What is eSports Betting?
Have you ever heard of eSports betting? It’s a form of gambling that involves making wagers on competitive video gaming between teams. But hold on, let’s break it down for you.
In the world of eSports, players engage in multiplayer-focused video games on platforms like PCs or game consoles. These games are designed to be played against other players, either online or through a local area network (LAN) connection. But that’s not all! For eSports betting to take place, the game must also have a spectator mode that allows viewers to follow the action closely.
However, there are a few more requirements for a game to be suitable for betting. A proper match-making system that pits players of similar abilities against each other is a must. Additionally, factors like map layouts, game balance, and other competitive elements should be present to keep the betting experience exciting.
With the immense popularity of eSports, it’s no surprise that over 450 million people worldwide tune in to watch these competitive video gaming events each year. And the number is only expected to grow. As eSports gambling is still relatively new, players can find a variety of regular wagers and special eSports prop bets on reputable sportsbooks.
Is eSports Gambling Legal in the US?
Now you might be wondering if eSports betting is even legal. The answer to that question depends on the country or state in which you reside. In the United States, for example, eSports betting is generally treated the same as traditional sports betting, with one exception.
While many eSports leagues draft players who are under 18 years of age but possess exceptional skills, most states are against wagering on minors. As a result, certain US states, including New Jersey, have introduced legislation that allows eSports betting only if all players involved are 18 years of age or older.
Given the legal complexities surrounding eSports betting, it is always recommended for players to familiarize themselves with the legislation in their respective countries.
Top eSports Games to Bet On
With numerous eSports titles available, it’s important to know which games offer the most excitement and betting opportunities. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular eSports leagues and their associated games, assisting you in making well-informed betting decisions:
Call of Duty
Prepare to embrace the excitement of eSports betting with the help of our Call of Duty (COD) experts. Dive into the world of intense first-person shooter gameplay and witness thrilling matches unfold.
Overwatch
Are you ready for some epic betting moments? Overwatch, the team-based shooter game developed by Blizzard Entertainment, offers adrenaline-pumping action and thrilling battles. Engage in eSports betting on Overwatch and experience the excitement firsthand.
Real Money eSports Gambling
When it comes to eSports gambling, the pace is fast and exhilarating. To keep up with this rapid pace, online bettors need reliable and secure payment methods. Here are some of the top payment methods recommended for betting on eSports online:
Credit/debit card
Accepted by almost all online gambling sites, credit or debit cards provide speedy and convenient options for depositing and withdrawing funds.
Bitcoin/cryptocurrency
Specialist eSports betting sites often favor cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin due to their security features and ease of use.
Prepaid cards
For a quick and hassle-free depositing experience while also protecting your personal details, prepaid cards are an excellent choice.
Popular eSports Bets to Make
Even though eSports is still developing as an industry, there are plenty of gambling options available to players. eSports betting sites offer a range of wagers similar to traditional sportsbooks, but with slightly different terminology. Here are some of the common eSports bets that players can find:
Moneyline
Considered the most basic bet, the moneyline wager involves predicting which eSports team will emerge victorious in a game.
Point spread
In eSports betting, point spread offers two options: “map spread” betting, which refers to the number of kills on a specific map by a team, or “match” betting, which focuses on the number of maps won by a team.
Totals
With totals betting, players wager on the number of specific events that occur within a match. For example, it could involve betting on the number of goals scored in FIFA or player kills in games like Call of Duty.
Specials
Specials are wagers on specific events or outcomes that may transpire within a match. These unique bets add extra excitement and variety to eSports betting. For instance, in a League of Legends match, you could bet that Player A will achieve 20 kills.
Outright
Outright bets involve predicting the overall outcome of an event, such as betting on Team A to emerge as the winner of the Dota 2 International.
Parlay/Accumulator/Combo bets
These types of bets allow players to combine several individual bets on different events. If all the bets within the combination are successful, the odds are multiplied together for a potentially larger payout.
In-Play
In-play or live bets refer to wagers placed while a match is in progress, adding an extra layer of excitement to the betting experience.
What are eSports Special Bets?
Similar to regular sports events, eSports tournaments offer special bets based on in-game occurrences. These prop bets provide significant win potential for bettors who have a good understanding of the eSports scene. With numerous eSports titles available, there are endless opportunities for special bets. Let’s explore some of the top eSports special bets:
Team/Player to Destroy First Structure
In games like League of Legends and Dota 2, bettors can wager on which team or player will destroy a tower or inhibitor first, adding an extra layer of excitement to the match.
