If you are someone coming from sports betting, the esports betting scene might look a bit confusing, at least when it comes to the types of bets you can make. But like it or not, the eSports betting scene is growing in popularity, and in the future maybe it will surpass traditional sports like football or horse racing.
The thing with eSports is that every game has its own betting markets (types of bets), just because the gameplay is different. In this case, we will focus on Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) since it is without a doubt one of the most popular games in the eSports scene.
What does this mean? Well, since we are talking about a game with 1.3 million players every day (way more than any other game), this means that there are more tournaments to bet on.
So, get your betting senses ready, and let’s learn more about CS2 betting markets.
1. Match Winner (Moneyline)
The bread and butter of eSports wagering, according to Bovada betting sportsbook, is the match-winner bet, where you predict which team will win a specific game. It’s as straightforward as it sounds—just pick the team you believe will win.
For example, if Team A is playing Team B, you wager on one of them to win. Easy, right? But don’t let the simplicity fool you—studying team dynamics and recent performances will boost your chances of winning.
This is often the most popular bet, just like with any other sport. But sometimes it is very difficult to get right, especially if you don’t know much about certain CS2 teams and their past performances.
Pro Tip: While betting on heavy favorites might feel safer, the odds for underdogs can be highly rewarding if you’re willing to take a calculated risk.
2. Map Winner
If you want to get a little more specific, map-winner bets are another popular option. CS
matches are typically played in a best-of-three or best-of-five format, with each match divided into maps. You can place bets on which team will win each individual map. This is great if you’ve noticed a team tends to perform better on specific maps like Dust II or Mirage. Try to learn more about popular maps that are often played in tournaments, not workshop maps.
Remember, some teams perform better at certain maps. While skills play an important role in CS2, the team strategy is also crucial. So, this is a popular bet especially if you are betting on the underdog to take on a big team, on the map they have the best advantage.
Pro Tip: Do your homework on the teams’ strengths and weaknesses on certain maps. Some teams dominate on a particular map, while others struggle.
3. Total Rounds (Over/Under)
In CS, each map consists of a maximum of 30 rounds, and you can bet on the total number of rounds played. This is known as the over/under market. Let’s say the bookmaker sets the total at 26.5 rounds—you bet whether the actual number of rounds will be higher or lower than that number.
Why It’s Popular: This bet isn’t about who wins the match but how long it’ll last. If you expect a tightly contested game, betting the over might be smart.
4. Handicap Betting
Handicap betting gives one team a theoretical advantage or disadvantage, leveling the playing field. For example, a team might start with a -1.5-map handicap. This means they must win by two clear maps for your bet to come through. If the opposing team is given a +1.5-map advantage, they can lose by one map, and you still win your wager.
Pro Tip: Handicap betting is perfect when a strong team is playing against a weaker one. It raises the stakes and increases your payout potential.
5. First Blood
Here’s where things get really fun—first-blood bets! This market allows you to bet on which player or team will secure the first kill in a round. It’s quick and adds a burst of excitement to the game.
Pro Tip: Fast-paced, aggressive teams are your best bet for first blood markets. Study the players’ playstyle and aggression levels.
6. Correct Score
Feeling confident? Try your hand at predicting the exact final score of a match. This is one of the more challenging betting markets but offers high rewards. For example, if you predict that a team will win 2-1 in a best-of-three match, and they do, you’re in for a nice payout.
7. Live Betting (In-play)
For those who love the adrenaline of reacting in real-time, live betting is where it’s at. As a CS
match progresses, the odds continuously update, and you can place bets while the action unfolds. It requires quick thinking and knowledge of how a match is developing, but the thrill is unmatched.
Pro Tip: If you see one team consistently making a comeback, live betting allows you to adjust your bets accordingly.
