How does eSports betting work? A beginner’s guide

Understanding eSports

eSports encompasses a wide array of gaming genres, from first-person shooters to real-time strategy games. eSports betting is an offshoot of the broader sports betting ecosystem, with many overlapping principles.

People bet on the team or player they predict will win, just as in traditional sports betting. This creates a thrilling atmosphere where in-depth game knowledge could lead to financial gains.

Sports betting vs eSports betting

eSports betting shares several core concepts with traditional sports betting, but there are also some important differences. Let’s start with the similarities.

• Betting basics: Both traditional sports betting and eSports betting revolve around predicting outcomes, guided by odds established by bookmakers. Understanding the odds is vital to placing e-gaming bets.
   
• Variety and flexibility: Each platform offers a range of betting options that involve not only the overall winner but also specific in-game events and performances. For example, you can bet on the first team achieving a certain objective or which player will reach the highest score in a match.

While both traditional sports betting and eSports betting revolve around predicting the outcomes of events, there are some key differences.

• Understanding the data: While both forms of betting demand an in-depth understanding of the game or sport involved, the types of data scrutinised by bettors can differ.
  
  In eSports, the industry is younger, which means there is typically less historical data to analyse compared to traditional sports. This makes recent performances and real-time analysis even more relevant for eSports betting.
   
• Demographics and market fluctuations: eSports betting is more popular amongst young adults and is subject to more volatility due to game rule changes, player transfers, and evolving strategies.
  
  For instance, a top eSports player’s sudden transfer to another team could drastically change the betting odds overnight. Another example could be a sudden announcement of a game update or patch that alters gameplay mechanics, instantly making previously poor-performing teams more competitive and thus affecting the odds.
   
• Player condition and match frequency: eSports emphasises mental acuity over physical condition. Moreover, the frequency of matches in eSports is typically higher than traditional sports due to its digital nature, leading to a potentially more dynamic betting environment.

How to get started with eSports betting

Getting started in eSports betting involves several steps:

1. Know your game: The first step in eSports betting is understanding the world of eSports. Familiarise yourself with different eSports genres like First Person Shooter (FPS), Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA), and Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games.

• First Person Shooter (FPS): In FPS games, the player you’re betting on sees through the eyes of the character they are controlling, providing a more immersive experience. Key factors to watch out for in FPS games include individual player skill, team coordination, and map awareness.
  
  A good example is a game where two teams aim to eliminate each other or complete objectives.
   
• Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA): MOBA games involve two teams, each with its own base on either side of the map. The main objective is to destroy the enemy’s base while protecting your own.
  
  In this genre, team strategy and an understanding of the game’s heroes, including their strengths and weaknesses, can significantly impact the outcome.
  
  In MOBA games, the depth of the hero pool (the range of characters that players can choose from) and evolving game meta (the prevailing strategies or character builds that are considered the most effective at any given time) can lead to unpredictable matches. Both factors can make match outcomes less predictable, adding an extra layer of complexity to eSports betting.
   
• Real-Time Strategy (RTS): These games focus on resource management and strategic positioning to outmanoeuvre opponents. The players’ ability to think strategically, multitask, and adapt to changing situations are the keys to success in these games.
  
  An example is a game where players must manage their base and resources while trying to take down their opponent’s base.

2. Understanding betting odds: In eSports betting, as with traditional sports betting, odds play a crucial role. Knowing how to interpret odds will give you a clear idea of the potential return on your bet.

Responsible eSports betting

Betting can be an enjoyable pastime, but it’s vital to approach eSports betting responsibly. It involves risk and unpredictability, much like any form of betting. Therefore, it’s crucial to gamble responsibly and never risk more than you can afford to lose.

As the landscape of entertainment evolves, eSports has emerged as an interesting arena that bridges the gap between gaming and competitive sports. This rapid rise has paved the way for eSports betting, introducing a new dynamic to sports betting.

While there are similarities, such as understanding odds and the role of bookmakers, eSports betting comes with its unique set of challenges and opportunities.

By understanding the different game genres, keeping up to date with trends, choosing a bookmaker, and selecting a reliable payments platform like Skrill, you can get started in eSports betting.

Here are some of the advantages Skrill offers to simplify money management:

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