Introduction
Esports, or competitive video gaming 먹튀사이트, has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Millions of fans watch professional players compete in games like League of Legends (LoL), Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), Dota 2, Valorant, and Call of Duty. With this growth, esports betting has also become popular, allowing fans to place wagers on their favorite teams and players.
If you are new to esports betting, this guide will explain how it works, the types of bets you can place, strategies for success, and the risks involved. Whether you are a gaming fan or a sports bettor looking to explore something new, this guide will help you bet on esports safely and smartly.
What is Esports Betting?
Esports betting is the act of wagering money on the outcome of competitive video game matches. Just like traditional sports betting, you can place bets on teams, players, or specific in-game events.
Many online sportsbooks now offer esports betting markets, and there are even dedicated esports betting platforms. The biggest advantage of esports betting is that matches take place year-round, providing constant betting opportunities.
Popular Esports Games for Betting
1. League of Legends (LoL)
- A multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where teams of five players compete to destroy the enemy’s base.
- Common bets: Match winner, first blood (first kill), total kills, and tournament winner.
2. Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)
- A first-person shooter (FPS) where two teams (Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists) battle in objective-based rounds.
- Common bets: Match winner, total maps played, pistol round winner, and number of kills.
3. Dota 2
- Another MOBA game similar to LoL, featuring strategic gameplay and large esports tournaments like The International.
- Common bets: Match winner, total kills, first team to destroy a tower, and map-specific bets.
4. Valorant
- A tactical shooter with hero-based abilities, combining elements of CS2 and Overwatch.
- Common bets: Match winner, first to 5/10/13 rounds, most kills, and player performance bets.
5. Call of Duty (CoD) & Overwatch
- CoD features fast-paced shooter action, while Overwatch includes team-based hero gameplay.
- Common bets: Match winner, total rounds played, and objective-based bets.
Each of these games has unique betting markets, and understanding the game mechanics will help you make smarter bets.
How Esports Betting Works
1. Finding a Betting Site
To start betting, you need to choose a reputable sportsbook or esports betting site. Look for:
- Licensed and regulated platforms such as Betway, GG.Bet, and Pinnacle.
- Competitive odds on multiple esports games.
- Live betting features for real-time wagers.
- Bonuses and promotions for esports bettors.
2. Creating an Account and Depositing Funds
Most betting sites require you to:
- Sign up with your name, email, and password.
- Deposit money using a credit card, e-wallet (PayPal, Skrill), or cryptocurrency.
- Claim welcome bonuses, such as free bets or deposit matches.
3. Placing Your First Bet
Once your account is funded, you can:
- Select the esports game and match you want to bet on.
- Choose the bet type (explained below).
- Enter your wager amount and confirm your bet.
Types of Esports Bets
Esports offers many types of bets, just like traditional sports. Here are the most popular ones:
1. Match Winner (Moneyline Bet)
- The simplest bet, where you pick which team will win.
- Example:
- Team A (-150) vs. Team B (+120)
- If you bet $100 on Team A (-150), you win $66.67 if they win.
- If you bet $100 on Team B (+120), you win $120 if they win.
2. Handicap Betting (Spread Betting)
- Similar to point spreads in traditional sports, this bet gives one team a handicap.
- Example:
- Team A (-1.5 maps) vs. Team B (+1.5 maps) in a best-of-3 match.
- Team A must win 2-0 for a bet on -1.5 to win.
- If Team B wins a map, the +1.5 bet wins.
3. Over/Under Bets (Totals Betting)
- You bet on whether a statistic will be over or under a set number.
- Example:
- Total Maps Over/Under 2.5
- If the match goes to 3 maps, “Over 2.5” wins.
- If the match ends 2-0, “Under 2.5” wins.
4. Prop Bets (Special Bets)
- These bets focus on specific events during a match.
- Examples:
- First Blood (which team gets the first kill).
- Total Kills (player or team kills over/under a set number).
- Map-Specific Events (which team wins Map 1, first to destroy a tower, etc.).
5. Live Betting (In-Play Betting)
- Betting while the match is happening, allowing you to react to gameplay.
- Example: If Team A loses the first round, but you think they will come back, you can bet on them at better odds.
Esports Betting Strategies
1. Learn the Game and Teams
- Follow professional teams and players to understand their strengths.
- Study recent match performances and tournament history.
- Check team rosters, as some substitutions can affect outcomes.
2. Compare Odds Across Betting Sites
- Different sportsbooks offer slightly different odds.
- Using multiple sites can increase potential profits.
3. Manage Your Bankroll
- Set a budget and avoid betting more than you can afford to lose.
- Consider using the flat betting method, where you bet the same amount each time.
4. Avoid Betting Based on Emotion
- Just because you love a team does not mean they are the best bet.
- Use data and analysis to make smarter wagers.
5. Consider Live Betting for Better Odds
- If a favorite starts slow, you may get better odds mid-match.
- Watching the game live helps you make informed bets.
Risks and Responsible Gambling
Esports betting can be fun and profitable, but there are risks. Avoid common mistakes such as:
- Betting without research – do not bet on teams you do not know.
- Chasing losses – losing bets happen, do not try to win them back immediately.
- Gambling addiction – set limits and bet responsibly.
If you ever feel like betting is becoming a problem, seek help from resources like GambleAware or BeGambleAware.
Conclusion
Esports betting is an exciting and growing industry, offering unique opportunities to wager on competitive gaming. By understanding the games, learning different bet types, and applying smart betting strategies, you can enjoy esports betting while minimizing risks.
Start small, do your research, and bet responsibly to make informed esports bets.