Esports has gone from small LAN parties to packed arenas and global tournaments streamed to millions. With that growth, betting on games like Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Dota 2 has become just as popular as wagering on football or basketball.

But if you’re new and wondering how to bet on esports, the odds, markets, and strategies can feel overwhelming. That’s why we made this esports betting guide to make things simple for you.

We’ll go through how bets actually work and highlight the most common options. We’ll also explain how to approach wagering with a clear head.

What is Esports Betting and Why It's Exploding

Esports betting lets you wager on professional video game matches and it’s growing fast because the games are global, always live and easy to follow on streaming.

Understanding Competitive Gaming

Esports is organised competition across titles like Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant and more. Teams (or solo players) practice year-round, play in structured leagues and events, and prepare around maps, roles, and strategies.

Matches are usually best-of-one, best-of-three, or best-of-five, and every round or map creates measurable moments that translate into betting markets.

Because developers update games regularly, tactics evolve quickly, which keeps competition (and betting angles) fresh.

How Esports Betting Differs from Traditional Sports

The fundamentals are familiar, but a few details are unique. Game patches can shift the meta overnight, so odds react to balance changes, agent/champion picks, and map pools.

Esports also offers micro-markets you won’t see elsewhere, like first blood, pistol rounds, Baron/Roshan takes, or “win a map to nil.”

Formats include veto phases, side selection, and overtime rules that meaningfully affect outcomes. Finally, in-play betting is central because momentum swings fast and information (timeouts, compositions, economy) updates every round.

The Growth of Esports in 2025

Esports continues to expand through publisher-backed circuits, 24/7 streaming access, and new audiences on PC, console, and mobile.

Better data feeds and integrity tools support clearer markets and safer wagering, while live formats create constant opportunities for pre-match and in-play bets. Regional ecosystems in Asia, Europe, and the Americas run year-round, so there’s always a major event on the calendar.

For bettors, that means more covered titles and deeper props on platforms like Jackpot.bet.

Popular Esports Games to Bet On

Not every game attracts the same betting crowd, but a handful of titles dominate the scene. Such as:

League of Legends (LoL) - The MOBA King

League of Legends has long been the cornerstone of competitive gaming. The game has its massive international tournaments, like Worlds, which set the standard for esports. 

Due to its clear team objectives and deep strategy, it’s one of the most popular choices for LoL betting on match winners and map outcomes.

Counter-Strike 2 - FPS Betting Favorite

Where LoL goes on strategy, Counter-Strike 2 captures fans with pure reflex and precision. Every round feels like a fresh contest, which makes the CS2 betting markets, such as pistol round winners and total rounds, especially exciting. 

The fast pace and constant action ensure there’s always something for bettors to follow.

Dota 2 - High-Stakes Competition

If Counter-Strike thrives on quick moments, Dota 2 is known for its marathon matches and record-breaking prize pools. 

The game’s complexity creates plenty of Dota betting angles. From map winners to kill counts, and its international tournaments regularly pull in millions in both viewers and wagers.

Valorant - Rising FPS Star

Building on the popularity of tactical shooters, Valorant blends elements of Counter-Strike with unique character abilities. The mix adds new depth to Valorant betting, where predicting how agents are played can matter as much as picking the winning team.

Its rapid rise shows how quickly new games can carve out space in esports betting.

Overwatch 2 - Team-Based Action

Overwatch 2 stands out for its chaotic team fights and objective-driven maps. Betting on Overwatch 2 often focuses on map outcomes and total kills. 

Its balance of characters and roles makes each game unpredictable, which keeps the betting markets lively.

Call of Duty - Console Gaming Giant

Finally, Call of Duty represents the console side of competitive play. Its league structure provides regular CoD betting opportunities, and its fast-paced matches are ideal for bettors looking for frequent action. 

Types of Esports Bets Explained

Esports betting has many markets, and while they may look confusing at first, most are the same as traditional sports bets. Here are some esports bet types:

Match Winner (Moneyline)

The simplest is match winner betting, where you just pick which team or player will win. Because of its simplicity, this is the first choice for beginners. 

It works well if you’re following a favourite team, and it creates a clear stake in the result.

Map/Round Betting

From there, the action goes deeper. Many esports titles are played over multiple maps or rounds, and betting markets reflect that structure. 

You might wager on who wins the first map in League of Legends or how many rounds a team takes in Counter-Strike.

Tournament Outright Winners

Beyond single matches, you can also bet on entire tournaments. Outright betting involves selecting the team you believe will win the championship before the season begins. 

The odds are higher, but a long-term commitment requires consideration of consistency, roster depth, and form across multiple games.

Handicap Betting in Esports

Handicap betting helps level the odds when one team is heavily favoured. A bookmaker might give a -1.5 map handicap, meaning the stronger team has to win by at least two maps for your bet to win. 

It keeps betting competitive and makes one-sided matches more interesting.

