Sports Betting
The Rise of Esports Betting: What You Need to Know

Esports has quickly evolved from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon. Professional gaming leagues, massive online tournaments, and a growing fanbase have transformed esports into a major industry, and with it, esports betting has taken off. In 2025, esports betting is expected to grow even further, offering fresh opportunities for sports bettors who want to get in on the action. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer to the world of gaming, understanding how to bet on esports can open up a new realm of possibilities.
What is Esports Betting?
Esports betting involves placing wagers on the outcomes of video game competitions, where professional players or teams compete in popular games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Dota 2, and more. The concept is similar to traditional sports betting but with the added twist of competitive gaming.
As esports has grown, so have betting options. You can bet on match outcomes, tournament winners, or specific in-game events like total kills, first blood, or map victories. Just like betting on traditional sports, esports betting requires a strategic approach, knowledge of the game, and a keen understanding of the players and teams involved.
Popular Esports Titles to Bet On
Esports betting offers a variety of games to bet on, each with its own unique rules, strategies, and betting markets. Some of the most popular esports titles for betting include:
League of Legends (LoL)
A fast-paced multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, where two teams of five players battle it out to destroy the opposing team’s Nexus. LoL has one of the largest fanbases and offers a range of betting options such as match winner, individual player performance, and total kills.
Dota 2
Another popular MOBA, Dota 2 features two teams of five players who aim to destroy each other’s Ancient. Dota 2’s international tournament, The International (TI), is one of the most-watched esports events, offering exciting betting markets like tournament winners, match outcomes, and player-specific stats.
CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive)
A tactical first-person shooter game with a strong competitive scene. CS:GO betting focuses on match outcomes, map winners, and player performance metrics like kills and MVPs. Major events like the ESL Pro League and the CS:GO Major Championships attract millions of viewers and bettors.
Overwatch
A team-based shooter where players choose from unique heroes with specialized abilities. The Overwatch League (OWL) is a key event where bettors can wager on match results, team performance, and specific player statistics.
Valorant
A tactical first-person shooter from Riot Games, similar to CS:GO but with unique hero abilities. Valorant has quickly risen in popularity, with major tournaments like VCT offering exciting betting opportunities for fans.
Types of Esports Bets
Esports betting mirrors traditional sports in many ways, but it also offers some unique markets specific to gaming. Some of the most common types of bets in esports include:
- Match Winner – The most basic bet, where you wager on which team will win the match. The odds are typically determined by team performance, player skill, and tournament history.
- Outright Winner – A bet on who will win an entire tournament or league, such as the League of Legends World Championship or The International. These bets offer higher odds but are more difficult to predict.
- Map Winner – In games like CS:GO, matches are played across multiple maps. A map winner bet allows you to wager on which team will win a specific map within the match.
- Handicap Betting – Similar to traditional sports, handicap betting is used to level the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. A handicap is applied to one team’s score, making the betting outcome more competitive.
- Player Props – These are bets on individual player performances, such as how many kills a player will get, who will get the first kill (First Blood), or how many objectives a player will complete.
- Total Kills/Points – This bet focuses on the total number of kills or points scored during a match. For example, you may wager on whether the total kills in a CS:GO match will exceed or fall short of a specific number.
Tips for Betting on Esports
If you’re new to esports betting, here are a few strategies to help you get started:
Do Your Research
Just like traditional sports, knowledge is key in esports. Research team and player performance, study tournament results, and keep an eye on meta changes that may affect how teams play. Understanding the game is crucial.
Follow the Professionals
Many esports teams and players stream their practice sessions, so you can get a better idea of their strategies and skill level. Following top-tier teams and players can help you make informed bets.
Analyze Match History
Studying a team’s past performance, including head-to-head matchups and win/loss streaks, will give you insight into their strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to how they perform under pressure.
Look for Value Bets
While betting on the favorites may seem like a safe choice, esports betting can be unpredictable, with underdogs often pulling off surprise victories. Look for value in odds by considering factors like player form, map preferences, and team synergy.
Watch the Tournaments Live
Esports events are often streamed live, offering a chance to bet in real-time. Live betting allows you to place wagers based on the current flow of the game, making it easier to spot trends and make informed decisions.
The Future of Esports Betting
As esports continues to grow, the betting opportunities will only increase. With larger prize pools, more sponsorships, and a wider global audience, esports is becoming a mainstream phenomenon. Many sportsbooks are now offering dedicated esports sections, and more events are being televised or streamed, creating additional opportunities for bettors.
