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April 2, 2025
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THE Guide to Esports Betting for Filipino Gamers
Been watching a tense DOTA 2 match and thought, “Man, I could’ve called that outcome”? Well, that’s where esports betting comes in. Turning your gaming knowledge into potential winnings. As a Filipino gamer myself, I’ve seen our local scene explode over the past few years, with internet cafés transforming from simple hangout spots to mini-arenas where dreams of going pro are born.
Best Esports Betting Sites:
What Exactly Is Esports Betting?
Esports betting is basically wagering on competitive video game outcomes just like you would bet on basketball or boxing, except here you’re betting on gamers with rapid reflexes and strategic minds.
Think of it as the digital evolution of traditional sports betting. Instead of watching athletes run around a field, you’re watching pro gamers execute perfect headshots or pull off impossible comebacks in virtual worlds.
Popular Esports Games for Betting
The Filipino esports scene has its favorites, and these games dominate the betting landscape:
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
This mobile MOBA is practically our national esports game! With tournaments like MPL Philippines drawing massive viewership, it’s no wonder it’s a betting favorite. The fast-paced 5v5 battles make for exciting wagering opportunities.
DOTA 2
The grandfather of MOBAs still holds strong in the Philippines. Remember when TNC knocked out OG in The International 2016? That moment alone probably created thousands of Filipino DOTA bettors!
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Nothing beats the thrill of tactical FPS action. CS:GO betting lets you wager on everything from match winners to which player gets the most kills.
League of Legends (LoL)
While not as huge as ML:BB locally, LoL has a dedicated Filipino following and offers plenty of betting markets.
Valorant
Riot’s tactical shooter has quickly gained traction in the Philippines, with local tournaments providing fresh betting opportunities.
Types of Esports Bets You Can Place
Esports betting isn’t just about picking winners, there is a whole menu of betting options:
Match Winner
The simplest bet: Pick which team will win. Perfect for beginners dipping their toes into esports betting.
Handicap Betting
When one team is heavily favored, bookmakers might give the underdog a virtual head start. It’s like saying, “Team A has to win by more than X points for the bet to pay out.”
Over/Under
Betting on whether the total kills, maps, or rounds will be over or under a specific number. For example, will there be more or less than 45.5 kills in a DOTA 2 match?
Prop Bets
These are the fun ones! Bet on specific events within a match – first blood, first to destroy a tower, or whether a pentakill will happen.
Outright Winner
Betting on which team will win an entire tournament. These bets typically offer higher odds since you’re predicting a longer-term outcome.
Live Betting
Perhaps the most exciting form – placing bets while the match is ongoing. Odds shift constantly based on what’s happening in-game. I once turned ₱500 into ₱2,000 by betting on a comeback when a team was down two barracks in DOTA 2!
How to Start Betting on Esports
Getting started isn’t rocket science, but there are some steps to follow:
1. Choose a reputable betting site: Choose from one of our amazing partners.
2. Create an account and deposit fund: Most sites have a minimum deposit (usually around ₱500-1000). Start small until you get comfortable.
3. Understand the odds: Different sites use different formats (decimal, fractional, American), but they all show your potential return. Higher odds = higher risk but bigger potential payout.
4. Pick your battles wisely: Start with games you actually understand. If you’ve played thousands of ML:BB matches, that’s probably where your betting knowledge is strongest.
5. Place your bet: Select your match, choose your bet type, enter your stake, and confirm.
6. Watch and enjoy: The best part of esports betting is it makes matches even more exciting to watch!
Tips for Smarter Esports Betting
I’ve had my share of wins and losses (probably more of the latter when starting out!), so here’s what I’ve learned:
Do Your Homework
Follow teams on social media, watch their previous matches, and stay updated on roster changes. Did you know a team’s performance can drop dramatically after changing just one player? I’ve seen it happen countless times.
Manage Your Bankroll
Never bet more than you can afford to lose. I personally follow the 5% rule—never risking more than 5% of my total bankroll on a single bet.
Look for Value Bets
Sometimes the favorite isn’t always the best bet. If odds of 3.50 are offered on a team that you think has a 33% chance of winning, that’s value (since 1/0.33 = 3.03).
Consider Game-Specific Factors
Each game has unique elements that affect outcomes. In MOBA games like DOTA 2, the draft phase can practically decide the match before it begins!
Avoid Emotional Betting
Just because you’re a die-hard fan of a team doesn’t mean you should bet on them every time. I love Team Secret, but I’ve made money betting against them when the odds made sense.
Watch for Meta Changes
Game updates can completely shift the competitive landscape. A patch that buffs or nerfs certain characters can turn underdogs into favorites overnight.
The Dark Side: Responsible Betting
Let’s get real for a minute. Betting should be fun, not a financial strategy or an addiction. Here are some ground rules:
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Never chase losses
- Don’t bet to solve financial problems
- Take regular breaks
- Remember it’s entertainment, not income
The Future of Esports Betting in the Philippines
The Filipino esports scene is only getting bigger. With organizations like Tier One Entertainment and local teams making waves internationally, our esports footprint continues to grow.
As regulations evolve, we’ll likely see more legitimate, locally-licensed esports betting platforms catering specifically to Filipino punters. The days of using VPNs to access international betting sites might soon be behind us.
Final Thoughts
Esports betting adds another layer of excitement to games we already love. When done responsibly, it can enhance your viewing experience and potentially reward your knowledge.
Remember the golden rule: only bet what you can afford to lose, and always prioritize the enjoyment of the games themselves. After all, we were fans before we were bettors!
Have you tried your hand at esports betting yet?
