Handicap Betting in League of Legends: A Comprehensive Guide
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Handicap betting, also known as spread betting, is one of the more nuanced forms of wagering in League of Legends (LoL) esports. It allows bettors to place bets with an artificial advantage or disadvantage applied to one of the teams. This form of betting can make seemingly one-sided matches more interesting, as it creates a more balanced betting scenario by adjusting the expected outcome of a match based on team strength.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the mechanics of handicap betting in LoL, how to read handicap lines, key factors to consider when placing bets, and strategies for maximizing your chances of winning.
In handicap betting, bookmakers give a weaker team an artificial advantage (or a stronger team a disadvantage) to level the playing field. This handicap is expressed as a positive or negative number, representing the number of maps or games by which a team is expected to win or lose.
In best-of-three (Bo3) or best-of-five (Bo5) series, which are common in major tournaments like Worlds 2024, handicap betting is particularly effective because it accounts for the margin of victory, not just the outcome. The most common types of handicap betting in LoL are Map Handicap and Kill Handicap, which we’ll break down in detail.
Types of Handicap Betting in League of Legends
1. Map Handicap Betting
This is the most widely used form of handicap betting in LoL esports, especially in longer series like Bo3 or Bo5 formats. It adjusts the number of maps (or games) a team must win by to “cover” the handicap.
Negative Handicap (-1.5, -2.5): The favored team is expected to win by more than the given handicap. For example, if a team has a handicap of -1.5, they must win a Bo3 series 2-0 for the bet to succeed. In a -2.5 handicap in a Bo5 series, the team must win 3-0.
Positive Handicap (+1.5, +2.5): The underdog is given an advantage. For example, a bet on a +1.5 handicap means the underdog only needs to win one map or avoid being swept 2-0 in a Bo3 series. Similarly, a +2.5 handicap in a Bo5 series means the underdog must win at least one map or avoid a 3-0 sweep.
Example:
Team A vs. Team B in a Bo3 series
Team A (the favorite) has a handicap of -1.5.
Team B (the underdog) has a handicap of +1.5.
If Team A wins 2-0, a bet on Team A’s -1.5 handicap wins. If Team A wins 2-1 or if Team B wins the series, the +1.5 handicap on Team B would be the winning bet.
2. Kill Handicap Betting
Kill handicap betting is based on the number of kills rather than maps. This type of bet is popular in single-map or shorter betting markets. Like map handicap betting, the handicap is applied to the total number of kills a team achieves in a single game.
Negative Kill Handicap (-5.5, -10.5): The favored team is expected to win by more than a set number of kills. For example, if Team A has a handicap of -5.5, they need to win by six or more kills for the bet to be successful.
Positive Kill Handicap (+5.5, +10.5): The underdog is given an advantage in terms of kills. A +5.5 kill handicap means the underdog can either lose by up to five kills or win outright to win the bet.
Example:
Team A (the favorite) vs. Team B (the underdog).
Team A has a kill handicap of -10.5.
Team B has a kill handicap of +10.5.
If Team A wins the game by more than 10 kills, the -10.5 handicap bet on Team A wins. If Team B wins the game or loses by fewer than 11 kills, the +10.5 handicap bet on Team B wins.
Why Handicap Betting is Popular in League of Legends
Handicap betting is especially popular in mismatched matchups where one team is a heavy favorite. In such scenarios, the moneyline odds for the favorite might be unappealing due to the low payout. Handicap betting offers a way to increase the odds by adding an extra layer of challenge (i.e., requiring the favorite to win by a specific margin).
For example, if a team like T1 or G2 Esports is playing against a lesser-known team, the odds on them to win outright might be very low. However, by applying a handicap of -1.5 or -2.5, bettors can secure more favorable odds, assuming the stronger team can win by a larger margin.
On the flip side, if a team is the underdog but shows potential to take a map or keep the game competitive, betting on the underdog with a +1.5 handicap can offer value.
Key Factors to Consider in Handicap Betting
While handicap betting offers higher potential rewards, it also introduces more complexity, requiring bettors to evaluate matches more deeply. Here are key factors to consider before placing handicap bets:
1. Team Strength and Playstyle
Evaluate how dominant the favorite team is. Teams known for clean and decisive victories are more likely to cover larger handicaps.
Consider playstyle. Some teams are more consistent in closing out games quickly and efficiently, making them better suited for covering negative handicaps. Other teams might play slower, more methodical games, which can make covering a large handicap more challenging.
2. Patch and Meta Influence
As the meta changes with patches, certain team strengths and weaknesses may shift. For instance, if the meta favors snowballing early-game champions, teams that excel in aggressive play might be more likely to win by a large margin, making them good candidates for negative handicap bets.
Conversely, if the meta encourages longer, slower games, underdogs may have a better chance of keeping games close, making a positive handicap more attractive.
3. Series Format (Bo1 vs. Bo3/Bo5)
Best-of-One (Bo1): In Bo1 matches, upsets are more common due to the lack of opportunity for teams to adapt between games. Handicap betting in Bo1s can be riskier, as one bad game from a favorite can result in a loss.
Best-of-Three/Best-of-Five: In longer series, the better team usually has more time to adjust and assert their dominance, making it more likely they will cover a handicap, especially if they lose the first game and can come back stronger in subsequent maps.
4. Individual Matchups and Drafting
Understanding individual matchups in key roles (like top, jungle, or mid) can give insight into how one team might dominate or struggle. A stronger laner in a favorable matchup can snowball the game in favor of the team, making it more likely they will win by a larger margin.
Drafting is crucial. A team with a draft that has stronger scaling or more playmaking potential in the early game might have an advantage when covering a kill handicap or map handicap.
5. Tournament Context
Handicap betting can be influenced by the stakes of the match. In lower-stakes group-stage matches, teams might not exert full effort, leading to closer games or unexpected upsets. In high-stakes elimination matches, stronger teams may bring their best strategies and perform better under pressure.
Strategies for Handicap Betting in LoL
1. Research Teams and Players
Stay informed on the latest roster changes, team form, and player performances. Teams with consistent performances are more likely to cover handicaps, while inconsistent or struggling teams might be better suited for positive handicaps.
2. Monitor the Meta
Keep up with meta shifts. If the current meta favors aggressive, early-game strategies, teams that specialize in early-game snowballing are more likely to cover large kill or map handicaps.
3. Look for Value in Underdogs
Don’t be afraid to back underdogs with positive handicaps, especially if they’ve shown potential in previous matches. Sometimes the odds and handicap lines overestimate the favorite’s strength, leaving value in the underdog’s ability to win at least one map or keep the game close.
4. Use Live Betting to Adjust
In-play or live betting allows you to see how the match is unfolding and make more informed handicap bets. For example, if a team starts slow but you know they tend to perform better in mid to late game, a live bet on them to cover a handicap might offer more value than a pre-match bet.
Conclusion
Handicap betting adds depth and excitement to League of Legends betting, especially in situations where one team is heavily favored. Whether you’re betting on a map handicap or a kill handicap, understanding the intricacies of team performance, the meta, and individual matchups is crucial for making informed decisions. By carefully analyzing these factors and applying strategic thinking, you can enhance your betting experience and increase your chances of winning, especially during high-profile events like Worlds 2024.
