What Is the Dead Man’s Hand? — History and References

The game of Mahjong consists of tiles and is played by four players. The Qing dynasty is credited for developing it, which spread across the globe by the early 20th century. Known as Sparrow because of the clacking of the tiles that resembled the chattering of sparrows, its origins are unknown. However, one theory suggests that it's an adaptation of an earlier card game called "madiao." Depending on how you shuffle the tiles, locals have also referred to the game as "dry swimming." It's a game of strategy, luck, and skill, and I'll cover everything you need to know, from the basic rules to the gameplay. What is Mahjong? The South China Morning Post reported that Mahjong, or Mah Jongg, originated more than 300 years ago in China. The game requires four players and is widely played in Asia and around the globe. After being introduced to the United States around 1920 by Joseph P. Babcock, an American businessman who had lived in China, the game gained particular popularity. New York's Abercrombie & Fitch was the first to sell Mahjong sets. The game of Mahjong consists of 144 tiles, each displaying an illustration from one of five categories. Chinese symbols or characters are used in the illustrations. Equipment Needed for Playing Mahjong Before I explain how to play Mahjong, I'll list the equipment you'll need in the sections below. Tiles There are 144 tiles in a Mah Jong (Mahjong) set, usually 30 x 20 x 15mm. Plastic has replaced bone or ivory as a common material for these sets. Below, you can learn more about the types of tiles in Mahjong: Four sets of nine circle tiles numbered 1-9. Among the 36 tiles, nine are in each of four sets. Each set of bamboo tiles contains 36 tiles numbered 1-9. 1. A sparrow or rice bird often depicts one of the bamboos. 2. Red and green bamboos represent 1, 5, 7, and 9. 3. The other bamboo tiles are represented only by green bamboos. Each of the four winds is represented by four tiles. The tiles have 12 dragons: Four Red dragons, which represent bright red characters. Four Green dragons represent bright green characters. Four White dragons, which represent completely blank tiles. A capital letter 'P' is used to denote a white dragon, which stands for 'Pai,' which means pure or white. Suits A mahjong set has numbered tiles called suits. Namely, there are only three suits in Mahjong, bamboos, characters, and dots numbered 1 through 9. There are four tiles of each suit, making 108 tiles in all. Since suit tiles can be chowed, punched, konged, or paired, they offer the most flexibility. Honors The Wind suit is one of two honor suits. Each tile features a compass direction character — north, east, south, and west. In order to recognize and organize this suit, you must learn to read the cardinal direction characters in Chinese. There are four sets with four tiles each. Therefore, there are 16 wind tiles in each game set. Arrows, or dragons, are the other honor suit. Each set of arrow tiles has three tiles. As a result of ancient imperial exams, archery, and Confucius' cardinal virtues, this trio has multiple meanings. Seasons and Flowers Flowers can be worn as an optional suit. Each tile has a picture of a flower and a number ranging from one to four. Interestingly, each region has its way of playing the flower suit. Flowers can be used as wild cards to complete tile combinations or as a Joker in card games. Moreover, you can earn extra points by using flowers. As with the flower tiles, the seasons are associated with a specific wind: Spring – East Summer – South Autumn – West Winter – North Even though each season has only one tile, all four-season tiles match. Wild Card or Jokers Joker tiles can be used in assembling a hand, but for example, you can use four jokers in Southeast Asian and Chinese mahjong variations, including Shanghainese mahjong. On the other hand, you can use eight jokers in American Mahjong. Dice To determine seating and wall breaking, dice are used. There are usually two to three dice in a typical set. Therefore, it would be sufficient to use any six-sided dice. There are, however, some differences between mahjong dice and normal board game dice, including rounded corners and red numbers one and four. Score Cards In Mahjong, hands range in difficulty from 1 to 88 points, and a simple sum is derived by adding the points from each hand. In order to win, Mahjong can be declared with a minimum of eight points in the official Chinese version. Using a scorecard, you can keep track of your score. Wind indicators Wind indicators display the current wind speed. Usually, it's held by the east (dealer). American Mahjong is referred to as a bettor, as the fifth player bets on who will win. Different sizes and shapes are available, but generally, the most common forms are a rotating cylinder, disc, or cube and its placeholder. Scoring Sticks and Coins There are many ways to play Mahjong, considering many elements such as points, cash, coins, or chips, but the most popular method is with scoring sticks, also known as ''bones''. This set is ideal if you have a Mahjong set without scoring sticks or prefer to play with more sticks. Racks and Pushers Tiles are held in racks while