In the future, we can expect to see more advanced betting markets, greater integration of live betting options, and improved statistics to help bettors make more informed decisions. For now, esports betting offers an exciting and rapidly evolving landscape for anyone looking to get in on the action.
Conclusion
The rise of esports has made it an exciting and lucrative option for sports bettors. With popular titles like League of Legends, CS:GO, and Dota 2 providing endless opportunities, esports betting is here to stay. Whether you’re placing pre-match bets or getting involved in live betting, understanding the games, players, and betting types will give you a competitive edge. Stay informed, enjoy the thrill, and take advantage of the growing world of esports betting in 2025 and beyond.
Sports Betting
Take an Early Payout for 2 Goals Ahead with One of the Most Exciting BetPlays Promotions!

Seeing your favorite team 2 goals ahead just got even better with BetPlays promotions. The early payout 2 goals ahead promotion will pay out your bet in full early in singles, multiples, and Bet Builder bets.
This is a perfect time to get in on one of the most exciting BetPlays soccer betting promotions. While available on selected leagues and competitions, the fresh promo is tailored for smart bettors who know their way around FT betting and match winners. Available on pre-match bets and the full-time result, here’s how this unique promotion works.
2 Goals Ahead BetPlays Casino Promo – Terms and Conditions
- The offer is valid to new and eligible BetPlays bettors. It applies to pre-match singles and multiples under the full time result market.
- BetPlays’ promotion is active on selected leagues.
- For single bets, BetPlays will pay early if your pick goes 2 goals ahead.
- For multipliers and Bet Builder bets, the selection will be marked as won as soon as the pick goes 2 goals ahead.
- The offer only applies to 90 minute play, including any stoppage time. It excludes extra time or penalty shootouts.
Which Soccer Leagues Does the 2 Goals Ahead BetPlays Canada Promo Cover?
League/Competition | |
Premier League | UEFA Champions League |
English Championship | UEFA Europa League |
Scottish Premiership | UEFA Conference League |
La Liga | UEFA Nations League |
Serie A | / |
Bundesliga | / |
Ligue 1 | / |
With so much action to bet on, we suggest trying this promotion on the upcoming Premier League or CL matches. The new format provides plenty of attacking opportunities, and if your team goes 2 goals ahead, why not get something extra off it?
Who Is This Promo For?
This BetPlays promotion is for all soccer fans and sports betting enthusiasts. It’s the perfect fit for the upcoming soccer matches over the weekend or the Champions League. Back your favorite team up and get an early payout when it goes 2 goals ahead!
Sports Betting
Champions League Betting Preview 2025/26 – Discover the Top Favorites and Contenders from Matchday 1

The Champions League is finally back! With it comes our detailed Champions League betting preview guide that presents the key matches in action from Matchday 1 and the top predictions for the 2025-2026 season ahead.
As one of the most popular soccer betting markets, the CL gets a lot of attention from Canadian bettors. This goes double for the new format, which was introduced last year. The league phase counts 36 teams, making the Champions League more competitive than ever. Read on to learn more about the new format and the Champions League betting landscape for the new season.
Champions League Format and Betting Landscape
Last year, UEFA decided to change the Champions League format to something that resembles the basketball Euroleague. Instead of categorizing teams into groups, it expanded the number of clubs involved and introduced a league phase.
- The CL begins in early July with 3 qualifying rounds and a playoff round.
- A total of 7 teams advanced through the qualifiers, joining the other 29 that are already qualified.
- Each team is drawn against 8 opponents, with 4 matches at home and 4 away.
- The 24 top teams from the league phase progress to the knockout rounds.
- CL’s knockout round format remains the same, being played over two legs with the exception of the final.
With an expansion to 36 teams, the league features dozens of contenders and outsiders for the trophy. The biggest names remain top favorites for the final, although smaller teams that have nothing to lose can thrive under the new format. Last year, the new CL format proved fruitful, with a lot of surprises and plenty of goals – a welcome change from the previous seasons where teams calculated results each round.
Our Champions League betting preview will cover the most exciting matches from weekday 1, as well as the top betting options. With a range of options on offer including outright winners, top scorers, match odds, props, and live betting markets, bettors have an abundance of Champions League betting markets to look forward to.
