Interested in turning your League of Legends knowledge into a winning play? Navigating the world of LCS odds can feel like trying to decipher patch notes, but it's simpler than you think. This guide will break down the common bet types, explain how to read those confusing numbers, and offer some tips to help you make smarter, data-driven wagers on the North American League of Legends Championship Series.
At a glance:
- Moneyline is king: A simple bet on which team will win.
- Spreads add nuance: Especially useful during playoffs with map advantages.
- Totals (Over/Under) offer variety: Wager on kills, towers, dragons, and more.
- Futures require foresight: Pick the LCS champion at the start of the season.
- Knowledge is power: Research teams, players, and meta for informed bets.
Understanding the Basics of LCS Betting
Before diving into specific bets and their corresponding LCS odds, it's important to grasp some fundamental concepts. Knowing these details will set you up to make educated decisions.
What Impacts LCS Odds?
Bookmakers don’t pull numbers out of thin air. Several factors influence the odds you see for LCS matches, including:
- Team Form: Recent win/loss records, current streaks, and overall performance.
- Roster Changes: New player acquisitions, role swaps, and team synergy.
- Head-to-Head Record: Historical performance between the two teams.
- Patch Meta: The current state of the game, champion viability, and popular strategies.
- Game Importance: Playoff matches, rivalry games, and regular season matchups all carry different weight.
Moneyline Bets: Picking the Winner
Moneyline bets are the simplest and most common way to bet on LCS matches. You're simply picking which team will win the game. No need to worry about point spreads or anything else; just choose the victor.
How Moneyline Odds Work
Moneyline odds use positive and negative numbers to indicate the favorite and underdog.
- Negative Number (-): Indicates the favorite. The number represents how much you need to bet to win $100. For example, if Team Liquid has -150 odds, you need to bet $150 to win $100 (plus your original $150 back).
- Positive Number (+): Indicates the underdog. The number represents how much you'll win if you bet $100. For example, if 100 Thieves has +135 odds, you'll win $135 if you bet $100 (plus your original $100 back).
So, if TSM is playing Cloud9, and the odds are TSM -120 and Cloud9 +100, a successful $120 bet on TSM would net you $100 in profit. A successful $100 bet on Cloud9 would net you $100 in profit. The higher the negative number, the bigger the favorite.
Moneyline Strategy
Look beyond the team names. Consider recent performance, team compositions, and individual player matchups. A team with a slightly worse record might be a good value bet if they have an advantage in the current meta. It's always worth understanding more about LPL Odds and Betting Insights before placing a wager.
Spread Bets: Handicapping the Game
Spread betting adds a layer of complexity and opportunity to LCS wagering. In traditional sports, spreads usually revolve around points. However, in LCS, spreads manifest as map handicaps or kill advantages.
Map Spreads (Playoffs Only)
Map spreads are only relevant during playoff series (usually best-of-three or best-of-five). They give one team a map advantage or disadvantage before the series even begins.
- -1.5 Map Spread: The favored team starts with -1.5 maps. They need to win 2-0 in a best-of-three to cover the spread.
- +1.5 Map Spread: The underdog starts with +1.5 maps. They only need to win one map in a best-of-three to cover the spread, even if they lose the series 2-1.
Example: - Evil Geniuses -1.5 vs. FlyQuest +1.5 (Best of 3)
- If you bet on EG -1.5, they need to win 2-0.
- If you bet on FlyQuest +1.5, they need to win at least one map. A 2-1 loss is a win for your bet.
Kill Spreads (Available in Every Game)
Kill spreads are available in every game and provide a more granular way to bet. One team receives a "virtual" kill advantage or disadvantage at the start.
- +7.5 Kill Spread: The underdog starts with +7.5 kills. They need to stay within seven kills of their opponent to cover the spread.
- -7.5 Kill Spread: The favorite starts with -7.5 kills. They need to win by eight or more kills to cover the spread.
Example: - Immortals +7.5 vs. Dignitas -7.5
- If you bet on Immortals +7.5, they can lose by up to 7 kills and you'll still win.
- If you bet on Dignitas -7.5, they need to win by 8 or more kills.
Spread Betting Strategy
Consider team playstyles. Some teams are known for early aggression and high kill games, while others prefer a more controlled, objective-focused approach. Spread betting allows you to capitalize on these tendencies. Understanding how to LPL Betting Odds & Insights can also inform your strategy.
