eSports Betting: Your Ultimate Playbook for Positive Odds

Have you noticed how eSports is blowing up? Well, guess what: betting on it is getting as big as it is for regular sports! If you’re just starting out with eSports betting, then we’ve got your back. In this guide, we’ll be tackling the do’s and don’ts on how to bet on eSports. With this article as your guiding light, you can know all about the difference and similarities in odds to regular sports, the different eSports games you can bet on, and so much more.

So get your headsets ready, and let’s jump right into it!

What Is the Easiest eSport to Bet On?

eSports, often known as competitive gaming, find themselves in a global gray area. Their immense popularity, with some events consistently pulling in over a million viewers at the same time, makes eSport athletes appealing candidates for lucrative corporate sponsorships.

While there are plenty of popular online games, there are only so few that have major tournaments that work for eSports betting and are easy to bet on (if you’re just starting out!). 

With that said, here are some of the more popular eSports games you can start learning before betting on them:

DOTA 2 eSports Betting

DOTA 2 is a team-based eSports game where two teams of five heroes battle for supremacy. 

Launched in 2013, DOTA 2 has one of the highest eSports tournament prize pools worldwide, with one of their biggest tournaments, The International, taking the crown. 

It is a major favorite in eSports betting, with more than three major tournaments that flock the scene every year. Bettors can witness epic battles in ESL One, WESG, and other major tournaments like DreamLeague (currently in its 22nd Season!) throughout the year.

Call of Duty Betting

Everyone knows Call of Duty (CoD), and you’ll often find this game on most eSports betting platforms! This iconic first-person shooter game is a battlefield where fast-paced action and strategic gameplay collide. It has intense gun fights, tactical maneuvers, and heart-pounding moments where two teams often face off in a quest for victory.

Call of Duty has evolved into a powerhouse in the eSports world. Some of its standout events include Call of Duty League (currently on its 2024 season!), CoD Mobile World Championship, and the Snapdragon Pro Series.

CS:GO eSports Betting (Counter Strike: Global Offensive)

Counter Strike is a first-person shooter masterpiece where team strategy reigns supreme. Each match has two teams of five players each, battling it out with unique objectives. The Terrorists (Ts) face off against the counter-terrorists (CTs), and the first team to clinch 16 rounds takes the match.

Competitive CS:GO, including events like ESL Pro League, offers thrilling best-of-three series. Major tournaments like ESL Pro League, IEM, BLAST Premier, DreamHack, and the coveted CS:GO Major Championships showcase the pinnacle of gaming and are often found on most eSports betting platforms.

LoL Betting (League of Legends)

Now, let’s talk about League of Legends or LoL—a true eSports classic! LoL is a team-based strategy game where two teams of five champions battle to destroy each other’s bases. With over 140 champions to choose from, epic plays, kills, and tower takedowns are all part of the victory journey. 

Launched in 2009, LoL has become a global sensation with the League Champion Series (LCS) leading the charge. Popular teams like Evil Geniuses, Cloud9, and Team Liquid dominate in both LoL and CS:GO, and are hot favorites in eSports betting!

eSports Betting Odds Explained

Now that you’ve got the major rundown on some of the most popular eSports games to bet on, let’s start with the nitty gritty of actual eSports betting. Like regular sports betting, eSports comes with betting odds—and they’re not all too different from its partner.

And just like regular sports betting, these odds shape how much you pocket when you come out on top. The beauty lies in their variety, helping distinguish the favorites from the underdogs and adding that extra layer of excitement to your bets.

When you’re looking for the ultimate eSports betting site, keep a friendly eye on the odds they offer. It’s all about ensuring that the odds are not just good but competitive. Bet on familiar markets like Match Winner, and compare and contrast with other sportsbooks to find the sweet spot.

Here are some of the common eSports odds formats that cater to all preferences:

• American
• Hong Kong
• Indonesian
• Malay
• Decimal

These formats ensure that your experience is not only accommodating but also effortlessly smooth. They make odds conversion a breeze, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the game rather than grappling with numbers.

Most Common Types of eSports Bets

Now that we’ve got the games and betting odds down, let’s talk about some of the most common types of bets in eSports betting. It is not so different from regular sports betting, but it does have its specialities that you won’t often find in the former.

With that, here are the most common types of eSports bets you’ll find online:

Moneyline

Moneyline is the go-to market, especially in the US, which keeps things simple with a + or – value. It’s like a story in itself, revealing the underdog and the favorite to win. Think of it as your guide, showing potential payouts if your bet hits the jackpot. For instance, a +120 moneyline means you’re in for a delightful $120 win on a $100 bet.

Totals (O/U)

Now, let’s talk Totals (O/U)—the main total bet that can be as easy as O/U online. It’s like a game within a game, and it’s a must-know when participating in eSports betting. The fun part? The details may vary based on the game, whether it’s the total number of kills, points scored, or even the total number of maps played, thus, keeps the betting interesting!

Outright

Outright or Outright Winner is the market where you get to predict the champion of a specific eSports tournament.

Say if you’re participating in eSports betting for Call of Duty League, you can pick a favorite like Toronto Ultra to win. Imagine your stake multiplied by the odds. Now, if Toronto Ultra ends up winning a match, the profits land in your account. 