Over/Under Rounds or Maps

Another option is to bet on totals. Instead of picking who wins, you decide if the total number of maps or rounds will go over or under a set line. 

For example, in a best-of-three series, you might bet the match will end in exactly two maps or that it will go to all three.

Special Prop Bets (First Blood, Total Kills)

Finally, esports offers a range of special prop bets unique to gaming. You can predict who gets the first kill, how many total kills will be scored, or even if a team wins a map without losing a round. 

They add variety and reward fans who follow the finer details of each game.

How to Get Started with Esports Betting

Getting started with esports betting is easier than most beginners think, but taking the proper first steps makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here is how to bet on esports:

Choosing the Right Esports Betting Site

The first step is to find a platform that’s safe, licensed, and tailored specifically for esports. A good site should offer a wide range of games, clear odds, and easy navigation.

Understanding Esports Odds

Once you’ve chosen a site, the next step is to understand the odds. Odds show how much you’ll win from a bet and also the bookmaker’s prediction of the outcome. 

In esports, odds can change rapidly because rosters are constantly evolving and game updates impact performance.

Creating Your Account and First Deposit

With the basics in mind, you’ll need to create an account. Most sites request basic details, such as your name, email, and age verification. 

Then comes your first deposit. Payment options range from bank cards to e-wallets and even cryptocurrency on some sites.

Navigating Esports Betting Markets

Once funded, it’s time to explore the markets. Most sites display Match Winner as the default, but click through and you’ll see map bets, totals, handicaps, and more. 

Some sites also have live esports betting, where you can bet while the game is live.

Essential Esports Betting Strategies

Placing bets without a plan often leads to quick losses. But with a few simple strategies, you can approach esports betting with more confidence and control.

Research Teams and Players

The foundation of any good bet is knowledge. In esports, this means looking at how teams and players have been performing. 

A roster change or even one star player being off their game can swing a match. By checking statistics, past results, and current form, you build a clearer picture before placing a bet.

Understanding Meta Changes and Patches

Research only works if you understand the game itself, and in esports, the game is always changing. Developers release patches that buff or nerf characters, weapons, or maps, and these changes shift the competitive meta. 

A team that dominated last month may struggle if the patch changes the strategy. Stay up to date on these changes, and you’ll spot the value that others miss.

Following Tournament Formats

Tournament structure also plays a big role in betting outcomes. Some events are single-elimination, where one bad match sends a team home, while others use group stages that give teams more chances to recover. 

If you are familiar with the format, it lets you anticipate how teams might approach each game and where upsets are more likely to occur.

Bankroll Management for Esports

Not every bet will win; that’s why bankroll management is key. Set a budget, decide how much you want to risk per bet, and stick to it. 

Doing this will keep you in the game longer and stop you from chasing losses when things don’t go your way.

Live Betting Opportunities

Consider how matches unfold in real time. Live betting opportunities allow you to place wagers after the game has started, reacting to momentum shifts as they happen. 

If you’ve done your research and understand the teams, this can give you an edge. You’re making decisions based on live performance rather than pre-match assumptions.

Key Factors That Affect Esports Outcomes

Before placing a bet, it's helpful to understand what truly influences match results, as small details often determine who comes out on top. Some of the key factors are:

Team Form and Recent Performance

The first thing to consider is how a team has performed in recent matches. A squad on a winning streak often carries momentum and confidence, while a team struggling with losses may be less consistent. 

Recent form gives you the most up-to-date picture of their strength.

Head-to-Head Records

Performance alone doesn’t tell the whole story, which is why past matchups matter. Some teams struggle against specific opponents even if they’re ranked higher overall. 

Such patterns can reveal hidden weaknesses and give you clues about the outcome.

Map Pools and Preferences

Once you’ve checked performance and history, the maps themselves become important. In games like Counter-Strike or Valorant, each team has favorite maps and ones they avoid. 

If the map pool lines up with a team’s strengths, their chances increase. However, if the map pool is unfavorable, it can flip the odds.

Player Roster Changes

Another factor you can’t ignore is roster stability. A sudden change in players, whether due to transfers, illness, or internal issues, often disrupts team chemistry. 

Even a good replacement needs time to adjust, so keep an eye on roster news to spot when a team might underperform.

Tournament Importance and Motivation

The stakes of the match also matter. A big international tournament brings out the best; a smaller event might see top teams try out new strategies. 

Motivation is hard to measure, but understanding the importance of the tournament helps you gauge how seriously each team will approach it.

Major Esports Tournaments and Events

Every year, several big tournaments shape the esports landscape. They offer huge prize pools, top-level matches, and plenty of betting opportunities.

League of Legends World Championship

LoL’s Worlds is where the best teams from every region clash in the most-watched tournament of the year. Fans place wagers on everything, from who will make it out of groups to which region might dominate. 

Big wins here often become part of esports betting lore.

