appropriate research. To excel in eSports gambling, you need to stick to facts. That is by analysing the event and betting on it according to your findings and not emotion. If research implies that your team is likely to lose, bet against your team. This will see you increase your winning chances.

FAQ

How Do You Place a Bet On eSports?

You place eSports bets by identifying the sportsbook you want to use, signing up, and funding your account. Afterwards, you must select a market, compare the odds and place a bet.

🏆 Which Is the Best eSports Market?

The best eSports market is Outright Winner. Outright Winner market comes with great odds sizes. Additionally, it is easy to gamble on, especially if you do adequate research on the event.

💶 Which Are the Best eSports to Bet On?

The best eSports to bet on include Dota 2, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike Global Offensive. These eSports games have a wide range of markets and competitive odds.

💳 Which Is the Best eSports Betting Site?

GG.Bet is the best eSports betting site if you are looking for multiple eSports markets. It covers different eSports competitions, including the popular Legends World Champions, which usually contain many competitive events.

🤔 How Are eSports Betting Odds Calculated?

Like any sports betting odds, eSports odds are calculated as the ratio of the events that produce the outcome to events that do not. In most cases, bookies use software to calculate eSports odds.

Can I Cash out On eSports Betting?

Yes, you can cash out on eSports betting. However, you should note that different sites offer different eSports cash-out options. Some offer partial cash out, while others provide full or both.

🏆 Can I Use an Accumulator For eSports Bets?

Yes, you can use an accumulator for eSports bets. Most sites allow you to place more than four eSports bets. Some sportsbooks even provide a bet builder to assist you with placing eSports accumulator bets.

💶 Can I Bet Live On eSports Games?

You can bet on live eSports bets. According to statistics, live eSports betting is more common among sportsbooks. However, it would be best to have a sportsbook that offers live streaming services to follow the event and increase your winning chances.
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This article was written by our team of betting experts, any contributing references are noted below.
Last updated 07/11/2023
References
  1. Blog, M. (2021, November 23). What is e-sports? Marathonbet Blog. https://blog.marathonbet.co.uk/what-is-esports/
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