Esports (electronic sports) is competitive video gaming that involves professional players and teams competing against each other. The sport has become a mainstream form of entertainment, with its popularity in previous years opening up a whole new and exciting side of sports betting. There is a wide range of different gaming genres ranging from sports simulation, fighting games, shooting games, and more. These games require a lot of skill, strategy, and in multiplayer games, teamwork. Esports events are streamed online where viewers can watch the action unfold in real-time, making eSports betting a thrilling experience for bettors.
Esports betting works similarly to traditional sports betting, however, beginners may feel overwhelmed if they don’t know much about the sport itself, or even sports betting in general. So, here’s a guide that beginners will find helpful.
Must-Know Beginner Tips for Getting Started with eSports Competitions
Before getting started with eSports betting, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different games and players and even do some research into performance history. Having all the information will help you make more informed decisions when betting. A good way to get information when doing research is through online forums, team websites, social media, and sports publications such as ESPN E-Sports and Liquipedia.
It’s also important to understand the betting process and be familiar with the different types of bets available. The most common type of bet in eSports is the match winner. This is simple and a great bet to start with, as you only need to predict which player or team will win. You can bet on matches or a whole tournament.
Handicap betting is when a handicap is given to a favored side which levels the playing field. This results in more balanced odds, or in some cases, a higher payout. Over/Under betting is more specific and involves predicting whether the total score, rounds, or maps played in a match will be over or under a specified number. And lastly, futures betting is when bettors predict the winner of a tournament or league before it begins.
Choosing the Right eSports platform
If you’re not sure what eSports betting platform to choose, then there are a few factors to consider to help you decide. A good way to get a true understanding of what a betting platform is like is by checking out online reviews from other bettors to see for example how user-friendly the platform is, and so on. Here are some other factors to consider:
Reputation
You need to make sure the platform is fully licensed and follows all regulations. This is important, not only to ensure fair play but also to keep your personal and financial information secure.
Game Variety
Before looking at different platforms, find out what games you like the most. A good way to do this is by checking out different live streams that are often streamed on platforms like Twitch and YouTube and start thinking about what games you’re going to enjoy betting on the most. Some of the more popular eSports games are Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Fortnight.
Bonuses and Promotions
All betting platforms will offer different bonuses and promotions for both new and existing players. These promotions are great for beginners as they allow you to experiment without having to spend any money. BonusFinder Ireland for example, can help you find such offers that may be right for you.
Betting Options
After finding out the different types of betting, consider which ones you think you’d prefer. Platforms will offer a range of betting types, so choose a platform that allows you to bet the way you want to.
Customer Support
This is something most bettors don’t consider until they run into a problem. If you experience any issues or even have any questions, an active customer support service is what you need. Before signing up, check to see how the platform offers support; this could be through live chats, email or phone calls. Again, checking online reviews is a good way to find out the quality of a platform’s customer service.
Staying Informed about E-Sports Tournaments and Events
Once you sign up to a platform and start betting, it’s essential to keep up-to-date with eSports and the different tournaments and events happening, as there are huge tournaments each year. Make sure you’re following eSports news, websites, and blogs. You can also sign up for different newsletters and follow different accounts on social media. This is the best way to stay informed and make the right decisions when betting.
Now that you have a basic understanding of eSports betting, it’s time to put it into practice. Know that eSports is an exciting sport that’s growing more and more popular, so this is the perfect time to get involved. Just remember that responsible gambling is essential, and as soon as you’re no longer enjoying betting on the sport, or if it’s causing you stress, then it’s time to stop.
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