Map Handicap betting is a popular and more advanced form of betting in esports that aims to level the playing field between two teams or players of different perceived skill levels. This type of betting is particularly common in esports that involve a series of maps, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) or Call of Duty. In this article, we’ll explain how Map Handicap betting works in esports, discuss its advantages and disadvantages, and provide examples to help you understand this betting option better.
Understanding Map Handicap Betting in Esports
In Map Handicap betting, the bookmaker gives a virtual advantage (positive handicap) to the perceived underdog and a virtual disadvantage (negative handicap) to the perceived favorite. The handicap is expressed in the number of maps and is designed to make the betting market more balanced, with the odds for both teams or players being closer to even money.
For example, if Team A is considered the favorite against Team B in a best-of-three CS:GO series, the bookmaker may offer a Map Handicap of -1.5 for Team A. This means that for a bet on Team A to win, they must win the series by at least 2-0. Conversely, if you bet on Team B with a +1.5 Map Handicap, your bet will win if they win at least one map in the series.
Advantages of Map Handicap Betting in Esports
Map Handicap betting in esports offers several advantages:
- Better odds: Map Handicap betting can offer better odds for matches with a clear favorite, as the handicap levels the playing field and brings the odds closer to even money.
- More exciting matches: With the handicap in place, even matches with a strong favorite can become more competitive and exciting from a betting perspective.
- Opportunity for value: If you have a good understanding of the teams or players and their map preferences, you can potentially find value in Map Handicap betting markets.
Disadvantages of Map Handicap Betting in Esports
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Complexity: Map Handicap betting can be more complex than traditional match winner bets, especially for beginners, as it involves understanding the handicap system and how it applies to the specific esports and tournament format.
- Increased risk: As Map Handicap bets require a team or player to win by a specific margin or the underdog to win a certain number of maps, the risk can be higher compared to simple match winner bets.
Example of a Map Handicap Bet in Esports
Let’s consider an example of a Map Handicap bet in esports:
- In an upcoming best-of-three CS:GO series, Astralis is playing against NaVi.
- The bookmaker offers the following Map Handicap betting options with decimal odds:
- Astralis -1.5 maps: 1.80
- NaVi +1.5 maps: 2.10
- You believe that Astralis will win the series convincingly, so you place a £100 bet on Astralis -1.5 maps at 1.80 odds.
- Astralis wins the series 2-0.
- As Astralis won the series by more than 1.5 maps, your Map Handicap bet wins.
- Your return would be: £100 x 1.80 = £180 (including your original stake).
Conclusion
Map Handicap betting is an exciting and potentially rewarding way to bet on esports matches, offering better odds and more competitive betting markets for matches with clear favorites. By understanding how Map Handicaps work and analyzing the teams or players’ strengths and map preferences, you can potentially find value in these betting markets.
As with all forms of gambling, it’s crucial to bet responsibly and within your means. Map Handicap betting can be more complex than traditional match winner bets, so make sure you fully understand the system and the specific tournament format before placing your bets. By weighing the advantages and disadvantages of Map Handicap betting in esports, you can decide if this betting option is right for you and potentially enhance your esports betting experience.