In esports betting, extensive knowledge about teams, players, and current metagames is essential. Consider this knowledge the foundation, much like a four-year college degree. While it may have once been sufficient to secure a great job, it’s now merely the starting point since many others possess similar knowledge.
You need to build upon this foundation to become a successful and profitable esports bettor. This involves incorporating a fascinating mix of techniques, qualities, and information, such as money management, psychology, technical expertise, and self-control.
While it would be challenging to cover everything in depth, this post aims to provide a robust starting point by highlighting ten crucial ingredients of this secret sauce.
1. Approach Esports Betting as an Investment Strategy
Drawing parallels between sports betting and stock trading, particularly options and futures trading, can offer valuable insights for successful esports betting. Traders with a financial background often excel in esports betting due to their research-oriented approach.
Just like market timing, assessing historical and current performance data to identify favorable money lines and spreads, or undervalued teams, can significantly improve your betting outcomes.
Developing a trading mindset is crucial, emphasizing risk mitigation and sticking to straightforward bets with calculable probabilities rather than complex wagers. This systematic approach can provide a significant advantage over time.
2. Keep a Low Profile
Esports betting markets are relatively young and less liquid, making them attractive for sharp bettors but also subject to high volatility and bookmakers keen on limiting successful players. Be cautious in cashing out after consecutive wins to avoid drawing attention and potential limitations.
To maintain a low profile, consider making small deposits, placing bets in rounded amounts, sticking to single bets per game, avoiding maximum bet limits, and occasionally mixing in small parlays when performing well.
3. Timing Matters: Snipe Lines Late
When you have a strong prediction for a match outcome, try placing your bet as close to the match start time as possible (if the site allows increasing limits). However, be mindful that favorable lines might disappear, and excessive max betting may raise suspicions as a sharp bettor. Reserve this tactic for smaller, low-liquidity matches.
4. Models: Build or Buy?
Behind successful esports betting lies a well-structured model, which includes the best gambling sites to bet at. While professional bettors often create sophisticated models, building an effective one as an amateur can be challenging. Alternatively, narrow your focus and specialize in specific segments of an esport, or consider following reputable paid model services with verifiable track records.
5. Be Cautious of “Sway” in Esports
“Sway” refers to misinformation influencing betting patterns and is prevalent in the relatively young and meme-driven esports scene. Distinguish between valuable insights and unreliable information from sources, and consider “fading the public” when sway is prominent.
6. Consider Online vs. LAN Impact
Esports matches can take place either online or on LAN. Each has its implications, with online matches posing technical risks like lag and communication issues, while LAN matches offer reliability but may affect players’ performance under pressure.
7. Stay Updated on Social Media
Monitor team and player social media accounts, especially Twitter, for important updates like roster changes or player status alterations. Acting quickly on such information can give you an edge before the lines adjust.
8. Employ Kelly Criterion Cautiously
The Kelly Criterion helps control bet amounts and manage risk, but it’s generally more effective when using half or a quarter of the recommended bet size. Smaller Kelly bets provide better protection against significant losses.
9. Watch Games with Purpose
Simply watching numerous games isn’t sufficient for successful betting. Focus on specific elements, such as team play style, player interactions, preferred characters, and map performances, to enhance your predictive abilities.
10. Factor in Map Selection (“Maptics”)
In some esports, map selection can be a critical determinant of the match outcome. Analyze how teams and players perform on specific maps to make more informed predictions. Mastering these strategies and devoting time to understand the intricacies of esports as well as its competitors can significantly enhance your esports betting success.
Dos and Don’ts of Profitable Esports Betting
| Dos of Profitable Esports Betting | Don’ts of Profitable Esports Betting |
| Do Your Research: Thoroughly study the teams, players, and past performance to make informed betting decisions. | Don’t Bet with Your Heart: Avoid letting personal biases or loyalty to a particular team cloud your judgment. |
| Do Manage the Bankroll: Have a budget for betting and stay within that. Stop chasing losses. Just bet within your means. | Don’t Blindly Follow Others: Relying solely on tips or predictions from others without doing your research can lead to poor decisions. |
| Do Understand the Game: Familiarize yourself with the esport you are betting on to better analyze the matches and make accurate predictions. | Don’t Bet on Every Match: Be selective and focus on matches where you have a good understanding and an edge in predicting outcomes. |
| Do Shop for the Best Odds: Compare odds across different bookmakers to find the most favorable ones for your bets. | Don’t Chase Losses: Trying to recover losses quickly by placing large bets can lead to further losses and a depleted bankroll. |
| Do Focus on Value Bets: Look for opportunities where the odds offered by bookmakers seem undervalued compared to your analysis. | Don’t Overestimate Underdogs: While upsets happen, avoid overvaluing underdogs without proper justification. |
| Do Stay Disciplined: Stick to your betting strategy and avoid making impulsive bets based on emotions. | Don’t Ignore Changes in Lineups: Pay attention to roster changes or substitutions that might impact a team’s performance. |
| Do Keep Track of Your Bets: Maintain a record of your bets, wins, and losses to assess your performance and learn from mistakes. | Don’t Bet Under the Influence: Avoid betting while intoxicated or emotional, as it can impair judgment and lead to poor decisions. |
By following these dos and don’ts, you can improve your chances of success and profitability in the world of esports betting. Remember that betting should be done responsibly and with a focus on long-term gains rather than short-term wins.
