Esports betting has become not only a niche and leisure activity but also an international trend, and gamers are willing to test their understanding of games such as CS2, Valorant, and League of Legends. The most reputable sites not only offer odds, but they also offer live betting, outright markets, and promotions that give the experience even more satisfaction. To get started, find Popular Esports to Bet On across leading sportsbooks, where major titles and tournaments are covered year-round.
1. Moneyline Bets
Esports betting is based on moneyline betting. All that you have to do is select a team or a player that you believe will win a match. The odds indicate the perceived power of each party: the favorite is less paid, and the underdog may bring greater rewards. New people choose moneyline bets due to this simplicity. Moneyline bets are particularly popular in Dota 2, League of Legends, and CS2—the three titles that together accounted for nearly all global esports betting volume in 2024. They are the default option of bettors in such large-volume markets due to their simplicity.
2. Handicap Betting
Handicap betting or spread betting is meant to even the playing field when one team has a big advantage over another. The sportsbooks impose a virtual advantage or disadvantage on a team, commonly in maps or rounds. For example, you may bet on a CS2 team to win in a -1.5 map handicap, and your bet will only be paid out in case this team wins by at least two maps. This alternative makes the unequal matches more exciting and gives better odds as opposed to mere moneyline betting.
3. Totals (Over/Under)
Totals don’t depend on who wins. Instead, they revolve around statistics within the game. Bettors predict whether certain numbers will fall over or under the line set by the bookmaker. Common examples include:
- Will a League of Legends match last over 35 minutes?
- Will there be fewer than 26 rounds in a CS2 game?
These bets are great for fans who follow team strategies, since aggressive teams finish games fast, while cautious teams take longer.
4. Outright Winner Bets
Outright betting is eliminated during individual matches and instead targets an entire season or tournament. You are supporting the winner weeks or even months before the game is played, instead of picking the winner. The values of popular outright bets are the winner of The International, the Valorant Champions Tour, or the League of Legends World Championship. This style rewards the long-term vision, and it can be especially thrilling when underdog teams get deep into competitions that they are not supposed to.
5. Prop Bets
Prop bets offer an ideal fit for those bettors tracking every in-game event. This market is young: 61% of Americans aged 18-30 actively bet on sports, and they respond well to dynamic and detail-oriented betting. Prop bets allow users to bet on events outside the match outcome, such as first blood in League of Legends, Baron Nashor before 20 minutes or maps entered over time, and especially appeal to tech-savvy, data-driven bettors who enjoy fast-paced, interactive wagers.
6. Live (In-Play) Betting
Live betting adds the excitement of making decisions in the moment to esports betting. The odds are dynamic as the game progresses to allow you to respond to momentum changes and take advantage when the game changes in your favor.
A team that performs poorly at the start of CS2 could prove to be a good bet if you think they may perform better later. Live betting is popular among more experienced players who can read the running of the match like the palm of their hand.
