Esports has become a full-fledged part of bookmakers' offerings, and for CS2 and Dota 2 the number of markets on top matches reaches into the hundreds. NextSport explains how betting on esports matches works: which disciplines and markets are available, how live betting differs from pre-match, and what to look at when analysing a game.
What esports betting is
An esports bet is a wager on the outcome of a match or a specific in-game event in disciplines such as CS2, Dota 2 and League of Legends. The principle is the same as in traditional sports betting: the bookmaker sets odds for outcomes, and the bettor picks the option they consider likely. The difference lies in the specifics of the games: matches are played across maps, and within maps there are key events (rounds, Roshan, dragon) that also take bets.
Which disciplines people bet on
The bulk of the line covers a few disciplines:
- CS2 – the most popular discipline for betting, with the deepest markets on Majors;
- Dota 2 – the second most popular, with many markets on maps and in-game events;
- League of Legends and Valorant – consistently present in the lines of major operators;
- additionally you can find Mobile Legends, Rainbow Six, cyber football (EA FC) and cyber hockey.
Main bet types
The basic markets repeat across almost all disciplines:
| Bet type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Match winner (W1/W2) | outcome of the whole series – win for the first or second team |
| Map handicap | -1.5 / +1.5 map handicap to level a favourite and an underdog |
| Total maps | over or under a set number of maps played (for example, 2.5) |
| Total rounds or kills | over or under on a specific map |
Special markets in CS2, Dota 2 and LoL
Beyond the basic outcomes, bookmakers offer in-game events:
- in CS2 – the pistol round, first blood, winning a specific half;
- in Dota 2 – first Roshan, first blood, total kills and match duration;
- in League of Legends – first tower, first dragon, first champion killed.
Pre-match and live
Pre-match means bets placed before the match starts, when the odds are already set and relatively stable. Live means bets during the game: the odds are recalculated in real time after each round or kill. Live offers more markets and flexibility, but requires quick decisions and a good understanding of the game.
Odds and margin
The odds show the potential payout and reflect the bookmaker's estimate of an outcome's probability. They include the margin – the operator's commission: on top CS2 matches it is usually between 3% and 7%. The lower the margin, the more favourable the line for the bettor, so comparing odds across operators is a basic skill.
Esports predictions: what to look at
A quality prediction is built on data, not intuition. The main analysis factors are:
- the current form of the teams and their recent results;
- the map pool and statistics on specific maps (especially in CS2);
- roster changes, substitutions and the role of stand-ins;
- motivation and tournament context (group stage, playoffs, survival battle);
- the patch and the current meta, which is critical for Dota 2 and LoL.
Legal esports betting in Russia
In Russia, esports betting is legal if the operator holds a Federal Tax Service licence and is connected to the unified TSUPIS – it guarantees the legality of settlements and protects the bettor's funds. Among legal operators, esports lines are offered by, for example, BetBoom, PARI and Fonbet. Betting is available only to adults: gambling involves the risk of losing money, so bankroll control and a responsible attitude to the game matter (18+).
Frequently asked questions
Is esports betting legal in Russia?
Yes, if the bookmaker operates under a Federal Tax Service licence and is connected to TSUPIS. Such operators work legally.
Which disciplines can you bet on?
Most often – CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends and Valorant. Major operators also feature other disciplines.
How does live differ from pre-match?
Pre-match is a bet before the match at pre-set odds, live is during the game with odds recalculated in real time.
What is the bookmaker's margin?
It is the operator's commission built into the odds. On top CS2 matches it is usually 3-7%.
