Do you enjoy watching video games like League of Legends, CS:GO, or Valorant? Have you ever thought about making those games even more exciting by betting on them? If yes, you’re not alone. Esports betting is growing fast, and many people are discovering that it can be a fun and rewarding experience—when done the right way.
In this article, we’ll explain how to bet on esports and why it’s become so popular. You’ll learn how it works, what to watch out for, and how to get started safely. We’ll keep everything simple and easy to understand, even if you’ve never placed a bet before.
What Is Esports Betting?
Esports betting is when you place money on the outcome of a professional video game match or tournament. It’s just like betting on traditional sports like football or basketball, but instead of teams on a field, you’re betting on teams or players competing in video games.
Some of the most popular esports games for betting include:
- League of Legends (LoL)
- Dota 2
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
- Valorant
- Call of Duty
- Overwatch
- Fortnite
- PUBG
You can bet on things like:
- Which team will win the match
- The final score
- Who will get the most kills
- Which team will win the first round or map
There are many options, and once you understand how it works, it becomes more fun and exciting.
Why Is Esports Betting So Popular?
Let’s look at some of the main reasons why millions of people are now betting on esports:
1. It Makes Watching Games More Fun
When you place a bet, even a small one, the match becomes more exciting. You’ll cheer harder for your favorite team, feel the tension of every round, and celebrate every win like it’s your own. It adds a thrill to the viewing experience.
2. It’s Easy to Get Started
You don’t need to be an expert in gambling to start betting on esports. If you already watch games and understand the teams and players, you’re ahead of the curve. Most betting websites are simple and user-friendly.
3. There Are Many Betting Options
You’re not limited to just guessing who will win. Esports betting allows for different types of bets like:
- First blood (first kill)
- Total number of maps played
- Handicap bets (where one team starts with a point advantage)
- Live or in-game betting while the match is happening
This gives you more ways to win and more control over your strategy.
4. You Can Win Real Money
Of course, one of the biggest reasons people bet on esports is to make money. If you study the teams, follow the latest news, and make smart decisions, you have a good chance of winning. Just remember, it’s not guaranteed—and that’s why we’ll talk about betting responsibly later in this article.
5. Esports Is Always Active
Unlike traditional sports that have off-seasons, esports runs all year long. There’s always a tournament or league going on somewhere in the world. That means more chances for you to watch, enjoy, and bet.
How to Get Started with Esports Betting
If you’re interested in trying it out, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you start safely and smartly.
Step 1: Choose a Trusted Betting Site
There are many websites and apps where you can bet on esports, but you should always choose one that is:
- Licensed and legal in your country
- Safe and secure (with good reviews)
- Offers a wide range of games and betting options
- Easy to use, especially for beginners
Examples (for reference only; always check local laws):
- Betway Esports
- GG.Bet
- Unikrn (may vary by region)
- DraftKings or FanDuel (in certain states)
Tip: Avoid shady sites that promise big wins or ask for strange personal info. If it feels unsafe, trust your gut and walk away.
Step 2: Create an Account
Once you’ve chosen a platform:
- Sign up with your email
- Verify your identity (for safety)
- Choose a payment method (credit card, PayPal, crypto, etc.)
Some sites offer welcome bonuses for new users, like free bets or extra credits. Be sure to read the terms and conditions.
Step 3: Pick a Game You Know Well
Start by betting on games you already watch and understand. If you love CS:GO or League of Legends, stick with those at first. You’ll be able to make better choices because you know the teams, players, and how the game works.
Step 4: Do Your Research
This is where you can stand out. Many people bet randomly, hoping to get lucky. But if you study the teams, recent match results, injuries, or even map picks, you can make smarter bets.
Some helpful sites for research include:
- HLTV.org (for CS:GO stats)
- Liquipedia.net (for all game schedules and team info)
- Reddit gaming forums
- Twitter and YouTube for updates
Knowledge is your biggest advantage.
Step 5: Place Your Bet
Now it’s time to bet. Most sites let you choose:
- The match
- Type of bet (winner, score, etc.)
- The amount of money you want to bet
Once you place your bet, sit back and enjoy the match. You can even bet live, meaning during the game, if your platform allows it.
Step 6: Manage Your Money Wisely
This is very important. Only bet money that you can afford to lose. Set a budget for yourself—maybe $10 a week—and stick to it. Never chase losses or try to win back money with bigger bets. Treat betting as entertainment, not a way to get rich quick.
Types of Esports Bets You Can Try
Here are some common types of bets you’ll see in esports:
- Match Winner – Pick who will win the match. Simple and popular.
- Map Winner – Bet on who wins a specific map or round.
- Total Maps – Predict how many maps will be played (Over/Under).
- First Blood – Guess which team will get the first kill.
- Handicap – Gives one team a head start or disadvantage.
- Live Betting – Place bets while the game is happening, based on real-time action.
Each type of bet has different odds and risks. Try out different kinds to see which you like best.
Pros and Cons of Esports Betting
Let’s quickly look at the good and the bad sides so you can make an informed decision.
Pros:
- Makes watching esports more exciting
- Chance to win real money
- Lots of games and options to choose from
- You can use your gaming knowledge
- Easy to start with low amounts
Cons:
- Can be risky if not done responsibly
- Hard to win consistently
- Some sites may not be legal in your area
- Can become addictive if not controlled
That’s why responsible betting is so important.
Tips for Responsible Esports Betting
Here’s how to make sure your esports betting stays fun and safe:
- Set a budget and never go over it
- Use logic, not emotions, when placing bets
- Take breaks if you’re losing too much or feel stressed
- Stick to legal, licensed platforms
- Keep learning about teams, games, and strategies
Betting should never feel like a job or a burden. If it does, it’s time to stop and take a step back.
Final Thoughts
Esports betting is growing fast, and it’s easy to see why. It adds excitement to matches, gives you a chance to win money, and lets you put your gaming knowledge to the test. If you already love watching or playing games, betting might be a fun next step—as long as you do it responsibly.
To sum it up:
- Learn the basics and start slow
- Choose a trusted platform
- Bet on games you know
- Do your research before betting
- Always set a spending limit
Whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore gamer, esports betting can make your experience even more thrilling.