Just two decades ago, betting on eSports was laughable. But as the competitive gaming scene has blown up in popularity, so has eSports betting. Today, you can bet on everything from League of Legends to Overwatch to Fortnite. But if you’re new to eSports betting, where do you start? Don’t worry; we’re here to help. In this beginner’s guide to eSports betting, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started, including why eSports betting can be profitable, how to choose the most experienced game, and tips for keeping up with meta changes and specific rules. After reading, you’ll be ready to place your first bet like a pro.
Why eSports Betting Can Be Profitable
There are a few reasons why eSports betting can help you make good money if you know what you’re doing. First and foremost, the odds are usually in favor of the bettor. That is because most people who bet on eSports need to learn more about the games they’re betting on. As a result, bookmakers will often give better odds to those willing to bet against the majority. In addition, because competitive gaming is still relatively new, few professional handicappers provide analysis and picks. That means that it’s often easier to beat the odds than it is in traditional sports betting. Finally, because eSports matches are entirely online, there is less chance for error when setting lines and taking bets. It adds to a situation where eSports experts often find value in betting on the games.
How To Choose The Game You’re Most Experienced With
When choosing an eSport to bet on, you must select the one you’re familiar with. So naturally, the more knowledge you have about a particular video game, the better your chances of making profitable bets. If you need to gain experience with competitive gaming, try watching some matches online or on television before placing any bets. That will help you get a feeling of how to play the game and what factors can affect the outcome of a match. Moreover, it’s important to remember that not all eSports are created equal. Some games, like League of Legends, have substantial professional scenes with hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money up for grabs. Others, like Overwatch, are played mainly at the amateur level. When choosing a game to bet on, it’s essential to consider how established the professional scene is. The more money and attention a game gets, the easier it will be to find matches to bet on and the more information you’ll have about the teams playing.
A Short Explanation Of eSports Betting Odds
When you place a bet on any sporting event, you’re essentially gambling that the team or player you’ve bet on will win. The amount you stand to make if they win is by the odds set by the bookmaker. The odds are usually as a fraction, such as 1/2 or 3/4. These fractions represent the money you’ll win for every unit you bet. So, if the odds are 1/2 and you bet $10, you’ll win $5 if your team wins. Here are some of the more popular betting odds formats:
Decimal: Used mainly in Europe, decimal odds are easy to understand because they represent the amount of money you’ll win for every unit you bet. For example, if the odds are 1.5, you’ll win $1.50 for every $1 you bet.
Fractional: Common in the United Kingdom, fractional odds express the amount of money you’ll win as a fraction of the amount you bet. So, if the odds are 1/2, you’ll win $1 for every $2 you bet.
Moneyline: Moneyline odds are used mainly in North America and are either positive or negative. Positive numbers represent the money you’ll win for every $100 bet. So, if the odds are +200, you’ll win $200 for every $100 you bet. Negative numbers represent the money you need to bet to win $100. So, if the odds are -200, you’ll need to bet $200 to win $100.
In Conclusion
You can win big if you approach eSports betting with a plan. However, it’s essential to choose a game you’re familiar with and keep up-to-date on the latest changes to give yourself the best chance of success. By following these tips, you’ll become an accomplished eSports bettor in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Esports Betting
"Skin betting" is a form of betting that uses in-game items, also known as "skins," as a form of currency. These skins can be earned or purchased in-game, and can be used to bet on the outcome of esports matches or other in-game items or real money. Skin betting can take place through third-party websites that use skins as a form of currency, or through the use of in-game trading platforms that allow players to exchange skins with one another. The practice of skin betting has been controversial, with some arguing that it constitutes illegal gambling, while others argue that it is a legitimate form of virtual currency trading.
The process of determining odds for esports matches can vary depending on the bookmaker or the betting platform. In general, the odds will reflect the perceived likelihood of a particular team or player winning a match.
One way that odds are determined is through the use of statistical analysis and data. Bookmakers will use historical data on teams and players to evaluate their performance, and use this information to set odds. They will also take into account current events and factors that might influence a match, such as injuries or roster changes.
Another way odds are determined is through the use of public betting patterns. Bookmakers will track the bets that are placed on a particular match, and adjust the odds based on the amount of money that is being placed on each side. This can create a feedback loop, where the odds are influenced by the bets being placed, which in turn influences where people place their bets.
Bookmakers also use expert analysis and predictions from professional players and analysts to set odds. They also take into account the general perception of the teams and players on the scene, their performance on the previous tournaments, and the map pool.
It is important to note that the odds for esports matches can change frequently and rapidly in the lead-up to a match and during the match as well. So it's advisable to keep an eye on the odds and make sure to place your bets at the right time.
In-game items and virtual currencies can play a significant role in esports betting. As mentioned before, "skin betting" is a form of betting that uses in-game items, also known as "skins," as a form of currency. These skins can be earned or purchased in-game, and can be used to bet on the outcome of esports matches or other in-game items or real money.
Skins can also be used to purchase virtual currency, which can then be used to place bets on esports matches. Some bookmakers or betting platforms offer the option to use virtual currency to place bets, in addition to or instead of real money.
In-game items and virtual currencies can also be used as prizes in esports betting. For example, a bookmaker may offer a skin or virtual currency as a prize to the winner of a betting pool or competition.
In-game items and virtual currencies can also be bought and sold on third-party marketplaces for real money. This means that players can earn real money by selling in-game items that they have earned or purchased. This creates a whole economy around in-game items and virtual currencies, which factors into esports betting.
It's important to note that while some sites are legitimate, many are not, and the use of in-game items and virtual currencies for betting can be risky. Players should be aware of the legal and regulatory issues surrounding skin betting, and should only use licensed and regulated platforms.
Yes, here are a few tips and strategies for successful esports betting:
- Research and stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest news and developments in the esports scene. This includes information on teams, players, tournaments, and game updates.
- Understand the game: Have a good understanding of the game you're betting on, including the rules, strategies, and the current meta.
- Use statistics: Use statistics to help you make informed decisions. There are various websites that provide statistics on teams and players, including their performance in past matches and tournaments.
- Keep track of odds: Keep track of the odds for the matches you're interested in betting on, and make sure to place your bets at the right time.
- Manage your bankroll: Set a budget for your bets and stick to it. Don't chase your losses, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Have discipline: Have discipline and control over your emotions, avoid impulsive betting.
- Shop around for the best odds: Different bookmakers will offer different odds for the same match, so make sure to shop around for the best deal.
- Specialize in a specific game or league: It's better to specialize in a specific game or league rather than trying to follow everything.
- Never overlook the underdogs: Don't overlook the underdogs, as they can sometimes pull off an upset, and offer better odds.
- Use a betting exchange: Consider using a betting exchange, which allows you to bet against other players rather than against a bookmaker.
It's worth noting that while these tips and strategies can help increase your chances of winning, there is no guarantee of success in esports betting, and it's always important to gamble responsibly.
Yes, we do offer bonuses for new players, such as sign-up bonuses, referral bonuses, and loyalty bonuses. These bonuses can be in the form of free bets, deposit matches, or cashback.
Yes, many online esports betting sites offer live betting, which allows players to place bets on ongoing esports matches.
The most popular esports to bet on include games like League of Legends, Dota 2, CS:GO, and Overwatch.
