Betting on eSports is still a fairly new concept that is now available at most of the largest online non GamStop betting sites. For those curious about the concept, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. Here you will find complete information on all things eSports betting.
What is eSports Betting?
Betting on eSports is basically the same as betting on other sports. However, eSports are not sports in the traditional form. They are competitions in which video games are played. Popular eSports include Counter Strike Global Offensive, Dota 2, and League of legends. In addition, you can also bet on sports games such as FIFA, Madden and NBA2K. Later in this guide, we’ll cover some of the major leagues.
eSports Betting at Non GamStop Bookmakers
Many regular non GamStop sportsbooks like justuk.club have integrated eSports into their offerings. In any case, they offer the possibility to bet on the most popular eSport leagues.
Popular eSports
Below we discuss six major eSports online. However, there are many more, the number easily runs into the hundreds.
• Dota 2
Released in: 2013
Cash Prizes Paid: $234,795,551.17 in 1,526 tournaments
Dota 2 is part of the multi-player online battle arena (MOBA) that combines strategic elements with so-called ‘tower defense’ games. Dota 2 is technically the successor to Dota, but it now leads its own life. It is played by two teams of 5 players who must work together to destroy the heart of the other teams home base, the Ancient. Each player controls one of hundreds of heroes with different abilities that can be used to attack the enemies and strengthen allies or own powers. Dota 2 can be played for free by anyone.
• Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
Released in: 2012
Cash prizes paid out: $117,203,870.25 in 5776 tournaments
Counter Strike has quickly become one of the most popular shooting games of all time, making it a huge and important part of the eSports industry. Counter Strike: Global Offensive, often simply abbreviated to CS:GO is the fourth installment of the Counter Strike games. It is a fairly simple game and therefore very suitable for beginners. Two teams of five players compete against each other. Team 1’s goal is to plant a bomb before the timer runs out. The other team must then try to prevent the explosion by defusing the bomb. Teams can also win by eliminating all opposing team members.
• Fortnite
Released in: 2017
Cash prizes paid out: $107.676,945.70 in 738 tournaments
In Fortnite, participants play together to survive and fight zombie-like creatures. These other characters can be controlled by the computer or by other players. The most popular version is Fortnite Battle Royale where up to 100 players come together in a game and compete in teams of 4 or individually. The last one standing wins.
• League of Legends
Released in: 2009
Cash Prizes Paid: $84,264,144.84 in 2607 tournaments
The League of Legends, often abbreviated to LOL, is played in two teams of 5 players known as Summoners. The goal is to destroy the opposing team’s so-called Nexus. The difference with other esports is that League of Legends is not played in tournament form but as a competition where winning teams level up. The highest level is level 18.
• Starcraft II
Released in: 2010
Cash Prizes Paid: $35,219,829.78 in 6102 tournaments
StarCraft II (abbreviation: SC2) is a military sci-fi strategy game. Set in the 26th century in a remote part of the galaxy, it revolves around 3 different types of creatures: the Terrans, humans banished from Earth; the Zerg, a super-species of assimilated life forms; and the Protoss, a highly technologically advanced species with enormous mental abilities. The championship is divided into 3 districts and the top 16 players with the most points worldwide will qualify for the worldwide final at Blizzcon where they will compete for the top prize of $250,000.
• FIFA
Released in: 2018
Cash prizes paid out: $3,242,642.34 in 48 tournaments (FIFA 19)
Popular eSports that are about sports are the FIFA games. You can bet on similar markets to betting on football such as the number of goals, the winner and even the result after the first half.
There are several leagues to bet on.
Betting on eSports at Non GamStop Bookies, How Does It Work?
Betting works the same as traditional sports betting. You bet on a certain outcome and if you get it right, you win your stake plus a certain amount. The amount is determined on the basis of the probabilities or ‘odds’ on the outcome you have predicted. As with traditional sports betting, eSports betting also finds US, UK or European odds depending on where the bookmaker is located.
eSports Betting Options at Non GamStop Sports Sites
The options depend on the league and the game you choose. For example, in Counterstrike: Global Offensive, you can bet on the number of flags or kills, and in Dota 2, “first blood” is a popular market. Giving first blood to an enemy means he is hard to destroy. League of Legends real time strategy game play offers the possibility to bet on which team will kill the Baron first. In FIFA, the markets are easier to understand for a layman, they largely correspond to the possibilities in traditional sports betting.
Important eSports Betting Strategies at Non GamStop Bookmakers
Finally, a number of useful tips that are easy to apply in eSports betting. Remember, it’s important to get the basics right before you can become a pro in eSports betting.
Choose a well-known game – there are many esports to bet on but as a beginner it is wise to choose a game that you know. You can then follow the game well and understand what you are betting on.
Follow your favorite team – as with sports betting, it is important to learn the talents and stats of the different teams in order to estimate their odds.
Get to know key players – keeping an eye on the favorites also gives you an advantage in determining their teams’ odds.