eSports Betting Guide
Esports betting is growing fast. Millions watch games like CS GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2, but some take it further by placing bets on the action.
Betting on esports isn’t like wagering on regular sports. The games move fast, odds change quickly, and there are unique bets you won’t see elsewhere. Knowing the basics can help you make better decisions.
We’ll provide clear, helpful advice. There is no complicated jargon, just the essentials to help you bet smarter and avoid common mistakes.
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Key Details About Esports Betting Markets
Esports betting works a little differently than traditional sports. Games have their own structures, and betting options depend on the format.
The table below breaks down key details before diving into esports betting.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team vs. Solo Games | – Some esports games are team-based like (League of Legends, and CS GO) – Others focus on individual players (StarCraft II, FIFA). Your bets will depend on the game format. |
| Match Length & Format | Matches can be best-of-one, best-of-three, or best-of-five. Longer series allow for more betting options. |
| Esports Happen Year-Round | Unlike traditional sports, esports don’t have fixed seasons. Major events run throughout the year. |
| Tournament vs. Matches | – You can bet on a single match or place long-term bets on tournament winners. – Tournaments can last weeks, with group stages and playoffs. |
| Are There Draws in Esports? | Most esports matches must have a winner. Some games allow for drawn rounds, but final results rarely end in a tie. |
| Game Patches Affect Betting | Esports games change with patches and updates. A strong team today might struggle after a major game update. |
How to Bet on Esports: Types of Bets
Betting on esports is simple once you know the basics. First, you need to sign up at a betting site, deposit funds, and choose a game to bet on.
Once you’re set-up, the next step is understanding the different types of bets you can place. Each type offers something different. Some are straightforward, while others require more strategy.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common options.
Moneyline
This is the most common bet. You pick which team or player will win the match. If they win, you win. Simple.
Remember that draws are not possible in most popular esports, such as DOTA 2 and League of Legends.
Point Spread
This bet balances the odds by giving one team a disadvantage or the other team a head start.
For example, in a best-of-three match, a -1.5 handicap means the favored team must win 2-0 for the bet to win. If the underdog has a +1.5 handicap, they only need to win one game or keep the match close for the bet to win.
Totals (Over/Under)
Instead of betting on a winner, you bet on total rounds, games, or kills being over or under a set number. This is good if you expect a close match but don’t want to pick a winner.
Map-Based Betting
Many esports games are map-based, with some changing maps and others using the same map throughout the matchup, like DOTA 2 and LoL.
For example, you can bet on which team will win a specific map or how long it will last.
If you feel one team has an advantage over their position on a round or map, this is a market worth considering and may be one of the best esports bets others are not thinking about.
Prop Bets
Prop bets add more ways to wager. We’ve seen some Dota 2 and LoL matches featuring up to 40 prop betting options.
Common prop bets include:
- First Blood – Bet on which team gets the first kill.
- Total Map Time – Wager on how long a map will last.
- Total Kills – Bet on the total number of kills in a match.
- Odd/Even Kills – Predict if the total kills will be odd or even.
Futures Bets
Instead of betting on a single match, you bet on a team or player to win an entire tournament. These bets usually have higher payouts but are riskier.
Esports Games You Can Bet On
Esports betting covers various games, each with its own format and betting options. Below are some of the most popular games you can bet on.
Call of Duty
Call of Duty is a fast-paced first-person shooter (FPS) in which two teams compete in objective-based game modes like Search and Destroy, Hardpoint, and Domination.
Betting Format:
- Teams: 4v4
- Match Type: Best-of-five series
- Game Duration: Up to 45 minutes per match
Common Bets:
- Match winner
- Map winner
- Total rounds played
- First team to reach a certain number of kills
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS GO)
CS GO is a tactical shooter game in which two teams (Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists) compete in objective-based matches, mainly planting or defusing bombs.
Betting Format:
- Teams: 5v5
- Match Type: Best-of-one, best-of-three, or best-of-five
- Game Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
Common Bets:
- Match winner
- Pistol round winner
- Total rounds played (over/under)
- First team to win 10 rounds
Dota 2
Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where two teams fight to destroy the enemy’s Ancient (main) structure.
Betting Format:
- Teams: 5v5
- Match Type: Best-of-one, best-of-three, or best-of-five
- Game Duration: 30-60 minutes per match
Common Bets:
- Match winner
- The first team to destroy a tower
- Total kills (over/under)
- Team to slay the first Roshan
Hearthstone
Hearthstone is a digital collectible card game where players use decks to battle in turn-based matches. The goal is to reduce the opponent’s health to zero.
Betting Format:
- Players: 1v1
- Match Type: Best-of-three or best-of-five
- Game Duration: 10-30 minutes per match
Common Bets:
- Match winner
- Total turns played
- First player to play a legendary card
- Over/under on total damage dealt
League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends is a MOBA where two teams of five champions compete to destroy the enemy Nexus while completing objectives around the map.