pushers, also known as "extending arms" or "helping hands," push the wall into place. Note that racks and pushers were traditionally separate. However, the modern set includes racks attached with pushers to make it more convenient. How to Play Mahjong? There are variations of the game in different regions, but the basic rules of Mahjong are the same: Face the illustration down as you shuffle the tiles. Dice are rolled, and the dealer gets the biggest roll, and the person to their right is the first to play. The players choose 36 tiles and arrange them into two rows of 18 each. After that, the "walls" are pushed forward, leaving a space on the table for discarded tiles. As the players take turns, they draw thirteen tiles from the pool, or the dealer divides them. When the first player draws a tile from the pool, he or she can keep it or discard it so that their total number remains 13. Then, this process is repeated in a circle by the players. After that, you can take a new tile or pick up one discarded by another player. Pong or Kong melds are formed when a player discards a tile, regardless of their turn. Compared to a Chow meld formed when the player to your left discards a tile. Note that a meld made using a discarded tile has to be announced and displayed to the other Mahjong players. The player with four melds, or suits, and a pair wins. The total number of tiles required is fourteen. How to Read Score Cards? Red, blue, or green numbers or letters represent the hands on a scorecard. Using different colors means using different suits since the colors aren't specific to a particular suit. For example, there are no suits for flowers and zeros, which will always be blue. 1-9 In accordance with the tile's specific number (excluding flowers) N,S,E,W North, South, East, West D Dragon R Red Dragon G Green Dragon 0 White Dragon (Soap) F Flower To organize the scorecard, you can use common patterns to categorize hands: Year A year's patterns, such as 2023. 2's, 0's, and 3's would be used in such cases. The white dragon is always used as a zero. 2468 Patterns that require even numbered tiles. Change-up This section varies Quints A hand with at least one quint (5 identical tiles), at least one of which is a Joker. Consecutive Runs Patterns of consecutive numbers. 13579 Patterns that require odd-numbered tiles. Winds-Dragons Patterns requiring wind and dragon tiles. 369 Patterns using 3's, 6's, and 9's. Singles and Pairs Patterns with single and paired tiles. There are several different combinations for each hand. It's possible to find combinations with non-matching tiles, but most have at least two matching identical tiles. Pair Two identical tiles. Pung Three identical tiles. Kong Four identical tiles. Quint Five identical tiles, with the use of Jokers. Sextet Six identical tiles, with the use of Jokers. Each hand has a value for scoring or gambling. The hand is marked with an 'X' or 'C,' depending on whether it is exposed or concealed: E Exposed C Concealed The Charleston (American Mahjong) The "Charleston" sequences before the gameplay are one of the main differences between American-style Mahjong and other Mahjong styles. Charlestons are exchanges of tiles among players. By passing tiles to other Mahjong players during the Charleston, players can get rid of tiles they don't want. There are three stages to the Charleston: The First Charleston (required) The Second Charleston (optional) The Courtesy Pass (optional) Let's examine each stage in more detail in the following sections. First Charleston You, as a player, must perform the first Charleston regardless of how many hands you have drawn from the wall. The step consists of three passes: 1st pass — To the right of each player, three tiles are passed. 2nd pass — Players pass three tiles to each other. 3rd pass — It's the responsibility of each player to pass three tiles to the player on the left. When you perform this step, you can choose to perform a "Blind Pass" by taking one, two, or three tiles and passing them to the player to your left. Second Charleston Performing the Second Charleston is optional and must be agreed upon by all players. Three passes are involved in this step: 1st Pass - Each player passes three tiles to the player on their left. 2nd pass - Players pass three tiles to each other. 3rd pass - Players pass three tiles to their right. It is possible to perform a "Blind Pass" at this step. Courtesy Pass When the First Charleston and Second Charleston are completed, two players who sit across may want to perform one last pass. Depending on the lesser tile request, one, two, or three tiles can be passed. The courtesy pass won't be completed between a player and the player if no tiles are exchanged. When all Charleston steps have been completed, the game can begin. Tips for Playing Mahjong If you still wonder, "how do you play Mahjong?" don't worry, as I will explain several Mahjong gameplay tips in the following sections, such as drawing and discarding tiles, calling tiles, rules of joker in Mahjong, how to end the game, and some common errors. Discarding and Drawing Tiles The excitement begins as players attempt to improve their hands. Since East has 14 tiles, it discards a tile when it starts