Complete Guide on Betting on Esports with Crypto
Learn how to bet on esports using crypto with our complete guide—covering wallets, exchanges, and the best crypto betting sites!
By Dianne
If you’ve been following the gaming scene, you’ve probably noticed how esports are blowing up. Games like Dota 2, CS:GO, and League of Legends are bringing in massive crowds, and the excitement extends to betting on these matches. And what makes it even cooler is you can now place bets using cryptocurrency. Yep, betting on esports has gone high-tech, and esports betting sites are making it easier than ever. Now, if you’re new to the world of crypto betting, don’t worry—you’re not alone. I know the idea of using digital currency can feel a little overwhelming at first, but by the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to get started.
What is Crypto Betting, and How Does It Work?
Crypto betting is just like regular online betting, except instead of using traditional money (like dollars or euros), you’re using digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin. It’s basically the same thing—you’re betting on teams, tournaments, or even in-game events—but with crypto, you’ve got a little extra flexibility.
One key thing to know is that the value of crypto can go up or down. So, when you place a bet, the payout could fluctuate based on the value of the crypto when you cash out. But don’t let that freak you out; the process itself is pretty straightforward. Let’s break it down.
How to Start Betting on Esports with Crypto
So, how exactly do you go about betting on esports with crypto? Let’s walk through the process from start to finish.
1. Set Up a Crypto Wallet
First, you’ll need a crypto wallet to store your digital currency. Think of it like a regular wallet but for crypto. There are plenty of wallet options out there, and choosing one might seem overwhelming at first, but here are a few good ones to consider:
- MetaMask: Ideal for Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens.
- Trust Wallet: Supports multiple cryptocurrencies and is beginner-friendly.
- Exodus: Great interface and supports a wide variety of cryptos.
Pick one that feels right for you, download it, and follow the instructions to set it up. Most wallets will give you a unique “address”—a long string of numbers and letters—which you’ll use to send and receive crypto. Unsure which cryptocurrency wallet to choose? Check out our “5 Best crypto wallets” article below.
important
Make sure you keep your wallet’s private key safe. This is like your password, and if you lose it, you could lose access to your funds.
2. Buy Crypto
Once your wallet is set up, you’ll need to buy some crypto to start betting. You can do this through exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken. Sign up, connect your bank account or debit card, and buy the crypto of your choice. Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most commonly used for esports betting.
3. Choose a Sportsbook
Now it’s time to find an esports betting site that accepts cryptocurrency. While there are plenty of options out there, it’s important to focus on key features that matter most to you. I’ll share my recommended sites later, so stay tuned to help you get started. In the meantime, keep an eye out for these key features:
- Accepted Cryptos: Make sure the site accepts the type of crypto you want to use.
- Esports Games Covered: Check if they offer betting options for popular games like Dota 2, CS:GO, and League of Legends.
- User Reviews: Take a quick look at user reviews to ensure the site has a solid reputation.
- Bonuses: Many sites offer special promotions for new users, like free bets or deposit bonuses. Look out for these deals to get the most bang for your buck.
- User Interface: You’ll want a site that’s easy to navigate, especially if you’re new to this world.
4. Create an Account
Once you’ve chosen your site, creating an account is usually pretty straightforward. You’ll likely just need an email address, and sometimes, you won’t even need to give your real name—anonymity is a big part of crypto betting, after all.
5. Deposit Your Crypto
Now it’s time to fund your betting account. This process is quite simple:
- Head over to the site’s wallet or deposit page.
- Copy the unique crypto deposit address (it will look like a long string of numbers and letters).
- Open your crypto wallet, paste in the address, and send your chosen amount of crypto.
important
Always double-check the address before hitting “send” because one small mistake could cause you to lose your funds. And remember, some sites have a minimum deposit amount, so make sure you’re sending enough to meet that requirement.
6. Start Placing Bets
With your account funded, you’re ready to dive into esports betting. Most sites will allow you to browse upcoming matches or live games, place your bets, and follow the action in real time. Depending on the game, you’ll have various betting options, from predicting the overall match winner to specific in-game events like the first kill or total kills.
Try Live Esports Betting with Crypto
If you want to kick things up a notch, try live betting (also called in-play betting). This allows you to place bets while the match is still happening. You can react to the action in real-time, whether it’s betting on the next kill in a Dota 2 game or predicting which team will win the next round in CS:GO. The odds shift constantly, so you need to think fast and seize opportunities as they come. It’s an exciting way to engage with esports and adds a strategic, fast-paced edge to your esports betting experience.
