Live betting is one of the most exciting ways to bet on CS2. CS2 live odds constantly fluctuate as the action unfolds, presenting plenty of opportunities to find a winner. Our CS2 live betting guide details the factors that affect the live odds, the India betting sites with esports live odds and much more.

What is CS2 Live Betting?

CS2 live betting is just betting on a Counter-Strike match while it’s happening. Most CS2 betting sites now provide fluctuating ‘In-Play’ live odds, which are affected by how a match is playing out. 

The fluid and fast-paced nature of live odds makes live betting one of the most exciting and potentially profitable ways to bet on esports. Implementing a consistent CS2 live betting strategy will improve your chances of getting some solid cash returns.

CS2 Live Betting Sites

Every CS2 betting site has a different level of live betting options. Most will include esports in their offering. We’ve listed our picks for the top CS2 live betting sites below.

If you’re going to open an account with one of these esports betting sites, use the HLTV link. Doing so guarantees you’ll get the best possible sign-up rewards. It also means that if your chosen betting site has a CS2 promo code, it will automatically be applied during your registration.

CS2 Live Betting Markets

Due to the fluid nature of esports and sports, betting sites will have fewer live markets than traditional pre-game markets for most events. However, every site’s live odds range usually includes the most popular betting markets for each sport or event. Below, we’ll give you an overview on the CS2 live odds you’ll find at most bookmakers.

• CS2 Live Match Betting – Think one team is building momentum during a CS2 match? You can capitalise on your hunch by betting on them to win the match while it’s happening.

• CS2 Live Map Winner Betting – If you see a CS2 team performing well on a specific map, you can bet on them to win it during the match.

• CS2 Live Handicap Betting – Most CS2 betting sites will live handicap odds for the match winner and each map. Handicap betting can get you better odds, but your CS2 team needs to win big.

• CS2 Map To Go To Overtime – If you think two CS2 teams are neck and neck on a specific map, you can bet on them to go to overtime.

• CS2 Live Total Rounds Betting – Each site will offer an over/under CS2 betting market for the number of rounds played on each map as the action unfolds.

How Do CS2 Live Odds Work?

CS2 live betting odds will fluctuate endlessly during a match. The odds in each market will increase or decrease depending on how the match develops. Live betting on matches allows you to spot fleeting esports betting opportunities and often means you get better odds on your CS2 picks.

The fluid nature of live betting means the correct CS2 live bet can net you a big payday. Here’s a quick example of how CS2 live odds can change during a match and how you could have taken advantage of these shifts.

On 3rd April 2021, Virtus.pro took on ENCE in the ESL Pro League. Virtus.pro was the pre-match betting favourite. However, ENCE outperformed expectations, winning the second map and taking a 15-3 lead on the final map.

ENCE needed just one more round to win the whole match. At this point, the live odds at some sites for Virtus.pro were as big as 26/1. A well-timed £10 live bet on them would’ve returned a massive £270.

Virtus.pro staged the most remarkable comeback in the history of esports. They pushed ENCE into overtime and finally won the map 19-17 and the match 2-1. While the chances of this happening are low, this dramatic match shows how rewarding the correct CS2 live bet can be.

CS2 Live Betting – A Step-by-Step Guide

Placing a live bet on CS2 is very simple. You’ll find the process is very similar at every esports gambling site. If you need more help, follow the guide below.

1. If you haven’t already, pick a CS2 betting site that has live odds and open an account. Use one of our links to start the process, and you’re guaranteed to get the best possible new customer rewards.

2. Once you’ve signed up and logged in, look for the ‘Live Betting’ or ‘In-Play’ option in the main menu.

3. Once you’ve arrived at the dedicated live betting page, you should see a menu listing the sports for which they have live odds. Just look for the ‘Esports’ option.

4. Here, you’ll see a list of esports action currently underway. Look for the CS2 matches your betting site has live odds for.

5. If you like the look of the CS2 live odds in a particular market, click on your pick to add it to your betslip.

6. Enter your stake to see your potential cash winnings.

7. If you’re happy with your live bet, click ‘Confirm Bet’ or the equivalent. Bet confirmation can take a little longer when you’re betting live.

8. Remember, the live odds constantly change. If you miss out on the live odds you wanted, take a second to consider whether the new odds still represent proper value.

9. Once your CS2 live bet is placed, watch the action. If your live bet is correct, you’ll bag some cash.

If you’re a complete betting novice needing more help, our CS2 Betting Beginners Guide is well worth a read. It will run you through all the basics you should know before you start betting on Counter-Strike.

CS2 Live Betting Tips & Tricks

Now that you know what CS2 live betting is, how live odds work, and the best sites for CS2 live betting, it’s time to dive into picking a winner. Our list of essential CS2 live betting tips & tricks can help you do just that.

Listen To The Casters

Live betting on CS2 allows you to take advantage of the insight provided by the casters or the analysis desk on stream. Casters can provide invaluable details about each CS2 team or player you might have missed. 

For example, a caster may suggest a specific team usually does well on an upcoming map. Small pieces of info like this can help you identify when the live odds present good value.

Patience Is Key

Sometimes, the longer you wait before placing a bet on a live CS2 match, the better. If you feel a team can win a match even if they lose the first map, you should hold off until after the first map and get the longer odds. Timing and research are the critical elements to placing a successful CS2 live bet.

Do Your CS2 Research

Knowledge is power. The more you know, the more likely it is you’ll find a winning CS2 live bet. Our betting guides, odds comparison page and CS2 stats page are all great places to start your research. 

Live odds move very fast, meaning CS2 betting opportunities can come and go instantly. Having a solid foundation of CS2 knowledge is crucial in identifying those opportunities and capitalising on them.

Use Live Cashout

Most betting sites now have a live ‘Cashout’ option for most bet types. This tool lets you take some winnings from your CS2 bet while the match is still going on. Your potential payout relies heavily on the likelihood of your bet winning and the time left in the match. If your team takes the lead, but you think they’re looking shaky, using the ‘Cashout’ feature could be a good move.

Don’t Chase Your Losses

Anyone who bets online will lose at some point. With the fast-paced nature of live betting, it can be tempting to try and make up for a loss by placing more or higher bets quickly. Remember, always have self-control, do your research, and carefully consider every esports bet. Knowing when to cut your losses is vital to keeping your CS2 betting safe.

CS2 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 while gambling on esports or anything else.

Take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the responsible gambling tools at the CS2 betting site you’re using. You can then pick and choose which tools you think fit best for you. Most betting sites will have an option for ‘Responsible Gambling’ or something similar in their header or footer.

Take the Gamalyze self-assessment test to understand more about your online gambling habits and how you can stay in control of your spending. You can learn more about HLTV’s responsible betting promise here.

CS2 Live Betting FAQs