Navigating the World of Esports Betting: Essential Tools and Strategies
Elen StelmakhHaving grown from grassroots gaming communities, esports has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry over the past few years, thanks to the passion of players and the enthusiasm of their supporters.
Along with it, online sports betting has grown as well, especially in the United States, where it has been spreading state-by-state ever since the abolishment of PASPA in 2018. Esports betting was bound to emerge eventually and is now becoming ever so present within the sports betting arena, following traditional betting trends but with its own twists and dynamics.
Tournaments and leagues organized around games such as League of Legends, CS:GO, Dota 2, Overwatch 2, and Valorant are now commonly seen in online sportsbooks, all with diverse market selections and fair betting odds.
And while finding esports betting platforms is easier than ever before, consistently winning money off of esports wagers is a challenge.
You can overcome it by using esports betting tools—a set of methods and approaches that can lower the sportsbooks’ edge and make you a more successful esports bettor.
Esports Betting Tools: Understanding the Basics
Many tools can help you become better at esports betting. First, you need to learn as much as you can about the teams and players, and this is where websites and forums for game analysis and team statistics can be of great assistance.
You must also master the mathematics of betting itself, using odds calculators to figure out your potential payouts and shopping for the best odds possible, all while responsibly managing your betting budget.
Odds Comparison Engines
Betting sites are constantly competing with each other as to who will offer the best odds. Of course, they must also maintain their edge over bettors, so it’s a fine line to walk.
As a result, you will find varying odds on different sportsbooks when placing the same bet. For instance, Sportsbook A offers +120 on a market you want to bet on, while Sportsbook B sets the price on that same market to +125. Even though they may seem minor, the differences between these odds can add up over time and result in a noticeably higher profit.
Instead of manually looking from one sportsbook to another to find the best odds, you can simply use odds comparison tools like this. These tools scan all major sportsbooks and highlight the ones that have the best price for a specific type of bet.
Role of Live Streaming and Social Media
Just like with traditional sports, being a fan of a given esports competition increases your chances of winning. Thanks to social media, you can stay in the loop and get the latest updates, team news, and community insights. It also helps to watch the competitions, especially if you enjoy betting on esports matches while they are in progress.
Many sportsbooks feature live esports betting, allowing you to place wagers as the games are in play. The odds shift after every score change and round win, so being prepared and anticipating the perfect moment to place a wager is the key to success.
By streaming a match on platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming, you can get real-time game analysis, dissect the gameplay, and use the stats to your favor.
Community and Expert Insights
Online esports communities are growing each day. There are numerous forums and websites where experts can share their wisdom. At the same time, the interactivity on these platforms democratizes the analysis process, letting players and fans of all skill and experience levels participate and contribute to the ongoing dialogue.
You, too, can ask questions and share your opinions—playing a role in shaping the discourse will undoubtedly help you fully understand competitive gaming and become a more knowledgeable esports bettor.
Elen Stelmakh is a creative individual dedicated to advancing gaming culture through articles and visual design. As a full-time EGamersWorld author and designer for a gaming website, Elen not only creates content but also infuses it with energy and creativity.