the game. Unless a discarded tile is called (claimed by another player), the turn passes to the next player on the right. Next, a tile is drawn from the wall. Next, the tiles are taken from where the walls were broken. Finally, when two tiles are high; otherwise, the bottom tile is picked. In either case, the drawn tile can either be discarded or placed in the player's hand and discarded similarly. Their names are announced upon discarded tiles being placed face up in the center of the table. It won't take the other players long to figure out which kind of hand you want to build when you discard a tile. The turn moves to the next player on the left if the next player does not call the discarded tile on the right. Drawing the card, discarding it, and continuing the turn is continued until an interruption occurs by a call. Calling Tiles During the play, any player may use the tile they just discarded if it completes either a pung, kong, quint, sextet or some other exposed hand combination (the types of hands marked with an "X" on the scorecard). When a hand consists of only one tile, it is not permitted to call one for it to be completed. To complete the Mahjong hands, each tile must form a pair with the adjacent tile. Those tiles discarded before the most recent update are called dead tiles. If a player calls for a discarded tile, and that tile doesn't result in Mahjong, the combination completed by that tile is exposed face up on top of the rack and that combination cannot be changed for the rest of the game. Following the discarding of the tile, the player will discard a tile, and if no one else calls it, the turn will go to the player to the right. Some players' turns may be skipped when a tile is called. If several people call at the same time, provisions are made as follows: Any tile a player calls to complete the mahjong hand trumps any tile called by any other player. As long as none of the calls make sense in terms of completing a mahjong hand, the discarded tile will be given to the nearest player to complete the hand. You must draw all the tiles in your hand from the wall to hit a concealed hand (the hand with a "C" next to its value on the scorecard) that has been concealed. Except for the last one, which allows you to declare Mahjong, none of these things may be called tiles except for the last one. Joker Mahjong Rules In addition to tiles used in a pung, a kong, a quartet, and a sextet, jokers can replace any tile in any combination. As a result, you cannot use tiles for completing a pair or a single tile if you have one in hand. It is possible to exchange the joker for a tile in an exposed combination when a joker is substituting a tile if you happen to have the tile that is being replaced: Draw a tile from the wall as usual on your turn, or call for a discard before the turn. Substitute the substitute joker for the actual matching tile. It is possible to exchange multiple matching tiles for the exposed jokers. If you want your hand to remain populated with the right number of tiles, you must discard a tile. As long as the joker creates a combination, you do not have to expose any tiles when you exchange for it. In addition, it is permissible to exchange jokers in dead hands (hands not in the game due to a rule violation). How to End the Mahjong Game? The game of Mahjong ends when a player declares that it has ended or when they have drawn all the tiles on the wall. The game of Mahjong is created when the scorecard is filled in with tiles from the wall or tiles called from a discard. In addition, it may be added a tile from the wall. It is the player who declares "Mahjong" who wins the game. To determine the payout to the winner is based on the value of the hand and the way that Mahjong has been created: Type of Mahjong Payout Mahjong made off a discard. Discarder pays double the hand's value to the winner. Other players pay a single amount. Mahjong made off a draw from the wall. Each player doubles the value of each hand. There are no jokers in Mahjong, and it does not fall into the Singles and Pairs category. Winners of discarding hands are paid four times the hand's value. Other players pay double. A draw from the wall is used in Mahjong, which contains no jokers and is not categorized as Singles or Pairs. Four times the hand value is paid by each player. Draw As long as no Mahjong is called, all tiles from the wall have been collected, and the last discard has been made. The result of this is that no payouts are made as a result. Mahjong Game Rules for Errors Incorrect discards, incorrect exposures, and incorrect calls of Mahjong are some errors that can happen. In these types of situations, there may be penalties that have to be paid. As a general guideline, here are some general guidelines regarding errors: Error Penalty The table has been touched or announced by an accidentally discarded tile. Tile cannot be taken back. A tile has been announced incorrectly. Tile cannot be claimed. Tiles are called but not exposed. The call may be retracted. An incorrect exposure has been made. The exposure may be corrected before discarding. A player has too few or too many tiles. At the end of the game, the player's hand is dead (out of the game), but