If you’re looking for CSGO betting tips, we’ll put you in the category of people who are seeking out CS2 betting tips. Either way, you’re looking for information to give you an edge when betting on the game.
In this piece, we’ll give you all the practical tips needed for you to stand out when betting on CS2/CSGO matches. We’ll talk about the bet types, strategy types, and other information that will come in handy for you. We’ll also include a table that shows all the major bet types in one place, so be on the lookout.
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How CS2 betting works
Before getting into the main subject of discussion, we should clarify that CS:GO is no longer the active version of Valve’s Counter-Strike. What we know as “CS:GO” was released by Valve in 2012, however, in September 2023, Valve replaced CS:GO with Counter-Strike 2 (CS2).
The CS2 rebrand came with updated graphics and improved mechanics. So, when you hear people talk about CS:GO, it could be the older game, the whole franchise as a whole, or the newer CS2.
That said, as someone who understands how the game works, you can wager on pro matches and tournament outcomes through CSGO betting sites. Based on the series length, the bet conditions may vary. We have the Bo1, which is one map where the winner takes it all. You may also choose to wager on Bo3 or Bo5. Bo3 is first to two maps, while Bo5 is first to three, finals only.
One reason why CS2 is popular with esports bettors is due to the significant number of available markets it has, making it a flexible option.
CS2 betting markets explained
As a player who is interested in how to bet on CSGO, here are the main betting markets you’ll find:
- Match winner (2-way): This is the simplest market, and it involves predicting which team wins the series. The 2-way version where you only get to pick between two teams is the base level, and if you’re just getting started with betting on this game, we’d advise this option.
- Match winner (3-way): You will find 3-way options in formats where a tie is possible, for example, a Bo2 league game that could finish as 1-1. In short, there are three possible results, which could be one of either teams, or a draw. This option and the 2-way counterpart are as simple as it gets in CS2.
- Map winner: Just like the name sounds, your aim is to stake on who takes specific maps. So, to excel, you need to have some map-pool knowledge. This is important because you will find that teams are stronger on some maps than others, so try to study the pattern.
- Handicap: You’ll find two major handicap markets, which are Map Handicap (±1.5) and round handicap. Map handicap gives a “virtual map head start.” Let’s make a case of a Bo3 where you back the favorite at -1.5; it means they must win 2-0 for you to win your stake. If you back the underdog at +1.5, then your wager is a win as long as they don’t lose by 0-2. The round handicap also follows the same concept where you basically give one team some form of head start while handicapping the other.
- Totals: Totals market in CS2 involves you betting on length rather than the winner, and it has two major markets too. You could do total maps or rounds (over/under). Totals maps in a Bo3 at 2.5 over means you’re wagering on the series goes to a deciding third map (so, 2-1). Totals round does the same with the rounds, which could be on a specific map or across the series. Generally, evenly matched teams tend to grind out more rounds for a higher totals, while a clear favorite may favour the under option.
- Correct score: With correct score, you are predicting the exact scoreline with no room for buffer. Since it requires precision, the odds are higher, and understandably, it is best for those who are already familiar with the teams and game as a whole.
- Props: You may find them listed as specials in new CSGO betting sites and they can literally be anything. With prop bets, you are wagering on events inside the match, outside of the final result. We have options like pistol-round winner, first kill or first blood, PVP duels, highest rated player, etc. If you have niche knowledge of specific players or roles, you’ll like props.
- Futures: Some bookmakers may list it as “outrights” but they mean the same thing. Futures bets are long-term wagers like predicting who wins the entire tournament from the very beginning. So, for futures bet, you don’t get a result in one match; you’re basically playing the long-term game.
- In-play: In-play is live betting that involves placing wagers while a series is in progress. So, the odds are shifting in real-time based on the momentum of the match. If you’re actually watching the match, you’ll have a lot of fun with in-play.
