What is esports betting?
Comprehensive overview of esports betting and how arbitrage betting offers a risk-free alternative.
What is esports betting?
Esports betting involves placing wagers on competitive video game matches and tournaments across various popular titles.
As esports has grown into a global phenomenon, betting on its events has gained popularity, offering diverse markets and dynamic odds.
While traditional esports betting can involve risk and uncertainty, arbitrage betting eliminates guesswork by guaranteeing profits regardless of the outcome.
Overview of Esports Betting
Esports betting allows fans to wager on outcomes of professional video game competitions. These bets can be placed on individual matches, tournament winners, in-game events, and more. Popular esports titles include League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Valorant. The market is driven by dedicated sportsbooks offering live and pre-match betting options, often with fluctuating odds based on team performance and player statistics.
- •Bets can be placed on match winners, maps, and in-game objectives
- •Odds vary depending on team strength, recent form, and tournament stakes
💡Example of a Match Winner Bet
A bettor wagers $50 on Team A to win a best-of-three match at odds of 2.0. If Team A wins, the payout is $100, doubling the stake.
Payout = Stake x Odds = 50 x 2.0 = 100
Types of Esports Bets
Esports betting offers a variety of wager types catering to different betting styles. Common types include match winner bets, map winner bets, handicap bets, over/under bets on rounds or kills, and proposition bets on specific in-game events. The diversity allows bettors to find value in niches or leverage detailed game knowledge.
- •Match Winner: Betting on which team will win the match
- •Handicap Betting: Giving one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage to balance odds
- •Over/Under: Betting on whether a stat like total kills exceeds a set number
How Arbitrage Betting Fits In
With numerous bet types and fluctuating odds, calculating guaranteed profits can be complex. Arbitrage betting uses differences in odds between bookmakers to lock in profit regardless of the outcome, removing the need to predict winners.
💡Over/Under Bet Example
A bettor wagers on over 25.5 kills in a game at odds of 1.8. If the total kills reach 26 or more, the bet wins.
Potential payout = Stake x Odds
Risks and Challenges in Esports Betting
Like all forms of betting, esports betting carries risks such as unpredictable outcomes, odds fluctuations, and the potential for misinformation about teams or players. Additionally, esports is a fast-evolving industry where upsets are common due to meta changes or player form. These factors make consistent profit difficult without strategic approaches.
- •Unpredictable match outcomes can lead to losses
- •Odds change rapidly, requiring timely decisions
- •Information asymmetry may lead to misinformed bets
How Arbitrage Betting Eliminates These Risks
Arbitrage betting minimizes these risks by exploiting price differences between bookmakers to guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome. This removes the need to predict match results or time odds shifts perfectly.
💡Risk in Conventional Betting
Placing a bet on an underdog may yield high returns but comes with a high chance of loss due to unpredictability.
No guaranteed payout without risk management
Calculating and Executing Arbitrage Bets
Arbitrage betting involves finding situations where the combined implied probabilities of all outcomes are less than 100%, allowing for guaranteed profit by distributing stakes appropriately. Bettors must calculate exact amounts to stake on each outcome to lock in profit regardless of who wins. These calculations can be complex, especially with multiple outcomes or fluctuating odds.
- •Identify differing odds across bookmakers for the same event
- •Calculate stake distribution to cover all outcomes
- •Place simultaneous bets to secure profit
Tools to Automate Arbitrage Calculations
Due to the complexity and speed required, tools like ArbitUp automate these calculations and identify opportunities, making arbitrage betting accessible even for beginners.
💡Simple Arbitrage Calculation
If Team A is 2.10 at Bookmaker 1 and Team B is 2.10 at Bookmaker 2, the combined implied probability is (1/2.10) + (1/2.10) = 0.9524, less than 1, indicating an arbitrage opportunity.
Stake on Team A = (Total Investment x (1/Odds Team A)) / Sum of (1/Odds), similarly for Team B
Legality and Regulation of Esports Betting
The legal status of esports betting varies globally. Some countries fully regulate and license esports sportsbooks, while others have restrictions or outright bans. Bettors must ensure they comply with local laws and use reputable platforms. Proper regulation helps protect bettors from fraud and ensures fair play.
- •Check local laws before participating
- •Use licensed and regulated sportsbooks
- •Beware of unregulated platforms that may pose risks
💡Legal Example
In the UK, esports betting is regulated by the Gambling Commission, ensuring player protection and fair betting practices.
Tips for Successful Esports Betting
Successful esports betting requires research, discipline, and understanding of both the games and betting markets. Staying updated on team news, player form, and meta shifts is crucial. Managing bankroll responsibly and avoiding emotional bets helps preserve capital. For those seeking consistent profits, arbitrage betting offers a strategic alternative that removes guesswork.
- •Follow esports news and team updates regularly
- •Manage your bankroll with clear limits
- •Consider arbitrage betting to guarantee returns
- •Use tools like ArbitUp to simplify complex calculations
💡Discipline in Betting
Avoid chasing losses by making impulsive bets and stick to a predefined staking plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️Betting on matches without researching team form or player conditions
- ⚠️Ignoring odds fluctuations and placing bets too late
- ⚠️Failing to manage bankroll effectively, leading to large losses
- ⚠️Chasing losses with riskier bets instead of cutting losses
- ⚠️Overlooking the value of arbitrage betting to eliminate risk
- ⚠️Relying solely on intuition instead of data and statistics
- ⚠️Using unregulated betting sites that may not pay out winnings
The Power of Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting removes uncertainty by exploiting price differences to guarantee profits regardless of the event outcome.
- ✓Eliminates guesswork about match results
- ✓Provides consistent, risk-free profit opportunities
- ✓Simplifies betting strategy by focusing on odds rather than predictions
Get Started with ArbitUp
Ready to start earning guaranteed profits?
ArbitUp is the best and most affordable tool to automate arbitrage calculations and identify opportunities in real time.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This content is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Sports betting involves substantial risk. Only bet with money you can afford to lose. See our Terms of Service for complete legal disclaimers.