When it comes to esports betting, the key to success lies in understanding how odds work. The amount you’ll win on a bet depends on two crucial factors – how much you wager and the odds associated with the bet. Odds represent the likelihood of a specific outcome happening in a game, and they’re fundamental to calculating your potential returns. In this blog, we’ll break down how esports odds work, covering decimal odds, different types of bets, and modern tools like esports odds APIs and trackers that help you make informed decisions.
Esports odds are numbers that reflect the probability of a particular outcome in a match. Understanding the odds is essential because they help bettors determine how much they can win on a bet. The odds can also give insight into how likely a certain team is to win, based on the esports odds provider’s calculation.
At leading platforms like Pinnacle, odds are typically offered in formats like Decimal and American. Among these, Decimal odds are the easiest for bettors to calculate their potential winnings.
Lower Decimal Odds: Indicate a higher probability of winning.
Higher Decimal Odds: Indicate a lower probability.
Example:
Newbee: 1.600
Team Liquid: 2.500
The lower odds for Newbee suggest they are more likely to win, according to the esports odds provider.
To calculate your winnings, multiply your stake by the decimal odds:
Bet €100 on Newbee at 1.600:
Return: 1.600 × €100 = €160 (Profit: €60)
Bet €100 on Team Liquid at 2.500:
Return: 2.500 × €100 = €250 (Profit: €150)
You can determine the implied probability by dividing 1 by the decimal odds:
Newbee: 1 / 1.600 = 62.5%
Team Liquid: 1 / 2.500 = 40%
These percentages often exceed 100% collectively to incorporate the bookmaker’s margin.
Wager on tournament winners like The International or the Overwatch League.
Balance perceived team strength:
Team Liquid (+1): Starts with a 1-0 lead
Newbee (-1): Starts with a 1-0 disadvantage
Combine multiple bets to increase returns:
Odds of 1.600 × 2.500 = Combined odds of 4.000
Bet €50 → Return: €200 if both bets win
An esports odds tracker helps bettors monitor real-time odds changes across multiple providers. This tool ensures you always get the best possible value by comparing offers from different platforms. Many advanced trackers also support SRL (Simulated Reality League) events and in-play betting, allowing for dynamic strategy adjustments.
For developers or data-savvy bettors, an esports odds API offers automated access to real-time odds feeds. You can integrate this with your personal tools or apps to track odds shifts, betting lines, and SRL events. This is particularly useful for advanced analytics and strategy development.
Esports odds SRL refer to odds provided for Simulated Reality Leagues—virtual matches simulated using real-world data and AI. These events are gaining traction, especially during off-seasons or in low-schedule periods, offering consistent betting opportunities.
Understanding how esports odds work is essential for any bettor looking to improve their success. Whether you're using a manual strategy, an esports odds tracker, or integrating data via an API, the goal is to make informed and confident decisions. As you navigate betting options across titles like Valorant, League of Legends, or CS2, keep in mind the role of odds providers and the potential of SRL betting markets.
What does +200 mean for odds?
+200 indicates you win $200 profit for every $100 wagered on an underdog.
What do 7 to 2 odds mean?
You win $7 for every $2 wagered.
What does 4 to 1 odds mean?
You win $4 for every $1 wagered—bet $10, return is $50 (including your stake).
