During the COVID lockdown, gaming surged in popularity as one of the few activities that continued without interruption. That momentum carried over into sports betting, where esports quickly became a major market.

Esports is more than casual gaming—it’s a highly competitive environment featuring professional players, global teams, and major tournaments.

As esports continues to grow, so do betting opportunities, with a wide range of markets now available across multiple games.

What Is Esports Betting?

Esports betting involves wagering on competitive gaming matches or tournaments. With hundreds of events taking place regularly, sportsbooks offer odds across a wide range of markets.

At its core, esports betting works similarly to traditional sports betting.

You can bet on:
• Match or tournament winners
• Handicap (spread) markets
• Over/under totals
• Player and team props

With so many options available, focusing on one game or league can help you make more informed bets.

Popular Esports Games for Betting

Esports includes multiple genres, but some games consistently attract the most betting action.

Main Esports Categories
• MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena)
• FPS (First-Person Shooter)

League of Legends (LoL)

League of Legends is one of the most established esports titles, with global leagues and major tournaments like the World Championship.

Matches feature two teams of five competing to destroy the opponent’s nexus, with betting markets that include match winners, total kills, and objective-based props.

Counter-Strike (CS2)

Formerly CS:GO, CS2 remains one of the top FPS esports for betting.

Popular betting options:
• Match winner
• Map winner
• Total rounds/maps
• Player kill props

Major events like the ESL Pro League provide consistent betting opportunities.

Dota 2

Dota 2 has a loyal following and some of the largest prize pools in esports.

Its betting markets are similar to LoL, with options for match winners, totals, and in-game props.

Valorant

Valorant is a newer FPS title that has quickly gained popularity.

Key features for bettors:
• Tactical gameplay similar to CS2
• Expanding betting markets
• Year-round competitive structure (VCT)

Markets include moneylines, spreads, and totals.

Call of Duty (CoD)

Call of Duty continues to be a strong betting market thanks to its structured league format.

Improved data and consistency have expanded betting options, including match betting and prop markets.

Types of Esports Bets

Esports offers a wide range of betting markets, similar to traditional sports.

Moneyline Betting

This is the simplest wager—picking a team or player to win. Favorites have lower payouts, while underdogs offer higher returns.

Map Handicap (Spread Betting)

Instead of just choosing a winner, you bet on the margin of victory.

• Favorites must cover the spread
• Underdogs can lose narrowly and still win the bet

Total Maps or Rounds (Over/Under)

This bet focuses on whether the total number will go over or under a set line.

Common options include:
• Total maps played
• Total rounds
• Total kills

In-Game Events (Prop Bets)

Prop bets focus on specific outcomes within a match.

Examples include player kills, first objectives, or team-based milestones, especially in games like LoL and CS2.

Tournament Winner

This is a long-term bet on which team or player will win an entire tournament.

While payouts can be higher, it requires consistent performance across multiple matches.

Esports Betting Strategies

Like traditional sports betting, strategy plays a key role in long-term success.

Focus on One Game

With so many esports available, specializing in one helps you better understand teams, players, and betting patterns

Follow Team and Player News

Key factors to monitor:
• Roster changes
• Player form
• Team chemistry

Staying updated helps you react before odds shift.

Use Live Betting for Esports

Live betting is one of the biggest advantages in esports.

The fast pace of matches creates constant line movement, giving bettors opportunities to find value during gameplay.