Unlocking the Game Within the Game: The Case for Deeper Esports Markets

The esports betting world will also be changing in 2025 — but many platforms are still way behind as far as meaningful variety is concerned. Indeed, esports titles are now regularly featured on general sportsbooks, but mostly these listings exist only on a basic win/lose market, which, for avid fans who comprehend the unique nuances of each game, is a treatment that feels lacking. Here we will tell you about how market focus dishes the shallow betting markets and lead us to great opportunities in esports betting.

Why Platform Focus Drives Market Depth

General sportsbooks often offer only a handful of esports betting lines. But as outlined in this GGbet review, platforms that specialize exclusively in esports can support deep, game-specific markets — from round winners to kill counts — across 14+ titles.

This is possible because their infrastructure, odds-making, and user experience are purpose-built around esports communities and gameplay dynamics.

Unlike traditional operators who simply add esports as a tab on a wider menu, specialized platforms invest in real-time data feeds, region-specific formats, and tailored betting mechanics. This leads to a much more immersive and accurate wagering environment, one that rewards detailed knowledge and fan engagement.

What Depth Looks Like: Real Examples by Game

Here you can see some examples of what you can bet on in different games depending on their internal mechanics and playability.

CS2

In Counter-Strike 2, we can explore special markets beyond standard win/loss wagers, including:

Pistol round winners: Predict which team will secure the first round advantage.
Total headshots: Bet on the number of headshot eliminations in a match.
Individual map handicaps: Wager on score differences within specific maps.
Total maps played: Forecast whether a series will be extended or end quickly.
First blood: Determine which player or team will score the first elimination.
Over/under total kills: Bet on whether the total kills in a match will exceed or fall below a set number.

These markets leverage CS2’s round-based structure and skill-driven gameplay, offering bettors strategic advantages—especially when used in combination bets to maximize potential returns.

Dota 2

Dota 2 betting markets extend due to it’s deeper playability, allowing wagers on key in-game events such as:

First blood: Predict which team will secure the first elimination.
Most last hits: Bet on the player who will accumulate the highest number of last hits.
First barracks destroyed: Wager on the team that will take down the first enemy barracks.
Roshan kills: Forecast how many times Roshan will be slain during the match.
Total towers destroyed: Bet on the number of towers eliminated by both teams.
Over/under hero deaths: Predict whether a specific hero’s death count will exceed or fall below a set number.

These markets provide opportunities for us to engage with the game’s mechanics in highly specific ways.

League of Legends

This may be another MOBA but League of Legends betting markets go beyond, allowing us to wage on key in-game events such as:

Total dragons slain: Predict how many elemental dragons will be defeated during the match.
Baron kills: Bet on the number of times Baron Nashor will be taken down or even who will take the first, second, and third Nashor.
First inhibitor destroyed: Wager on which team will secure the first inhibitor.
Total towers destroyed: Forecast the number of towers eliminated by both teams.
Over/under in champion kills: Bet on whether the total champion eliminations will surpass or fall below a set threshold.
Over/under in minion farmed: Predict whether a team’s total last hits will exceed or remain under a predefined number.

With League of Legends’ fast-paced gameplay and deep strategic elements, there are several opportunities for new markets to arise and give us an upgraded betting experience to engage with the game’s objectives and pivotal moments in more detailed ways.

Valorant

Valorant betting markets can extend to in-game mechanics such as:

Agent-based performance bets: Predict individual player stats based on their chosen agents.
Round handicaps: Bet on whether a team will win or lose by a specific margin in a round-based format.
First spike plant: Wager on which team will successfully plant the first spike.
Total headshots: Forecast the total number of headshot eliminations in a match.
Over/under in ability kills: Bet on whether eliminations using agent abilities will exceed or fall below a set threshold.
Total rounds played: Predict whether a match will be drawn out or end quickly.

This kind of detailed coverage turns each match into a rich catalogue of possible outcomes — allowing us to align their predictions with actual game flow and team strategies.

The Strategic Edge for Bettors: Why Depth = Better Decisions

More betting markets mean more strategic entry points for experienced fans. Instead of relying on volatile match outcomes, we can target micro-moments or specific team strengths. Let us put it simply, a team known for early-game aggression might offer strong value in first-blood markets, while a team with strong objective control might shine in dragons or Baron markets.

Market depth not only enhances entertainment value but also empowers our informed decision-making. With access to specific betting options, we can manage risk better, diversify wagers, and optimize around deep familiarity with specific teams or the game’s current meta.

Want More Than Just Win/Lose Bets? Look for Specialization

The message for esports bettors is clear: deeper markets equal smarter betting. While general platforms offer convenience, they often lack the specialization needed to truly engage with competitive gaming.

Specialized operators are leading the way by building their products around the core of what esports fans value, depth, variety, and game-specific expertise.

As esports betting matures, platforms that deliver comprehensive markets will set the standard. So, if you look beyond win/lose lines, it’s time to go deeper and choose a platform that truly understands the game.