Handicap

Now, consider a team like Tundra Esports in a DOTA 2 DreamLeague tournament. You might think they’re likely to win, but here’s where Handicap Betting steps in. Give the favorite team a bit of a challenge, and voila—better odds await you if they win despite the handicap.

With handicap eSports betting, you’re essentially setting conditions for the stronger-looking team to secure the win. It’s all about strategic thinking, finding opportunities, and turning them into successful bets. While it may require a bit of expertise, handicap betting opens up a world of possibilities for boosting your profits while supporting the best eSports teams.

Match Winner

One of the easiest and most versatile bets in eSports betting is the Match Winner bet. These bets aren’t just limited to pre-event predictions; they’re the stars of the show when you explore the Live eSports tab on platforms like 12bet.com! 

While making Match Winner bets may seem like a breeze, it’s actually a calculated art on which odds can deliver the most profitable results that adds that extra layer of excitement. Some matches offer evenly matched odds, creating opportunities for savvy bettors to capitalize on. Just keep in mind, though, that not all odds are created equal. It’s worth comparing them across different sites, as variations can make a significant difference.

Map Winner

Map Winner bets are a fan-favorite, especially in CS:GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2 events! It’s a straightforward eSports betting bet: just predict which team will win a specific map. For instance, in a CS:GO match like Astralis vs. GODSENT, you can bet on Astralis to win in Map 1. If they emerge victorious, so do you.

First Blood/Kill

Ever thought about wagering on who will land the first kill or first blood in an eSports match? Well, now you can with First Blood/Kill bets.

While these bets might require a bit more know-how, fret not! We recommend watching previous eSports live streams to gauge a team’s First Blood/Kill prior performances. Thus, increasing your chances of a winning first kill in-play bet. Research is key, so make sure to check on Twitch and Reddit to find insights on the best eSports players who could turn your bets into profits.

How to Bet on eSports: Step-By-Step Guide

Ready to learn the ropes and explore the simple process of eSports betting? Then here’s  how to bet on eSports online:

• Find the Right eSports Betting Platform

Look for a top-notch online bookmaker that covers a wide array of eSports tournaments and events. Opt for one with competitive odds and an extensive range of markets. The best betting sites for eSports also offer exciting live features like streaming and cash-out, ensuring a hassle-free experience when placing your bets.

12BET eSports is proud to present our coveted eSports betting platform! Bet on the biggest tournaments in eSports: anytime, anywhere, from the Call of Duty League to the famous DOTA 2 DreamLeague.

• Set Up Your Betting Account

Before betting on eSports, creating an account is your first step. Simply visit the eSports betting sportsbook of your choice, fill out the registration form, and voila! Once your account is set up, the operator will either email you a link to access your sportsbook account or provide direct access to the bookie’s lobby.

• Selecting a Payment Method and Funding Your Account

Choosing a payment method tailored to your preferences is a pivotal aspect of betting on eSports. Just go to the deposit section, pick your desired payment method—options may include VISA, Neteller, PayPal, MasterCard, or Skrill. 

Make a deposit that meets the minimum requirement using your chosen method.

• Place Your eSports Bets!

Now, it’s time to place your bets! Make informed predictions by selecting a market and researching eSports events. Then, compare available odds and bet accordingly based on your findings.

Once your bet slip is submitted, patiently await the outcome to see if you’ve emerged victorious in the match. Happy betting!

Betting on Esports? Here Are Three Tips to Up Your Game

Play the Game Yourself

This might already go without saying, but people tend to forget that one of the easiest ways to enhance your betting skills is to get in on the action yourself! Majority of the best eSports games are free to play on mobile or PC. And with that, they’re far more accessible as opposed to regular sports betting where it’ll cost you to try playing, say, football or basketball. 

We’re not saying you have to totally immerse yourself in it if eSports is not really your scene. But, actually getting to know the ins and outs of the games themselves will help you make more informed eSports betting decisions. It’s just common sense, especially when it’s extremely accessible, and goes for anyone placing real money bets on any live sport.

Get Familiar With the Top Esports Teams and Players

It’s not just about following the top teams on social media—you should also check out some of the standout players. Games like CS:GO, LoL, and Call of Duty have a bunch of superstar players, many of whom are active on social media, adding to the popularity of eSports. 

Call of Duty, for instance, has produced some of the best players over the years. Some of the best Call of Duty players like ‘aBeZy’ of Atlanta FaZe and ‘Shotzzy’ of OpTic Texas have really brought the game into the global spotlight. Essentially, make sure you get to know the rockstars of the gaming world before you jump in on eSports betting!

Shop the Betting Odds

Make it a habit to check out different odds before you start betting on eSports. 

Don’t just settle for the first ones you come across! Take a peek at what other sites are offering. Whether you’re into traditional sports or eSports, it’s always a good move to shop around for the best odds.

Final Words on How to Bet on eSports

As eSports continue to surge in popularity, betting has seamlessly joined the arena alongside traditional sports. If you’re new to the world of eSports betting, well, you’re not so new to it anymore now that you’ve got our guide here, always within your reach, to help you out.

So, grab your phones, gaming consoles and headsets, and let the gaming excitement begin. Happy betting!