Esports Betting Sites and Guide

 

Understanding Esports Betting

Esports betting has rapidly evolved from niche to mainstream, attracting global audiences and significant investment. It involves wagering on the outcome of competitive gaming events and is facilitated by regulated bookmakers and online platforms.

History of Esports Betting

Esports betting emerged in tandem with the rise of competitive gaming. Early forms of betting on esports were informal, often conducted among friends or within gaming communities. As esports gained popularity in the early 2000s, betting sites began to offer odds for major events like the World Cyber Games. The industry’s growth has mirrored that of esports viewership, with more sophisticated betting options appearing over time.

What is Esports Betting?

Esports betting is the activity of placing bets on the outcomes of competitive video gaming events. These events range from tournaments featuring popular games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Dota 2, to name a few. Bettors can stake money on a variety of outcomes, including who will win a match, tournament standings, or specific in-game events.

Types of Esports Bets

• Match Winner: Bettors predict which team or player will win a match.
• Tournament Winner: Wagers placed on who will win an entire esports tournament.
• First Blood/Kill: Betting on which player or team will achieve the first kill in a game.
• Over/Under: A bet on whether a specific statistic will be above or below a certain threshold.

These are just a few examples, with many sites offering a diverse range of betting markets.

Legal Aspects of Esports Betting

Legal regulations surrounding esports betting vary by country and jurisdiction. Some regions have clear legal frameworks that allow for licensed betting on esports, while others prohibit it entirely. It’s critical for bettors to understand the laws in their region to ensure compliance. Many countries require bettors to be of legal gambling age and use licensed betting sites to place wagers on esports events.

How we rate the best eSports betting Sites

Curious about how we came up with our rankings of the best eSports betting sites? Here are our criteria for ranking each of our top picks.

1. Range of sports, markets, and bet types – The best eSports betting sites offer betting on top eSports like DOTA 2, League of Legends, and CS:GO, as well as traditional sports leagues like the NFL, MLB, and Premier League. In addition, we prefer platforms that offer a diversity of betting markets and bet types for each sport.
2. Bonuses & promotions – Many online sportsbooks are offering free bets, deposit matching, and other bonuses for new gamblers, so we take this into account when making our recommendations.
3. Ease of banking & payouts – It can be frustrating to deal with banking issues when placing bets, so we pick gambling platforms with plenty of payment options and a history of timely payouts.
4. Safety, security & customer support – We choose only fully-licensed gaming platforms that have modern security standards like SSL/TLS, HTTPS, 256-bit AES encryptions, and more. Responsive customer support is also an important factor when ranking top eSports betting platforms in Canada.
5. Mobile support – Like to place bets on the go? Of course you do. That’s why we prioritize gambling websites that have a great mobile browser experience, a dedicated iOS/Android app, or both.

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Betting Strategies and Tips

Developing a solid betting strategy is crucial for success in esports betting. This section outlines actionable tips and methods for both novice and experienced bettors, as well as vital information on bankroll management and understanding betting odds.

Basic Esports Betting Strategies

In esports betting, starting with a strong foundation is key. Bettors should always research the games, teams, and players involved. Past match outcomes, team form, head-to-head statistics, and tournament conditions can significantly influence the results of a match. It’s advisable to start with small wagers to gain experience without significant risk.

• Research Thoroughly: Study recent performances, team changes, and strategy adaptations.
• Start Small: Begin betting with smaller stakes to minimize potential losses as you learn.

Advanced Betting Techniques

For the seasoned bettor looking to refine their strategy, exploiting real-time odds and understanding different bet types beyond the basics can create an edge.

• Live Betting: Place bets during matches to take advantage of shifting odds.
• Exploring Markets: Consider alternative betting options, such as handicap bets or correct score wagers, for potentially better odds.

Bankroll Management

Effective bankroll management is a cornerstone of responsible and successful betting. Bettors should establish a clear budget and adhere to strict stake sizes based on a percentage of their bankroll. This mitigates the risk of substantial financial loss.

• Set a Budget: Determine a budget for your betting activities and stick to it.
• Stake Sizing: Typically, bettors should not wager more than 1-5% of their bankroll on a single bet to sustain a healthy betting practice.

Betting Odds Explained

Understanding betting odds is critical for making informed wagers. Odds represent the probability of an event occurring and dictate the potential return on a bet. They can be displayed in different formats, such as decimal, fractional, or American odds.

• Reading Odds: Lower odds indicate a favored outcome, while higher odds suggest a less likely result.
• Odds Formats: Learn how to interpret different odds formats to understand the potential return on investment for your bets.

Esports Tournaments and Events

Evaluating the landscape of esports reveals a robust calendar filled with various tournaments and events. These gatherings draw in teams and players from around the world, vying for prestige and substantial prize pools.

