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League of Legends (LOL) Betting Guide — Regional Formats, World Odds, and Champion Meta Insights

League of Legends (LOL) Betting Guide — Regional Formats, World Odds, and Champion Meta Insights

If you are an esports fan or just curious about the rapidly growing esports betting industry, League of Legends (LoL) betting can be a great place to start. Featuring a growing global fanbase and year-round betting calendar, LoL has become one of the best esports to wager on. There is always a match and a betting opportunity for you, whether you are tuned in to North America’s LCS or Korea’s LCK series. 

NXTbets is a leading platform for sports betting data, updates, and insights. We offer comprehensive resources to help new, upcoming, and seasoned bettors improve their betting outcomes. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about League of Legends betting, ranging from its definition and match formats to champion meta insights and patch impacts. Subscribe to our newsletter for prompt updates, tailored insights, and exclusive promos.

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What is League of Legends Betting?

League of Legends betting refers to wagering on Riot Games’ multiplayer online battle arena game, League of Legends. LoL was launched in 2009 and has steadily evolved into a premier esports title. It currently boasts a structured competitive scene and a huge international fanbase. 

Game Overview

League of Legends is a fast-paced, team-based online game. During matches, two teams compete against one another on a map called Summoner’s Rift, each aiming to destroy the other’s Nexus, located within their base. To achieve this goal, both strive to secure objectives like dragons, turrets, and Baron Nashor while coordinating champion abilities and strategies.

Match Formats

Professional LoL matches have the following betting formats: 

  • Best-of-One (BO1): One game determines the winner. 
  • Best-of-Three (BO3): The first team to win two games gets the crown. 
  • Best-of-Five (BO5): The first team to clinch three victories wins. 

The above formats often affect betting strategies. For example, BO5 tournaments have more data points and less variance, making them relatively safe to bet on.

League of Legends Hierarchy

League of Legends has the following competitive structures: 

  • Regional leagues: Top contenders from every region (e.g., North America, China, and Korea) compete in seasonal splits. 
  • Mid-Season Invitational: MSI is a global tournament that brings together top regional teams. 
  • World Championships (Worlds): This is the most prestigious LoL esports tournament. Top LoL teams worldwide vie for the global title.

Understanding the hierarchy above can help you assess team strengths and regional metas for enhanced betting outcomes. 

LoL Betting vs. Traditional Sports

LoL betting and traditional sports wagering share certain similarities, such as over/under and moneyline bets. However, LoL betting has unique markets, such as the following: 

  • First blood: Wagering on the team to secure the first kill. 
  • Total kills: Bettors predict the total number of kills in a LoL match. 
  • First to Baron: Predicting the team that captures the first Baron Nashor. 

You must understand in-game dynamics and team play styles to wager on the specialized markets above successfully.

Is League of Legends Betting Legal in My Region?

LoL betting legality varies from one region to another due to different gambling laws and regulatory bodies. Below are a few regions and their LoL betting position:

United States

LoL betting in the US varies by state. While the lifting of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 allows states to legalize and regulate gambling, some have yet to lift the ban. For those that would enable LoL betting, it is controlled by state-specific commissions.

United Kingdom (UK)

LoL betting is fully legal and regulated in the United Kingdom. It falls under the purview of the UK Gambling Commission and is open to 18+ year olds. Check if your sportsbook is licensed before beginning your LoL betting journey.

European Union (EU)

League of Legends wagering is legal in many EU states, although betting regulations vary. It is regulated by country-specific authorities, such as the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (National Gaming Authority) in France.

Canada

LoL betting is legal primarily in Canada, even though specific provinces regulate it. Bettors must be 18 or 19+ years, depending on the province. Provinces where LoL betting is legal have specific provincial gaming authorities.

To confirm whether League of Legends betting is legal in your jurisdiction, review relevant laws or check with your state’s gaming authority.

LoL Regional Breakdown- LCS, LEC, LCK, and More

Informed League of Legends betting requires an in-depth understanding of regional leagues, given that each region has its unique format and playstyle. You can enhance your betting strategies and identify value opportunities by analyzing relevant differences.