Betting Format:
- Teams: 5v5
- Match Type: Best-of-one, best-of-three, or best-of-five
- Game Duration: 25-45 minutes per match
Common Bets:
- Match winner
- First Blood (first kill)
- Total towers destroyed
- Total kills (over/under)
Rocket League
Rocket Leade betting mixes soccer and racing. Players control rocket-powered cars to score goals in a fast-paced arena.
Betting Format:
- 3v3 (sometimes 1v1 or 2v2)
- Match Format: Best-of-five or best-of-seven series.
- Game Duration: Matches last about 5 minutes per game, with overtime if tied.
Common Bets:
- Match winner
- Total goals scored (over/under)
- First team to score
- Correct score
World of Warcraft (WoW)
World of Warcraft is a battle game where two teams fight in a small arena. The goal is to eliminate the opponents before they eliminate you.
- Teams: 3v3 (most common format)
- Match Type: Best-of-five
- Game Duration: 5-10 minutes per round
Common Bets:
- Match winner
- First team to get a kill
- Total rounds played
- Time taken to win a match
StarCraft II
StarCraft 2 is a strategy game where players build armies and manage resources to defeat their opponents.
Betting Format:
- Players: 1v1
- Match Format: Best-of-three, best-of-five, or best-of-seven series.
- Game Duration: Matches last between 10-45 minutes.
Common Bets:
- Match winner
- First player to destroy a building
- Total units lost (over/under)
- Map winner
Overwatch
Overwatch is a team-based shooter where players pick unique heroes with special abilities and work together to complete objectives, like capturing points or moving an objective across the map.
Betting Format:
- Teams: 5v5
- Match Type: Best-of-five or best-of-seven
- Game Duration: 30-45 minutes per match
Common Bets:
- Match winner
- Map winner
- Total eliminations
- First team to capture a point
Esports Tournaments
Esports tournaments run year-round, with events ranging from small regional competitions to global championships with million-dollar prize pools.
Here are the most popular events in the industry.
League of Legends Tournaments Betting
League of Legends (LoL) has one of the most structured competitive circuits in esports. It runs year-round and offers plenty of action for fans and bettors. The season is split into three regional “splits,” which act as qualifiers for the League of Legends World Championship, the year’s biggest event.
A total of 24 teams qualify for Worlds. 13 secure their spots by winning regional leagues, while others advance through Regional Finals or Championship Points, which reward consistent performance throughout the season.
The LoL World Championship consistently features a prize pool between $2.3 and $2.5 million, making it one of the biggest esports events.
Dota 2 Tournament Betting
No Dota 2 tournament is bigger than The International (TI). With prize pools exceeding $30 million, it holds the record for the largest payouts in esports history. Winning TI is a career-defining moment, and the competition is fierce.
Teams earn their spots through regional leagues and Major Championships, battling through a year-long circuit to qualify for the biggest stage. Only the best make it, and those who survive the gauntlet have a chance at life-changing prize money.
For bettors, TI and the Major Championships offer some of the most exciting markets, with high-stakes matches, unpredictable upsets, and a deep pool of stats to analyze.
CS GO Majors
Independent organizers run CS GO tournaments. This means multiple leagues and events happen yearly, with teams qualifying for top tournaments through rankings, regional play, and open qualifiers.
Held twice a year, CS GO Majors are the highest-level competitions in the game. They are smaller in scale, but winning one is the ultimate achievement for a CS GO player.
These tournaments attract the best teams, the highest stakes, and some of esports’ most competitive betting markets.
Understanding Esports Odds
Understanding how odds work in esports can help you spot value bets and avoid costly mistakes.
Below are key factors to consider.
- Meta Changes and Game Patches. Esports games are constantly updated. A new patch can strengthen specific strategies or characters overnight, shifting a team’s chances of winning. Odds may not always reflect these changes right away, giving bettors who stay updated an edge.
Tip: Always check patch notes before betting. A small balance change can impact a team’s performance, especially if they rely on a now-nerfed strategy. - Team Roster Changes Can Shift Odds – Esports teams frequently swap players, sometimes right before major events. A star player leaving or a substitute filling in can cause odds adjustments. However, sportsbooks don’t always react immediately, creating opportunities.
Tip: Follow esports news and social media for last-minute roster updates. Betting early or late, depending on the timing of changes, can give you better odds. - Odds Shift Due to Momentum Swings – Esports games can shift in seconds. A bad fight in League of Legends or a lost pistol round in CS GO can change live odds. Unlike traditional sports, where momentum builds gradually, esports odds change almost instantly.
Tip: If you’re live betting, watch how teams play as the match progresses. Some teams get stronger later in the game. You might find a good betting opportunity if you notice this before the sportsbook adjusts the odds. - Format Affects Betting Value – Some teams are excellent in single-game matches but struggle in longer series. A team with a strong start might win short matches but lose in best-of-three or best-of-five games where strategy changes matter. Sportsbooks don’t always adjust for this.
