Best eSports Betting Sites

eSports has grown massively in the last decade, and betting on it has also gained significant popularity. Wagering on eSports might seem confusing at first, but it’s much like betting on traditional sports—only with video games! In 2024, eSports betting is bigger than ever. Millions of fans place bets on everything from match winners to total kills. 

Whether you like League of Legends, Dota 2, or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, there’s a bet for you. This guide will explore the industry, explain how e-Sports betting works, describe the types of bets you can place, and share some tips to improve your chances of winning. 

Understanding eSports

eSports is competitive video gaming. Organized tournaments are held across the globe for teams and players to compete. These tournaments are broadcast live, and if you want to be part of the experience, one way or another, betting on these games is possible. 

The most popular games the punters currently bet on include League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Fortnite. Each has its own fanbase and tournaments, and you can check the schedule ahead of time. These events often come with big prize pools, sometimes reaching millions of dollars, so the stakes are high.

How eSports Betting Works

At the end of the day, it’s like any other kind of wagering. You have to create an account with a bookie. Selecting a reliable bookmaker is important, so look for reputable licenses, wide ranges of betting markets, profitable odds, live streaming and updates, and, most importantly, quick customer service. 

So, in short: 

1. Pick and create an account with a bookmaker. 
2. Fund your account and claim your welcome bonus, or claim an eSports-specific bonus for better odds. 
3. Head over to the eSports section and select a game you are familiar with. 
4. Pick the match, team, or player you want to bet on, and click on the odds. 
5. The odds transfer directly to your betslip, and you just have to decide how much to wager. 
6. Confirm your wager and wait for the game to play itself out to win! 

Though this sounds simple, you still need to strategically place bets to win better and more often. So, keep reading for pro tips on how to make smart bets.

Top eSports Markets 

While it is true that eSport gambling markets are not as varied as other mainstream sports, there is still a lot of variety. Let’s check out some of the major ones below:

1. Match Winner: The most basic market there is. All you have to do is bet on which team or player will win a specific match.
2. First Blood: This refers to who gets the first shot in. In a co-op game like Counter-Strike, it might be who gets the first kill. The same applies in League or Dota. 
3. Map Winner: This is specific to games that rely on maps. Think Valorant or CS:GO. A map essentially makes for a round. You bet on which player or team will win on which map. 
4. Outright Winner: This is also a simple one. You bet on which team or player will go on to win a big tournament. 
5. Handicaps: Handicaps are a staple of sports betting. Basically, the favorite gets a handicap. Say, if XYZ is the favorite to win a tournament, you might give them a handicap of -5. This means that they will have to win by more than 5 for you to win. 
6. Total Kills: It’s basically what it says. You bet on how many kills the player or team will get in a match or tournament. 
7. Correct Score: You have to guess which player/team will win a certain number of matches in a series. For example, you might think that Team A will beat Team B 3-2 in a series of five matches. 
8. First/Last to Achieve Goal: You can bet on which team/player will complete an objective first or last. These games can be like a race, so be prepared to do some research. 

Markets will be different based on what game you’re betting on. Prepare to bet on the number of dragons slain or barracks destroyed, depending on your choice! Just take your time to understand what each game has to offer. 

Tips to Make Smart Bets on eSports

Research, research, and more research! Yes, this will get you very far in building the right strategy. Now let us tell you where you need to look. 

• Understand the Different Game Dynamics: Each eSports title has its own set of strategies, game mechanics, and player roles. Is it a strategic team fighting game or an individual skill and tactics-based game? Understand the nuanced differences. 
• Understand the Tournament Format: eSports tournaments often follow different formats, such as Best of One (BO1), Best of Three (BO3), or Best of Five (BO5). A BO1 can be more volatile, whereas a BO3 or BO5 offers more opportunities for teams to showcase their skill over multiple rounds. 
• Track Roster Changes: Roster changes or team chemistry shifts can drastically impact performance. New player signings, injuries, or even internal team disputes can affect how well a team plays. 
• In-Game Statistics: eSports betting often provides a wealth of statistics that can influence your bet. Metrics like first blood, kill/death ratio, team fight success, and objective control can give you a deeper understanding of how a match is likely to play out, especially in games like Dota 2 and Overwatch.
• Follow the Meta: The “meta” refers to the most effective strategies or playstyles in a game at any given time. It evolves with patches, updates, and changes in competitive play. Teams that stay ahead of the meta or adapt quickly can have a competitive advantage, making them more likely to win. 
• Pay Attention to Venue and Region: eSports tournaments can be held online or at live events. The home team advantage in live events can often give certain teams an edge due to familiarity with the venue, local fan support, and less travel fatigue. Additionally, regional differences in playstyle (such as NA vs. EU in League of Legends) can influence match outcomes.
• Stay Updated with Live Betting: eSports live betting is an excellent opportunity to place wagers as the game unfolds. Watching the match in real time allows you to assess the flow of the game, team momentum, and individual player performance. This can give you a clear advantage in making informed bets on mid-game events such as round winners, first kills, or map objectives.
• Bet on Specific Events or Prop Bets: Beyond betting on match outcomes, eSports wagering also includes prop bets that focus on specific in-game events. For instance, you could bet on who will get the first kill, which team will destroy the first tower, or which player will secure the most kills. These bets often come with higher odds and can offer value if you understand the players’ tendencies and the team’s style of play.

Now, it is impossible to get it right on the first try. So, start small until you feel confident enough to increase your bets. Playing responsibly is your burden to bear, no matter how many responsible gambling tools the bookie may offer. So bet smart and play it safe.