In this guide to CS2 handicap betting, we’ll give you all the intel you need to understand the bet type. Read on to see our list of the best CS2 betting sites, learn precisely how the CS2 handicaps work and get our top esports betting tips.
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CS2 Handicap Betting Explained
Handicap bets work by applying a handicap to a team or player before an event starts. It allows you to get better odds on the favourite by putting them at a disadvantage or giving the underdog a headstart, but you’ll get worse odds.
The vast majority of betting sites will have CS2 ‘Match Handicap’ odds for the overall match, but the most esports-friendly bookies may also offer a ‘Round Handicap’. Handicap betting is a great way to get better odds on elite CS2 teams that enter most matches as betting favourites.
For example, let’s say a big org like Fntic is heavily favoured to win their next match, you could bet on them with a -1.5 handicap. You’ll get better odds on them, but they’ll have to win the match 2-0 for you to get your cash. If the other side snatches a map, and the final score is 2-1 to Fnatic, you’ll still lose.
There are two main kinds of CS2 handicap bet. A ‘Match Handicap’, which we’ve described in the example above, and a ‘Round Handicap’. This second type is for one map in a match. For you to win, the team you bet has to claim that map by more rounds than the handicap you apply.
CS2 Handicap Betting Tips
Now that we’ve explained what CS2 handicap betting is all about, you’ll need to know how to spot a potential winner. Implement our top CS2 handicap betting tips, and your winning percentage should improve!
Do Your Research
The most important tip we can give is to research each matchup before placing a CS2 handicap bet. Diligent research is the key to increasing your chances of winning any CS2 bet.
We recommend heading over to our match histories, results or stats pages to get the intel you need. For example, you can check out both teams’ match histories and look at their previous clashes to see if you can spot any trends or patterns.
Using A Staking Method
Sticking to an effective staking method is extremely important when betting online. Some staking methods are riskier than others, but yours should be based on your personal budget. Never risk more money than you can afford to lose.
For example, using a percentage-based staking method allows you to stretch out your betting balance over more events. The more CS2 handicap bets you place, the more likely you are to win and increase your balance in the long term.
Get The Best CS2 Odds Possible
You should always be on the lookout for the best odds possible. If you’re confident you’ve found a potential winning handicap bet, having accounts with multiple bookies lets you shop around and get the best possible odds.
If you’re backing a team that’s short odds, even with the handicap applied, you could add the CS2 handicap into an accumulator with one of your other picks to get better odds. Most esports bookmakers now offer some form of ‘Bet Builder’, which allows you to build an acca based on a single CS2 match!
Understanding The Variables
Handicap betting is predominantly a pre-match affair, meaning both the map veto and the map order in a match are unknown. This should factor into how much you’re willing to bet on each CS2 handicap. Roster changes, team head-to-heads, and player form are all variables you should also consider.
While there’s no guarantee any CS2 bet will return cash, consistently implementing these tips should increase your overall winning percentage!
Other CS2 Bet Types
CS2 handicaps are just one of the endless number of CS2 bets you can place. We’ll run you through some of the other popular CS2 betting markets offered by most bookmakers.
- CS2 Match Betting – The easiest way to bet on CS2. Learn how to bet on CS2 matches and the best bookmakers to use.
- CS2 Live Betting Guide – Most bookmakers offer live betting odds for CS2, esports and traditional sports.
Responsible Gambling
Betting on CS2 should always be fun, so if it’s negatively affecting you or your life, just stop. You can use several methods to ensure you stay safe when betting online. Take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the responsible gambling tools at the online bookmaker you’re using.
Most betting sites will have an option for ‘Responsible Gambling’ or something similar in their header or footer. We recommend HLTV users take the Gamalyze self-assessment test. This test will recommend the tools that can help you stay in control of your spending. You can head to our Safer Gambling page for even more helpful articles.
CS2 Handicap Betting FAQs
A handicap bet applies a handicap to the team or player you’re betting on. That team or player needs to overcome that handicap for your bet to win. You can also give an underdog a head start, but you’ll get reduced odds.
It works like other handicap bets. You’re applying a handicap to the CS2 team that’s the betting favourite, or giving the underdog squad a head start. Remember, the handicap will affect the CS2 odds you get.
‘Match Handicap’ is a bet on a whole CS2 match. As virtually all CS2 esports matches follow the best-of-three maps format, the CS2 ‘Match Handicap’ will always be +1.5 or -1.5.
‘Round Handicap’ is a handicap bet on single map in a match. As teams need to win 16 rounds to claim a map, the ‘Round Handicap’ varies massively from match to match.
If you back a team or player with a +1.5 handicap, you’re effectively giving them a head start. Let’s say you bet on a football team +1.5. That team can lose by 1 goal, and your bet still wins. However, you’ll get worse odds than if you backed them straight up.
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