NextSport discusses the types of bets on CS2 and Dota 2 – from the basic match outcome to special markets on individual maps and rounds. Understanding the different types of bets and how they work distinguishes a conscious player from one who clicks randomly. Below is the market structure to keep in mind before each bet.
Main Types of Bets
Most markets in esports are built on three basic types. They work in both CS2 and Dota 2:
- match outcome (1X2 or "team victory") – the simplest and most popular market;
- map handicap (handicap) – a bet with a handicap, for example, "+1.5 maps";
- total maps or rounds – a prediction on the number of maps or rounds played.
These three types cover the majority of bets. Everything else is their variations and narrow special markets.
Bets on CS2
CS2 is convenient for betting due to its clear structure: a series of maps, and each map consists of rounds. This provides a deep breakdown.
| Market | What We Predict | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Match victory | who will take the series | victory for Team Spirit |
| Map handicap | handicap in bo3/bo5 series | FaZe +1.5 maps |
| Total maps | how many maps will be played | more than 2.5 maps |
| Total rounds on a map | total rounds | more than 26.5 rounds |
| Victory on a specific map | outcome of an individual map | victory on Mirage |
In CS2, the map pool and sides are particularly important. A team may be strong on one map and fail on another, so betting on individual maps requires preparation.
Bets on Dota 2
In Dota 2, series are often played in a bo3 format, and the outcome heavily depends on the patch and draft. The breakdown is built around maps and game events.
| Market | What We Predict | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Series victory | who will take the match | victory for Team Falcons |
| Map handicap | handicap in bo3 | Tundra +1.5 maps |
| Total maps | number of maps in the series | more than 2.5 maps |
| First Blood | who will get the first kill | first blood for Radiant |
| Match duration | match time | more than 35.5 minutes |
| Kills/total kills | total kills on the map | more than 48.5 kills |
Game markets like "first blood" or total kills look attractive due to high odds, but predicting them is more difficult than the basic outcome.
Special and Live Bets
In addition to the standard breakdown, bookmakers offer special markets and in-game bets:
- bets on player and team statistics (frags, assists);
- bets on specific map events (capturing a point, destroying a building);
- live bets – placed during the match with changing odds;
- bets on tournament outcomes – champion, group exit, playoff qualification.
Live betting offers flexibility but requires speed and understanding of the game's pace. A novice can easily succumb to emotions when the odds fluctuate in real time.
What Bets to Choose for Beginners
The simpler the market, the higher the predictability. For starters, the following are suitable:
- match victory on a clear favorite;
- map handicap to protect against one lost map;
- total maps in the series if the teams' forms are roughly equal.
Exotic markets – first blood, exact number of rounds, individual player statistics – are better to master later when you have more experience and understanding of the discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a map handicap differ from a total?
A handicap is a bet on the series outcome (for example, "+1.5 maps" wins if the team takes at least one map). Total is a prediction on the overall number of maps or rounds regardless of who wins.
A handicap is a bet on the series outcome (for example, "+1.5 maps" wins if the team takes at least one map). Total is a prediction on the overall number of maps or rounds regardless of who wins.
What are the most predictable bets on CS2?
Match victory and map handicap. Total rounds and bets on individual maps are more difficult as they depend on the map pool and sides.
Match victory and map handicap. Total rounds and bets on individual maps are more difficult as they depend on the map pool and sides.
Should a beginner play live?
Live betting requires experience and understanding of the game's pace. At the start, it's safer to bet before the match on basic markets.
Live betting requires experience and understanding of the game's pace. At the start, it's safer to bet before the match on basic markets.
What to choose – CS2 or Dota 2?
It depends on which game you understand better. CS2 is more convenient with its structure of maps and rounds, while Dota 2 offers more game markets but is more tied to patches and drafts.
It depends on which game you understand better. CS2 is more convenient with its structure of maps and rounds, while Dota 2 offers more game markets but is more tied to patches and drafts.
