How to Bet on eSports – Your Complete Guide to eSports Betting
This guide is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about how to bet on eSports. We’ll cover the basics of placing a bet, dive into the exciting range of markets available, and share some top tips to help you make informed decisions and potentially boost your winnings. Get ready to level up your eSports betting game!
How eSports Betting Works
eSports betting is similar to traditional sports betting. You place a wager on the outcome of a match or tournament, and if your prediction is correct, you win. The amount you win depends on the odds, which are set by the bookmaker. However, you bet on gaming instead of regular sports.
Odds are typically presented in two formats: decimal and fractional. In the UK, fractional odds are the most common. These are displayed as two numbers separated by a slash (e.g., 4/1). The first number indicates how much profit you’ll make for every unit staked, represented by the second number.
For example, if a team has odds of 4/1, this means that for every £1 you bet, you’ll win £4 if your bet is successful (plus your original £1 stake back). See Betting Odds Explained for more details.
eSports Betting Example
Let’s say you want to bet £10 on a team to win a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) match. The team has odds of 5/2.
If they win, your return would be £35 (£10 stake x 5/2 odds = £25 profit + £10 stake), and your profit would be £25.
To calculate potential returns for different stakes and odds, you can use our free bet calculator.
It’s important to remember that odds are not fixed and can change based on various factors, such as team performance and betting patterns. So, it’s always a good idea to shop around for the best odds before placing your bet.
How to Bet on eSports Online - Step by Step
Ready to place your first eSports bet? It's a straightforward process.
Visit an eSports Betting Site
First, you’ll need to choose a reputable online bookmaker that lets you bet on eSports, such as Paddy Power. Make sure to check that the site is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission for a safe and secure betting experience.
Open an Account
Once you’ve found a suitable bookmaker, it’s time to create an account. This usually involves clicking the “Sign Up” or “Register” button and providing some personal details, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You’ll also need to choose a username and password for your account. After verifying your account through the link sent to your email address, you can log in and make your first deposit.
Make a Deposit
Most bookmakers offer a variety of payment options, including debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Choose your preferred option and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deposit.
Make a Selection
Now, it’s time for the fun part – choosing your eSports bets! Browse the eSports section of the bookmaker’s website and find the match or tournament you’re interested in. Select the market you want to bet on, such as match winner, map winner, or total rounds. Click on the odds of your chosen outcome to add it to your betslip.
Place Your Bet
In the betslip, enter the amount you want to stake. The betslip will automatically calculate your potential return based on the odds and stake. Once you’re happy with your selection, click the “Place Bet” button to confirm your wager. Your bet will be placed, and you can track the progress of the match or tournament to see if you’ve won.
eSports Betting Tips and Strategy
While there’s no guaranteed way to win when betting on eSports, using a few key strategies can significantly improve your chances of success. By combining knowledge of the games, thorough research, and a keen understanding of the markets, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a savvy eSports bettor! Let’s dive into some essential eSports tips, so you know how to bet on eSports the right way.
Know the Games
With eSports betting UK bookies offer bets on loads of genres, from first-person shooters (FPS) like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive(CS:GO) and Valorant, to multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA) like League of Legends and Dota 2. Each game has its own unique mechanics, strategies, and meta.
Before placing a bet, familiarise yourself with the rules, gameplay, and common strategies of the game you’re interested in. This will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of different teams and players, and make more informed predictions.
Research the Players
Just like in traditional sports, eSports teams and players have varying skill levels, strategies, and form. Before placing a bet, research the teams and players involved in the match. Look at their recent performance, head-to-head records, and any recent changes in the team roster.
Consider factors such as player injuries, team morale, and any recent patches or updates to the game that might affect the outcome. By staying up-to-date with the latest eSports news and developments, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions.
Explore the Markets
eSports wagering offers a wide variety of markets beyond simply picking the winner of a match. You can bet on individual map winners, total rounds played, first blood, or even specific in-game events like the first team to destroy a tower.
Some markets are easier to predict than others, so it’s important to explore and find the ones that suit your knowledge and betting style. For example, if you have a deep understanding of a particular game’s map pool, you might find success in betting on map winners.
Consider Momentum
Teams and players often go through streaks of winning or losing. A team that has been consistently performing well is more likely to continue their winning streak, while a team in a slump might struggle to bounce back.
However, it’s important to remember that momentum can shift quickly in eSports. An underdog team can upset a favourite, and a single player’s performance can swing the outcome of a match. Consider momentum alongside other factors like team composition, map selection, and recent performance.