LCS & LEC - North America and Europe

Below are a few things to note regarding the LCS and LEC regions: 

  • Standard match formats: Regular seasons are mainly BO1, while playoffs have a BO5 format. 
  • Wagering liquidity: The massive fan bases and enhanced media coverage guarantee high betting liquidity. 
  • Common bets: Bettors commonly make the following wagers: match winner, over/under kills, and first blood. 

Popular North American and European teams often enjoy positive public sentiment, which may lead to skewed odds. 

LCK & LPL - Korea and China

The LCK and LPL regions comprise Korea and China. Below are the relevant playstyles, match formats, and betting considerations: 

  • Match formats: Regular seasons observe BO3, while playoffs have BO5 matches. 
  • Gaming styles: LCK mainly utilizes macro strategies while LPL focuses more on aggressive gameplay. 

High-skilled bettors can easily predict match outcomes in the LCK and LPL regions. However, in-play betting is usually volatile. 

PCS, VCD, CBLOL, LLA - Wildcard Regions

In League of Legends betting, wildcard regions refer to areas with lower profiles or comparatively less competitive betting scenes. Below are a few things worth noting about such areas: 

  • High upset potential: Teams in wildcard regions often have less consistent performance, leading to higher variance. 
  • Limited data availability: Wildcard regions are less competitive. Teams and players have limited statistics, which can make betting riskier. 

Take caution when betting on Wildcard region teams. Stay safe by making smaller stakes or refraining from betting with inadequate information. 

Betting on the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds)

Besides captivating audiences globally, the League of Legends World Championship offers diverse betting opportunities. Below are its popular betting markets, format-odd relationship, historical betting trends, and underdog value.

Popular World Markets

The most popular betting markets for LoL World Championship include the following: 

  • Outright winner: Predicting the team that will win the championship. 
  • MVP: Predicting the championship’s most valuable player. 
  • Finalist: Predicting teams that will reach the final. 
  • Most kills: Betting on the player or team with the highest kill count. 
  • Region of winner: Betting on the region of the winning team (e.g., LPL or LCK).
  • First to baron: Predicting the team to secure the first Baron Nashor. 

Utilize your knowledge of regional strengths and team performances when betting on the above markets for better outcomes. 

How the Format Affects Odds

Below is how the LoL Championships’ structure can affect betting odds: 

  • Swiss stage: The Swiss stage pairs teams with similar records to increase their competitiveness. The pairing often creates more balanced matchups, affecting odds. 
  • Single-elimination playoffs: These often heighten the stakes, given that a loss translates to an elimination. They usually inspire more conservative betting strategies. 
  • Side selection: The choice of starting sides often influences game outcomes, especially in closely matched competitions. 
  • BO1 vs. BO5: Best-of-one matches are relatively volatile, leading to early-stage upsets. On the other hand, best-of-five series favor consistent, higher-seeded teams in later stages. 

Understanding the above elements can help you make better or more informed decisions.

Historical Betting Trends and Underdog Value

You will recognize the following patterns if you analyze past LoL tournaments: 

  • Dominance of LCK/LPL teams: Teams from China (LPL) and Korea (LCK) have a history of exceptional performance, explaining their status as favorites. 
  • Overbetting on NA/EU teams: Western teams enjoy more regional support, which can be seen from the number of bets. Unfortunately, that may lead to skewed odds at times. 

Identifying such trends helps you realize the value in underdog bets, especially if public sentiment and team performance do not align.

Champion Meta Insights and Patch Impacts

League of Legends has an evolving meta and regular patch updates, which can significantly influence betting strategies. Discover how patches alter prop bet value, regional meta variations, and notable pick/ban trends below.

How Patches Change Prop Bet Value

Patches in LoL refer to regular software updates that modify game files. They often affect champion strengths and team strategies. Here are some of their impacts on prop bets: 

  • Champion buffs/nerfs: Certain updates may strengthen or weaken some LoL champions, affecting prop bets like “highest win rate” or “most picked”.
  • Pre-tournament patches: Any update released just before tournaments can cause unpredictable meta, favoring bettors who can adapt quickly. 

Effective prop betting requires staying updated on patch notes and understanding their implications.

