In recent years, competitive video gaming, known as esports, has exploded in popularity around the world. Millions of fans now tune in to watch professional gamers compete in popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Overwatch and more. This rapid growth of esports has also led to increasing interest in esports betting, allowing both casual and devoted fans to wager on the outcomes of major tournaments and matches.
For those new to esports betting, it can be an exciting but potentially confusing endeavor. This article will provide an introductory guide to esports betting for beginners, explaining what esports betting involves, how to get started, and tips for placing your first wagers on competitive gaming safely and responsibly.
Understanding Esports Betting
Esports betting functions similarly to traditional sports betting in many regards. Bettors can place wagers on the outcomes of tournaments like The International for Dota 2 or the League of Legends World Championship. Within these large tournaments, you can also bet on individual matches between two teams or players. Some of the most common types of esports bets include:
- Match winner – Predicting which competitor/team will win a match
- Tournament winner – Predicting which competitor/team will win an entire tournament
- Map winner – Predicting which team will win a specific map or level in a match
- Handicaps – Giving one team an advantage or disadvantage to even out the chances
- Over/under – Betting whether a metric like match length goes over or under a set total
These are just a few examples of the many bet types available for major esports titles and tournaments. More exotic bet options can include props like which team will secure the first kill or objective, or futures bets on questions like “Who will win The International 2023?”
Major Esports Titles Popular for Betting
| Game | Genre | Major Tournaments | Sample Bet Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| League of Legends | MOBA | World Championship, LCS | Match winner, map winner, first blood |
| Dota 2 | MOBA | The International, ESL One | Tournament winner, kill handicaps, team to destroy first barracks |
| Counter-Strike 2 | FPS | Majors, ESL Pro League | Round winner, map winner, total rounds played |
| Overwatch | FPS | Overwatch League, World Cup | Map winner, outright tournament winner, player with most kills |
| Call of Duty | FPS | CDL Championship, Major Series | Match winner, series winner, total maps |
This table provides an overview of some of the most prominent esports titles for betting purposes, the genres they fall under, major tournaments for each game, and examples of the many bet types available. Offering this quick glance into esports betting markets gives readers great context about the most popular games and events for wagering. The variety of potential bets listed also highlights the diversity of options available to esports bettors.
Getting Started with Esports Betting
For UK residents looking to get started with esports wagering, the process is straightforward. You will first need to find a licensed and regulated esports betting site that accepts customers from the UK. Reputable sites will hold licenses from authorities like the UK Gambling Commission. You can then create an account, make a deposit, and start browsing the available esports markets and odds.
Here are some tips for placing your first esports wagers safely:
- Start small – Avoid the temptation to wager large amounts as you learn the ropes. Place smaller bets to minimize potential losses.
- Use bonuses wisely – Many sites offer welcome bonuses for new customers. Make sure you understand bonus terms before using them.
- Learn the game – It’s hard to bet successfully on esports matches if you don’t understand the games. Brush up on rules, teams, players and tournaments before betting.
- Manage your money – Set a budget for esports betting and stick to it. Never chase losses or bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Bet sober – Drugs and alcohol can negatively affect your judgment. Betting while impaired increases risks.
- Do your research – Study form, team lineups, maps, tournament formats and more to make informed wagers.
- Don’t go all-in – Consider spreading your bankroll across multiple smaller bets rather than one massive one.
Types of Esports Bets Available
One aspect that makes esports betting exciting is the sheer variety of bet types available. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular esports wager types:
Moneyline Bets
This is the most straightforward esports bet. You simply pick the team or player you think will win a specific match. Odds are adjusted based on each competitor’s probability of winning. Favorites pay less than underdogs.
Spread Bets
With spread betting, the sportsbook gives the underdog team a head start while the favorite has a handicap to overcome. The spread aims to even out the chances somewhat. You would bet whether the favorite can still win despite their handicap.
Over/Under Bets
Also known as a totals bet, here you wager on metrics like total maps played, kills, rounds or match duration going over or under a set line. This creates action on matches even if the winner seems obvious.
Futures/Outrights
A futures bet involves wagering on longer-term outcomes like match winners, league winners or even “To win The International 2023.” The odds are typically higher since you are predicting further into the future.
Live Betting
Many esports betting sites let you wager in real-time as matches play out. The odds shift dynamically based on the live action. This brings an exciting in-play element to esports betting.
Parlay Bets
With a parlay bet, you combine multiple wagers together. It increases risk but also ramps up the potential payout if all your predictions are correct. Parlays are popular for major events like The International.
Prop Bets
Props let you bet on specific occurrences within matches rather than just the winner. Examples include which team gets first blood, total kills for a player, or length of the first map. Prop bets range from likely to long shots.
Responsible Esports Betting
While esports betting can be great fun for devoted gaming fans, it does carry risks like any form of gambling. Here are some tips to wager responsibly:
- Set a budget and stick to it. Never chase losses.
- Only bet with reputable, licensed bookmakers. This protects your funds.
- Treat esports betting as entertainment, not a way to make money.
- Understand proper bankroll management and Brink control. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Take breaks after wins or losses to avoid emotional decisions.
- Keep an eye out for problem gambling warning signs. Seek help if needed.
Overall, Esports betting allows fans to engage with competitive gaming on a new level. While betting on esports matches may seem daunting initially, it largely mirrors traditional sports betting. With research, wise money management and responsible play, esports betting can be an exciting hobby. By choosing licensed sites, starting small and learning the basics, new bettors can make their entry into esports wagering safely. With its rising popularity, esports betting promises to offer thrills to UK gaming and sports betting fans for years to come.