League of Legends Betting Guide
League of Legends betting gets you closer to the action of one of the biggest esports in the world. With the game’s millions of fans, high-stakes tournaments, unpredictable team fights, Baron steals, and shifting metas, every match has the potential for big opportunities.
While oddsmakers set lines, there’s more to betting on League of Legends than just predicting who will take the Nexus. Understanding draft strategies, objective control, and how different patches affect gameplay can give you an edge.
This guide shows you exactly how to bet on League of Legends. You’ll learn how LoL betting works, the best markets to focus on, and how to find the best odds. We will give you the insights you need to make informed decisions.
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Gameplay Structure of League of Legends
League of Legends (LoL) is a team-based multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. Each match features two teams of five players competing to destroy the other team’s Nexus, a key structure located at the heart of their base. To achieve this, teams navigate through three main lanes (top, mid, and bot) and the jungle area, where players fight for objectives and resources.
The game has five roles, each with unique responsibilities. Each role works together to achieve objectives, destroy turrets, secure Dragon buffs, kill Baron Nashor, and eventually win the game.
- Top Lane: A solo player focusing on tanky or damage-dealing champions.
- Mid Lane: Another solo player, typically using high-damage mages or assassins.
- AD Carry A damage dealer in the bottom (bot) lane.
- Support A utility and crowd-control player.
- Jungle: A roaming player controlling neutral objectives between lanes and assisting teammates with strategic ganks.
Key Gameplay Aspects
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Objectives | Destroying turrets, securing Dragons, and killing Baron Nashor. |
| Team Composition | Selecting champions that synergize with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. |
| Map Control | Vision and control of key areas using wards. |
| Individual Skill | Players’ ability to farm, fight, and position effectively. |
| Meta | The current state of champion and strategy effectiveness based on patches. |
Why Understanding Gameplay Is Important for Bettors
For bettors, understanding League of Legends gameplay isn’t optional—it’s essential. Knowing how teams strategize, which roles are key in different matchups, and how objectives shift the balance of power can help you predict outcomes more accurately.
How to bet on League of Legends – Popular Bet types
League of Legends betting offers more than just picking the winner of a match. With its fast-paced gameplay and deep strategic elements, sportsbooks provide a variety of betting markets. You can wager on specific in-game events, team performance, and even individual players.
Understanding the different types of bets can help you find value and make smarter wagers:
Match Winner (Moneyline Bets)
The most straightforward type of bet. You simply pick which team will win the match. This is great for beginners, as it only requires a basic understanding of the teams’ strengths and recent performance.
“Map” Bets
Sportsbooks often refer to each game of the series as a “map.” While all League of Legends pro play happens on the Summoner’s Rift map, this bet lets you wager on a specific match in the series. Bets’ can be for the winner, kill spread, or other props.
Example: In a best-of-three series you could bet on T1 to beat Gen G. on the “2nd map” or second match of the game.
First Blood
This is a bet on which team or player will score the first kill in the game. It’s a high-risk, high-reward type of wager that often depends on teams’ aggressive playstyles and early-game strategies.
First Tower Destroyed
This bet is on which team will take down the first turret in a match. Teams with strong early-game map control or aggressive laners are more likely to secure this objective quickly.
Baron and Dragon Kills
You can bet on which team will secure the first Baron Nashor or Dragon of the game. Since these objectives provide massive advantages, teams that focus on map control and objective control are often favorites in these bets.
Total Kills (Over/Under)
This type of bet involves predicting whether the total number of kills in a game will be over or under a set number. If you know the teams’ playstyles—whether they favor aggression or caution—you can make educated guesses.
Example: Will there be more than 25 total kills in this match?
Futures and Outrights
These bets let you predict the outcome of entire tournaments in advance rather than individual matches. For example, you can wager on which team will win the World Championship or a regional league like the LCK or LEC.
Live Betting
Some sportsbooks let you place bets while the match is in progress. As the game unfolds, you can bet on who will win the next fight, secure the next tower, or even make a comeback.
Major Leagues and Events to follow
League of Legends is a global phenomenon, and its competitive scene is filled with exciting tournaments and leagues. Each offers its own unique flavor, from regional rivalries to the prestige of the World Championship.