Pick/Ban Trends to Watch

Always analyze pick/ban trends for insights into team strategies and potential match outcomes, as shown below: 

  • Most-banned champions: Regularly banned champions are less likely to show up for LoL matches, negatively affecting related wagers. 
  • Stable vs. high-risk champions: High-risk champions like Zed often contribute to volatile performances. On the other hand, you can use consistent strategies on stable picks like Orianna.

Regional Meta Variations

LoL regions have unique metas. Understanding their regional differences can help you predict match dynamics and outcomes. Below is an overview. 

  • LPL (China): Famous for aggressive, kill-heavy gameplay. 
  • LEC (Europe): Known for excellent control and macro strategies. 
  • LCK (Korea): Signified by disciplined, tempo-based gameplay.
  • LCS (North America): Favors scaling compositions.

Best Platforms to Bet on League of Legends

Choose the right sportsbook for a safe, exciting experience. Below are the best platforms to bet on League of Legends in different regions:

North America

North American LoL bettors should choose the following platforms: 

  • DraftKings: DraftKings has a user-friendly interface and multiple, diverse LoL betting markets. 
  • BetMGM: BetMGM offers competitive odds and lucrative esports betting promotions. 

Europe

The platforms below are highly recommended for European bettors: 

  • Bet365: This platform ranks highly in comprehensive esports coverage and live betting options. 
  • Unibet: Unibet has a range of betting markets and detailed statistics. 

Latin America

Bettors in Latin America can use Betano and Rivalo. Betano has localized content and promotions, while Rivalo is tailored to regional preferences and payment methods. 

Global (Crypto-friendly)

Globally, bettors can use Stake, a revolutionary betting platform with diverse markets. It supports instant transactions and accepts several cryptocurrencies. Global bettors not conversant with crypto-betting can use Pinnacle, known for high limits and low margins. 

Consider your region and betting preferences when choosing a platform.

Bonuses and Promotions for LoL Bettors

Most esports betting platforms offer lucrative offers and bonuses to attract and retain bettors. While promotions often vary by platform and region, they all allow you to maximize your betting experience. Below are different regions and their standard bonuses: 

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Region
Common Bonus Types
Common Platforms
USA
Free-bet sign-up bonuses
BetOnline, Stake.com , Bovada
UK
Weekly loyalty freebies (BetVictor)
BetVictor, William Hill, 10bet
Ireland
Free bets on qualifying wagers
Bet365, Spreadex
General EU/Global
Deposit-match bonuses
Thunderpick, BetUs

Besides the sign-up bonus, betting platforms also provide ongoing promotions to encourage long-term betting. Always review the accompanying terms and conditions and ensure they align with your betting habits.

Smart League of Legends Betting Strategies

You need effective strategies for a successful League of Legends betting experience. For better outcomes, always research teams, use statistical tools, understand meta shifts from patches, and recognize public bias. Learn more below:

Team Research & Stat Tools

Always analyze team performance and player stats before placing a League of Legends bet. Below are a few recommended analytical platforms: 

  • gol.gg: gol.gg provides comprehensive statistical breakdowns and match histories. 
  • Oracle’s Elixir: Oracle’s Elixir has advanced metrics on team dynamics and player efficiency. 
  • OP.GG: OP.GG has real-time player rankings and performance data. 

Extensive research can help you obtain insights into potential outcomes and team strategies.

Understand Meta Shifts from Patches

League of Legends evolves with regular patch updates. These can influence team strategies and champion viability. Monitoring such changes is crucial. Therefore: 

  • Update yourself on official patch notes. This will help you understand game balance adjustments. 
  • Analyze how teams adapt their playstyles based on meta shifts.

Avoid Public Bias Traps

Base your betting decisions on objective analysis rather than public opinion. Remember, popular sentiment can influence betting markets, leading to skewed odds. Here are a few helpful reminders: 

  • Be careful not to overvalue historically popular teams without reviewing their recent performances. 
  • Do not underestimate emerging teams just because they lack mainstream recognition.

Mobile and Live Betting in League of Legends

Mobile and live betting offer an immersive way to engage with League of Legends matches or tournaments. For a fulfilling experience, understand momentum shifts, explore prop bets, and optimize mobile performance. Continue reading for more.

