The rise of online sports betting has been remarkable, and one of the newest sports betting phenomena is eSports betting. If you are interested in eSports betting, we are here to teach you how to bet on eSports.
Whether you are new to eSports betting or a seasoned gamer looking to test your skills through betting, this guide is accessible to all bettors. We unpack the fundamentals of eSports betting, from the major leagues and tournaments to the diverse eSports betting markets and odds, and finally, we unpack the best sportsbooks to use.
The world of sports betting has developed from simple times when you could visit the local betting shop to the emergence of technology and the internet, which gave rise to online sports betting. Now, the latest buzz is around eSports betting. eSports follow the same principles as traditional sports betting, where you can place wagers at the best sportsbooks on hundreds of betting markets.
The main difference is these are virtual sports games, similar to games you would find your kids or friends playing online. Many think eSports is a niche genre, but the popular virtual sports gaming industry has gone mainstream, and there are global leagues and tournaments on several continents. Before we can go further on how to bet on eSports and win, let’s look at some popular eSports games.
Popular eSports Games
Since eSports has gone mainstream, your betting options cover various genres of games. Our eSports
online betting guide
found that many players enjoy playing first-person shooter games and team tournaments. Today, there are global team events on all major esports games, including League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege, Apex Legends, Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, and EA Sports FC tournaments.
All of these popular eSports games have global tournaments with viewership numbers in the millions, and some of the notable global events include the Valorant Champions Tour, ESL Pro League and League of Legends World Championship.
Mainstream eSports games
League of Legends
Fortnite
Dota 2
Valorant
Rainbow Six Siege
Apex Legends
Counter-Strike
Call of Duty
EA Sports FC
Is It Easy to Bet on eSports?
If you are interested in parlay betting, you need to read guides
explaining accumulator bets
to understand the concept of the betting market. The same principle applies to eSports; you cannot bet on different games without understanding the game mechanics and how betting works. If you do proper research and read various online betting guides on eSports, then it is easy to bet on eSports.
Types of eSports Betting Markets
A common misconception that many bettors have is that all the markets are the same for eSports, but that is not the case. While some markets may share similarities to traditional sports betting markets, there are also some unique betting options, which we cover below.
Moneylines
– Similar to traditional sports betting, you are betting on which team or player will win the game.
Over/under
– Another market similar to traditional sports betting, where you can wager on the over/under number of events. For example, you can bet on whether a FIFA eSports game will have over or under 2.5 goals.
Odds/even
– Bet on whether there will be an odd or even number of events, such as games won or rounds played.
First map
– A popular market for first-person shooter games like Counter-Strike. Instead of betting on who will win the overall game, you can bet on which team will win the first map. An example of a first map betting market in traditional sports is basketball betting. When we
explained quarter betting, we mentioned that you can wager on sections of a game instead of the overall winner. This is exactly how first map betting works for eSports.
Prop bets
– Popular betting options include first kill and first blood. Here, you will need to do detailed research on players and their gaming techniques to see who generally goes on the offensive and plays aggressively.
Live betting
– Like most sports betting, you can place in-play bets with eSports betting. This works well when you have time to live-stream the action and then decide on your bets while the game is ongoing.
Criteria When Selecting eSports Sportsbooks
When you are ready to bet on eSports, it is important that you only use sportsbooks that are licensed and regulated. Other important features include bonuses and promotions, secure banking options and diverse betting markets. Below are the main features you should evaluate when selecting an eSports sportsbook:
📜 Licensing Information
Licensing information – Get as much information as possible on the licensing information of the sportsbook. Check the license number, the regulator, and the ownership details.
🔒 Secure Banking
Secure banking – You should only use eSports sites with an encrypted banking platform to protect all your deposits and withdrawals from fraudsters.
⚡ Speedy Support
Speedy support – The best sites will have various support options with fast feedback from helpful agents. Check that there is live chat, email support and even a phone number.
🎁 Fair Bonuses
Fair bonuses – eSports bookmakers generally have tailored offers whenever there is a major event, so check for match deposits, free bets, and cashback offers. When researching the bonuses, please also check the bonus terms and ensure the wagering is fair and has long expiry dates.
🌐 Diverse Betting Markets
Diverse betting markets – For the ultimate eSports betting experience, you should diversify your betting to cover various betting options. Check that your sportsbook provides pre-match betting and live betting with prop bets, moneylines and futures.
ESports Betting: Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
Available on most sports betting sites#Tailored bonuses on all major events
Live streaming is available at some sportsbooks
eSports betting requires detailed research
How to Bet on eSports and Win – Top Tips to Follow
Betting on eSports is easy and fun, but to maximize your betting experience, you should implement an effective eSports betting strategy. To help you along, we have shared our tips for betting on eSports.
There is no rush when betting. Take your time to find your favorite games and markets, and never bet blindly.
It is best to watch some games before placing wagers. So, if the sportsbook has live streaming, watch a few matches, and once you understand the game rules, you can start betting.
Start small with small bets to find your footing. When you are comfortable and have developed an effective betting strategy, increase your wagers responsibly.
You should always do in-depth research on players, teams, game metas and head-to-head records. Also, take time to research players’ social media accounts and travels, as jetlag plays a role when teams travel far away to attend events.
When taking prop bets, your
prop betting strategy
should include watching highlights of players’ previous games so you can find trends and patterns in their gameplay. This helps when backing aggressive players for first kill and first blood prop wagers.
Use various eSports betting sites, as some have better odds than others for certain matches. By using different sites, you can get the best returns based on increased odds.
When claiming any eSports bonuses, you should diarize all bonus terms so it is easy to track the wagering terms and bonus expiry details.
Always practise responsible gambling when placing eSports bets. If you are on a losing run, don’t chase losses; step back, take a break, and just watch the games instead of betting.
Final Thoughts – Use Our eSports Betting Strategies at the Best Sportsbooks
After reading this eSports betting guide, you should be confident and ready to start your eSports betting adventure. Betting on eSports requires discipline, so please stick to your strategy and always wager responsibly. Enjoy the gaming, and if you need help finding the best eSports betting sites, click on the sportsbooks’ banners on this page to create a new account and access diverse betting markets and bonuses.
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How to Bet on eSports FAQs
You must first create a new betting account and, after signing up, make a qualifying deposit to trigger the welcome bonus. Then click the eSports banner and place your wagers on any available events. Please remember to do in-depth research before placing any bets.
On this page, we have shared our top eSports betting sites, and you can sign up with any site by clicking the banners on this page. After signing up, you can claim an exclusive welcome bonus.
eSports betting bonuses include free bets, bet and get offers, match bonuses, and cashback.