| League/Tournament | Format |
|---|---|
| World Championship (Worlds) | 24 teams from all major regions; held annually in October-November. Prize pool: Over $2 million. It’s the most prestigious LoL event, showcasing the best teams in the world. |
| Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) | Features 13 teams, one from each major region. Held annually in May. Prize pool: Over $250,000. A mid-year competition testing the regional champions. |
| League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) | 10 teams from North America. Weekly matches from January to August. Prize pool: Over $200,000 per split. Known for its innovative strategies. |
| League of Legends European Championship (LEC) | 10 teams from Europe. Runs from January to August with a similar prize pool to LCS. Features top-tier European talent and intense rivalries. |
| LCK (Korea) | 10 teams, runs year-round with two splits (Spring and Summer). Prize pool: Over $300,000. Renowned for strategic gameplay and world-class teams. |
| LPL (China) | 17 teams, the largest regional league. Runs year-round with two splits. Prize pool: Over $600,000. Known for aggressive playstyles and depth of talent. |
Understanding the Odds Essentials for LoL
Understanding the essentials of League of Legends betting odds is the foundation for making smarter wagers. Odds reflect the probability of an outcome and help you assess the potential value of your bets. Knowing how to interpret and leverage odds is key to maximizing your returns.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Team Composition Synergy – Team composition refers to the champions selected by each team and how well their abilities complement each other. Odds account for whether a team’s champions excel in early aggression, scaling for late-game dominance, or countering specific meta strategies.
Tip: Pay attention to champion selection during drafts, especially counters to meta champions. - Player Champion Pools – Odds account for the flexibility of a player’s champion pool. Teams with players capable of playing multiple meta champions at a high level are harder to counter-pick, leading to more favorable odds.
Tip: Check if a team’s key players are comfortable with the meta champions in the current patch. - Regional Playstyle Variations – Different regions emphasize distinct playstyles, such as LCK’s methodical approach versus LPL’s aggression. Oddsmakers adjust based on how teams from varying regions match up.
Tip: Consider playstyle mismatches when betting on inter-regional tournaments. - Drafting Consistency – Teams with a strong drafting strategy tend to have lower odds due to their ability to adapt during champion select. Oddsmakers set lines before drafts take place, meaning pre-match odds may not always reflect how favorable a team’s draft actually is.
Tip: Watch for teams known for out-drafting opponents, as this often correlates with success. - In-Game Adaptability – Teams that excel in adapting to changing circumstances mid-game—like capitalizing on enemy mistakes or pivoting strategies—see more favorable odds. Oddsmakers assess comeback statistics and win rates from deficits.
Tip: Favor teams with proven resilience and strong shot-callers in unpredictable matches.
Strategic Approaches to Bet Smarter
Betting on League of Legends isn’t just about guessing which team will win. With shifting metas, unpredictable drafts, and high-impact objectives, the best bettors use specific strategies to gain an edge.
Below are proven strategies to help you make smarter, safer wagers on LoL matches.
Backing the Good Drafters
League of Legends games are won and lost in the draft. Certain teams thrive when they get their comfort picks, while others struggle if forced out of their preferred playstyle. This is a good place to look for value.
Strategy: Focus on teams with excellent draft strategy. Strong scaling comps against an early-game team may have better chances of winning despite being an underdog. Some sportsbooks allow live betting immediately after the draft, which can offer better value than pre-match odds.
The Early Game Approach
Early leads provide an economic and strategic advantage. Measure gold differences, turret pressure, and Dragon control at the 15-minute mark. Teams with dominant early games often lead to decisive mid-game wins.
Strategy: Bet on teams with high early-game ratings in head-to-head matchups. A team averaging a +2k gold lead at 15 minutes is likely to dominate weaker early-game teams.
The Objective Control Angle
Objectives like Dragons, Barons, and Rift Heralds play pivotal roles in determining a team’s momentum. Measure teams’ objective control rates and their ability to contest these in key moments.
Strategy: Back teams with consistent Baron control in late-game scenarios. A team with a 75% Dragon Soul rate is reliable for objective-focused bets as well.
Take The Aggro Approach
Teams that crumble under aggression are less likely to recover, especially in best-of-one formats. Measure this by analyzing early-game deaths, lane control, and jungle invasion success rates.
Strategy: Bet on aggressive teams when facing opponents with high early-game deaths. If a team averages 5 early deaths against aggressive junglers, they’re unlikely to withstand pressure.
Advanced Tips for Handicapping League of Legends Games
If you want to get more advanced, there’s a lot of data to analyze in League of Legends. Handicapping matches involves analyzing various factors to make informed betting decisions.
Focusing on specific aspects of the game can improve your chances of success. Below are key considerations, each accompanied by a real-world example to illustrate the point.
Betting Tip #1Analyze Patch Impact on Teams
Each patch update buffs and nerfs champions which shifts the meta, affecting team strategies and performance. Stay informed about the latest patch notes and consider how changes may impact teams’ champion pools and playstyles. Before placing a bet, review recent matches played on the latest patch.
Example: In the 2024 season, a mid-season patch significantly buffed the champion Azir. Teams with players proficient in Azir, like Gen.G’s mid-laner Chovy, capitalized on this change, leading to a surge in their win rates post-patch.
