A Beginner’s Guide to eSports Betting
eSports betting has never been more popular, particularly in recent years. It has become an alternative to traditional sports, with games like CS: Go and League of Legends leading the charge. Watching the world’s top gamers duke it out while also enjoying the thrill of betting makes it a fast-growing industry that could eventually reach the heights of classic sports betting.
Because it is so easy to get started, it has quickly taken flight. Anyone can look up csgo odds in an instant. Dedicated eSports platforms resemble those of traditional sportsbooks. The betting experience is much the same.
Here’s what you need to know about getting started with eSports betting.
What is eSports Betting?
eSports betting differs little from traditional sports betting. Select your game, choose your event, and make your wager.
Since the Federal sports betting ban was struck down in 2018, it has opened not only the door to conventional online sportsbooks but also eSports. The concept has been around since the ban was lifted and has already gained some traction in Europe and other parts of the world.
ESports betting is attractive because legions of gamers can now wager real money on their favorite games and gaming personalities. Whether you’re a fan of first-person shooters, sports, or real-time strategy games, there’s a market open to you.
The idea of making a profit is a significant selling point, but it’s also a way to make even the most mundane, inconsequential matchups and tournaments a little bit more exciting.
Even traditional sportsbooks are beginning to take notice, with some household names offering betting lines on major events, such as the League of Legends World Championship.
How Does eSports Betting Work?
eSports betting works the same way as betting on your favorite football or basketball team. Pre-match betting is available on various markets beyond simply predicting who will win.
Special markets are available before the action begins, betting on which randomized map will appear first or which player will gain the first kill in a first-person shooter.
Placing your bet requires you to create an account, add your bet to a betting slip, select your wager, and confirm the bet. If you already have prior experience with sports betting, you’ll notice that the procedure is identical.
Live betting has also become available, whereby you can bet on markets as things unfold. Unlike traditional sports, eSports live betting is only available in some markets. Some platforms even have plans to allow live streams to be made available on their betting hubs to facilitate live betting.
In-game betting adds an extra dimension to the eSports experience, which many gamers have embraced wholeheartedly.
Like conventional sports betting, you’ll need to do your research first and learn about the players involved. It’s no easier or more challenging to succeed in eSports betting than betting on traditional real-world sports.
There’s the potential to be successful, but there’s also the potential to watch a massive failure unfold in front of your eyes. Proceed with the same caution as any other form of wager.
Most Popular eSports Markets
eSports is a loose term used for any form of competitive online play where luck plays a minor role. Not every eSports platform will feature the competitive play of every game in the world.
Generally, markets open up on games and events with large amounts of attention, especially those with massive prize pools.
Some of the most popular games include:
- League of Legends – Developed by Riot Games, League of Legends is one of the most popular games in the world. It was one of the first games to capture the imagination of bookmakers everywhere due to its highly competitive online scene.
- DOTA 2 – DOTA is another massive MOBA game with a competitive streak. Made by Valve Corporation, it regularly competes with League of Legends for dominance as the most popular online game in the world.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – CS: GO is a first-person shooter by the Valve Corporation. This is the most popular FPS game, with big brands actively hiring the best players.
- Overwatch – Overwatch was created by Blizzard Entertainment and is one of the newer games to have emerged as a significant fixture of the eSports betting scene.
- StarCraft II – The StarCraft franchise is among the world’s oldest eSports games. It has been enjoyed by millions of players, making it one of Blizzard Entertainment’s finest creations.
These are among just a few options available to bet on. If you’re looking for events with lots of liquidity and betting options, focus on these options.
How to Make the Most of eSports Betting
Your journey begins by searching for an online sportsbook you can trust. Start by looking for recommendations and doing your research online. Look at the reviews to learn more about other people’s experiences.
It’s also worthwhile comparing the odds with other sportsbooks and creating an account to get a feel for the platform before placing your first bet. Remember, it’s about the package, not just the odds.
When you eventually get to the point of placing a bet, there are plenty of odds comparison platforms that will enable you to find the best deals on your chosen market. Many regular bettors have multiple accounts with different sportsbooks for a reason.
It’s also best to stick to the markets you’re familiar with. If you’ve never played or watched a stream from your chosen game before, how can you expect to have the knowledge required to place a bet on it?
Finally, always set a budget and stick to it. Make sure you maintain control over your bankroll and avoid chasing your losses. Sports betting is supposed to be fun, after all!
Conclusion
eSports betting is growing in popularity, with more wagering options than ever. If you already have experience betting on real-world sports, you’ll already have many skills to be successful in this realm.
What’s your favorite eSport to bet on?
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