Key Matchday 1 Fixtures
The Champions League kicks off on Tuesday, September 16 with 6 matches and 12 teams in action. It’s followed by two more days, replacing the previous format when the CL was played on Tuesday and Wednesday. Below are the top matches from weekday 1, with a few betting tips and insights on how they might go.
Tuesday, September 16 | |
Fixture | Arsenal vs Athletic Club |
Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund | |
Real Madrid vs Marseille | |
Tottenham vs Villareal |
Arsenal narrowly missed out on the final last year, and this year, Arteta’s team is going all in. The Gunners will have their work cut out for them against Athletic, a club that’s traditionally tough to bet at home. The CL betting odds point to Arsenal as the favorite. However, Athletic is no pushover, so the English team might face resistance in Spain.
Juventus and Borussia Dortmund will clash in another classic heavyweight in CL’s Matchday 1. The Italian team is favored as the favorite in numerous betting odds and predictions. However, Borussia has a lot of firepower up front, which means that goals are likely on both sides.
Real Madrid is a strong favorite for this match and a contender for the trophy. Under the new leadership of Xabi Alonso, the Spanish giant shouldn’t have much trouble in the match against Marseille.
Tottenham and Villareal clash in an exciting match that could be tight. Tottenham has the favorite odds, but Villareal may prove a challenge. Our betting tip would be to go for goals, as the odds might be better than picking a team to win.
Wednesday, September 17 | |
Fixture | Ajax vs Inter |
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea | |
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid | |
PSG vs Atalanta |
Ajax is years removed from its best performances in the Champions League. A completely different team than it was during the Frenkie De Jong era, the Dutch team takes on Inter in Matchday 1. Inter reached the final but lost last year, but it should have enough quality to see off the challenge.
Bayern Munich plays Chelsea at home in its first Champions League match this year. The Bavarian team has started the Bundesliga season strong, and should have enough in the tank to beat Chelsea. Sharp bettors might spot opportunities in the live betting section or go with goal betting instead.
Liverpool’s first opponent in the CL this year is Atletico Madrid. The Reds have started the Premier League season in style, while Simeone’s team is struggling in La Liga. Based on this alone, Liverpool should be a winner, although goals are expected on both sides.
Defending champion Paris Saint Germain hosts Atalanta in another exciting match. While missing a few key figures—and the coach—PSG remains a heavy favorite for this match and should be able to beat Atalanta.
Thursday, September 18 | |
Fixture | Manchester City vs Napoli |
Newcastle United vs Barcelona |
On the last day of CL’s Matchday 1, we have two heavyweight clashes. Manchester City is facing Italian champion Napoli in the most interesting fixture. Pep Guardiola’s team started the season eratically, but is looking good before this clash, beating Manchester United in the last Premier League match. Napoli is bolstered by the arrival of former Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne, who’s surely poised to put in a great performance. This is a tight match and a possible goalfest on both sides, so that would be our prediction.
Barcelona is visiting Newcastle in another high-profile match. The Spanish champion is light years ahead of Newcastle, although porous defense might provide opportunities for the English team. But overall Barcelona is the favorite and a contender for the trophy, and should win this match.
Top Champions League Betting Favorites
The teams in the table below are current favorites to win the trophy in our Champions League betting preview. Liverpool and Barcelona sit at the top, with PSG and Real Madrid behind them. These teams represent the main CL betting outright winner favorites, and offer solid value to bettors.
Team | Odds |
Liverpool | 7.00 |
Barcelona | 7.00 |
PSG | 7.50 |
Real Madrid | 9.00 |
Manchester City | 10.00 |
Chelsea | 12.00 |
Bayern Munich | 13.00 |
*Note: Source: BetPlays. Odds are subject to change.
Popular Champions League Betting Markets
Soccer betting fans have a variety of CL betting markets to pick from starting this week. The best among them go beyond simple match winners. We’ll cover the most popular Champions League betting markets below, including props, top goalscorer, and more.
- Match winner: the simplest and most popular CL betting market. With it, bettors can choose the winner of a match, picking the home or away team to beat their opponent.
- Outright winner: this market refers to the top contender for the trophy. Bettors can pick the side they believe can win the CL, but must wait for the end of the season for the results.
- Goal betting: when a match is too tight, bettors can turn to goal betting. Opportunities include goals on both sides, goals per half, or the total number of goals a team may score.
- Over/Under: the O/U market allows bettors to predict the number of total goals in a CL match. Bookmakers set a line for goals such as 2.5, and bettors can predict if the totals are under or over that number.
