Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, now CS2, has held its ground as one of the top esports since its release in 2012. Its blend of strategy, reflexes, and teamwork make for a loyal player base and an active community of bettors. From casual matchups to high-stakes tournaments, bettors can always find an event on the calendar.
If you’re new to betting on esports, CS:GO is a great place to get started. The game has an easy structure to follow and each short match has plenty of markets to choose from. In this guide, we’ll break down the gameplay, the format, the odds, and more.
If you’ve watched a few matches and are ready to put some money down, this is the place for you.
Basics of CS:GO Gameplay
Counter-Strike gameplay is short and intense, with two teams competing to complete objectives. Terrorist teams aim to plant a bomb at a predetermined location, while Counter-Terrorist teams work to stop them or defuse the bomb once it’s in place. If all members of a team are eliminated before the objective is complete, the match also ends.
A standard match is made up of two rounds, with teams switching places at the midway point. In CS2, the first team to win 13 rounds takes the map. There are multiple competitive maps to choose from where different playstyles can provide advantages, with each map designed for balance and strategic play.
One of the most unique aspects of CS:GO is its in-game economy. Players earn in-game currency based on their performance and can use that currency to buy weapons and armor between rounds, so teams that perform well can just keep getting stronger.
How CS:GO Esports Works
CS:GO has an active tournament scene, with big events organized by ESL, BLAST Premier, and PGL. Instead of relying on an elaborate franchise system, CS esports is open-circuit. Teams can prove themselves and quickly break into the tournament scene and steal the spotlight. Each event takes place in stages: open qualifiers, closed qualifiers, group stages, and then the playoffs. Throughout each stage, players and teams earn points that determine seeding and can eventually cement them a spot in the Grand Final.
Matches come in multiple formats — best-of-one, best-of-three, or best-of-five — depending on the tournament stage. Throughout the year, there are standalone events and larger tournament circuits. The ESL Pro League and BLAST Premier events happen throughout the year and have set seasons with clear structure. Events like the PGL Major is a highly-prestigious one-off that features the best teams by region.
Betting on CS:GO
If you’re ready to get started betting on CS:GO esports; below, we’ll take a quick look at the process.
- Pick a Platform: Start by finding a betting site that has CS2 (formerly CS:GO) available and that looks like a good fit for your play style
- Check for Promos: Check out any welcome bonuses that your chosen sportsbook offers so you can get started with some extra funds
- Create & Fund Your Account: Register with your personal details and make your first deposit; be sure to meet any minimum requirements if you opted for a sign-up bonus
- Find a Match & Bet: Go to the esports section and find a Counter-Strike match and fill out your bet slip
No matter which esports betting site you choose, the steps are about the same. Once you’ve placed your first bet, all that’s left is to tune into the match and wait for the results.
Types of CS2/CS:GO Bets
There are tons of ways you can enjoy betting on CS:GO, ranging from simple wagers on who will win or more complex, unique props. Here’s a look at some of the most popular CS2/CS:GO bet types:
- Correct Score: Predict the exact final score of a match
- Futures: Bet on long-term outcomes like the winner of a tournament or specific player awards
- Match Winner: Pick the winner of the match, otherwise known as the moneyline
- Map Winner: Predict the winner of a specific map in a match
- Props: Prop bets are wagers on small events within a match, like who will win the first pistol round or if a map will go into overtime
- Spread Betting: Can also be called handicap betting. One team will have a handicap to their score, typically that some maps won’t count. This levels the playing field when there’s a heavy favorite.
- Totals: Wager on the total number of maps, rounds, or kills in a specific match or round.
One of the more exciting things about betting on CS:GO is that there are live markets available, which allow you to be as the match is being played. For live betting, you’ll find props like which team will win the next round or who will deal the most damage.
Counter-Strike Betting Tips
Betting on CS:GO is super fun and can be pretty profitable if you go into it with a plan in place. Here are some expert tips to help you get off on the right foot:
- Keep Up With News: Pay attention to roster changes, player breaks, and current events in the Counter-Strike space, so you can react to changes as they happen.
- Master the Format: Shorter formats can be more volatile for betting, so you may have better chances on a Bo3 than a Bo1.
- Pay Attention to Map Vetoes: Every team has map preferences and weak spots. Some teams auto-ban certain maps and others dominate specific picks every time.
- Start Small: Don’t go big the first time you bet. If you’re just starting out, remember to dip your toes in and keep a log of your bets, so you can refine your appro
Where to Bet on CS:GO
CS2/CS:GO is available at quite a few sportsbooks, thanks to the popularity of betting on esports. It’s up to you to choose what sportsbook suits your needs. Make sure you can bet on Counter-Strike, and any other sports and esports that you’re into; along with that, you should check out the value of the bonuses, deposit options, and how competitive the odds are.
There are some betting platforms that are totally focused on esports, but you can also find esports like CS:GO and League of Legends at more traditional sportsbooks, too. Offshore sportsbooks like Bovada are big for betting on esports, as well as poker and casino games.
Conclusion
CS:GO betting is easy to get into and offers plenty of action, whether you’re a new bettor or already familiar with esports. The game’s clear structure, steady tournament schedule, and wide range of betting options make it one of the best esports to bet on.
If you’re a fan of CS2 or CS:GO, betting on the professional circuit can be a fun way to follow the scene more closely and maybe even come out ahead.