Withdrawing Your Winnings
Withdrawing your winnings works much like depositing. Once you’ve placed your bets and (hopefully) won, you can send your winnings back to your wallet using the same method you used to deposit. Crypto withdrawals are usually faster than traditional payment methods. Once the transaction is processed on the blockchain, the winnings should hit your wallet within minutes.
Why Bet on Esports with Crypto?
Betting with crypto has a lot of benefits, making it an attractive option for esports fans.
1. Better Privacy
Crypto betting is often more private than using regular money. You don’t need to provide as much personal information, and many sites let you bet anonymously, so you don’t have to worry about your details being shared.
2. Lower Fees
Some banks charge fees for processing payments, and those fees can eat into your winnings. With crypto, you avoid those high fees since you’re sending money directly from one wallet to another without a middleman.
3. Bigger Bonuses
Crypto sportsbooks tend to offer bigger bonuses compared to their fiat counterparts. This is because crypto transactions are cheaper for them to process, and they pass some of those savings on to the players in the form of generous bonuses.
4. More Betting Opportunities
Esports betting sites that accept crypto often have special promotions and exclusive odds for crypto bettors. This means more opportunities to win big compared to traditional fiat sportsbooks.
Most Common Esports Betting Types on Crypto Betting Sites
Once you’re set up, the fun part begins—placing your bets! Let’s go over some common types of esports bets:
- Match Winner: The simplest bet—you just pick which team or player you think will win a particular match.
- Tournament Winner: Here, you’re betting on who will win an entire tournament, like the League of Legends World Championship.
- First Map/First Kill: For games like CS:GO or DOTA 2, you can bet on which team will win the first map or get the first kill in a match.
- Total Kills: This is a bet on how many kills will occur in a match, often in an over/under format.
- Over/Under Bets: You predict whether a team will score over or under a set number of points or win a certain number of maps.
Tips for Crypto Esports Betting
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your esports crypto betting experience:
Know the Game
The more you know about the game and its players, the better your chances of making a smart bet. If you’re new to esports, focus on games you enjoy watching or playing. This will give you an edge when making bets.
Compare Odds
Different esport betting sites will offer different odds for the same game. Don’t settle for the first odds you see. Shop around and find the best deal.
Look for Promotions
Many crypto esports betting sites offer bonuses and promotions, especially for new users. These can give you extra funds to play with, so take advantage of them when you can. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully.
Stay Responsible
It’s important to set limits and only bet what you can afford to lose. Crypto can be volatile, and so can betting. Keep your gambling fun and avoid chasing losses.
Top Recommended Crypto Esports Betting Sites
Here are some of the best esports betting sites that accept crypto. You can’t go wrong with any of these:
Thunderpick covers over 22 esports titles with tons of betting options for the Esports World Cup. As a crypto-only site, they’ve got you covered with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more. Thunderpick’s site is super easy to navigate, making it a breeze to switch between games and place live bets. Plus, they offer cool esports bonuses to sweeten the deal.
They support over 100 different cryptocurrencies, so you can deposit, bet, and withdraw with ease. They have all the top esports games to bet on, like Valorant, Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and more. Plus, the site is super user-friendly, making it easy to get in on the action.
Stake.com knows how to keep its bettors happy with tons of bonuses and promotions, especially for crypto users. Their esports section is packed with popular games like Dota 2 and CS, and the site is designed for easy navigation. It’s a breeze to find the games you want to bet on and take advantage of all the great offers.
Pinnacle have been in the game for a long time and are known for their low margins and high payout limits. Pinnacle focuses on giving you the best odds rather than flashy promotions. They cover a ton of esports events, making it a top pick for value-seeking bettors.
Bet esports at Sportsbet.io using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Tether (USDT). They also offer live esports betting, so you can place wagers while the action unfolds in real-time. With a variety of games and easy sign-up, it’s simple to start betting on your favorite esports events.
Cloudbet has been around for a while and is a top choice for those who value their privacy. You can bet anonymously with cryptocurrencies, and they don’t ask for personal info unless you’re dealing with big money to prevent fraud. They support over 25 different cryptocurrencies and have a huge library of esports to bet on.
These crypto betting sites are known for their esports offerings, and all of them accept crypto—making it super easy to get started.
Why Crypto Betting Is the Future of Esports
Cryptocurrency and esports are both rapidly growing industries. As more people become interested in both, it’s only natural that they intersect. Betting with crypto offers more flexibility, speed, and privacy than traditional methods, which makes it an appealing option for many bettors.
But don’t just take my word for it—try it out yourself. Set up a wallet, find an esports betting site that suits your needs, and see how crypto betting enhances your esports experience. Just remember, whether you win or lose, it’s all part of the fun.