- First scorer: another simple market that could offer solid returns. Back the player you think might score first and you may be in for a good profit.
- Prop bets: prop bets refer to individual bets and performances. For example, bettors might pick Harry Kane to score in a match, or Lamine Yamal to provide an assist.
- Live Champions League betting: live CL betting remains a good option for sharp-minded bettors. It offers opportunities such as next goalscorer or goal on any side, as well as in-play betting on corners, cards, and more.
Final Thoughts
Bettors couldn’t be more excited about the return of the Champions League. In our Champions League preview, we’ve covered the best action from the upcoming Matchday 1, as well as the main contenders for the trophy.
The first week of action jumps straight into several high-profile clashes. With the new format and no calculations about return legs, tricky matches are suitable for savvy bettors. Underdogs have shown last season that they can slay giants, and we expect this trend to continue.
With so many CL betting markets on offer, there’s no shortage of opportunities. The road to Wembley 2026 starts here. Make sure to come back every week and get ready with our betting tips and predictions for an exciting Champions League campaign!
Sports Betting
US Open Quarterfinals 2025 – Discover the Best Bets for and US Open Odds for all the Matchups

Last updated: September 2, 2025
The last Grand Slam tournament of the year is already underway, with the quarterfinal matchups set up last night. Barring a few early surprises, the ATP US Open quarterfinals feature the world’s top players. Top seeds are looking to book a spot in the semifinals, but no player who reached the quarters can be written off.
As soon as the quarterfinals matchups are set, excitement builds up in regards to the US Open odds. There’s growing interest in this state of the tournament, even for bettors who haven’t placed any wagers before. Our US Open quarterfinal betting tips and predictions will break down all the matches, providing bettors with expert tips and best bets at the US Open.
US Open Quarterfinals Betting Predictions
Things haven’t changed much since our last US Open betting predictions. Jannik Sinner is still the main favorite to win the trophy, followed by Carlos Alcaraz. Both of them have booked a spot in the US Open quarterfinals, which might lead to a clash in the final.
Here are the top US Open betting odds for the players still alive in the quarters.
Players | Odds |
Jannik Sinner | 1.70 |
Carlos Alcaraz | 2.20 |
Novak Djokovic | 9.00 |
Taylor Fritz | 21.00 |
Alex de Minaur | 40.00 |
Lorenzo Musetti | 51.00 |
Felix Auger-Aliassime | 51.00 |
Jiri Lehecka | 67.00 |
US Open Quarterfinal Draw and Betting Predictions
The best bets US Open are right here on this page. With the quarterfinals underway from September 2, we’ll have our US Open betting predictions below for all four matchups.
Jiri Lehecka vs Carlos Alcaraz
Czech player Jiri Lehecka and Carlos Alcaraz will meet for the 4th time on Tuesday. The Spaniard leads the head-to-head with 2-1, defeating Lehecka this summer at Queen’s Club 2-1. While Alcaraz is the overwhelming favorite in this matchup and for the title, Lehecka has performed great in the past few months.
Of course, Alcaraz will prove a big challenge for the Czech, so it can be tough for him to defy US Open betting predictions and odds. Experts believe a surprise is not on the cards, aiming for a comfortable win for Carlos Alcaraz.
Why? The stats show it. Alcaraz has won 43 of his last 45 matches, losing only once to Sinner in the Wimbledon 2025 final. He’s been on a tear at the US Open this year, and considering his quality, he leads our best bets BetPlays US Open list for the quarterfinals.
- Best bet: Alcaraz moneyline or Alcaraz to win 3-0
Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz
Even at the age of 36, Djokovic continues to defy any expectations. He’s right behind the Sinner/Alcaraz duo in US Open betting predictions, and still has the quality to win that elusive 25th Grand Slam title. This year, Djokovic has been in great form at the US Open, reaching the quarterfinals with no scares.
In the US Open quarterfinals, he’ll face American Taylor Fritz. Djokovic has a perfect 10- H2H against Fritz, although the American has the support of the home crowd. Additionally, the aging Djokovic dropped a few sets on his way to the quarterfinals, which might present a US Open betting opportunity for Fritz fans.
Our best US Open quarterfinals betting predictions recommend a Djokovic win or a live bet on Fritz. It’s almost given that Fritz will take a set of Novak, so maybe a late break and a live set pick on Fritz is the best idea for this matchup. Also, bettors should keep in mind that Fritz played the final against Sinner last year. He’s younger than Djokovic, and probably the only underdog in the quarters that can pull off a surprise.
