Esports Glossary: Key Terms for Esports Betting

Esports betting has exploded in popularity in Australia with esports enthusiasts looking to wager on their favorite competitive video games. 

Whether you're a seasoned bettor or new to the world of esports gambling, understanding the terminology used in both esports and esports betting is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing your experience.

This glossary aims to provide clear definitions for common terms used by esports fans and esports betting sites and apps in Australia, helping you navigate betting markets with confidence. 

The "meta" refers to effective game strategies, character selections, and playing styles in popular esports titles at any particular time. Understanding the current meta is crucial for predicting match outcomes and identifying value bets, as esports teams that excel in the meta often have an advantage.

A patch is an update to games that can either introduce new features, balance changes, or fix bugs. Patches can have a significant impact on meta and team performances, making it essential for bettors to stay informed about recent patches when placing bets.

Objectives are achievements within any given match that teams strive to secure. These can vary from game to game but often provide significant advantages. For example, in League of Legends, objectives include towers, dragons, and Baron Nashor. Understanding which teams excel at securing objectives can inform betting decisions.

The map pool refers to the set of maps available for play in a specific game or tournament. Different teams may have strengths and weaknesses on particular maps, making map selection an important factor to consider when betting on esports markets.

Also referred to as an ‘Eco’ or ‘Saver Round,’ an Eco Round occurs when a team chooses to save money by purchasing minimal equipment such as grenades or kevlar. The main purpose is to save money for the following round. 

The AWP (Arctic Warfare Police) is a powerful sniper rifle in CS:GO. Teams often build strategies around players skilled with this weapon, making it a crucial element to consider when analysing a team’s winning potential.

First blood refers to the first kill of the match. Many esports betting platforms, including Australia’s premier esports betting site, Picklebet, offer markets specifically for first blood.

Roshan (Dota 2) and Baron Nashor (League of Legends) are powerful neutral objectives that provide team-wide buffs or advantages when defeated. Securing these objectives can often turn the tide of a match, making them crucial factors to consider when betting on esports.

The match winner market is the most straightforward bet type on any reputable esports betting site, This is where you bet on which team will win the entire match.

Handicap betting involves giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to a team to balance the odds. For example, a -1.5 map handicap in a best-of-three series means the favored team must win 2-0 for the bet to be successful. 

Over/under bets involve betting on whether a particular statistic will be higher or lower than a number set by the bookmaker. Common over/under markets in esports include total kills, total maps played, or match duration. 

Live betting allows you to place wagers on matches that have already started. This form of betting allows punters to capitalize on momentum shifts during a game.

Same Game Multi, often referred to as SGM, allows you to combine multiple bets from the same match into one wager..

Player prop bets focus on individual player performances rather than overall match outcomes. For example, player kills and headshots.

Understanding the terminology used in esports and betting is crucial for success on betting platforms.This glossary provides a foundation for navigating the complex world of esports betting, from general concepts to game-specific jargon and betting terminology.

As you explore esports markets, refer back to this glossary to clarify any unfamiliar terms you encounter. Remember that esports and betting landscapes are constantly evolving, so staying informed about new terms, strategies, and market types is key to maintaining an edge in your betting activities.

As always, remember to gamble responsibly and within your means. Esports betting should be an enjoyable extension of your passion for competitive gaming, not a source of financial stress.