Understanding eSports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide

Fast forward, game developers introduced numerous esports games in the 1990s that became quite popular. Esports events also went online, further increasing accessibility of the events and tournaments. That marked the beginning of mainstream eSports betting.

Punters from all over the world took an interest in the game, and betting operators did not hesitate to offer various betting markets on eSports events. Mobile gaming was also later introduced and led to a further increase in the popularity of esports betting.

If you are yet to venture into sports betting, you probably have some concerns about why some people are particularly interested in betting on eSports. Understandably, wagering on eSports or a computer game could sound strange.

However, once you discover the hidden rewards that come with eSports betting, it will be easy to understand why punters are fast-welcoming this betting niche. Without further ado, here are some reasons why some punters subscribe to eSports betting.

People like computer games

Without a doubt, computer games have gone mainstream. Given this fact, the possibility of betting on a computer game you like and potentially winning something is undoubtedly alluring.

Availability of different tournaments

With hundreds of eSports titles and competitions, eSports bettors will always have an upcoming event to look up to. While some bookmakers might not cover all events, you can always count on gambling sites that focus on eSports.

Bettors can follow the game live

Most eSports betting sites allow for both live stream and in-play features. Thus, bettors can watch a game and place wagers simultaneously, and this makes eSports certainly attractive.

There is always something new

Esports games are like any other piece of software. This means that eSports are constantly being re-evaluated and improved, making them fascinating for the players and bettors alike.

The types of bets available to eSports bettors largely depend on the kind of game they are playing. For instance, CS:GO players might be bet on the number of kills or flags, while FIFA players might only be required to translate their knowledge of regular sports – match-winner, tournament winner, over/under, and correct score. Before diving into the world of eSports betting, bettors should acquaint themselves with the common types of bets unique to the event they are betting on.

Sticking to one esport game

Betting on only one esport game is a great way to make the most out of eSports betting. It is a known fact most bettors achieve the best results when they bet on events that they understand too well. Not only is this strategy recommended to bettors new to eSports, but more experienced gamblers also find it to be a good strategy.

Although this strategy might sound cliché, it is much easier for a player to win more betting on an eSports that they know the ins and outs of everything than something they barely follow.

When shopping around for an eSports bookmaker, the best way to ensure that you will have a desirable gaming experience is to read a betting guide or compare different bookies. With the right betting guides, you stand a high chance of sifting through the ever-growing list of options and choosing the right betting site. Of course, an eSports betting guide will unearth or share vital details that eSports bettors need.

What exactly does a betting guide offer an eSports punter? Here is what any eSports player stands to gain by reading guides before they get started in eSports betting:

• Esports betting guides help new players learn how everything works. They also reveal common gaming mistakes and best practices of avoiding them
• Guides reveal the best transaction betting sites covering key aspects such as deposits, withdrawals, transaction limits, and accepted currencies.
• Guides review different betting sites and provide a curated list of sites that offer superb coverage of eSports betting markets
• Guides reveal bookmakers with the best esports betting odds from the competition
• Guides help new and seasoned players find bonus offers and other playing incentives offered to eSports players.
• Guides also help players assess the quality of customer service offered by a sportsbook.

Betting in eSports is undoubtedly different from traditional sports betting in many ways. Away from the graphical elements and the fact that real players are behind gaming consoles, betting on eSports is similar to betting on traditional sports.

How do you go about betting on eSports matches? Betting and winning on eSports is no different from traditional betting - you need to understand the game and pay attention to eSports betting tips or strategies as you wait for Lady Luck. Choose an eSports event that you are interested in, a preferred betting market. It is also in your best interests that you pay attention to the odds to ensure your selections are right for you.

Unlike traditional betting, eSports betting is interactive and offers a great betting experience thanks to live streaming features, detailed stats, social media communities, and much more. With multiple genres, games and tournaments, eSports bettors can bet on the following:

• Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) such as Dota 2 and League of Legends
• First-person shooters (FPS) such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Call of Duty, Overwatch and Halo
• Sports simulators such as FIFA and NBA 2K
• Battle Royale such as PUBG, Fortnite or CoD: Warzone

Comparing eSports bookies is a critical step in any online gaming experience. Understanding what different eSports bookies have to offer is one of many esports bet tips that goes a long way in helping punters make informed choices. This can also help you choose a newer betting site to provide a better gaming experience than the oldies.

With hundreds or even thousands of licensed bookmakers covering eSports events, here are some reasons why bettors should be encouraged to compare eSports bookies before getting started with online betting.

• Helps bettors understand what other people have to say about different eSports betting platforms
• Makes it easy for bettors to compare the variety of eSports events covered by different sites and choose what suits them best.
• Aids punters choose eSports books that offer generous bonuses and promotions
• Allows punters to compare payment methods offered by different websites and evaluate their suitability.
• Helps punters evaluate the credulity or licensing status of a bookmaker beforehand.

Any serious eSports player should never overlook the importance of comparing eSports bookies before getting started. However, the question, which is the best eSports betting site?, can be tough to answer. Both old and new eSports betting sites have their unique strengths. Therefore, it is your responsibility to do due diligence and choose an eSports betting site that caters to your gaming needs.

Before you start sifting through online esport bookmakers, it is in your best interests to acquaint yourself with the proper terminology. It is expected for any outsider to be lost in the deluge of eSports gaming terms.

Here is a list of terms commonly used in the online betting industry, both in traditional online casinos and eSports betting specifically.

General terms

• Esports - Simple term describing electronic sports
• Punter/Bettor: A person who gambles or places wagers
• Bookie - A synonym for a bookmaker, sportsbook, or sports betting operator, essentially the casino covering different markets
• Betting markets - A selection of odds given by a bookie on one type of sport or eSports betting opportunity.
• Odd - The chance or likelihood of an outcome happening in a random event or a game.
• Betting Bonus - promotional offers that allow eSports bettors to earn free money after meeting specific wagering requirements.
• Wagering requirements - A multiplier that represents the number of times a player should play through the bonus for them to withdraw their bonus winnings.
• Betting Strategy - An elaborate betting system or approach that a punter employs to give them an edge over the bookie.
• Wager - The act of betting on an outcome of an unpredictable event.
• Stake - The amount wagered on a bet.
• Tournament winner - A bet on the team that you think stands the best chance of winning an upcoming eSports tournament.
• Team - A group of professional players competing together for an eSports title.
• Streamer - An active gamer broadcasting live gameplay on streaming platforms.
• Streaming platform - A website used by a streamer, mainly players or websites offering the games, to broadcast live eSports players to their followers.

• KDA - Also written as K/D/A is an acronym for kills scored, deaths taken, and assists, respectively. It is used to shed light on a player performance
• Bo1, Bo2, Bo4 - Acronyms that can be translated to best-of-one, best-of-two, and best-of-four and so on.
• CS:GO - Acronym representing the hugely popular first-person game, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
• DOTA 2 or Dota 2 - Acronym for Defense of the Ancients 2 online battle arena game.
• SCII or SC2 - A acronym for StarCraft II
• Single elimination bracket - A tournament where losers are eliminated and have no chance of progressing.
• Double elimination bracket- A tournament format that accords players the provision of losing an extra game during playoffs. This means that losers get to compete with fellow losers.
• Shotcaller - A player accorded the latitude to devise the team’s strategy.
• Twitch- A leading live streaming service that particularly focuses on eSports.
• LOL - Acronym for League of Legends. This game is also casually referred to as a Legend in eSports gaming circles.