Major Esports Tournaments

The International (Dota 2): As one of the most prestigious tournaments, The International boasts the highest prize pool in esports, often exceeding $30 million. It is hosted annually by Valve Corporation and features the top Dota 2 teams globally.

League of Legends World Championship: Another notable event is the League of Legends World Championship, organized by Riot Games. This tournament gathers the best teams from various leagues to compete for the title.

Seasonal and Annual Esports Events

Overwatch League: This professional esports league is organized by Blizzard Entertainment and runs annually, with teams competing in regular season matches followed by playoffs.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Majors: CS Majors occur twice a year and are sponsored by Valve. They showcase the highest level of competitive play in CS and offer significant prize money.

How to Follow Esports Events

To stay updated with esports events, fans can follow:

• Tournament Organizers’ Websites: Platforms like ESL Gaming or DreamHack provide schedules, brackets, and live updates.
• Social Media: Teams, players, and event organizers frequently update their Twitter and Instagram accounts with event information.
• Esports News Outlets: Websites such as ESPN Esports, Dot Esports, and HLTV.org offer coverage and analysis of events.
• Streaming Services: Twitch and YouTube live streams are primary sources for watching live matches and tournament coverage.

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Popular Esports Games

Esports enthusiasts follow a variety of competitive games, but certain titles consistently attract large audiences and significant betting action due to their competitive nature and global player base.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS)

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, colloquially known as CS, is a tactical shooter renowned for its intense five-on-five gameplay. Teams alternate between playing terrorists and counter-terrorists, with a strong emphasis on team coordination and strategy.

League of Legends (LoL)

League of Legends, often abbreviated as LoL, is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. Teams, composed of five champions each, seek to destroy the opposing team’s “Nexus.” Its annual world championship is one of the most viewed esports events globally.

Dota 2

Dota 2, another MOBA, is famed for its deep strategy and complex gameplay. With a roster of over 100 playable characters, teams of five players compete to dominate the other team’s base. Dota 2’s “The International” boasts one of the largest prize pools in esports.

Overwatch

Overwatch combines first-person shooter and MOBA elements, offering a diverse cast of characters with unique abilities. Teams of six players work together to complete map-specific objectives within a limited time. The Overwatch League has established a city-based team structure similar to traditional sports leagues.

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Which markets are usually available for gamblers when betting online?

Depending on the game you’re watching, the betting markets available can vary tremendously. However, most eSports have betting markets including:

• Match winner (moneyline)
• Tournament winner
• First kill/first blood
• Handicap lines (spreads)
• Proposition (prop) bets, which vary widely depending on the game
• Betting on totals, such as number of rounds, kills, points, or maps played, depending on the game

For more information about betting markets available, it’s a good idea to take a look at a few upcoming games in the eSport of your choice, using your preferred betting platform.

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The Odds in eSports

The best way to find good odds in eSports is to compare odds across multiple betting websites. You can often find value by comparing individual sportsbooks, so it’s a good idea to use multiple platforms when placing bets. Both short-term and long-term odds are available, and we’ll discuss these in more detail below.

The odds ranges in eSports

The most common way to bet in eSports is on match outcomes. A money line bet will usually be around -110 for an underdog and +120 for a favorite if the game is evenly-matched – but these odds can surge by quite a bit in uneven games, where heavy favorites are facing teams that are not believed to have a chance.

What can gamblers bet on when it comes to eSports?

This really depends on the eSport. Most eSports support common bet types like 1×2 bets, system bets, accumulator bets, and parlays. The odds and maximum wagers also vary widely depending on the game you’re betting on, and the sports book you’re using.

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Short-term betting in eSports

In eSports, short-term betting usually consists of wagering on the outcome of a single game, or a series of multiple games. The advantage of short-term betting is that many eSports have upsets in major tournaments, so careful betting can reward you with big wins.

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Long-term betting in eSports

Long-term betting in eSports usually involves betting on the winner of a particular tournament – or the overall league winner in an eSport, such as the winner of the DOTA 2 International. These bets usually must be placed well in advance of the tournament’s start date, and by betting on underdogs, gamblers have the potential to win big.

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Live betting and in-play betting in eSports

The live and in-play betting options available for gamblers can vary wildly depending on the eSports. In DOTA 2, for example, players can bet on the number of Bounty Runes collected in a game, or gamble on the outcome of a Pistol Round in CS:GO. The available bets depend on the operator you’re using, but there are usually a lot of different options.

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Espots Frequently Asked Questions

Exploring esports betting begins with knowing where to bet, how to evaluate odds, and understanding the impact of statistics on betting strategies. This section answers common questions to guide bettors in making informed decisions.

What are some top platforms for betting on esports?