Quick overview of CS2 betting markets
To make it easy for you, the table below gives a good overview of all the options with a brief description of each:
| Bet type | What you’re predicting | Good use case scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Match winner (2-way) | Which team wins the series | Simplest markets for clear or close matchups |
| Match winner (3-way) | Series result including a draw | Formats where a drawn series is possible |
| Map winner | Winner of a specific map | When you’ve read the map pool well |
| Map handicap (+/-1.5) | Series margin in maps | Short prices favorite (-1.5) or live underdog (+1.5) |
| Round handicap | Round margin on a single map | One-sided map matchups |
| Total maps (over/under) | Over/under maps played | A view on how one-sided the series is |
| Total rounds (over/under) | Over/under rounds | Evenly matched sides |
| Correct score | Exact map score of the series | When you have a strong read of how the match will play out |
| Props/specials | Pistol round, first kill, top fragger, etc | For those who have niche team or player knowledge |
| Outrights/futures | Event or tournament winner | Long-term view on a title race |
| Live/in-play | Outcomes as the series unfolds | Reacting to momentum swings in a live game |
Top CS2 betting tips and strategies
It is possible to know all about the bet types for CS2, all the CSGO betting sites with codes, and still be unable to make it work in your favor. In short, basic knowledge alone can only take you so far; beyond that, these esport CSGO betting tips will make a difference.
Keep tabs on Valve rankings
The Valve rankings are not for show; they are actually there to keep you updated on the best Counter Strike teams globally. In fact, you can filter them by world or regional rankings, so it gives you flexibility. Using the information obtained from the rankings will give you a true edge.
This is not to say that you blindly place wagers on those who are ranked higher. While that may work one or two times, it is not a sustainable strategy.
Study map pools and vetos
Map vetos are prematch where teams basically eliminate and work towards choosing a map for their matchup. By studying the map pools and vetos, you will be able to observe which maps some teams excel in better. As much as you can, watch the veto before a Bo3.
LAN vs online
As trivial as it sounds, some teams perform very differently on LAN when compared to playing online. It could be because some take longer to settle into a new environment, but when you compare some teams’ performances in the two scenarios, you will see a clear pattern.
Head-to-head history matters
Sometimes, the reputation of a team on Counter Strike betting sites doesn’t matter when they meet specific counterparts. It could be that stylistically, the other team plays in a way that puts the supposedly higher ranked team at a disadvantage. So, at that point, it doesn’t matter if they are rated higher or not, they’ll just seem to cave. That is why studying head-to-head history makes sense in the long run. You can always tell from the frequency of recent wins against each other.
Factor in the impact of roster changes and stand-ins
One of the reasons why a team stands strong is because of the chemistry they’ve built over a significant period. So, when you see substitutes and roster changes, you should raise an eyebrow and look at it carefully. Roster changes may reduce coordination and team performance, so account for that as well.
Pros and cons of CS2 betting
As much as we’re a fan of this niche of esports, we also have to relay the pros and cons to you truthfully.
- Extensive markets that suit many betting styles
- Year-round calendar for frequent action
- Public stats to help you research every match
- Upsets, stand-ins, and roster swaps may affect outcomes significantly
Conclusion: Betting on CSGO hasn’t been any easier
If you thought betting on CSGO was a big deal, we are certain that you’ll have had a change of heart by now. With all the breakdown we gave, you are in the clear to act on it and make it work for you. Add those to a good esport betting site, and you will enjoy it. If you don’t have a good operator yet, the ones on our banners are the perfect option for you.
FAQs about CS2 betting
What is the best bet type for beginners?
While there is no “best” bet type, beginners find it very easy to understand the 2-way match winner. It is a good starting point for new players.
Can you bet on CS2 live?
Yes, you can bet live as you’re watching. However, note that the odds will fluctuate with momentum, so make quick decisions.
Is CS2 betting the same as CS:GO betting?
Yes, CS:GO became CS2 in 2023. So, it is still the same teams and tournaments. The engine just got more improved, but the markets are the same.
