League of Legends Betting: How to Bet on League of Legends

When it comes to esports, League of Legends (LoL) is the king of the hill. As the most popular Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game and one of the most watched esports globally, it offers endless betting opportunities. The 2023 World Championship alone drew over 6.4 million viewers, solidifying its place as a titan in the competitive gaming scene.

This esports wagering guide breaks down how to bet on League of Legends, the best sites for betting, and essential tips for both beginners and experienced bettors.

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League of Legends Basics

League of Legends is a complex, team-based strategy game where two teams of five champions, each with unique abilities, battle to destroy the opposing team’s Nexus, which is the core building located at the heart of a base protected by defensive structures. Developed by Riot Games and released in 2009, it quickly became a global sensation, primarily due to its free-to-play model, competitive depth, and constant updates.

The game takes place on a map called Summoner’s Rift, which is divided into three lanes — Top, Mid, and Bottom — with a Jungle area in between. Each player selects a champion from a roster of over 150 options, ranging from assassins like Zed to mages like Orianna and tanks like Malphite.

Champions earn gold by killing minions, enemy champions, and neutral monsters to buy powerful items that enhance their abilities. Team coordination, strategy, and individual skill are crucial for success, making LoL an excellent game for betting, given its high skill ceiling and unpredictability.

League’s competitive scene includes regional leagues such as the LCK (Korea), LPL (China), LEC (Europe), and LCS (North America). Teams like T1, JD Gaming, G2 Esports, and Cloud9 consistently attract the best talent and dominate the competition, while the annual World Championship, known as “Worlds,” is the pinnacle event that determines the world’s best team.

Understanding League of Legends Odds

When betting on League of Legends, you’ll usually encounter esports odds presented in American, Decimal, or Fractional formats, depending on the sportsbook. Most American sportsbooks use the American odds format (e.g., +200 or -150).

These odds indicate how much you could win relative to your wager. For example, if you bet $100 on T1 at +200, you stand to win $200 if T1 wins. Conversely, a -150 bet means you need to bet $150 to win $100. Odds can shift dramatically based on team form, roster changes, and even game patch updates.

If you bet on other popular US sports leagues like the NBA and NFL, then LoL betting odds should be easy for you to understand.

What are the Different Types of Bets you can Make on League of Legends?

League of Legends offers a variety of exciting betting options, giving both casual and seasoned bettors multiple ways to get involved. Let’s dive into some of the key types of bets you can place when gambling on LoL esports.

Match Winner

The “Match Winner” bet is the bread and butter of League of Legends betting. This straightforward bet involves predicting which team will win a particular match. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity; League of Legends matches are dynamic and unpredictable. Consider factors like team compositions, draft strategies, and historical matchups.

For example, T1 may be favored against a team like Team Liquid due to their history and current form, but surprises happen, especially with unexpected champion picks or meta shifts.

Over/Under Total Maps

Betting on the “Over/Under Total Maps” is about predicting the number of games played in a series. In a Best of 5 (Bo5) between G2 Esports and Fnatic, you might bet on whether the series will go over or under 3.5 maps.

If you anticipate a tight competition with evenly matched teams, betting on “Over” might be a smart move. Alternatively, if one team is significantly stronger, betting on “Under” could be a safer play.

First Team To…

“First Team To” bets focus on which team will achieve a specific objective first, such as drawing “First Blood,” destroying the first tower, or claiming the first Dragon. Some teams are known for their early aggression, like MAD Lions, who often prioritize early game skirmishes.

If you’re betting on a team like MAD Lions to get the first kill, it’s based on their playstyle and track record of high-impact early game actions. Meanwhile, betting on the first Dragon or Baron is great for teams like Gen.G, who are known for their objective-focused gameplay.

Total Kills

This bet revolves around the total number of kills in a match – sort of like a prop bet. You could wager on whether the total kills by both teams will be over or under a specific number. This type of bet is perfectly suited to League of Legends live betting, allowing you to respond to the game’s ongoing dynamics.

For instance, if Invictus Gaming is playing a fast-paced, high-kill game against FunPlus Phoenix, betting on the “Over” for total kills might be favorable. Teams that tend to play aggressively or adopt “all-in” strategies will generally produce higher kill counts, which makes this bet type more dynamic and exciting.

Total Towers/Dragons/Barons

Betting on “Total Towers/Dragons/Barons” in League of Legends involves predicting how many of these key objectives will be secured during a match.

• Towers: These are defensive structures that protect each team’s side of the map. Destroying towers grants gold and opens up the map, making it easier to advance and attack the enemy base. A team that excels at early pressure might destroy more towers, making it a smart bet to wager on higher totals.
• Dragons: Elemental Dragons provide powerful buffs to the team that defeats them. Teams with strong dragon control strategies often prioritize these objectives. Betting on total dragons taken is great when a team is known for contesting these objectives.
• Barons: The Baron Nashor is the most powerful neutral monster, granting a team-wide buff that enhances minions and provides tactical advantages. Teams focused on late-game strategies may prioritize securing Baron, so betting on total Barons can hinge on how the match is expected to progress.

By understanding how teams prioritize these objectives based on their strategies, you can make more informed bets on which team will secure more towers, dragons, or barons.

League of Legends Betting Tips and Strategies

Understanding how to place esports picks is just the first step. To truly make the most of your League of Legends betting, you need to arm yourself with some solid strategies. Here are some essential League of Legends gambling tips to help you get started.

Take a Look Through the Stats

League of Legends provides an extensive range of statistics that are crucial for bettors. Sites like Games of Legends offer in-depth data on players, teams, and champions. Analyzing stats like player KDA (Kill/Death/Assist ratio), champion pool diversity, and performance in different patches can provide valuable insights.

For example, if a player like Faker consistently performs well on mid-lane champions like Azir or Syndra, this information can guide your bets on match outcomes or specific objectives.

Lock in on Meta Shifts

League of Legends is notorious for its frequent patches and updates that can shift the game’s meta dramatically. A champion that was weak in one patch could become overpowered in the next, thanks to buffs or nerfs. Being aware of these meta shifts can give you an advantage. For instance, if a patch significantly buffs jungle champions like Lee Sin, a team with a strong jungle player like Canyon could become a favorite in the current meta.

Keeping up with these changes helps you anticipate how teams and players might adapt, giving you a head start on League of Legends betting markets.

Don’t Bet If You Don’t Know the Game

League of Legends is a complex game with layers of strategy, mechanics, and teamwork that are essential to understand if you want to bet successfully. The myriad of champions, items, and in-game events can be overwhelming for those who don’t play the game.

Before placing any bets, spend time watching professional matches, following streamers, or even playing the game yourself to understand its nuances. The better you know the game, the more informed your bets will be.

Where to Bet on League of Legends

When betting on League of Legends and other games, it’s crucial to use a reputable and licensed esports site. We’ve vetted all the ones we mention here to ensure a safe experience. Bet365 is one of the sportsbooks for LoL, offering competitive odds and a variety of betting options. For daily fantasy, DraftKings stands out as the top choice, with a thriving community and plenty of daily fantasy leagues and pools to join specifically for LoL.

The Bottom Line on League of Legends Betting

League of Legends betting stands out due to the game’s deep strategic layers, constant meta shifts, and the sheer variety of wagers available. Just remember, always bet within your means, bet responsibility, and have fun!