Esports, or competitive video gaming, has quickly grown from a small hobby into a global trend. It attracts millions of viewers and generates billions in revenue. As esports has grown, betting on these games has become popular. Fans can bet on their favourite games and teams.

This guide will explain the basics of betting on esports. It will cover popular games, types of bets, how to read odds and tips for beginners.

What Are Esports?

Esports features professional players and teams competing in various video game genres. Competitions are organised into leagues and tournaments, with millions globally viewing significant prize pools and live broadcasts. Popular genres include MOBAs, FPS, RTS, and sports simulations.

Some of the most popular esports titles are:

– League of Legends (LoL): A MOBA where teams of five compete to destroy the opposing team’s base. It’s one of the most-watched and bet-on esports globally.

– Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO): A tactical FPS where teams of terrorists and counter-terrorists compete in various objective-based game modes.

– Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) famous for its large prize pools at The International championship. Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter (FPS) that merges elements of MOBAs and shooting games.

– Call of Duty is a well-known first-person shooter game series. It is famous for its fast-paced gameplay that focuses on completing objectives in a competitive setting.

FIFA is a sports game that accurately reflects soccer through professional leagues and tournaments.

Types of Esports Bets

Like traditional sports betting, esports betting offers different types of bets. Knowing these options is essential for creating a winning strategy.

Match Winner (Moneyline): This is a simple bet where you choose which team or player you think will win a specific match. It’s popular with beginners because it’s straightforward.

Handicap Betting: This bet helps balance a match between a stronger and weaker team. The underdog gets a virtual advantage. For example, if a team has a -1.5 handicap, they need to win by at least two games in a best-of-three series for the bet to win.

Over/Under Bets: In this bet, you predict whether a specific game statistic, like total kills, rounds, or maps, will be higher or lower than a number set by the bookmaker.

Outright Winner (Futures): Here, you predict the overall winner of a tournament or league, not just one match. These bets are often made before the game starts and can pay off well if you choose correctly.

Prop Bets: Prop bets focus on specific events within a game instead of the overall outcome. Examples include betting on which team will get the first kill, how many maps will be played in a series, or whether a player will reach a specific goal in the game.

Understanding Esports Betting Odds

Esports betting odds work similarly to traditional sports betting, indicating the likelihood of a particular outcome and how much you can win. The three most common formats for odds are:

– Decimal Odds: Common in Europe, these odds show your total payout per unit stake. For example, odds of 2.50 mean a $10 bet would return $25 (2.50 x $10).

– Fractional Odds: Popular in the UK, fractional odds show the profit relative to the stake. For example, odds of 5/2 mean a $5 profit for every $2 bet.

– American Odds: Used in the U.S., they can be positive or negative. Positive odds (e.g., +200) show a potential profit on a $100 bet. In contrast, negative odds (e.g., -150) indicate the amount needed to bet to win $100.

Tips for Getting Started with E-Sports Betting

1. Research to Stay Informed: Stay updated on news, team rosters, player performance, and changes in the games you want to bet on or changes you think will affect the outcome. Knowing the current game status and the teams can help you make better-informed bets in the future.

2. Start Small: If you’re new to esports betting, start with small bets. This will help you learn how it works. You can increase your bet wager as you gain experience and feel more confident in your betting ability in time.

3. Specialise in Specific Games: Esports includes many games with unique strategies and communities. Focus on a few games you know well. This will help you make more informed and successful bets.

4. Manage Your Bankroll: Set a betting budget, whether weekly or monthly. Have fun, but gamble responsibly and avoid chasing losses.

5. Shop for the Best Odds: Sportsbooks may offer different odds for the same event. Compare odds across various sites to ensure you get the best bet value. Here at Player 45 you will find the best odds for any sport.

Conclusion

Esports betting offers the excitement of competitive gaming and the chance to win money. Betting on events like League of Legends can be more enjoyable if you understand the various types of bets, how odds work, and why research matters. Always remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the experience.

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