Get the Best eSports Odds
Different bookmakers offer varying odds for the same eSports events. To maximise your potential returns, it’s essential to shop around and compare odds from different bookmakers before placing your bets.
Consider using an odds comparison website or app to quickly compare the eSports betting odds offered by different bookmakers. By consistently seeking out the best odds, you’ll ensure that you’re getting the most value out of your bets.
eSports Spread Betting
Spread betting is a different type of wager compared to traditional fixed-odds betting. Instead of betting on a specific outcome, you’re betting on whether a particular statistic in the match will be higher or lower than a set number (the spread).
For example, in a CS:GO match, eSports bookmakers might offer a spread on the total number of rounds played. Let’s say the spread is set at 26.5. You can either “buy” the spread, meaning you bet the total rounds will be over 26.5, or “sell” the spread, betting the total will be under 26.5.
Your profit or loss depends on how far away the actual result is from the spread. If you buy at 26.5 and the total rounds played are 30, you win 3.5 times your stake. However, if the total rounds are 24, you lose 2.5 times your stake.
Let’s compare it to our earlier example:
Traditional Bet:
- Bet £10 on a team to win at odds of 5/2.
- If they win, you get a £35 return (£25 profit + £10 stake).
Spread Bet:
- Bet £10 on the total rounds being over 26.5.
- If the total is 30, you win £35 (3.5 x £10 stake).
- If the total is 24, you lose £25 (2.5 x £10 stake).
As you can see, spread betting offers a different way to approach eSports betting with potentially higher payouts, but also increased risk.
Spread betting can be more complex and riskier than traditional betting, but it also offers the potential for higher rewards. Check out our dedicated guide to spread betting for a more in-depth explanation.
Popular eSports Betting Markets
When betting eSports, you’ll find a wide variety of markets to suit different interests and levels of expertise. Some markets are straightforward and easy to understand, while others are more complex and require a deeper knowledge of the game. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular eSports online betting markets:
Outright Winner
This is a simple and popular market where you bet on which team or player will win an entire tournament or league. Outright winner bets are usually placed before the tournament starts, but some online bookmakers also offer live outright betting during the event. This market is usually offered across every game, from Fortnite wagers to CS:GO tournaments and more.
Match Winner
Similar to outright winners, but for individual matches instead of whole tournaments. You bet on which team or player will win the match. This is the most common type of eSports bet, and it’s often used in combination with other markets to create accumulator bets. Most eSports betting sites will offer this market.
Match Handicap
Handicap betting is used to even out the odds in matches where one team is considered a strong favourite. The bookmaker gives the underdog a virtual advantage (positive handicap), while the favourite starts with a virtual disadvantage (negative handicap). This makes the bet more balanced and potentially more profitable.
For example, if Team A is a strong favourite against Team B, the bookmaker might offer a handicap of -1.5 maps for Team A. This means Team A has to win the match by at least two maps for your bet to win. Take a look at our handicap betting guide for more info.
Total Kills
This market involves betting on the total number of kills in a match. The bookmaker sets a line, and you bet on whether the actual number of kills will be over or under that line.
For example, the bookmaker might set the line at 26.5 kills for a CS:GO match. You can bet on the total kills being over 26.5 (over) or under 26.5 (under).
Map Winner
In games like CS:GO, Valorant, and Dota 2, matches are played across multiple maps. This market allows you to bet on which team will win a specific map. This is a popular market for live betting, as the odds can shift dramatically depending on how the map is unfolding.
First Blood
This market is simple yet exciting. You bet on which team or player will get the first kill in a match. This is often a good market to bet on if you have a strong opinion on which team will start the match more aggressively.
Total Rounds
In games like CS:GO and Valorant, matches are played in rounds. This market involves betting on the total number of rounds played in a match. The bookmaker sets a line, and you bet on whether the actual number of rounds will be over or under that line.
Other Popular Markets
These are just a few of the many online eSports betting markets available. Other popular markets include:
- Correct Score: Betting on the exact final score of a match.
- Pistol Round Winner: Betting on which team will win the first round of a half (pistol round).
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Betting on which player will be named the MVP of a match or tournament.
- Region of Winner: Betting on which region a tournament winner will come from.
With so many markets to choose from, there’s something for everyone in the exciting world of eSports betting.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our guide, and now you know how to bet on eSports. We hope this comprehensive overview has equipped you with the knowledge and tools you need to embark on your eSports gambling journey.
Remember, betting should always be done responsibly. Set a budget, stick to it, and never chase losses. With careful research, strategic thinking, and a bit of luck, you might just find yourself cheering on your favourite teams and players while boosting your bankroll. Good luck, and happy betting!
FAQs
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