eSports is fairly new but it’s one segment in the online sports betting industry that’s leading the charge. According to experts, the eSports market is set to top $1.5 billion by the end of the year. This is powered by increasing viewership and the growing number of mobile games to play like Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, and League of Legends. In terms of wagers, experts estimated that the total bets wagered in 2019 was $8 billion and can top $16 billion annually in the next few years. It’s an exciting time for eSports and for the players and punters who are following the industry.
This popularity extends to the growth of betting opportunities focused on popular eSports. Today, almost all real money betting sites that accept Indian players include eSports as part of their covered sports. The list of games to bet on is extensive, and the best bookmakers offer exciting betting markets. all these create a favourable landscape for punters but before you play, check out the betting terms and bets unique to eSports.
Best Bookmakers In India - December 2024
Types of Bets in eSports
Just like traditional sports betting, the objective of eSports betting is to bet on the outcome of the match. You will also find betting markets that allow you to bet on propositions or specific outcomes within the game. If you’re after diversity in betting markets, then eSports is highly recommended. Described below are some of the popular bets you can explore in top Indian sportsbooks.
Money Line
This is the traditional way to bet on most sports including eSports. To play this bet, simply pick which side will win the match. If you have a favoured team or if your national team is playing, you can put your money on the players.
Handicap
The principle used in handicap eSports betting is similar to what’s used in traditional sports betting. Under this bet type, the bookmaker will try to balance the chances of both teams by giving the lower-ranked team an advantage (or a positive handicap) and the higher-ranked team is awarded a disadvantage (a negative handicap). If you’re betting on a team with a positive handicap to win, the team should win the game, draw or lose by less than the handicap number. If you’re betting on a negative handicap team, you can only win a payout if this team wins by more than the handicap set. For example, Team A is set at -2 since it’s favoured to win the match. If you bet on Team A, the team should win by more than 2 points for you to collect a payout.
Totals
As the term suggests, you will focus on the total points or scores collected at the end of the match. To create this betting market, the operator will set a score, say 10. your job is to bet if the total outcome is over or below this number. For this reason, this type of bet is also called the over/under bet. For example, in Call of Duty, you can bet on the total number of kills made.
Outright
In this type of bet, you are looking at the tournament or event as a whole and not just one match. In outright betting, you’re putting your money on the team who you think will win the tournament. Compared to totals and money lines, outright betting is a bit tricky, especially for beginners. For you to become successful in this type of betting, you need to know more about the team and the standing of other competitors so you can predict the long run.
What are the Popular eSports Games to Bet On
Now that you’re familiar with the types of sports bets, the next important thing to cover is the games. In eSports betting, you are presented with different kinds of games that are not only entertaining to play but also offers exciting betting opportunities. Here’s a look at the biggest eSports games and the top prize money.
- League of Legends. This is a highly competitive game that’s inspired by the Defense of the Ancients. Here a player assumes the role of a champion with specific skills to defeat the other team. The most important tournament for this game is the League of Legends Worlds with an estimated audience of 3.9 million in 2019.
- Fortnite. In this popular game, the player builds his fort and aspires to be the last man standing. The most viewed tournament for the game is the Fortnite World Cup which attracted more than 2.3 viewers and punters.
- Dota 2. The Defense of the Ancients or Dota is still the biggest game for many and the reasons are obvious. In 2019 alone, the total prize money was $46,150,000 (£35,679,000). The biggest tournament to follow in case you want to bet on Dota 2 outcomes is The International.
- CS:GO. Counter-Strike is another popular game that tests the skills of players in shooting and military tactics. Last year, the top prize money for all tournaments was $17,578,000 (£13,590,000) with the IEM Katowice Major as the most popular tournament for the game.
The best Indian sportsbooks today also host other eSports games that you can follow and bet on. Other popular games to check and follow are Call of Duty, Starcraft, Overwatch, and Free Fire. If you prefer a specific game, you should check out first the sportsbooks before registering or topping-up your account. On this page, we will provide you with the best online bookmaker recommendations that can work for your needs.
Why Bet on eSports Online?
If you’re passionate about eSports or play these games, then the next logical step is to bet on game outcomes. If you research the teams, explore the rules and bet responsibly, there’s a big chance that you can collect lucrative payouts. Also, online eSports betting is highly convenient. Most bookmakers today allow betting across devices. Furthermore, all sportsbooks are now fair, private, and secure.
So, do you have what it takes to dominate eSports betting?
If you’re ready to bet on eSports, check our list of recommended online sportsbooks in India. We review all sites for their licenses, security, and the available betting markets so you can pick what’s best for you.
