Esports betting has taken the gambling world by storm in recent years. As competitive video gaming grows in popularity, the esports betting market has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world of online gambling. With millions of players and viewers worldwide, esports tournaments have become major events, drawing attention from not only fans but also bettors looking to place wagers on their favorite teams and players. But with so many betting markets available, which ones are the most popular, and why? In this article, I’ll explore the top esports betting markets, how they work, and what makes them so appealing to bettors.
The Rise of Esports Betting
Before diving into the most popular betting markets, it’s important to understand why esports betting has become so popular in the first place. The esports industry, which encompasses video game competitions between professional players, has seen explosive growth in recent years. Tournaments for games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and Overwatch are now drawing large crowds both in person and online. The prize pools for these tournaments can range from thousands to tens of millions of dollars, making them as lucrative as traditional sports events.
As more people become engaged with esports, the demand for betting markets has followed suit. Bettors now have the opportunity to wager on a variety of esports events, from major tournaments to smaller league matches. This has created a whole new dimension for betting, making it accessible to a wide range of bettors who are passionate about video games.
Popular Esports Betting Markets
Now that we understand the rise of esports betting, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular betting markets. These markets are commonly found across betting sites, providing bettors with the opportunity to place wagers on a wide variety of outcomes during esports events. While some of these markets are similar to those in traditional sports betting, others are unique to esports and its specific dynamics.
1. Match Winner
The most straightforward and most popular betting market in esports is the match winner market. In this type of bet, bettors wager on which team or player will win a particular match. This market is available for almost every esports event, from small competitions to large-scale tournaments. The simplicity of this bet makes it highly appealing to both beginners and experienced bettors.
In games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS:GO, match winner bets are often the go-to option, and they form the core of the betting action. The odds in match winner markets typically depend on the teams’ previous performances, their skill levels, and current form, so the more you know about the teams involved, the better your chances of making an informed bet.
2. Over/Under Total Maps or Rounds
Another common market in esports betting is the over/under market, where bettors wager on whether the number of rounds or maps played in a match will be above or below a set number. This market is popular in games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Rainbow Six Siege, where matches can last for a different number of rounds depending on how competitive the game is.
In CS:GO, for example, an over/under bet might be placed on whether a match will last more than 25 rounds, with the “over” or “under” option determining the outcome. This type of bet adds a layer of excitement and strategy to the betting process, as bettors must consider the performance of the teams and their tendency to win or lose rounds. The over/under market is particularly popular in esports where matches can vary in length.
3. Betting Sites Not on GamStop
If you’re looking for more flexibility and options in the esports betting space, especially if you’re from the UK or a region where GamStop may be restricting access to betting platforms, consider exploring betting sites not on GamStop. These sites offer an alternative for bettors who want to engage in esports betting without the restrictions imposed by self-exclusion programs like GamStop.
Many of these platforms offer a wide variety of esports betting markets, including the more popular ones like match winners and over/under bets. These sites also provide access to a broader range of payment options and offer more relaxed registration processes. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer, non-GamStop betting sites allow you to enjoy the excitement of esports betting with more freedom and fewer limitations.
4. First Blood or First Kill
The “First Blood” or “First Kill” market is an exciting bet available in many popular esports games. This market involves betting on which team or player will be the first to score a kill or make a significant impact in the match. In games like League of Legends and Dota 2, First Blood is often a key moment in the game that can give a team a significant advantage.
Bettors love this market because it adds a level of anticipation to the match. It’s a relatively quick bet, as the first kill or blood happens early on, and it’s a great option for those who want to bet on a specific event that might shape the course of the game.
5. Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is another popular market in esports, especially in games like Dota 2 and CS:GO, where one team might be favored over the other. In a handicap bet, the favored team is given a disadvantage (e.g., -1 map or -1 round), and the underdog team is given an advantage (e.g., +1 map or +1 round). Bettors then wager on whether the favored team can overcome the handicap or if the underdog team will cover the spread.
This betting market is ideal for those who want to bet on games with unbalanced teams, as it helps level the playing field and makes the betting experience more exciting. Handicap betting adds a layer of strategy to the process, as bettors need to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of each team in detail.
6. Outright Winner or Tournament Winner
For bettors who prefer to think long-term, outright winner or tournament winner bets are a great choice. In this market, you wager on which team or player will win an entire tournament, rather than individual matches. This type of betting is common in large esports events such as The International for Dota 2 or the League of Legends World Championship.
Outright winner bets can offer high payouts due to the number of games and teams involved. However, they are more challenging to predict, requiring a deep understanding of the tournament, the teams, and their performance leading up to the event. If you have insight into the top players and teams in a particular esports scene, this can be a highly rewarding betting market.
Cost Factors, RTP, and Win Potential
When placing bets on esports events, it’s essential to consider factors like the return-to-player (RTP) percentage and the win potential. Unlike traditional sports, esports betting odds are dynamic and can fluctuate based on factors like the team’s current form, injuries, and match history. RTP is more relevant to the betting process than for traditional casino games, but it helps inform betting decisions in some cases.
The win potential in esports betting depends on the market you’re engaging with. For example, in match winner bets, the win potential is straightforward — you bet on the winning team. However, more complex bets like handicap betting or over/under maps can offer higher payouts due to their increased complexity.
Responsible Gaming and User Safety
As with any form of gambling, responsible gaming is vital when betting on esports. Many betting sites offer tools and resources to promote responsible gaming, such as deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options. It’s important to set a budget before placing bets and to never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
Also, ensure that you are using a secure and licensed betting platform. Reputable esports betting sites implement strict security measures to protect user data and provide a safe betting environment. Always check for licensing and regulation, as well as encryption protocols (such as SSL) to ensure the platform is trustworthy.
Tips for Choosing a Reliable Esports Betting Platform
When choosing an esports betting site, it’s crucial to look for a platform that is licensed, secure, and offers a wide range of esports games. Make sure the site provides transparent odds, competitive betting markets, and reliable payment methods. Additionally, check for customer service availability in case you encounter any issues while placing bets.
For those who value anonymity or flexibility, consider opting for betting sites not on GamStop that provide greater freedom without the restrictions of self-exclusion programs. These platforms offer exciting and diverse betting options, catering to both beginners and seasoned players.
Conclusion
Esports betting offers a unique and exciting opportunity to engage with competitive gaming while potentially earning some winnings. By understanding the most popular betting markets — such as match winners, over/under bets, and handicap betting — you can maximize your chances of success. Responsible gaming and choosing the right platform are key to ensuring an enjoyable and safe betting experience. If you’re looking for more options and greater flexibility, consider exploring betting sites not on GamStop, which offer a range of esports betting opportunities without the usual restrictions.
