Bruce Dias 
eSports, also known as electronic sports betting, are competitive computer games where teams or individual players play against each other. This form of gaming has gained popularity, with evidence of an increased player base.
In the betting market, this rise in the popularity of eSports is also evident. In recent years, it has become a prominent aspect of the gaming industry, emerging as the fastest-growing betting sport with promising future trends.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of eSports. It contains strategies on how to engage more deeply with your favorite game titles and maximize your eSports betting experience.
What Is eSports Betting?
eSports betting refers to making predictions on the outcomes of eSports. Players can wager on individuals or teams playing competitive computer games to win real money.
Several online bookmarkers and specialized eSports gambling companies offer a wide range of betting options for eSports enthusiasts. Players are given a chance to predict the outcomes of one-on-one matches and seasonal tournaments.
eSports Betting Odds
Three types are available for eSports betting odds: Decimal, Fractional, and Moneyline. Decimal odds show the possible return on a single bet, while fractional odds show the profit in relation to the risk involved. Moneyline odds show how much may be won or staked on a specific event.
The bookmarker’s estimation of the probability of an event occurring is reflected in the odds. Higher odds suggest larger potential gains but a smaller likelihood of winning, whereas lower odds suggest lower returns but a higher possibility of winning.
When betting on eSports, it is essential to understand these betting odds because they provide insight into the profitability of a wager. Understanding these odds will help you to make informed choices.
Popular Games in eSports
There are various game titles available on eSports. However, due to popularity, level of competition, and fanbase, some game titles stand out. They include League of Legends (LoL), Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO), Dota 2, and Overwatch.
Let us explore these popular eSports titles for betting.
League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends (LoL), published by Riot Games, is a competitive multiplayer game with two teams of 5 players each. It has a massive player base and attracts a significant betting audience.
LoL has major league and international tournaments that create opportunities for various betting markets.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO)
CS: GO, developed by Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment, is a multiplayer tactical first person shooter game. It is known for its strategic gameplay and intense competition.
CS: GO matches range from small tournaments to major championships, providing a variety of betting options.
Dota 2
Dota 2, developed by Valve, is a multiplayer online battle arena video game with intense competition and a dedicated fanbase. It is played by two teams of 5 players each.
Dota 2 hosts tournaments like The International which attracts substantial attention from both players and bettors.
Overwatch
Overwatch, developed by Blizzard, is a team-based multiplayer first-person shooter game that has gained popularity amongst eSports bettors.
Players and spectators are captivated by its fast-paced gameplay and unique characters.
Types Of Bets In eSports
In eSports betting, players are offered a variety of bet types, adding depth and excitement to their online gaming experience. It is important for gamers venturing into betting on eSports to understand these different bet types. They include:
Result/Match Winner
This is one of the simplest types of eSports betting, requiring gamers to predict the outcome of a certain match. It is simple because there are only two potential winners- Team A or B.
This simple bet type is available on all eSports game titles and can serve as a starting point for beginners.
Outright Winners
This form of betting involves placing a wager on the ultimate winner of a league or tournament. It goes beyond a single match.
Given that the outcome is known only after the entire event has ended, this kind of betting requires a long-term commitment from the gamer.
Map Betting
Several maps or rounds are often used in eSports games. With map betting, you can place bets on the outcomes of individual maps or rounds.
By doing so, you can increase the complexity of your wagers. This is common in eSports video games such as Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Over/Under Betting
Over/Under bettings are similar to conventional sports betting in that they allow you to place wagers on the final score or specific in-game details such as game possession, number of rounds won, etc.
For instance, you may wager on whether a Dota 2 battle will end with rounds more or less than the predetermined amount.
Correct Score
Another betting option available is to wager on the exact score of a match or game series. This kind of betting requires you to make an accurate prediction of the outcome, making it riskier.
However, this form of betting is potentially more rewarding if you’re an experienced bettor.
First Blood/First Kill
This form of betting is prominent in games that focus on player kills, such as Dota 2 and League of Legends.
It allows you to bet on which team will get the first kill or spill the first blood.
Special Bets/Props
Special bets are also known as proposition bets or prop bets and are available on a variety of in-game metrics including individual player performances, the overall number of kills in a game, or the first team to destroy a tower.
Prop bets offer a variety of options for strategic betting and differ greatly between games.
Getting Started With eSports Betting
Getting started with eSports betting involves navigating through different stages for a seamless and secure betting experience. In this section, we will be guiding beginners through the process, ensuring they make the right decisions from the outset.
Find a Reliable Betting Site
Finding a reliable betting site is the first and most important step to take when considering betting on eSports. Selecting the right betting platform is essential for a positive betting experience. Prioritize sites that have a good reputation and a proven track record of reliability, fair play, and security.
Ensure that the site is licensed by a respectable gambling authority. Read user reviews, privacy policy, and regulatory compliance as they provide insights into the reliability and security of the site.
When assessing different betting platforms, it is important to conduct a thorough research. A good starting point is to search for something like “casinoname review” for instance, if you want to check out what other people are saying about picklebet, you can Google something like Picklebet review. With this, you will get to read reviews of what other people are saying about picklebet. These reviews can provide valuable firsthand experiences and insights from other users, aiding in your decision making process.
Also, choose betting platforms that feature a diverse array of eSports game titles and tournaments. This is to ensure that you can discover new games while betting on your favorite games.