Top platforms for betting on esports include Bet365, Pinnacle, and Unikrn. These sites offer a wide range of markets, live betting options, and competitive odds for various esports titles.

Which apps are recommended for betting on video games?

Recommended apps for betting on video games are Betway Esports, which is renowned for its user-friendly interface, and the DraftKings Sportsbook app, known for offering a variety of betting options along with fantasy esports.

What should I look for in esports betting odds?

In esports betting odds, one should look for value which entails comparing different bookmakers to find the most favorable odds. Understanding the implied probability behind the odds is also crucial for successful wagering.

Can you provide strategies for successful esports betting?

Successful esports betting strategies involve thorough research of teams and players, bankroll management, and staying updated with the latest game patches and their strategic impacts. It’s also advisable to specialize in one or two esports titles.

Are there any reputable esports betting forums or communities?

Reputable esports betting forums or communities include Reddit’s r/esportsbetting and HLTV.org’s forums. These communities provide discussions and insights on betting from experienced bettors.

How do esports betting statistics influence placing a bet?

Esports betting statistics provide valuable information on team performance, head-to-head records, and past match outcomes which help inform bettor’s decisions. Statistical analysis can identify patterns and trends that are not apparent at first glance.

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The stars in eSports

ColdZera (CS:GO)

Brazilian CS:GO player ColdZera currently plays for FaZe Clan, and is often ranked as the #1 Counter-Strike player in the world, with winnings approaching $1 million, and 11 first-place finishes in A and S-tier CS:GO tournaments.

MATUMBAMAN (DOTA 2)

Playing for Team Secret after a long stint with Team Liquid, Finland-based MATUMBAMAN has won a total of more than $3.6 million across 67 DOTA 2 tournaments, and is recognized as one of the most consistent and mechanically-skilled players in the world.

Doinb (League of Legends)

Korean Doinb is the captain of FunPlus Phoenix, and led his team to a World Championship in the 2019 League of Legends tournament, beating top teams like Fnatic, G2 Esports, and Invictus Gaming to claim most of a prize pool that was estimated to exceed $6 million USD.

Bugha (Fortnite)

American Fortnite player Bugha won the 2019 Fortnite World Cup in 2019, taking home $3 million, and is regarded as perhaps the best Fortnite player in the world, despite being only 17 years old. He’s definitely one to look out for in competitive Fortnite.

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The best eSports clubs & teams

Want to follow some top eSports clubs? Here are a few of the top players in the world of competitive gaming.

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Community and Resources

The importance of community support and reliable educational resources cannot be overstated in the realm of esports betting. These tools empower bettors to make informed decisions.

Online Communities

Online communities provide a platform for bettors to exchange tips, discuss strategies, and share experiences. Utilization of forums like Reddit often proves invaluable. Sub-reddits such as /r/esports and /r/esportsbetting are hubs for discussion. Social media groups, particularly on Facebook and Twitter, serve a similar purpose. They facilitate connections between bettors and experts and often feature real-time discussions on live events.

Educational Resources for Esports Betting

Educational resources are essential for both novice and experienced bettors to stay informed and refine betting strategies. Websites such as Esports Insider and HLTV.org offer comprehensive coverage, including match analyses and betting odds. For statistical insight, sites like GosuGamers provide extensive data that bettors can leverage. E-learning platforms also offer courses and webinars tailored to esports betting, covering topics from basic betting principles to advanced wagering techniques.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling is crucial to maintaining betting as a safe and enjoyable activity. It’s about recognizing when gambling is becoming a problem and knowing the tools and support available to maintain control.

Recognizing Gambling Problems

Signs of a gambling problem may include:

• Constantly thinking about betting
• Increasing bet amounts to achieve desired excitement
• Trying unsuccessfully to control, cut back, or stop betting
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
• Chasing losses or gambling despite serious consequences

One should always monitor their gambling habits and seek help if these indicators become prevalent.

Tools and Support for Responsible Betting

Betting sites commonly provide the following tools to support responsible gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Users can set a limit on the amount of money they deposit over a specific period.
• Time-Out Periods: They allow users to take a break from betting for a chosen time frame.
• Self-Exclusion Programs: These programs let users block access to their betting accounts for a minimum period, often at least six months.
• Reality Checks: Reminders that inform users how long they have been playing and how much they have spent.

Support resources include:

• Professional counseling and therapy
• Peer support groups
• Educational resources on responsible gambling

Individuals should use these tools and services proactively to ensure their betting remains within safe and manageable boundaries.

eSports is one of the fastest-growing betting markets in the world

With so many different games and players to choose from, eSports is one of the best betting markets available today. There are always individual games and tournaments to bet on, and the increasing popularity of video gaming competitions means that there are more opportunities than ever for gamblers to find value and win big on their favorite games. Start betting now – and see why eSports could be the future of sports.