League of Legends (LoL) has firmly secured its position as one of the most popular esports in the world. With professional teams from every corner of the globe, tournaments such as the League of Legends World Championship and regional leagues like the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) have created a thriving esports community. This growing fanbase has led to an exciting new avenue for enthusiasts: betting on LoL matches.
If you’re looking to dive into the world of LoL betting, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From understanding the game’s mechanics and the types of wagers available, to interpreting betting odds and learning the strategies to maximize your chances of success, this guide is your first step toward becoming a savvy LoL bettor.
1. Understanding League of Legends: A Quick Overview
Before placing any bets, it’s essential to understand the core mechanics of League of Legends and how the matches are structured.
LoL is a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game where two teams of five players each battle to destroy the opposing team’s Nexus – a critical structure located in the center of their base. The map used for the game is known as Summoner’s Rift, and it consists of three main lanes, a jungle area, and various structures that help protect each team’s Nexus.
The match format follows a best-of-three rounds system, meaning the first team to destroy the enemy’s Nexus twice wins the match. Players summon champions, each with unique abilities, and work together to push through the enemy’s defenses while protecting their own.
2. League of Legends Champion Class Types
To better understand the dynamics of a LoL match, it’s important to know about the different champion classes. There are more than 135 champions in LoL, each with unique abilities and roles within a team. Riot Games has categorized these champions into six primary types:
- Assassins: These champions are highly mobile and specialize in dealing massive damage quickly to fragile enemies. They excel in short, intense fights but lack defenses for prolonged battles.
- Mages: Mages are powerful spellcasters who can inflict heavy damage to multiple enemies. They have support capabilities but are relatively vulnerable due to their low health and mobility.
- Fighters: These champions are versatile, capable of both tanking damage and dealing decent damage. They have solid survivability but lack the specialized strengths of other classes.
- Marksmen: Marksmen are ranged attackers who excel at dealing sustained damage from a distance, often focusing on objectives like towers and dragons. However, they are weak in direct confrontations.
- Tanks: With a high health pool and excellent durability, tanks can absorb a lot of damage, drawing fire away from more vulnerable teammates. However, they are not effective in offensive roles.
- Supports: These champions provide healing and buffs to allies, enhancing the effectiveness of the team. While they are less effective on their own, they play a crucial role in team synergy.
As a bettor, understanding the roles and synergies between different champion types can give you valuable insight into how a match will play out and help you make more informed wagers.
3. How to Read LoL Betting Odds
Betting odds are a critical component of wagering on League of Legends, and understanding them is vital for any bettor. The odds indicate two essential pieces of information: which team is favored to win and by how much, and how much you stand to win depending on your bet.
Most sportsbooks offer LoL odds in American or Fractional formats. Here’s a brief explanation of both:
- American Odds: These are typically represented with a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. The negative number (e.g., -230) shows how much you need to stake to win $100 if betting on the favorite. The positive number (e.g., +160) indicates how much you stand to win if you bet $100 on the underdog.
For example, if Team SoloMid has odds of -230, you would need to bet $230 to win $100. On the other hand, Team Liquid’s odds of +160 would pay out $160 for every $100 wagered if they win. - Fractional Odds: These odds are displayed as fractions, like 3/1 or 1/2. The numerator (top number) represents how much you can win from a bet, while the denominator (bottom number) indicates how much you need to stake. A bet of 3/1 means for every $1 you wager, you could win $3.
Understanding odds is essential to assess the likelihood of each outcome and calculate your potential returns effectively.
4. Types of LoL Bets
League of Legends offers a variety of betting options, allowing you to wager not only on the match outcome but on specific in-game events and player performances. Here are some of the most popular bet types:
Moneyline Bet
The simplest type of wager, the moneyline bet, allows you to pick which team you think will win the match. The odds are assigned based on each team’s perceived chances of victory.
Spread Bet
In LoL, spread betting works similarly to traditional sports betting. The spread is set at +/- 1.5 for a best-of-three match. This means the favorite must win by a 2-0 sweep to cover the spread, while the underdog can win just one round and still cover the spread.
Totals (Over/Under)
With totals betting, you wager on the total number of rounds in a match. In best-of-three matches, this total is usually set at 2.5. If you bet the over, you expect the match to go to a third round. If you bet the under, you predict a 2-0 sweep.
Prop Bets
Proposition (prop) bets focus on specific events within the match that don’t directly affect the final outcome. These bets can vary widely but may include predictions like:
- Which team will destroy the first tower?
- Who will score the first kill?
- Which team will take the first dragon?
These bets are ideal for in-game wagering, as they allow you to engage with the match in real time and place bets based on the action unfolding on-screen.
Futures Bet
Futures bets are long-term wagers where you predict the winner of a major tournament or league event well in advance. For example, you can bet on which team will win the World Championship before the tournament starts. Futures betting often offers higher odds but comes with increased risk as more information becomes available throughout the event.
5. Three Key Tips for Betting on League of Legends
While betting on League of Legends can be thrilling, it’s essential to approach it with strategy and knowledge. Here are three tips to improve your chances of success:
1. Research and Understand the Teams and Players
In addition to understanding the champions themselves, it’s crucial to research the teams and individual players. Pay attention to recent performances, team dynamics, and strategies. While champions may have inherent strengths, a team’s coordination and individual skill can often outweigh the power of a single champion.
2. Monitor Champions in the Draft Phase
The draft phase, where teams select their champions, is a crucial part of LoL betting. Certain champions can heavily influence the flow of a match. For example, a team with a champion known for early-game aggression, like Olaf, could dominate a match early on, affecting the odds and match progression. Understanding how champion picks align with a team’s strategy will give you a significant edge.
3. Shop Around for the Best Odds
Online sportsbooks offer various odds, and even small differences can significantly impact your returns. Always shop around for the best odds and promotions to maximize the value of your bets. Many betting sites offer bonuses or free bets to new customers, which can be an excellent opportunity to boost your bankroll.
Conclusion
Betting on League of Legends offers an exciting way to immerse yourself in the esports scene while potentially earning profits. By understanding the game mechanics, reading odds correctly, and exploring the different bet types, you can become a more informed and successful bettor. As with any form of betting, it’s essential to remain disciplined, do your research, and bet responsibly. With time and experience, you’ll be able to place smarter bets and enjoy the thrilling world of League of Legends esports to its fullest. Happy betting!
