Often referred to as ‘Against The Spread’, we’ve got all the intel you need to know about CS2 handicap bets. We’ll list the best CS2 handicap betting sites, explain how the CS2 bet works and share our top tips.
Top US CS2 Betting Sites
Any esports betting site worth using will provide CS2 handicap odds for the Counter-Strike matches it features. All of the platforms featured in our rankings of the top CS2 betting sites will provide handicap or ‘Against The Spread’ betting options for most matches. You can use the drop down below to see the best betting sites that are accepting players in your state.
CS2 Handicap Betting Explained
Handicap bets work by applying a handicap to a team or player before an event starts. This is often referred to as ‘The spread’ in sports betting. It allows you to get better odds on the favourite by putting them at a disadvantage or giving the underdog a head start, but you’ll get worse odds.
The vast majority of betting sites will have CS2 ‘Match Spread’ odds for the overall match, but the more esports-focused sportsbooks may also offer a ‘Map Spread’. This CS2 bet type provides an excllent way to get better odds on the elite orgs that enter most matches as heavy betting favourites.
For example, let’s say a big team like Fntic is heavily favoured to win their next match, you could bet on them with a -1.5 map 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 team 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 Spread’, which we’ve described in the example above, and a ‘Map Spread’. 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 ‘against the spread’ 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 bet ‘against the spread’. 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 ATS 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 online betting sites 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 ATS pick into an accumulator with one of your other picks to get better odds. Most esports sportsbooks now offer some form of ‘Bet Builder’, which allows you to build an acca based on a single CS2 match!
Understanding The Variables
‘Against the spread’ 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 bets available at most CS2 betting sites.
- CS2 Prop Betting – Prop bets allow you to bet on a single aspect of or player in a CS2 match. Read our guide to get the lowdown on the most popular CS2 prop bets and more!
Responsible CS2 Gambling
Whether you’re betting on CS2, other esports or anything else, practising responsible gambling is critical. CS2 gambling should be fun. If you feel it’s having a negative effect on you, just stop.
You can take the Gamalyze self-assessment test to learn more about how you gamble and discover the responsible gambling tools available at online betting sites. We’ve also got a wealth of other resources for additional support.
Here are some of our in-depth HLTV responsible gambling articles:
- Time Management – This page focuses on the time management tools you can use while betting on CS2.
- Money Management – Discover the money management tools available at most betting sites.
- HLTV Responsible Gambling Promise – Read more about responsible gambling and HLTV’s commitment to promoting it.
Always practice responsible gambling. You must be 18+ to play.
CS2 Handicap Betting FAQs
Handicap betting is a type of bet that applies a handicap to the team or player you’re betting on. It’s more commonly referred to as ‘Against The Spread’. 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 or ATS 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 Spread’ will affect the CS2 odds you get.
‘Map Spread’ is a bet on a whole CS2 match. As virtually all CS2 esports matches follow the best-of-three maps format, the CS2 ‘Match Spread’ will always be +1.5 or -1.5.
The ‘Map Spread’ is an ATS bet on single map in a match. As teams need to win 16 rounds to claim a map, the ‘Map Spread’ can vary 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 baseball team +1.5. That team can lose by 1 run, and your bet still wins. However, you’ll get worse odds than if you placed a Moneyline bet on that team.
