League of Legends Betting: Complete Beginner's Guide 2025

League of Legends betting has become a popular entry point for many rookies to esports wagering. The game itself is complex, but the fundamentals of betting can be explained in clear terms. 

Beginners often struggle with odds, bet types, and how game dynamics affect outcomes, which is why a clear guide like this can make the difference. Our guide focuses on the essentials: how the bets work, what the numbers mean, and how to avoid common mistakes.

By the end, you’ll understand the basics well enough to approach your first wager with confidence and a practical mindset.

Understanding League of Legends Basics

League of Legends, created by Riot Games, is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) that is played in a five-on-five format.

Each team controls a base. And the winner is the one who can break through three lanes of towers and destroy the opposing Nexus.

Along the way, players earn gold, gain experience, and fight over neutral objectives that can tilt the game in one direction. The setup can be compared to football, with offense, defense, and a final goal that secures victory.

Fans who enjoy MOBAs often explore similar titles, and one of the biggest is Dota 2. If you want to learn more, check out our Dota 2 Betting Guide with insights into the game, markets, and odds.

Types of League of Legends Bets

When you first approach LoL betting, the number of options can feel confusing, but most wagers fall into a few clear categories. Each bet type has its own logic, and they are:

Match Winner

The most straightforward option is to predict which team will win the match. It works similarly to picking the winner in a football game. Such an option may be the easiest starting point for beginners.

Map Winner / Correct Score

Here, you’re betting on the outcome of individual maps or the exact score of a best-of series. For example, in a best-of-three, you could back Team A to win 2-1.

First Blood / First Tower / First Dragon

Another approach is betting on which team secures the first major objective. It can be compared to betting on the first goal in football, where momentum early in the game can make a big difference later.

Handicap Bets

Handicaps are designed to balance the odds when one team is far stronger than the other. For instance, if you back a favorite with a -1.5 map handicap in a best-of-three, they must win 2-0 for your bet to succeed.

Totals (Over/Under Kills)

Totals focus on whether the combined kills in a game go over or under a set line. If the line is 25.5 kills, betting over means you expect at least 26, while under means you expect 25 or fewer. 

It’s a way to predict the style of the match rather than the winner. Here’s an overview of each bet type:

How Odds Work in LoL Betting

LoL betting odds are key because they show both the payout and the implied chance of an outcome. The three main odds you’ll come across are:

Decimal Odds

Decimal odds are the easiest to follow and are used in Europe. You multiply your stake by the number shown. 

For example, a $10 bet at 2.5 odds returns $25. It is the simplest to calculate for beginners.

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds are used in the UK and are written as 3/1. In this example, for every $1 you stake, you get $3 in profit. 

So, the total payout would be $4, including your stake. They look less intuitive than decimals, but once you get the hang of it, it’s straightforward.

American Odds

American odds can look confusing at first, but they follow a clear pattern. A positive number, such as +200, means that a $100 bet brings a $200 profit. 

Conversely, a negative number like -150 means you need to risk $150 to win $100. Once you compare a few examples, it becomes easier to read and understand.

Esports Betting Mathematics for Beginners

The math behind esports betting helps beginners stop guessing and start making better decisions. The concepts are not hard, and with a few examples, the link between odds and probability becomes clear.

Probability vs Odds

Every odd reflects an implied probability of an outcome. For instance, odds of 2.0 equal a 50% chance, meaning the bookmaker believes the event is just as likely to happen as not.

If you understand this link, you can read betting markets with more confidence and spot when the numbers may not tell the full story.

Expected Value

Expected value is a way to measure whether a bet is favorable or not. Imagine a coin toss with even odds. If the payout matches the true chance, the bet is fair.

Now think of a biased coin that lands on heads 60% of the time, but still pays as if it were 50%. It would be a positive bet, since the real odds are better than what is offered. 

The same idea applies when reading LoL odds, where value often hides behind the surface numbers.

Real-World Example

Suppose a team has a 60% chance of winning, but the bookmaker’s line suggests only a 50% chance. If you bet under those conditions, the expected return works in your favor over time.

Therefore, this math is a key part of learning how to bet on Esports. It shows that long-term success depends less on luck and more on identifying value where others do not.

Popular LoL Leagues and Tournaments

League of Legends is played at the highest level across four major regions. North America has the LCS, Europe competes in the LEC, Korea runs the LCK, and China showcases talent in the LPL. 