Creating an Account
After you have identified a reliable betting site, the next step to take is to create an account. You’d start by clicking on the “Sign Up” button, then providing your personal information such as first and last name, phone number, and email address.
You’ll be required to create login credentials and agree to the platform’s terms and conditions. Ensure you provide accurate information when signing up and create secure passwords ( a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols).
Platforms often request for ID cards to verify identities in compliance with regulatory standards.
Funding Your Account
After successfully creating an account, the next step is to fund it. Reputable eSports betting platforms offer multiple payment options, including credit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrencies.
When choosing a payment option, it is important to consider factors like transaction fees, processing times, and available currency.
Also, it is crucial to understand the process involved in withdrawals. Be aware of any withdrawal limits, withdrawal fees, and processing time.
Familiarize Yourself With the Games and Betting Terminologies
The next step is to familiarize yourself with the rules and strategies of games before you play them.
Know the game dynamics, read analytics, monitor player and team performances, and watch matches to understand the game better before betting your money.
Also, get familiar with betting terminologies and basic principles like odds, over/under, map, spread, etc. You can just type these terms into a search engine and the meaning would pop up.
Bet Responsibly
It is crucial to adopt responsible gambling practices. When betting on eSports, or any gambling activity, it is advisable to set a budget and stick to it. This will prevent you from gambling away all your money.
For beginners, we’ll advise you to start with small bets because there’s a risk of losing money in bets.
Also, regulate your playing time. By setting limits to the amount of time you spend on gaming and gambling, you can indulge in your favorite form of entertainment without becoming addicted to it.
Strategies For Successful eSports Betting
When venturing into eSports betting, it is important to have effective strategies to increase your chances of success and improve your overall gaming experience. Here are three key strategies from our top experts:
Methods of Research and Analysis
Thorough research and analysis are essential for making informed decisions when betting on eSports. This involves careful examination of individual players and teams, understanding the game trends and strategies, and taking past success into account.
It is helpful to examine previous matches, current form, and head-to-head records. It is also essential to keep up with roster adjustments, patch updates, and the gaming community as a whole.
Players who have recorded success in their betting endeavors have spent time watching games, analyzing action, and keeping an eye on social media for updates. By identifying patterns and possible outcomes, thorough research makes predictions more accurate.
Bankroll Management
For long-term success in eSports betting, it is important to maintain a healthy bankroll. This means setting specific financial limits and avoiding impulse or reckless bets that can jeopardize one’s gambling budget.
A good number of bettors use the percentage-based strategy, that is, allocating a small percentage of their whole bankroll to each bet. This strategy reduces the effect of individual losses and helps reduce losing streaks. You can place daily, weekly, or monthly spending limits to ensure responsible gambling.
Periodically review your bankroll and adjust your stakes based on performance and general financial status. By adopting this strategy, you can protect your money and maintain sustainability in your betting endeavor.
In-Play Betting Strategies
In-play, otherwise called live betting, makes eSports betting more exciting. Here, strategic moves and decisions can have a huge impact on your bet. In this setting, you’d need to make quick and calculated decisions.
Successful in-play bettors frequently make use of their pre-game analysis and adjust to changing match conditions. They take advantage of changes in the odds throughout a game, seeing openings when one team picks up or loses momentum.
To make wise choices, you need to keep an eye out for critical events such as changes in game tactics that can influence the course of the game. However, it is important to maintain self-control and resist making reckless bets.
Pros And Cons
eSports, like every other form of gambling, comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. To provide a balanced view of eSports, we have highlighted the benefits and limitations associated with betting on eSports.
Pros
Let’s start with the positive side. As a gamer, the following are the benefits you can expect when engaging in an online sportsbook with eSports betting options.
Heightened Excitement
Watching competitive gaming is made more exciting and engaging by eSports betting. For gamers, betting may increase the excitement of watching eSports games and foster a sense of participation.
Diverse Betting Markets and Options
A variety of markets and betting options are available for eSports betting, enabling people to select the ones that best fit their tastes and strategy.
Accessibility
People may easily participate and explore different betting options thanks to the accessibility of eSports betting platforms.
Cons
It is equally important to recognize the drawbacks of esports betting. They include:
Risk of Addiction
The risk of addiction and irresponsible gambling practices is a significant disadvantage of eSports betting. The ease of accessibility could foster these vices.
Financial Losses
Just like any other form of betting, there is a chance of losing money on eSports betting.
FAQS
What is eSports betting?
eSports betting refers to making predictions on the outcomes of eSports. Players can wager on individuals or teams playing competitive computer games to win real money.
What are the popular titles available on eSports betting?
The popular titles available on eSports betting include League of Legends (LoL), Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO), Dota 2, and Overwatch.
What are the advantages of betting on eSports?
The benefits that players can expect when betting on eSports include heightened excitement, diverse betting markets and options, and accessibility.
Conclusion
To navigate through the eSports betting terrain, it is important to understand eSports betting and how it works. This guide has done justice to this subject. In this guide, we have shed light on the intricacies of eSports betting, from understanding eSports betting odds to popular game titles, types of eSports bets, and strategies for successful eSports betting.
Although the pros such as heightened entertainment, accessibility, diverse betting markets, and options, make eSports betting an attractive endeavor, it is crucial to consider the cons.
By adopting responsible gambling practices, thoroughly researching, managing bankroll, and employing in-play betting strategies, you can have a fulfilling eSports betting experience.
