Step-by-Step Guide to eSports Betting Odds and Markets
eSports betting has grown significantly over the years, offering exciting opportunities for fans of games like CS:GO, Dota 2, League of Legends, and many others. However, to maximize your chances of success in eSports betting, understanding the odds and betting markets is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about eSports betting odds and the various betting markets available, from basic odds formats to advanced betting options.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how eSports betting works, how to read odds, and the different types of markets you can bet on.
Understanding eSports Betting Odds
Before placing any bets, it’s essential to understand eSports betting odds. Odds represent the probability of an outcome occurring and the amount of money you can win based on your stake. In eSports betting, odds are displayed in several formats:
- Decimal Odds (Common in Europe, Canada, and Australia)
- These are the most straightforward odds format, showing the total return (including your stake) on a winning bet.
- For example, decimal odds of 2.00 means that for every $1 you bet, you’ll receive $2 back (your original bet plus $1 profit).
- Fractional Odds (Common in the UK)
- This format shows the profit relative to your stake. For example, 5/1 means you’ll win $5 for every $1 bet.
- Moneyline Odds (Common in the United States)
- These are represented as either positive (+) or negative (-) numbers. Positive moneyline odds show how much profit you would make on a $100 bet (e.g., +200 means a $100 bet would return $200 profit). Negative moneyline odds show how much you need to bet to win $100 (e.g., -150 means you need to bet $150 to win $100).
Tip: As a beginner, decimal odds are the easiest to understand and are commonly used by most eSports betting platforms.
For a more detailed understanding of how odds work, check out this guide on how to read sports betting odds.
Step-by-Step Guide to eSports Betting Markets
After understanding how to read eSports betting odds, the next step is to explore the various betting markets available in eSports. Below are the most common markets you’ll encounter:
1. Match Winner
This is the simplest and most popular betting market in eSports. You are simply betting on which team will win a match.
Example: In a CS:GO match between Team A and Team B, you can bet on either Team A or Team B to win the match.
2. Map Winner
In best-of-three or best-of-five matches, you can bet on the outcome of each map within the match. For example, in CS:GO or Dota 2, you can bet on which team will win a specific map, such as Dust II or Mirage in CS:GO.
Example: If Team A has been dominating on Mirage, you might bet on them to win that specific map, even if they might not win the overall match.
3. Total Rounds or Total Maps
In games like CS:GO, betting on total rounds or total maps is a popular market. You can bet on whether the total number of rounds or maps will be over or under a certain value.
Example: In a CS:GO match, if the line for total rounds is set at 26.5, you can bet on whether the match will go over or under that total. If Team A and Team B are evenly matched, it’s likely that the match will go to more rounds, and betting on over 26.5 could be a good option.
4. First Kill or First Blood
In games like Dota 2 or League of Legends, betting on the first kill or first blood is common. You can bet on which team or player will get the first kill in the game.
Example: In a Dota 2 match, if you know that Team A has aggressive players who tend to secure early kills, you may want to place a bet on them to get the first blood.
5. Outright Winner
This market allows you to place a bet on who will win an entire tournament or event. Unlike match betting, this involves wagering on the overall winner rather than a single match.
Example: If you’re betting on the Dota 2 International, you can bet on the overall winner of the tournament weeks or months in advance.
6. Live Betting Markets
Live betting (also known as in-play betting) is a dynamic market where you can place bets during the game. Odds and markets constantly change as the match progresses, giving you the chance to react to in-game events like kills, objectives, and team compositions.
Example: In CS:GO, you might see that Team A is leading early but then begins to struggle. As the odds shift during the match, you could place a live bet on Team B to stage a comeback.
For more information on live betting, check out this guide on live football betting, which shares some parallels with eSports live betting.
7. Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is often used when there is a clear favorite in a match or tournament. This market allows you to place a bet on the underdog by giving them a “handicap” (or advantage) to level the playing field.
Example: In a League of Legends match, if Team A is a heavy favorite, the bookmaker might offer a handicap, such as giving Team B a +1.5 map advantage. This means that Team B needs to win at least 1 map for your bet to win.
How to Choose the Best eSports Betting Platform
Selecting the right platform is crucial for a smooth betting experience. When choosing a platform for eSports betting, look for the following criteria:
1. Licensing and Regulation
Ensure that the platform is licensed by a reputable authority such as the UK Gambling Commission or Curacao eGaming. A licensed site ensures fair play, secure transactions, and adherence to local regulations.
2. Bonuses and Promotions
Look for platforms that offer welcome bonuses, free bets, or other promotions. These bonuses can give you a head start in your betting journey.
3. Payment Methods
Choose a site with a variety of secure payment options, such as PayPal, Skrill, bank transfer, and cryptocurrencies. This flexibility makes deposits and withdrawals easier.
4. Security
Security is a top priority when it comes to eSports betting. Look for sites that use SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial data.
5. Mobile Compatibility
A mobile-friendly platform is essential for bettors who like to place bets on the go. Ensure the platform offers a smooth mobile experience or even a dedicated betting app.
Legal Aspects and Safety of eSports Betting in Bangladesh
eSports betting is technically illegal in Bangladesh, but many players still bet using international platforms. If you’re in Bangladesh, it’s essential to use secure, licensed betting sites that accept players from the region. Always ensure that the platform you choose has proper licensing and security features to protect your funds.
For more details on safe gambling and how to choose secure betting platforms, check out this guide on secure betting apps.
Responsible eSports Betting
While eSports betting can be exciting, it’s important to practice responsible gambling. Set a budget for your betting, track your bets, and avoid chasing losses. If you ever feel like your betting is getting out of control, seek help through self-exclusion tools or support organizations.
Conclusion
Understanding eSports betting odds and betting markets is essential for improving your chances of success. Whether you’re betting on match winners, live odds, or handicaps, the key is to make informed decisions and practice sound bankroll management. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be better equipped to make smarter bets and enjoy a more rewarding betting experience.
For more detailed insights on eSports betting, value bets, and strategy guides, visit betadvisorzone.
FAQs
1. What is the most popular betting market in eSports?
The most common market is match winner, where you predict which team will win a particular match. Other popular markets include map winner, total rounds, and live betting.
2. How do I calculate eSports betting odds?
eSports odds are calculated based on the probability of an outcome occurring. Decimal odds are the easiest to understand, as they show the total return for every dollar wagered, including the stake.
3. Is live betting profitable in eSports?
Yes, live betting can be profitable if you can quickly analyze momentum shifts and in-game events. Reacting quickly to changes in odds can help you find value bets.
4. How can I manage my eSports betting bankroll?
Use strategies like flat betting or the Kelly Criterion to manage your bankroll. Set a budget, track your bets, and avoid emotional betting to protect your funds.
5. Is eSports betting legal in Bangladesh?
Online gambling is technically illegal in Bangladesh, but many international betting platforms still accept players from the country. Always choose licensed and secure platforms.