Betting Strategy Guide
How to Bet on Esports
Key takeaways
- Common esports markets, where offered, include the match winner, a map or game handicap and the total number of maps played.
- A best-of-1 match is harder to predict than a best-of-3 or best-of-5, because a single game decides it.
- Game patches and roster changes can shift a matchup quickly, so check the latest lineup and patch news before you bet.
To bet on esports, you pick the team that wins a match, bet on the map score or bet on events inside a game, where offered. Esports are bet much like traditional sports, with moneylines, handicaps and totals, but the format of each match changes how those bets behave.
Common esports markets
Esports betting centers on popular titles such as Counter-Strike, League of Legends and Dota 2, and availability varies by event. Common markets include:
- Match winner: which team wins the series, the esports moneyline.
- Map or game handicap: a spread counted in maps or games.
- Total maps: over or under a number of maps, such as 2.5 in a best-of-3. See total betting.
- In-game props, where offered: first blood, first tower or another first objective, depending on the game.
How a best-of-3 settles
| Series result | Team A -1.5 maps | Team B +1.5 maps | Over 2.5 maps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team A wins 2–0 | Wins | Loses | Loses |
| Team A wins 2–1 | Loses | Wins | Wins |
| Team B wins 2–1 | Loses | Wins | Wins |
| Team B wins 2–0 | Loses | Wins | Loses |
If Team A is -200 to win the match, you risk $200 to win $100, an implied 66.7%. If Team A -1.5 maps is +140, a $100 bet wins $140, an implied 41.7%.
Best-of-1 vs best-of-3 and best-of-5
In a best-of-1, one game decides everything, so a weaker team has a real chance and favorites carry more risk. Longer series give the stronger team time to recover from a bad map, which is why the same favorite is usually priced shorter in a best-of-3 or best-of-5.
Patches, rosters and live betting
- Patches: game updates change the balance of characters, weapons and maps, and some teams adapt faster than others.
- Rosters: a new player or a stand-in can change a team overnight. Check the confirmed lineup.
- Map pool and draft: map picks and bans, or the draft, shape a game before it starts.
- Live betting, where offered: odds move fast between maps and during play, and markets can be suspended at key moments.
Forfeits, disconnections and replayed games are settled differently across sportsbooks, so read the house rules. Terms are in the betting dictionary.
Betting at Betcris Arizona
Betcris Arizona is licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming. You must be 21 or older and located in Arizona to place a bet. Check the current promotions before you bet, and read our responsible gaming policy. If gambling stops being fun, call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you bet on esports?
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Where offered, you pick a match winner, take a map or game handicap, bet the total maps or bet on in-game props. It works much like betting on traditional sports.
What does -1.5 maps mean in esports betting?
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The team must win by at least two maps, so in a best-of-3 it has to win 2–0.
What happens to an esports bet if a team forfeits?
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It depends on the sportsbook and the market: bets may be void or settled on the official result. Check the house rules.
Why are best-of-1 matches harder to predict?
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A single game decides the match, so one mistake or an unusual strategy can beat a stronger team. Longer series give the better team time to recover.
