Titles like League of Legends (LoL), Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO and CS:GO 2), Valorant, Dota 2, and Fortnite, are among some of the most popular eSports. Each of these are played by millions around the world, with a large player base enjoying these games competitively.
Huge global tournaments are held annually in large venues and are broadcast by major sports networks due to their popularity. This has further enhanced the appeal of these events, many of which initially started on streaming platforms like Twitch.
Viewers would go to these platforms to watch others play, using them as a form of entertainment and social interaction, especially during a period when most were unable to leave their homes due to the pandemic. At the same time, the gambling industry noted opportunities in these streams.
eSports betting has become a global phenomenon for many bettors, as it is played like traditional sporting events. Bets can be placed on games played in the same way as soccer, boxing, horse racing, American football, basketball, ice hockey, and more. Bettors can wager on various outcomes, enhancing their viewing experience and potentially profiting from their predictions.
How to bet on eSports
If traditional sports have ever been wagered on, betting on eSports is just as straightforward. As noted, they are very similar in what they offer.
Players can bet on various markets, such as predicting who might win, what the correct outcome is, or what might happen in the game. With today’s betting options, it’s also possible to make prop bets. If you’re looking to find out the answer to “what does prop bet mean”, it’s essentially betting on something other than the result of the event, such as a player/team action.
Of course, if online sports betting is new to an individual, there is every chance it can be confusing and a little overwhelming. Indeed, if using a sportsbook that offers comprehensive coverage of eSports, there can be a lot of data received on a bookie’s page. The very best will offer detailed statistics, head-to-head records, previous form and results, as well as tips and strategies for bettors. Each of these has been designed to help, but for a new player, this can be an overload of information.
Making the first bet
To make a first bet on eSports, the process is pretty generic at most sportsbooks. Before making any bet, players must create an account at a licensed betting site. It’s recommended to use a licensed option, as this means players are protected from unfair gambling and harmful experiences.
Once an account has been created, individuals must make a deposit before placing their first bet. At this stage of the process, it may also be possible to obtain a welcome bonus or an eSports-specific bonus that provides additional value. Free bets can often be found, while matched-deposit bonuses are also typically available.
After making the deposit and the funds are credited, players can place their first eSports bet. Most sites will have a dedicated section where they can find all of the bettable events in one place. Some betting sites may categorize the game by its name, rather than cluster them all in the same location. For instance, if you’re looking to bet on CS:GO matches, the bookmaker may have a separate ‘CS:GO’ section.
After finding the event the player wants to bet on, a list of available markets and betting odds will be provided. Players should look at each of these and understand what the odds are telling them. Betting odds highlight the probability of an event’s likelihood of being achieved. The shorter the price, the greater the perceived chance of it happening. Remember, there are no guarantees in betting, but odds are set based on many factors.
Before placing a bet, it can be a good idea to compare them against other sites. Odds can fluctuate between other sites, while other bookmakers can set them at a slightly different price. Once happy, the player needs to select the odds by clicking on them. This will add them to their betting slip. Once here, a stake can be set, and then the bet can be confirmed.
Esports betting advice
After placing a bet on an esport event, it is advisable to keep watching the event, as a lot can happen during one. Esports can be very momentum-based, and because of their fast nature, things can happen in an instant.
Using a sportsbook that offers a cash out feature can be beneficial. This allows you to withdraw your bet for a percentage of your initial stake if things aren’t going as well. Cashing out can also be used to withdraw a profit if the bet is going well and players don’t want to let it run fully.
Several eSports betting strategies can enhance gambling sessions, and having a good understanding of the games being wagered on can also be highly beneficial.
Remember, it’s essential to bet responsibly by using only funds you can afford to lose. Play with small stakes, don’t chase losses, and keep in mind that betting is entertainment, not a way to make money.