- Best bet: Djokovic to win or Fritz live-set bet
Jannik Sinner vs Lorenzo Musetti
As the world number 1, Jannik Sinner has obliterated opponents at the US Open so far. He’s also the leader per US Open betting predictions, with top odds to reach the final and win the trophy. So far, there was no challenge for Sinner, with Lorenzo Musetti aiming to upset the world’s best tennis player at the moment.
While strong, Musetti’s form at Grand Slams has been inconsistent. Sinner breezed past Alexander Bublik in the previous round. Bublik didn’t lose a serve before meeting the Italian, but was defeated in a clinical match with 6-1, 6-1, 6-1. With the last win, Sinner extended his hard-court dominance. Betting experts believe Jannik Sinner is in for another 3-0 win, which is one of the best bets for the US Open.
- Best bet: Sinner wins 3-0 or Sinner moneyline
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Alex de Minaur
The most interesting match in the US Open quarterfinals for neutral tennis fans and bettors is the matchup between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alex de Minaur. Canadian player Auger-Aliassime has been having a few quiet years before bursting to the quarterfinals this year. He upset Andrey Rublev in the previous round, announcing his desire to reach a first US Open semifinal.
Alex de Minaur is a proven hard-court player who’s looking for a first semifinal appearance as well. Per the latest US Open quarterfinal betting predictions, Auger-Aliassime holds a slight edge. Bettors should also consider the match to go the distance, as de Minaur’s prowess on hard courts might prove a challenge for Auger-Aliassime.
- Best bet: Auger-Aliassime win or match to go the distance
US Open Best Bets at a Glance
Here’s a preview of the best bets US Open markets for each match in the quarterfinals. These are just our US Open betting predictions. Bettors are advised to do research on all the players and their H2H stats before making a decision.
Matchup | Best Bet |
Sinner vs Musetti | Sinner to win |
Auger-Aliassime vs de Minaur | Auger-Aliassime to win |
Djokovic vs Fritz | Live Fritz set betting or Djokovic moneyline |
Alcaraz vs Lehecka | Alcaraz to win |
What Are the Most Likely US Open Quarterfinals Winners?
Sinner, Auger-Aliassime, Djokovic, and Alcaraz will most likely advance from the US Open quarterfinals. Bettors should take a look at live bets for Fritz and Auger-Aliassime that might bring decent value. A parlay is a good option, especially when choosing moneylines over other tennis betting markets.
FAQ
Who are the Favorites in the US Open Quarterfinals?
The current winners per the latest US Open odds include Djokovic, Sinner, Alcaraz, and Auger-Aliassime. However, BetPlays offers betting in different markets for the US Open, so bettors should explore opportunities before placing a wager.
What are the Best Betting Markets for US Open Matches?
The best betting markets include moneylines, set betting, and live bets. We advise bettors to look for betting value, which can be found in live betting markets as well as prop bets.
Can Underdogs Win in the Quarterfinals?
Of course. Surprises are likely to happen all the time. Tennis players often display their true value in the knockout rounds at Grand Slams, so keep this in mind before you place your wagers.
How do Live Betting Odds Shift During Matches?
Live tennis betting odds shift depending on the conditions and score of an in-play match. For example, the odds for Djokovic will go higher if Fritz leads after one set. The player’s form during the match can also cause a shift in the odds.
-
Casino Guide1 year ago
Claim Your Stars Slots Casino Games Free Chips Now!
-
Casino Guide1 year ago
Unleash the Fun with Casino Slot Games Free Download – Your Ticket to Endless Entertainment!
-
Casino Guide1 year ago
Experience Endless Entertainment with Free Slot Machine Games at Casino World
-
Casino Guide1 year ago
Unleash the Excitement: Slot Machine Games Free Spins Offer Endless Thrills
-
Sportsbook1 year ago
Maximizing Your Wins with Sport Bet Online: A Beginner’s Guide
-
Casino Guide1 year ago
Experience the Thrill of Free Online Slot Machine Games: Spin to Win Today!
-
Casino Guide1 year ago
Unleash Your Luck with Slot Machine Free Spins: A Guide to Winning Big
-
Slots1 year ago
Unleash the Fun: Best Free Casino Games With Free Coins No Download