Tip: Before betting, check the match format. Some underdogs are better in longer series, making them a strong bet if they adapt well mid-series. - Regional Leagues and Skill Can Be Misleading – Teams that dominate in their region don’t always perform well internationally. Bookmakers may favor them based on local success, even if they struggle against different playstyles.
Tip: Check how teams perform in global tournaments. A strong local team with little international experience might be overrated.
Esports Betting Bonuses & Promotions
Many sportsbook bonuses apply for esports betting, from extra deposit funds to special promos during big tournaments.
These deals can give you more to bet with, but they often have rules such as wagering requirements and game restrictions.
If you plan to claim a bonus, check that it applies to esports betting and read the terms carefully.
Strategies for Esports Bettors
A smart esports bettor looks beyond the basics, finding value where others don’t. Below are key strategies that can help you make better betting decisions.
Rely On Your Research
Ultimately, just like any other form of sports betting, it comes down to your research and understanding of betting markets. Trying to bet every esport under the sun isn’t the best way to attack esports.
Strategy: Focusing on one game, at least initially, is usually the best route for most people. Many decide to bet on the game(s) they already know how to play but dive deeper into the strategy of high-level players and competition.
Understand Teams, Players, and Positions
Once you’ve decided on the esports you want to focus on betting, you can dive into the rosters and teams.
Understanding each member’s role on a team and how they match up against opponents will give you an advantage over others who are betting on esports.
Strategy: Information is power. The more you understand the rosters and teams – the better position you’re in to analyze data quickly and make bets before the market reacts.
Focus on Undervalued Markets
Some betting markets get less attention, so sportsbooks may not price them as accurately as match-winner bets. Player performance props, total rounds, and first-objective bets often have softer lines, creating opportunities for those who do their research.
Strategy: Look for markets that aren’t as popular but still offer strong betting value. Compare odds across sportsbooks to find pricing mistakes.
Monitor Scheduling
Tournaments often have tight schedules, forcing teams to play multiple matches in a day. Fatigue can impact performance, especially in longer series or when a team has had little rest between games.
Strategy: Check the tournament schedule before betting. If a team has played multiple long matches in a row, they may be at a disadvantage against a well-rested opponent.
Bet Based on Map Strengths and Weaknesses
Many esports games have different maps, and teams have map preferences just like traditional sports teams have home-field advantages. Some teams dominate on specific maps and struggle on others, but sportsbooks may not always adjust odds accordingly.
Strategy: Study team performance on different maps. If a team struggles on a specific map and it’s part of the rotation, consider betting against them in that round.
Take Advantage of Slow Live Odds
Live betting lets you place wagers while the game is happening, and sportsbooks don’t constantly adjust odds instantly. If a team secures a key objective or forces a costly mistake, there may be a short window where the odds don’t fully reflect the new game state.
Strategy: Act fast. If a team gains a significant advantage (like securing Baron in League of Legends or winning an eco-round in CS GO), check if the odds have adjusted. If not, placing a bet before the line updates can give you an edge.
The Best Sites to Bet on Esports
Esports betting is pretty much only available at offshore betting sites. Regulated sites haven’t really caught up to the video game markets, but you can probably expect to see them jumping on board sooner than later.
On the other hand, offshore sites accept players from all over the US and provide a wide range of esports markets.
When choosing a betting site, safety should always come first. Look for platforms that use encryption, have a history of fair payouts, and offer reliable customer support.
The best esports betting sites offer competitive odds, live betting options, and promotions specifically for esports bettors.
Your Esports Betting Journey Starts Here
eSports betting is relatively new compared to the long history of betting on sports, but the future looks bright. Wagering limits have been steadily increasing, becoming more and more mainstream.
If you take the time to learn about betting markets and eSports, you can make a lot of money.
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to play smart. Choose a safe, reliable sportsbook, stay informed, and bet responsibly. Esports betting is exciting, but the smartest bettors know when to push forward and when to step back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions of our readers.
What is the best esports betting site?
We recommend BetUS. It is the most reliable sportsbook where you can safely place your bets and take your earnings whenever you want.
Other sportsbooks, like Bovada and MyBookie, have large betting limits for esports and more betting markets than other sites.
Can I bet on esports if I don’t play the games?
Yes! You don’t need to be a player to bet on esports, but understanding the game mechanics, team strategies, and tournament formats will help you make better betting decisions.
Why do some esports betting sites have way more games than others?
Some sportsbooks focus only on the biggest titles, like CS GO and League of Legends, while others cover niche games like Hearthstone and StarCraft II.
Offshore sites often have a wider selection since regional regulations don’t restrict them.
Can I bet on player transfers or roster changes?
Some sportsbooks offer unique markets for betting on roster moves, such as which team a free agent will sign with.
Is esports betting legal everywhere?
It depends on where you live. Some states fully regulate esports betting, while others only allow traditional sports.
Offshore sportsbooks accept players from regions where local laws don’t explicitly ban esports wagering.
Are there tools to help with responsible gambling in esports betting?
Many betting sites offer deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options to help bettors stay in control.