Totals (Over/Under) Bets: Predicting Game Events
Totals bets, also known as Over/Under bets, involve predicting whether a specific stat in a game will be higher or lower than a predetermined number.
Common Totals Markets in LCS
- Total Kills: Will the total number of kills in the game be over or under a specific number (e.g., Over/Under 25.5 kills)?
- Total Towers: Will the total number of towers destroyed be over or under a specific number (e.g., Over/Under 10.5 towers)?
- Total Dragons: Will the total number of dragons slain be over or under a specific number (e.g., Over/Under 4.5 dragons)?
- Total Barons: Will the total number of barons slain be over or under a specific number (e.g. Over/Under 1.5 barons)?
Totals Betting Strategy
- Team Compositions: Certain team comps are prone to longer games while others are aggressive.
- Champion Picks: Are there known "carry" champions on either side?
- Game Importance: Playoff games tend to be lower-scoring due to more cautious play.
- Patch Meta: Certain patches favor extended laning phases, while others favor early skirmishes.
Example:
If the Over/Under for total kills in a match between Cloud9 and 100 Thieves is set at 25.5, you are betting on whether the total number of kills in the game will be more or less than 25.5. If you bet the OVER, you need 26 or more kills. If you bet the UNDER, you need 25 or fewer.
Futures Bets: Long-Term Predictions
Futures bets are long-term wagers placed on events that will happen in the future, typically at the beginning of a season. The most common futures bet in the LCS is predicting which team will win the championship.
Factors Influencing Futures Odds
- Team Roster: The quality of the players on the team. Significant additions can shorten the odds.
- Coaching Staff: The experience and reputation of the coach.
- Past Performance: A team's history of success.
- Scrim Results: While not always public, insider information about scrim performance can influence odds.
Futures Betting Strategy
Do your homework. Research team dynamics, coaching philosophies, and potential roster changes. Futures bets offer potentially high payouts, but they also carry significant risk. Picking the outright winner is not easy. It's worth considering how to Bet on the LCS season before the first game even starts.
Example:
At the start of the LCS season, Team Liquid might have +250 odds to win the championship, while Golden Guardians might have +2000 odds. A $100 bet on Team Liquid would win you $250 if they win the championship, while a $100 bet on Golden Guardians would win you $2000.
Understanding Odds Formats (American, Decimal, Fractional)
While American odds are most common, it’s a good idea to understand other formats you might encounter.
- American (Moneyline): As explained above, uses positive and negative numbers relative to $100.
- Decimal: Represents the total payout for every $1 wagered, including your stake. To convert American odds to decimal, use the following formulas:
- Positive odds: (American odds / 100) + 1
- Negative odds: (100 / |American odds|) + 1
- Fractional: Represents the profit you will make relative to your stake. For example, 2/1 means you'll win $2 for every $1 you bet.
Most sportsbooks allow you to choose your preferred odds format.
Tips for Successful LCS Betting
- Stay Informed: Follow the LCS closely. Watch the games, read analysis, and stay up-to-date on roster changes and meta shifts.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it. Don't bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Shop Around for the Best Odds: Different sportsbooks may offer slightly different odds. Compare odds before placing your bets. You might even want to expand your horizons and Bet on LCK Action.
- Specialize: Focus on specific bet types that you understand well.
- Don't Chase Losses: If you're on a losing streak, take a break. Don't try to win back your losses by placing larger bets.
- Understand Variance: Even the best teams lose sometimes. Don't get discouraged by occasional losses.
Common LCS Betting Mistakes to Avoid
- Betting on Your Favorite Team Blindly: Loyalty shouldn't dictate your bets.
- Ignoring Team Compositions: Team compositions are crucial in League of Legends. Pay attention to champion matchups and team synergies.
- Chasing High Odds Without Research: Underdogs can win, but they're underdogs for a reason.
- Ignoring Patch Notes: The meta can shift dramatically after a patch.
- Betting Under the Influence: Alcohol and gambling don't mix.
Is LCS Betting Legal?
The legality of LCS betting depends on your location. Online sports betting is legal in many US states, but regulations vary. Check your local laws before placing any bets. Always use licensed and regulated sportsbooks to ensure your money is safe.
Conclusion: Level Up Your LCS Betting Game
Betting on the LCS can add excitement to watching your favorite teams compete. By understanding the different bet types, learning how to read and interpret odds, and developing a sound betting strategy, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to bet responsibly, stay informed, and enjoy the game!