eSports Gambling: How It Works

eSports gambling is a rapidly growing area within the betting industry. This form of betting involves wagering on the outcome of video game competitions, mirroring traditional sports betting. The increasing popularity of eSports has led to billions of pounds being placed in bets at many non Gamstop bookmakers, indicating its strong market presence and growth potential.

Types of eSports Betting

eSports betting offers a variety of options similar to traditional sports betting. Here are the main types:

Match Winner: Bet on which team or player will win the game or match.
Handicap Betting: A type of bet where one team or player is given an advantage. For example, a -2.5 handicap means the team must win by more than 2.5 rounds or maps.
Over/Under: Bet on whether the total number of rounds, points, or maps will be over or under a specific number set by the betting site.
Outrights: Wager on the overall outcome of a tournament, such as betting on the winner of the LoL World Championships.
Props Bets: Specific bets on events within a match, like which team gets the first kill or whether the game will go into overtime.
In-Play: Bets are placed while the match is ongoing, adding an element of excitement and real-time decision-making.

Popular eSports Games for Betting

Some of the most popular eSports games for betting include:

Game	Description
CS	First-person shooter with team-based combat.
League of Legends	Multiplayer online battle arena game.
Dota 2	Another popular multiplayer online battle arena game.
Fortnite	Battle royale game with a large competitive scene.
Overwatch	A team-based shooter with unique characters.
StarCraft II	Real-time strategy game.

How to Get Started with eSports Betting

Research Teams and Players

Before placing any bets, it’s crucial to research the teams and players involved. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses can significantly influence your betting decisions. Keeping up with team performance, player stats, and recent match outcomes can provide valuable insights.

Know the Game

Bet on games you understand well. Knowledge of the game’s mechanics, strategies, and current meta can give you an edge in making informed bets. Avoid betting on games you are unfamiliar with, as this increases the risk of losing money.

Money Management

Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. This helps in managing your finances and preventing excessive losses. Never chase losses, as this can lead to irresponsible gambling behaviour.

Shop Around for Odds

Different eSports betting sites offer varying odds. Checking multiple sites can help you find the best odds for your bets. Even small differences in odds can impact your overall profitability.

Stay Updated

Keeping up with the latest eSports news is essential. There are numerous ways to stay informed, including watching eSports news channels, joining community forums, participating in threads and conversations, and watching live streams. The more you know, the better your betting decisions will be.

Strategies for Successful eSports Betting

Focus on Specific eSports

Specializing in a particular eSport can be beneficial. Focusing on one or two games can deepen your knowledge and understanding, leading to more informed bets.

Analyse Past Performances

Reviewing past performances of teams and players can provide insights into their current form. Historical data can highlight trends and patterns that might influence future outcomes.

Follow Professional Tipsters

Professional tipsters often provide betting tips based on in-depth analysis. Following reputable tipsters can offer guidance and improve your betting strategy.

Use Betting Tools

Many betting sites offer tools and features such as live statistics, match histories, and betting calculators. Utilizing these tools can enhance your betting experience and help you make better decisions.