Team to Kill First Roshan/Nashor
This special bet, popular in League of Legends and Dota 2, involves predicting which team will be the first to slay the crucial neutral monster known as Roshan in Dota 2 or Nashor in League of Legends.
First Blood
First blood is a term commonly used in eSports to refer to the first kill or elimination in a match. In this special bet, gamblers decide which team or player will achieve that first kill.
Total Number of Kills
For games that involve player kills, such as Fortnite or Call of Duty, bettors can wager on the total number of kills achieved by a particular team or player. The sportsbooks provide an average number of kills, and bettors decide if the final count will be under or over that average.
Player versus Player
In this special bet, gamblers must decide which eSports athlete will achieve the highest number of kills, assists, deaths, or other criteria. The sportsbook provides a pool of two or three players to choose from.
Total Rounds/Match Duration
Matches in some eSports are played in rounds, while others continue until a specific outcome occurs. With this special bet, gamblers must predict whether the game will exceed or fall below the average number of rounds or total match time provided by the sportsbook.
Overtime
In games like CS:GO, matches rarely reach overtime. However, if there is a possibility of a tie, sportsbooks may offer overtime bets. These special bets often carry high odds and offer significant value to bettors who have conducted thorough research.
eSports Betting Bonuses
Bonuses can significantly enhance your bankroll and improve your chances of winning big in eSports betting. The following promotions are commonly offered by sportsbooks and eSports betting sites:
No Deposit Bonus
A no deposit bonus is a popular promotion where players receive free credit after registering with a gambling site. Though the amounts are usually modest, smart bets can lead to substantial winnings.
Free Bets
By depositing a specified amount of money, players can receive a free wager from the house. This bonus allows bettors to test new eSports or prop bets without taking on any risk.
Cashback Bonus
Occasionally offered by sportsbooks, cashback bonuses return a percentage of a player’s losses to their account. It provides a safety net and can help mitigate potential losses.
Deposit Bonus
Deposit bonuses award players with free credit based on the amount of money they deposit into their account. These bonuses are often defined as a percentage and can be given once or multiple times.
Welcome Bonus
Some sportsbooks offer a welcome bonus, which credits a specified amount of bonus cash into a player’s account upon sign-up. Typically, this bonus requires an initial deposit, but it can significantly boost your bankroll.
It’s important to read and understand the terms and conditions of any bonus before claiming it. Wagering requirements, minimum deposit/withdrawal limits, and other restrictions are commonly associated with eSports bonuses.
How to Bet on eSports
Betting on eSports is a straightforward process that closely resembles traditional sports gambling. Many reputable sportsbooks now offer odds and specials on eSports matches, and eSports-focused betting sites provide niche prop bets. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make bets on your favorite eSports leagues:
- Find a recommended sportsbook or eSports betting site.
- Click “Sign up” to create an account.
- Enter the required information and wait for the gambling site to approve your details.
- Choose a preferred payment method and deposit cash into your account.
- Scroll through the available eSports games or tournaments and select the one you want to bet on.
- Evaluate the odds and determine which offer the best value based on your analysis.
- Enter the amount you want to wager.
- Confirm the bet and enjoy watching the game!
Remember, it’s always worthwhile to explore the various bonuses and promotions offered by sportsbooks. These can provide a risk-free means of betting on tournaments while still having the opportunity to win real money.
eSports Gambling Tips
When it comes to making wise eSports bets, a little knowledge can go a long way. With extensive data available online about specific teams and players, bettors can leverage this information to develop effective betting strategies. Here are some tips to help you make smarter eSports bets:
- Specialize and bet selectively: Focus on a single league, team, or genre and gain a deep understanding of their gameplay. This will enable you to make educated decisions when placing bets.
- Learn to identify high- and low-value bets: Having a comprehensive understanding of a team or player’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial in identifying value in the sportsbook’s odds.
- Study player form: Not every eSports athlete performs consistently. Analyze their recent performances and understand any fluctuations in their gameplay.
- Look beyond major tournaments: Standalone tournaments and minor events often present excellent opportunities for profitable bets. Keep an eye on these events to maximize your chances.
