Esports has taken the world by storm, transforming from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon with millions of fans and lucrative betting markets. As competitive gaming continues to grow, so does the variety of bets placed on these digital battles. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer, understanding the most popular bets placed on Esports today can enhance your betting strategy and enjoyment.
Most Popular Bets Placed on Esports Today
The world of Esports betting offers a wide range of wagering options, catering to both casual fans and serious gamblers. From simple match winners to complex in-game events, the diversity of bets ensures there’s something for everyone. Below, we explore the most popular types of bets currently dominating the Esports betting scene.
Match Winner Bets
Match winner bets are the simplest and most common type of wager in Esports. Bettors simply predict which team or player will win a specific match. This type of bet is popular because it’s straightforward and doesn’t require deep knowledge of the game’s mechanics.
For example, in a game like League of Legends, you might bet on Team A to defeat Team B. The odds are usually displayed in decimal or fractional format, making it easy to calculate potential winnings. Match winner bets are ideal for beginners, as they provide a low-risk entry point into Esports betting.
Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is another popular option, especially in matches where one team is heavily favoured. This type of bet levels the playing field by giving the underdog a virtual advantage or the favourite a disadvantage. Handicap bets can be applied to games, rounds, or even kills, depending on the Esports title.
- Game Handicap: In a best-of-three series, a team might be given a +1.5 game handicap, meaning they start with a 1.5-game advantage.
- Kill Handicap: In games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, a team could have a -5.5 kill handicap, requiring them to win by at least six kills to cover the spread.
Handicap betting adds an extra layer of excitement and strategy, making it a favourite among experienced bettors.
Over/Under Bets
Over/under bets, also known as totals, involve wagering on whether a specific statistic will be over or under a predetermined number. This could include total rounds played, total kills, or even total game time. Over/under bets are popular because they allow bettors to focus on specific aspects of the game rather than just the outcome.
For instance, in a Dota 2 match, you might bet on the total kills being over 45.5. If the combined kills from both teams exceed 46, the over bet wins. This type of bet is particularly appealing in high-action Esports titles where statistics are plentiful and dynamic.
Outright Winner Bets
Outright winner bets involve predicting the champion of a tournament or league before it begins. These bets are typically placed well in advance and offer higher odds due to the uncertainty involved. Outright bets are popular among fans who follow the Esports scene closely and have strong opinions about which teams will perform best over time.
For example, betting on a team like Team Liquid to win the Intel Extreme Masters before the tournament starts can yield significant returns if they emerge victorious. However, outright bets require patience, as results may take weeks or even months to finalise.
Live Betting (In-Play)
Live betting, or in-play betting, has become increasingly popular in Esports. This form of wagering allows bettors to place bets while the match is ongoing, with odds updating in real-time based on the action. Live betting is thrilling because it lets bettors react to the game’s momentum and make informed decisions as events unfold.
In a game like Valorant, you might place a live bet on a team to win the next round after they’ve gained momentum. The dynamic nature of Esports makes live betting particularly exciting, as comebacks and turnarounds are common.
Proposition Bets (Props)
Proposition bets, or props, are wagers placed on specific events within a match that don’t necessarily relate to the final outcome. These can range from which team will get the first kill to whether a player will achieve a certain number of headshots. Prop bets are popular because they add an extra layer of engagement to the viewing experience.
- First Blood: Betting on which team or player will secure the first kill in a match.
- Player Performance: Wagering on whether a specific player will achieve a set number of kills, assists, or other metrics.
Prop bets are especially common in games like League of Legends and Counter-Strike, where individual player performances can significantly impact the match.
Futures Bets
Futures bets are long-term wagers placed on events that will occur in the distant future, such as which team will win the next world championship or which player will be named MVP of a season. These bets require a deep understanding of the Esports landscape and often involve higher risk due to the extended timeframe.
For instance, betting on Fnatic to win the next League of Legends World Championship months in advance is a futures bet. While the potential payout can be substantial, the unpredictability of Esports makes these bets challenging to predict accurately.
Combination Bets (Parlays)
Combination bets, or parlays, involve combining multiple individual bets into a single wager. All selections must win for the parlay to pay out, making these bets riskier but potentially more rewarding. Parlays are popular among bettors looking to maximise their returns with smaller stakes.
For example, you might create a parlay betting on three different teams to win their respective matches. If all three teams win, the payout is significantly higher than if you’d bet on each match individually. However, if even one team loses, the entire parlay is void.
Why Esports Betting is Growing in Popularity
The rise of Esports betting can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing mainstream acceptance of competitive gaming, the accessibility of online betting platforms, and the dynamic nature of Esports matches. Unlike traditional sports, Esports events run year-round, providing constant opportunities for betting.
Additionally, the younger demographic of Esports fans is more tech-savvy and comfortable with online transactions, making them natural participants in the betting market. The integration of live streaming and real-time statistics further enhances the betting experience, allowing fans to engage with the action on multiple levels.
Conclusion
Esports betting offers a diverse and exciting range of wagering options, from simple match winner bets to complex prop bets and live in-play markets. As the industry continues to grow, so too will the variety and sophistication of betting opportunities. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, understanding the most popular bets placed on Esports today can help you make more informed decisions and enhance your overall enjoyment of competitive gaming.
Leave a Reply