Each league operates its own season, with the best teams qualifying for international events. The Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) gathers top spring champions from every region. 

On the other hand, the World Championship, better known as Worlds, crowns the overall best team of the year. Both tournaments bring together rival playstyles and create matchups that rarely happen during regional play.

Betting activity usually peaks during MSI and Worlds, as matches are watched by millions worldwide. The stakes are higher, the skill gap is narrower, and surprises happen more often.

Key Factors to Consider Before Betting on LoL

Success in esports betting is about more than just surface stats. If you know how teams perform, adapt, and handle pressure, you get an edge when making matches.

Team Form and Recent Results

A team’s recent form is the first indicator of how they’ll play. Win streaks build confidence, while losing streaks reveal weaknesses.

Adaptation to new patches also plays a role. Teams that adapt quickly usually find an advantage over slower teams. When you analyze teams, you should:

• Look for winning or losing streaks that reveal momentum.

• Check how teams have adapted after major balance changes.

Player Matchups

Individual matchups often decide the pace of a game. A strong carry against a weak opponent can swing the game in their favor. 

An evenly matched player can create an unpredictable scenario. And it can affect how bookmakers set the lines when you’re betting on League of Legends.

Drafts and Patch Updates

The draft phase decides the strategies available in a game. A good draft can nullify an opponent’s strength or amplify your own. 

Patch updates complicate things further, as balance changes can make yesterday’s best strategy today’s worst. So, you should keep an eye on:

• A poor draft can undo a team’s skill advantage.

• Teams that master new metas quickly usually gain a lasting edge.

Pressure and Mental Aspects

Competitive pressure has a visible impact, especially in playoffs and finals. Underdogs sometimes thrive in these conditions, upsetting favorites who may crack under expectation. 

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

New players often slip into the same patterns when they first try esports betting. 

One of the biggest is putting all their trust in favorites. Strong teams do lose, and the odds often don’t justify the risk. 

Another mistake is forgetting how much patches matter. A small change to a champion or item can completely change how a team performs. 

Lastly, many beginners chase losses. When a few bets go wrong, it’s tempting to keep raising stakes to recover, but that usually empties a balance faster.

Tips for Smarter LoL Betting in 2025

The best approach is to start small. Treat your bankroll like a budget you want to stretch.

A little research into recent team form and player stats gives context that numbers alone can’t provide. It is especially good when comparing League of Legends odds across different matches.

Live betting can also be exciting, since momentum swings are common in LoL. However, it works best when you already know what you’re looking for.

League of Legends Betting on Jackpot.bet

Jackpot.bet makes it easy for new players to dive into esports wagering. Our platform is designed for both beginners and experienced bettors.

In addition, you can place bets on live matches. Regular promotions and loyalty rewards add extra value, while the interface keeps everything simple.

To get started, create an account, deposit, and choose the League of Legends market you want to bet on. From there, it’s just a few clicks to place your first bet.

Conclusion

Knowledge and preparation are the foundation of smarter bets; League of Legends is no exception. If you know the game, read the odds, and basic betting math, every bet might feel deliberate.

Yet, League of Legends betting is best when it’s fun. When you have a stake in a match, the excitement rises, but keeping perspective ensures the fun stays.

With the right balance of strategy and entertainment on Jackpot.bet, betting adds an extra layer of fun to one of the most competitive esports in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest LoL bet for beginners?

The simplest bet is the match winner market. You only choose which team you think will win the match. 

Since it doesn’t require knowledge of map scores or in-game objectives, beginners usually find this the best way to start on Jackpot.bet.

Can you bet on live League of Legends matches on Jackpot.bet?

Yes, most platforms, including Jackpot.bet, offer live betting. It allows you to place wagers while the match is in progress. 

Odds shift as the game develops. You can react to momentum swings or take advantage of unexpected plays.

Are LoL bets different from sports bets?

In principle, they are very similar. You still choose from markets like winners, handicaps, or totals. 

The main difference is that the outcomes are based on in-game objectives such as kills, towers, or dragons rather than goals or points.

Is LoL betting legal and safe?

Legality depends on where you live. Every country has its own rules for esports wagering. As long as you use a licensed platform like Jackpot.bet, your funds and data remain protected. 

Always check local regulations first to make sure you can bet legally in your region.