How Momentum Shifts Affect Live Odds

Sudden in-game events can dramatically affect the course of a League of Legends duel. Here is a brief explanation: 

  • Throwbacks: LoL betting odds usually fluctuate rapidly when a team overcomes a significant deficit to reflect the emerging potential outcomes. 
  • Baron steals: Betting odds often shift immediately when Baron Nashor is unexpectedly secured. This is in line with the huge emerging potential advantage.

Momentum shifts bring excitement and unpredictability in live betting: odds adjust in real-time to the evolving state of the game.

Enhance Your Betting Experience with Live Prop Bets

You can predict specific in-game events by placing live prop bets. Examples include: 

  • Next, Drake secured: Predicting the team that will successfully claim the upcoming dragon. 
  • Next tower destroyed: Betting on the team to take down the next turret. 

Live prop bets let you exploit your League of Legends knowledge for potential rewards.

Mobile Betting: How to Optimize Your Experience and Reduce Latency

Mobile betting applications have significantly revolutionized esports betting through real-time access and convenient gameplay. Prioritize the following for an engaging and responsive experience: 

  • Stable connections: Minimize lag by using reliable Wi-Fi networks instead of cellular data. 
  • Optimal latency: A latency of 180 ms or less is recommended when playing on mobile devices. 
  • Regional servers: Reduce ping by connecting to geographically close servers.

Responsible Gambling and Risk Awareness in LoL Betting

While League of Legends betting can be exciting, approach it responsibly for a safe and enjoyable experience. Below is an in-depth exploration.

Is LoL Betting Safe?

To stay safe, always use licensed platforms with responsible tools and features to bet on League of Legends matches and tournaments. You should also be aware of the relevant risks, such as attempts to chase losses or potential exposure to match-fixing. Below are a few tools for responsible betting.

Tools for Responsible Betting

Use the following tools to bet responsibly on League of Legends matches: 

  • Deposit and time limits: Most betting platforms allow users to restrict the time spent on betting and to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Such features are crucial for managing gambling behavior. 
  • Self-exclusion: Some platforms allow you to temporarily exclude yourself from all betting activities using the self-exclusion feature. Depending on your location, you can also use programs like GAMSTOP to exclude yourself from all licensed gambling sites if your platform lacks a self-exclusion feature. 

Check out our safe betting section for responsible LoL betting insights. 

Recognizing Match Fixing and Unusual Betting Patterns

Several esports, including League of Legends, have had match-fixing issues in the past. Always watch out for the following: 

  • Sudden unexplained shifts in betting odds. 
  • Insider information leaks or discussions on betting platforms. 
  • Strange/uncharacteristic performance or gameplay from players or teams. 

Global Resources for Responsible Gaming

To stay safe, League of Legends bettors should recognize and address problematic gambling. Below are a few organizations that provide support for gambling-related issues: 

  • National Council on Problem Gambling: Offers resources and a functioning helpline for US residents with gambling issues. 
  • BeGambleAware: Provides free, confidential help and resources for UK residents affected by gambling. 

Conclusion

Do not be left out as more people take up esports betting. Among the best esports to wager on is League of Legends, an action-packed game that offers diverse betting opportunities across international tournaments and regional leagues. To get started, understand what League of Legends betting entails, choose a reputable platform (with comprehensive esports markets) like DraftKings, Bet365, and Unibet, create your account, activate it, and play. Remember to explore innovative and responsible LoL betting strategies for better outcomes. 

At NXTbets, we are dedicated to helping you make the best out of your bets. We mainly focus on niche categories like esports, furnishing fans and readers with information hardly available on most sports websites. Sign up for our newsletter for prompt updates, tailored insights, and relevant esports news.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you can bet on champion picks or bans depends on your betting platform. Some have diverse betting markets, allowing users to wager on championship selections and bans. Review your sportsbook’s offerings for the available betting options.

BO5 matches are considered safer to bet on due to their reduced outcome variance and adequate related data. Such factors create more betting opportunities.

You can find real-time stats for LOL betting from reputable platforms or websites like gol.gg and OP.GG. You can also subscribe to our newsletter for timely League of Legends or esports updates.

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