The International (Dota 2)

The International is the biggest Dota 2 tournament, where teams battle for prestige, massive prize pools, and the Aegis of Champions. In 2025, Team Falcons won, defeating Xtreme Gaming 3-2 in an epic grand final.

CS2 Major Championships

Counter-Strike 2 maintains massive interest through its Majors, where the strongest teams compete over multiple weeks. The tournaments are hotspots for bettors, map picks, round totals, and live betting swings often come alive during these matches. 

In the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, Legacy upset FaZe Clan to advance to Stage 3, defying expectations.

Valorant Champions Tour

Valorant’s Champions Tour is Riot’s major international circuit, bringing together regional champions and wildcards in high-stakes events. 

The storylines of new talent rising, agent meta shifts, and clutch rounds make VCT events juicy for bettors looking for insights beyond just “which team wins.

For example, during Valorant Champions Paris 2025, GIANTX pulled off a major upset by defeating the favorites, Sentinels, in the group stage. 

Also, in the 2025 Esports World Cup (Valorant), Team Heretics came back from a 0-2 map deficit to reverse sweep Fnatic 3-2 in the finals.

Common Esports Betting Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bettors can slip up in esports because the games change rapidly, and small details can have a significant impact. To steer clear of them, you should know the most common mistakes, which are:

Betting Without Game Knowledge

One of the biggest errors is placing bets without understanding the game itself. If you don’t know how objectives work in League of Legends or how map vetoes impact Counter-Strike, you’re essentially guessing. 

Taking time to learn the basics of a title pays off in smarter, more confident wagers. To help you, here are some esport betting tips:

• Learn the objectives and the rules of the game

• Watch a few matches before betting

• Follow expert commentary for insights

Ignoring Team Chemistry

Individual skill doesn’t always translate to wins. Teams that lack chemistry often struggle against opponents who communicate well and execute strategies smoothly. 

A roster of star players can still lose if they don’t play as a unit. So, looking at teamwork and cohesion matters just as much as raw stats.

Overlooking Patch Updates

Esports titles are patched all the time, and those changes can flip the competitive landscape overnight. For instance, a champion or weapon that was dominant last week can be nerfed, and entire strategies can disappear with a single update. 

Consequently, bettors who ignore patch notes are betting on teams that aren’t prepared for the new meta. To stay ahead, you should consider these esport betting tips:

• Track official patch notes from developers

• See how pro teams adjust to changes

• Avoid betting heavily right after a major update

The Future of Esports Betting

Esports is still young compared to traditional sports, and the way people bet on it will keep evolving. New titles, shifting technology, and changing player habits are already shaping what comes next.

Emerging Games and Opportunities

While giants like League of Legends and Counter-Strike dominate today, fresh games are always rising. Titles such as Arena Breakout or Project L show how quickly a new release can attract competitive play and betting markets. 

For bettors, this means keeping an eye on up-and-coming games can reveal opportunities before the odds catch up. Early adoption often rewards those willing to explore new titles and formats.

Mobile Esports Growth

At the same time, mobile gaming is becoming a central force in esports. Games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and PUBG Mobile already draw massive audiences in Asia, and tournaments are expanding globally.

Such a shift brings new betting markets designed for shorter, faster matches played on mobile devices. As mobile esports grow, they’ll add a new layer of accessibility for fans and bettors alike, making the industry even more diverse than it is today.

Start Your Esports Betting Journey Today

Esports has grown into one of the most exciting betting markets, and we believe the best way to get started is by diving in and exploring it for yourself.

We’ve built a platform, Jackpot.bet, designed for beginners and experienced bettors alike. It has clear odds, live markets, and full coverage of the biggest tournaments.

We make the process easy to follow: create an account, explore the markets, and place your first bet with confidence. With the right approach, you can turn passion into smarter betting decisions.

Final Thoughts

Our esports betting guide has shown how gaming and wagering now go hand in hand.

Success comes from combining knowledge, discipline, and the right strategy. On Jackpot.bet, we simplify the process on how to bet on esports with clear markets, live options, and a platform designed for every level of bettor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to win in esports betting?

Study team performance, check recent patches, and manage your bankroll carefully. Using reliable betting on esports tips, such as tracking head-to-head records or watching how teams adapt to meta changes, gives you an edge over casual bettors.

How to start betting on esports?

Getting started is simple: choose a licensed platform like Jackpot.bet, create an account, and make your first deposit. From there, you can explore betting markets such as match winners, maps, and totals. 

Beginners should start small and focus on games they already watch and understand.

How can you bet on esports?

You can bet on esports in many ways, from pre-match wagers to in-play gaming wagers that happen while the match is live. Options include picking outright winners, betting on specific maps or rounds, and even predicting first blood bets or total kills. 

Each market offers a different way to stay engaged.

Do people bet on esports?

Yes, millions of fans worldwide now bet on esports, making it one of the fastest-growing areas of online gambling. With global tournaments, live streaming, and huge prize pools, esports betting has become as popular as wagering on traditional sports like football or basketball.