Anyone who’s placed an esports bet will know there’s more than one way to bet on their favorite games. From simple outright bets on Dota 2’s The International, to wagers on the exact score in a CSGO game, the range of esports bets is extensive. Here’s a guide to popular types of esports bets found at top betting sites. This list isn’t exhaustive but will give you a strong start in understanding how to make profits betting on esports, from the basic to the complex.

Overview of Esports Bets

At traditional sportsbooks, such as Bet365, you’ll likely find several esports betting options. However, specific bets can vary by game. For instance, CSGO betting markets may differ from LoL ones. Here are the main types:

Outright Bets

Outright bets are the simplest and most common type of esports bet. These involve predicting the outright winner or a single, clearly defined outcome. They’re widely available across most sites covering esports. Here are the main types:

1. Tournament Winner
   Popular in major competitions like The International or DreamHack, these bets predict the event’s ultimate winner. Placing bets early often yields better odds, as outcomes are less certain. With careful research, tournament winner bets can offer strong returns.
2. Match Winner
   The simplest type, where you predict the winner of a specific match. Available pre-event and during live play on sites like esportsbetting.com, match winner odds can fluctuate quickly. If you’re knowledgeable about team strengths, these can be profitable.
3. Moneyline
   Moneyline is another term for an outright bet. It involves choosing the winning team without any additional point spreads or conditions.
4. Bracket or Group Winner
   Similar to tournament winner bets, but specific to a tournament phase, such as a bracket or group stage winner. These bets can offer good odds, though they aren’t as widely available.

Complex Outrights

Beyond the basics, outright bets also include options with more complex criteria:

1. Score
   Predicting the exact final score, like 2-3 or 4-1. These bets are challenging but common in live betting when you have more insight.
2. Player Performance
   Here, you bet on an individual player’s stats, such as kill count. Player performance bets offer high odds but require confidence in the chosen player’s ability.
3. Top Player/MVP
   Similar to player performance, but focused on predicting the official MVP of a match.
4. Specific Metrics or Prop Bets
   Betting on a particular occurrence, like a map going into overtime. Odds vary by how likely the event is to occur.

Specialist Bet Types

Just as in traditional sports, you can place bets specific to each esport. Specialist bets are useful if you’re knowledgeable about a game’s mechanics:

1. First Map
   Predict the winner of the first map, common in FPS games like CSGO.
2. First Kill/First Blood
   Bet on which player or team will secure the first kill. This type of bet requires game knowledge and can be researched via live streams or forums.
3. Odd/Evens Bets
   Predict whether there will be an odd or even number of game outcomes, such as rounds or kills. These bets have a 50/50 nature.
4. Over/Under Bets
   Guess whether a score will be over or under a specified threshold. Over/under bets are popular for betting on maps or total scores.

Advanced Betting Options

For those seeking greater complexity, consider these options beyond basic outright bets:

1. Handicap Betting
   This option gives a favorite team a disadvantage to improve payout odds. Successful handicap betting requires understanding how the handicap will impact the game.
2. Accumulator Bets
   Combine multiple selections into one bet. If all predictions are correct, payouts are substantial. Some sites offer accumulator insurance if only one prediction fails, but check terms and conditions.
3. Doubles and Triples
   Like accumulator bets but simpler, these involve two (doubles) or three (triples) selections.
4. Conditionals
   Similar to accumulators but with added conditions, offering increased odds if specific criteria are met.
5. System Bets
   System bets are similar to accumulators but allow for some flexibility. They can still yield a profit even if one leg fails.

Live Betting Options

Live betting has become essential for esports, enabling bets after matches start. The majority of esports sites offer an in-play section, with options for simple bets like match winners. Some sites even feature live streaming, providing insights that can help you make informed decisions on fast-evolving odds.

Live Betting Examples:
In live betting, you can make any pre-match bet, such as adding a match to an accumulator or placing player performance bets based on current action.

Non-Traditional Esports Bets

1. Skin Betting
   Instead of cash, you use in-game items like skins as your stake. Skin betting is popular among casual bettors and operates similarly to standard bets.
2. Fantasy Esports Betting
   Build a team and win based on their real-life performance. Fantasy esports betting is available on sites like DraftKings, where you create teams within a budget and earn points based on performance.

Cash-Out Options

Many esports sites now offer cash-out features, allowing you to take a payout before a match concludes. Cashing out can help secure profits or minimize losses. Watching live streams can help you make better cash-out timing decisions.

Why Use Different Bet Types?

While simple match winner bets are always an option, mixing bet types allows you to capitalize on various odds. Advanced bettors take advantage of complex options like accumulators or handicaps to maximize returns.

Final Thoughts

The variety of esports bets means you don’t need to use them all. By waiting for favorable odds and broadening your betting scope, you can increase your chances of success. Whether betting on tournament winners or the first kill, there’s a wide range of ways to engage in esports betting.