Betting Tip #2Team Composition and Draft Analysis
The champion selection phase, known as the draft, is pivotal in determining a team’s strategy and potential success. Teams that secure meta-favored champions or comfort picks often gain a strategic advantage. Monitor teams’ drafting patterns and adaptability. A team that consistently secures high-priority champions or effectively counters opponents’ picks is more likely to perform well.
Example: In the 2024 League of Legends World Championship final, T1’s selection of Yone for Faker in Game 1 was a strategic move, considering Yone’s strength in the meta. However, BLG countered effectively, leading to their victory in that game.
Betting Tip #3Assessing Travel and Fatigue Factors
International tournaments often require teams to travel across time zones, which can impact player performance due to fatigue. Be mindful of teams’ travel schedules and potential jet lag. Teams traveling long distances may underperform compared to well-rested opponents.
Example: In the 2024 Mid-Season Invitational held in Chengdu, several Western teams struggled in their initial matches, possibly due to the long travel and adjustment to the local environment, while Korean and Chinese teams, accustomed to the region, performed strongly.
Betting Tip #4Factor in Player Performance Consistency
Individual player performance, especially in key roles like mid-lane and jungle, can heavily influence a team’s success. Consistent players who perform well under pressure are valuable assets. Research player statistics, such as KDA (Kill/Death/Assist) ratios, and monitor their performance trends over recent matches.
Example: During the 2022 NA LCS playoffs, Cloud9’s mid-laner, Nicolaj “Jensen” Jensen, maintained a high KDA, significantly contributing to the team’s success and making them a favorable bet during the postseason.
Betting Tip #5Evaluating Coaching Impact
A coach’s strategic input can significantly influence a team’s performance, especially in drafting and adapting to opponents. Consider the track record of a team’s coaching staff. Teams with experienced and successful coaches may have strategic advantages.
Example: During the 2024 World Championship, T1’s coach implemented innovative strategies that caught opponents off-guard, contributing to their deep run in the tournament.
Betting Tip #6Analyzing Team Synergy and Communication
Effective communication and teamwork are crucial in League of Legends. Teams with strong synergy often execute strategies more efficiently, leading to better in-game performance. Observe teams’ past performances to assess their coordination. Teams that consistently display cohesive gameplay are more reliable bets.
Example: In the 2024 LEC Spring Split, MAD Lions showcased exceptional teamwork, particularly in their series against Rogue. Their synchronized engagements and objective control were pivotal in securing victories, underscoring the importance of team synergy.
Best Sites to Bet on League of Legends
If you want to bet on League of Legends, offshore sportsbooks are your only option. Regulated U.S. sportsbooks rarely offer esports betting, and even when they do, their selection is limited. The top offshore sportsbooks are safe bets and provide a wide range of LoL betting markets, covering major tournaments and even regional leagues and academy matches.
Look for sites with competitive odds, fast payouts, and a good reputation. Some sites also offer esports-specific promotions, such as risk-free bets or deposit bonuses. Since accounts are free to create, we also suggest using multiple offshore sportsbooks to compare odds and find the best value to maximize your winnings.
Summon Your Winning Streak!
Betting on League of Legends is an opportunity to combine your knowledge, instincts, and strategy to elevate the excitement of every match. From understanding the nuances of gameplay to mastering advanced betting tips and odds, success comes down to preparation and attention to detail.
By staying informed about team dynamics, patch updates, and regional playstyles, you can make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge. Use the insights in this guide to make smarter bets, take calculated risks, and enjoy the thrill of the ever-evolving League of Legends scene.
If you’re new to esports betting there’s a lot more to learn.
Read through our betting guides to discover more tips and tricks.
common FAQs about League of Legends
Expert answers to the most common questions about League of Legends betting:
How can I predict game length for over/under bets?
Game length is influenced by team strategies and champion compositions. Analyze each team’s average game duration, win rates with scaling champions, and preference for early aggression. Teams relying on late-game champions often lead to longer matches, making them ideal for over game duration bets.
Are kill spread bets predictable, and how should I evaluate them?
Kill spreads depend on team playstyles and regional trends. Aggressive teams often generate large kill spreads, while objective-focused teams may have smaller ones. Evaluate average kills per game, aggression metrics, and lane dominance to gauge kill spread reliability.
Should I factor in player form when placing bets?
Yes, individual player performance can heavily impact team success. Analyze KDA (Kill/Death/Assist ratios), CS per minute (CSPM), and damage share for key players like mid-laners and AD carries. A player in peak form can carry a match, making their team a safer bet.
How does vision score affect betting decisions?
Vision score reflects a team’s ability to control the map and secure objectives. Teams with high vision scores typically perform well in objective bets like Baron or Dragon control. Look for consistent warding and vision denial stats to identify teams excelling in map control.