- Understand meta: Most eSports games have meta, which refers to strategies, maps, and weapons that are subject to frequent changes. Understand how shifts in the meta can affect your favored team and adjust your bets accordingly.
Exciting eSports Events to Bet On
eSports tournaments have become massive global events, with record-breaking prize money and millions of viewers. Sportsbooks keep up with the tournament action by offering an array of eSports prop bets to cater to both enthusiasts and bettors. Here are some of the biggest eSports tournaments you should keep an eye out for:
Fortnite World Cup
The Fortnite World Cup, though canceled in 2020, continues to reign as a prominent eSports championship. This event showcases the incredible growth of Fortnite as an eSports title, with over $30 million in prize money distributed during the three-day world cup event in 2019. With solo and duo events, the Fortnite World Cup offers numerous betting opportunities.
DOTA 2 International
Each August, Valve hosts the DOTA 2 International, one of the most highly anticipated eSports tournaments of the year. This 10-day tournament features 18 of the best DOTA 2 teams competing for the championship title. With massive prize pools reaching tens of millions of dollars every year, this tournament never disappoints.
League of Legends World Championship
Known as the ‘Worlds,’ the League of Legends World Championship attracts an enormous audience. In 2019, the tournament achieved a staggering 44 million viewers. With a month-long duration, the Worlds showcases the talent of the best League of Legends teams, offering significant betting opportunities to eSports enthusiasts.
CS:GO Major Championships
CS:GO Majors boast some of the most lucrative prize pools in eSports. In 2020, the prize money reached an impressive $12 million. With 24 professional teams competing in a three-stage tournament, CS:GO Majors provide thrilling moments for bettors and spectators alike.
Call of Duty (COD) World Championship
The COD World Championship underwent significant changes in 2020, transitioning to a franchise model and introducing new teams, rosters, and a substantial prize pool of $6 million. As the viewership of this eSports tournament steadily increases, it deserves close attention from smart bettors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How big is esports betting?
eSports betting is a rapidly growing industry, with billions of dollars being spent on wagers. On average, between $12-15 billion is wagered on eSports annually. Furthermore, eSports tournaments often attract more viewers than some of the most traditional sports events.
- Are eSports tournaments considered gambling?
eSports tournaments involve elements of skill and chance, much like traditional sporting events. According to the UK Gambling Commission, betting on eSports tournaments should be treated in the same manner as betting on any other live sporting event.
- Are eSports rigged?
Established eSports tournaments and games are not rigged. Each eSport game has its own organization overseeing tournaments and ensuring the integrity of the sporting event. However, reports have surfaced concerning match-fixing in smaller, unofficial tournaments. The eSports Integrity Commission investigates such reports to maintain fair play within the industry.
- Which games can I place eSports bets on?
Thanks to the growing popularity of eSports betting, there are numerous games available for betting. Some popular eSports titles include Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO), Dota 2, League of Legends, Overwatch, Call of Duty, FIFA, and StarCraft 2.
- How does placing an eSports bet work?
Placing an eSports bet is similar to traditional sports betting. Players can navigate to their preferred sportsbook or eSports betting site, choose the desired eSports event, evaluate the odds, enter the wager amount, and confirm the bet. Then, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the game!
- What kinds of bets can I place on eSports?
Players can place a range of bets on eSports, similar to those found in traditional sports betting. This includes moneyline bets (predicting the winner), point spread bets (betting on the number of maps won or kills scored), totals bets (betting on the number of specific events), special bets (wagering on particular in-game occurrences), outright bets (predicting the overall outcome), parlay/accumulator/combo bets (combining multiple bets), and in-play bets (placing wagers while the game is ongoing).
- Will online gambling sites offer bonuses for eSports bettors?
Yes, both eSports betting sites and traditional sportsbooks offer bonuses tailored specifically for eSports betting. These bonuses may include no deposit bonuses, free bets, cashback bonuses, deposit bonuses, and welcome bonuses. Players are advised to explore the available bonuses and promotions to enhance their betting experience.
- Which banking methods are best for eSports gambling?
When it comes to eSports gambling, e-wallet services such as Skrill and PayPal are popular choices due to their enhanced security measures. These e-wallets ensure that banking details remain secure during online transactions.
Now armed with a wealth of information about eSports betting, you can dive into this thrilling world of competitive gaming. Remember to do your research, develop smart strategies, and enjoy the excitement that comes with placing wagers on your favorite eSports leagues and tournaments!
