Complete Guide to Esports Betting Basics in 2026
The world of competitive gaming wagering explained.
Esports betting has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. Whether you're interested in Valorant, League of Legends, CS2, or other competitive games, this guide covers everything you need to know to get started responsibly.
⚠️ Important: Gambling can be addictive. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If you're under 18/21 (depending on jurisdiction), betting is illegal.
📖 What Is Esports Betting?
Esports betting is wagering money on the outcome of competitive video game matches. Just like traditional sports betting, you can bet on:
- Match winners
- Tournament champions
- In-game events
- Player statistics
🎮 Popular Esports to Bet On
| Game | League/Tournament | Bet Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Counter-Strike 2 | ESL Pro League, Majors | Very High |
| League of Legends | LCK, LCS, Worlds | Very High |
| Valorant | VCT, Champions | High |
| Dota 2 | The International | High |
| Call of Duty | CDL | Medium |
| Overwatch 2 | OWL | Medium |
📊 Types of Bets
Match Winner (Moneyline)
The simplest bet—pick who wins the match.
| Example | Odds |
|---|---|
| Team A | -150 (favored) |
| Team B | +130 (underdog) |
Map Winner
Bet on individual maps within a match.
Handicap Betting
One team gets a virtual advantage/disadvantage.
| Example | |
|---|---|
| Team A -1.5 | Must win by 2+ maps |
| Team B +1.5 | Can lose 1 map and still "win" bet |
Over/Under
Bet on total rounds, kills, or maps.
Outright Winner
Bet on who wins the entire tournament.
Prop Bets
Bet on specific events (first blood, ace, etc.)
💡 Betting Tips for Beginners
1. Research Before Betting
- Check team form and recent results
- Look for roster changes
- Consider map pools (especially in CS2)
2. Start Small
- Begin with small bets to learn
- Don't chase losses
- Set a budget and stick to it
3. Understand Odds
| Format | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| American | -150 | Bet $150 to win $100 |
| American | +130 | Bet $100 to win $130 |
| Decimal | 1.75 | Win $1.75 per $1 bet |
| Fractional | 3/4 | Win $3 for every $4 bet |
4. Watch the Games
The best bettors understand the games they bet on.
⚠️ Responsible Gambling
Warning Signs:
- Betting more than you can afford
- Chasing losses
- Lying about gambling
- Neglecting responsibilities
Resources:
🏆 Major Esports Events to Watch
| Event | Game | When |
|---|---|---|
| The International | Dota 2 | October |
| LoL Worlds | League of Legends | November |
| VCT Champions | Valorant | August |
| CS2 Major | Counter-Strike 2 | Various |
| CDL Championship | Call of Duty | August |
📝 Final Thoughts
Esports betting can add excitement to watching competitive gaming, but it comes with real risks. Always:
- Bet responsibly
- Never bet under the legal age
- Understand the games you bet on
- Accept losses as part of the experience
🎮 Get Into Esports Gaming
🎮 Get Into Esports Gaming
Play competitive browser games to understand esports better!
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Disclaimer: Game Duddles is an independent publication. We are not affiliated with the developers of the games covered. All game names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. This content is for informational and educational purposes only.
