League of Legends turns every action within a LoL game into a betting opportunity. Esports have you betting on which team wins and on individual and map outcomes. This offers more versatility for the bettor once they familiarize themselves with the map and the team.
To make the most of League of Legends betting, fans should learn how the markets work and which factors are taken into consideration during evaluations. The settlement rules can differ by market, but the base requirements apply to most LoL tournaments.
How LoL Betting Works
League of Legends betting involves placing bets on odds that are assigned to different match outcomes. The markets can involve full series winners, along with individual maps and outcomes.
For example, bettors could try to predict the winner of the multi-game series (match winner), or they could wager on specific milestones (firsts, totals, etc.).
The strategy chosen can also influence the outcomes of these bets. Below are some strategic mechanics that influence wagers:
- The Drafting Phase: Champions are either chosen or banned before a game starts, dictating the lane matchup and objective control.
- Macro-Strategy: Teams can win through turret destruction and superior gold, even if they lose in total kills.
- Objective Priority: The inhibitors, Barron Nashor, and Dragons have more influence on the outcomes than the raw kill count.
- Champion Scaling: Many teams scale up early, while others need time to gather items and power up.
There are plenty of dynamic swings, so LoL betting involves more than just picking a winner.
Popular LoL Betting Markets
Many LoL betting markets revolve around “firsts” that take place throughout different points on the map. The most common markets include:
First Blood
The “First Blood” market makes a prediction on which team will secure the first kill within a match. This bet is settled within the first few minutes of the match, and once it’s officially recorded, you won’t have to watch the rest of the match (unless you want to).
Fans should remember that the First Blood does not predict the result of a match. A team can get the opening kill during an early invasion, but they can still lose control of the map. Fans should also read the settlement rules of the sportsbooks, as the kills could be credited differently for every team or event.
First Tower
This betting market involves which team will destroy the first tower (Turret) first. This achievement strongly correlates with the final win of a game, and it also grants an extra 300 bonus local gold. Taking down the first tower gives the team an economic boost and better control over the map.
When assessing this market, bettors should consider the following:
- Lane Priority: Which team has a better chance to push through the waves and move first.
- Turret Pressure: Which players have a better chance of dealing damage more quickly.
- Early Rotation: Can junglers support a lane without sacrificing other objectives?
The teams that have the first tower don’t need to have a history of kills. They can win through coordinated rotations, better wave management, and efficient time use.
First Dragon
The “First Dragon” market focuses on which team will be the first to defeat an elemental dragon. These spawn into the lower river dragon pit early in the game, and defeating it grants the team a permanent buff. It also puts them on the path towards earning a Dragon Soul later.
Dragon bets are influenced by different factors such as the map side, jungle priority, and team stats. For example, a team that starts on the Blue Side has a better chance of getting the first dragon, since the pit is closer to them. Also, squads with an aggressive early-game jungler or early bot-lane control are more likely to rotate successfully.
As a bettor, all you have to do is wager on who will land the final blow between Team A and Team B. The market will close the moment the objective is reached.
First Baron
The “First Baron” bet looks at which team will defeat Baron Nashor first. The Baron shows up at the 20-minute mark and creates a powerful buff that lets teams push through. Once a Baron is secured, teams get a 60-second buff that enables power sieges and forces rotations.
Previous kills and buffs don’t guarantee win conditions. Even if a team has the gold advantage after a win, they can still lose the map if they’re not careful. That said, the gold can create a better setting for a win.
League of Legends betting keeps the focus on versatility, as bettors can wager on different moments of the game. Once you understand the distinction, it becomes easier to create a plan based on the team’s historical performances.
