When you’re looking to place a wager on your favorite esports teams, understanding the odds is the first step. Odds tell you two main things: the implied probability of a team winning and how much you stand to win if your bet is successful. This guide will break down the most common types of esports bets – moneyline, spread, and prop bets – so you can confidently interpret what those numbers mean. This will help you make more informed decisions and potentially enhance your gaming experience.
Understanding Moneyline Bets: Who Will Win?
The moneyline bet is the simplest form of wagering. You’re simply picking which team you believe will win the match outright. There are no point differences or special conditions; it’s a straightforward “winner takes all” scenario.
How Moneyline Odds Work
Moneyline odds are typically displayed as positive or negative numbers, representing either the underdog or the favorite:
- Negative Numbers (e.g., -200): These indicate the favorite. The number shows how much you need to bet to win PHP 100. So, if the odds are -200, you need to wager PHP 200 to win PHP 100 in profit. Your total return would be PHP 300 (your original PHP 200 stake plus PHP 100 profit).
- Positive Numbers (e.g., +150): These indicate the underdog. The number shows how much you would win on a PHP 100 bet. If the odds are +150, a PHP 100 bet would win you PHP 150 in profit. Your total return would be PHP 250 (your original PHP 100 stake plus PHP 150 profit).
Moneyline Example
Let’s say Team A has odds of -250 and Team B has odds of +180.
- If you bet PHP 100 on Team A (the favorite): You’d need to bet PHP 250 to win PHP 100.
- If you bet PHP 100 on Team B (the underdog): You’d win PHP 180.
When to Use Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets are great when you have a strong conviction about which team will win, regardless of the score. They are ideal for matches where one team is heavily favored, or when you spot an underdog you believe has a real chance of an upset. However, betting on heavy favorites often yields small returns, while betting on underdogs carries higher risk.
Spread Bets: Covering the Difference
Spread betting, sometimes called handicap betting, introduces a “handicap” to level the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. This means the favorite needs to win by a certain margin, or the underdog needs to lose by less than a certain margin (or win outright) for your bet to be successful. In esports, this often translates to map wins.
How Spread Odds Work
The spread is represented by a number, usually with a plus or minus sign:
- Negative Spread (e.g., -1.5 maps): The favored team must win by more than this margin. If a team has a -1.5 map spread, they need to win by 2 or more maps (e.g., 2-0, 3-0, 3-1 depending on the match format). If they win 2-1 in a best-of-three, they didn’t “cover the spread.”
- Positive Spread (e.g., +1.5 maps): The underdog team can lose by less than this margin, or win outright. If a team has a +1.5 map spread, they can lose by only one map (e.g., 1-2 in a best-of-three) or win the match entirely, and your bet still wins.
Spread Bet Example
In a best-of-three League of Legends match, Team C has a spread of -1.5 maps (-120 odds) and Team D has a spread of +1.5 maps (+100 odds).
- If you bet on Team C (-1.5 maps): Team C must win 2-0. If they win 2-1, your bet loses.
- If you bet on Team D (+1.5 maps): Team D can lose 1-2 or win 2-0, and your bet wins.
When to Use Spread Bets
Spread bets are useful when there’s a clear favorite, but you want better odds than a moneyline bet might offer for that favorite. They also allow you to bet on an underdog with some “cushion,” meaning they don’t have to win outright for your bet to pay off. It adds an extra layer of strategy, as you’re not just predicting a winner but also the margin of victory.
Prop Bets: Beyond the Outcome
Prop bets, short for “proposition bets,” are wagers on specific events or occurrences within a match that don’t necessarily relate to the final outcome. These can be a lot of fun and cover a wide range of possibilities.
Types of Prop Bets
Prop bets can vary greatly depending on the game and the specific match. Here are some common examples:
- First Blood/First Kill: Which team will achieve the first kill in a game?
- Total Kills Over/Under: Will the total number of kills in a map be over or under a specified number?
- First Baron/Dragon/Objective: Which team will secure the first major objective?
- Player Performance: Will a specific player achieve more than a certain number of kills, assists, or other stats? For example, if you’re keen on optimizing your gameplay with a bygame item, you might also be looking at how individual player performance impacts the game.
- Map Duration: Will a match last over or under a certain amount of time?
Prop Bet Example
In a Dota 2 match, a prop bet might be “Team E to get First Roshan – Yes (-150) / No (+110)”. If you bet PHP 100 on “Yes” and Team E secures the first Roshan, you win PHP 100 profit.
When to Use Prop Bets
Prop bets are excellent for those who have deep knowledge of a particular game, specific team strategies, or individual player tendencies. They offer a chance to capitalize on niche insights that might not affect the overall match winner but are still significant in the game. They add excitement and allow for more diverse betting strategies, but can also be more unpredictable.
Practical Checklist for Reading Esports Odds
To help you navigate the world of esports odds, here’s a quick checklist:
- Identify the Bet Type: Is it a moneyline, spread, or prop bet?
- Understand the Numbers: Are they positive (underdog, potential profit on PHP 100) or negative (favorite, amount to bet to win PHP 100)?
- Consider the Context: For spread bets, what does the +/- number mean in terms of map wins or other game objectives? For prop bets, what specific event are you wagering on?
- Assess Risk vs. Reward: High positive numbers mean higher risk but higher potential payout; negative numbers mean lower risk but lower payout.
- Do Your Research: Always look into team form, player performance, recent patches, and head-to-head records before placing a bet.
Remember, responsible betting is key. Only wager what you can afford to lose, and never chase losses. Esports betting should be an enjoyable addition to your viewing experience, not a financial burden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Esports Odds
Q: What do negative odds mean in esports?
A: Negative odds, like -250, indicate the favored team. The number shows how much you need to bet to win PHP 100 in profit. For example, -250 means you bet PHP 250 to win PHP 100.
Q: How do spread bets work in a best-of-three series?
A: In a best-of-three, a -1.5 map spread means the favored team must win 2-0. A +1.5 map spread means the underdog can lose 1-2 or win 2-0, and your bet still wins.
Q: Are prop bets riskier than moneyline bets?
A: Prop bets can be riskier because they often depend on specific, sometimes unpredictable, in-game events rather than just the overall match outcome. However, they can also offer higher payouts for niche predictions.
Q: Can I bet on esports without understanding the game deeply?
A: While you can, it’s highly recommended to have a good understanding of the game, teams, and players involved. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions, especially for spread and prop bets, and for spotting value in the odds.