the winner will receive the same payout as all the other players. There are too few or too many tiles for three players. The game is replayed. Based on the tiles exposed on a player's rack, another discovers that the player's hand is impossible. The player's hand is dead. Mahjong is declared incorrectly in this case, but the hand has not been exposed. No penalty, and the game continues. Mahjong is declared incorrectly, and the hand is exposed. A player's hand is dead. In this game, the player pays the winner. Conclusion Mahjong is an excellent way to learn about Chinese characters, culture, and tradition, keep your brain sharp, and, most importantly, have fun. Learn the different variations of this game, and design your strategy based on your knowledge of the different tiles. FAQ How many players are in a game of Mahjong? Three or four players can participate in the Mahjong game. How many tiles are used per Mahjong game? A Mahjong game requires 144 tiles and two dice. However, the way people play varies from country to country due to cultural differences. How long does a game of Mahjong take? The Mahjong game can last around two hours. Is Mahjong Chinese or Japanese? Mahjong originated in China in the 19th century. How many Mahjong pieces do you start with? There are many variations of Mahjong, but usually, a player starts with 13 tiles Is Mahjong good for your brain? It’s found effective in middle-aged and elderly people that playing Mahjong improves attention, logical thinking, and short-term memory. Is Mahjong based on luck or skill? Mahjong game is a game of skill and luck, 25% and 75%, respectively. Is Mahjong difficult to learn? It’s not the easiest game to master, but the basics of the game can be learned in no time.

Politics and betting might seem worlds apart, but they're more entangled than you'd think. In this article, we'll get into how political events shape the odds, trends, and opportunities in sports and political betting markets. From historical context to modern intricacies, we uncover a relationship worth betting on. Brief Overview of the First Betting Markets  Before we can dissect how politics influence betting markets, we’ll walk you through some of the very first bets ever placed, and how betting grew throughout the ages. From laying bets on papal elections in the cobblestone streets of 16th-century Rome to 19th-century Wall Street traders wagering on presidential contests, betting markets have a rich and varied history. These early incarnations were not just whims of the crowd; they were, in many cases, the precursors to the sophisticated markets we see today. By the 20th century, the theoretical framework provided by economists like Friedrich Hayek and Ludwig von Mises added intellectual heft to prediction markets. This paved the way for the Iowa Electronic Markets in 1988, transforming these markets from clandestine activities to subjects of academic study.  Decentralized platforms like Augur have ushered in the latest chapter, expanding access through blockchain technology. Intriguingly, betting on papal elections was already described as "an old custom" as far back as 1503, underscoring the deep historical roots of prediction markets. Now that we have a better understanding of how and where it all started, let’s take a closer look at the relationship between politics and betting markets, after which we’ll discuss the main factors that influence betting markets.How Politics Shape the Betting World In a world where political climates can change as rapidly as the weather, betting markets are uniquely influenced. From sports arenas to campaign trails, the impact of political events is far-reaching, altering odds and outcomes on betting platforms across the spectrum. Here's how political events cast their long shadows on both sports and political betting: The Intersection of Politics and Sports Betting Political events often have unexpected ripple effects in the world of sports betting. Be it new regulations or international politics, these events can dramatically alter the landscape. Regulatory shifts: Government decisions to regulate or deregulate sports betting can open or close entire markets, affecting the kind of bets you can place and who can place them. International politics: Let's say the diplomatic relations between two countries sour just before a major international sports event like the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup. This political shift could impact team morale, public perception, and ultimately, the odds themselves. Platforms for Political Betting When it comes to casting your predictive net over the sea of political outcomes, certain platforms have become household names. For instance, PredictIt and the now-defunct Intrade offer(ed) robust markets for political wagering. PredictIt: A hub for policy wonks and political enthusiasts, PredictIt allows you to buy and sell shares based on the likelihood of political events, from election outcomes to legislative actions. Intrade: While it shut down in 2013, Intrade was a trailblazer in this space, particularly famous for its engagement during the 2008 and 2012 US Presidential Elections. Political Events and Their Impact on Political Betting Odds In the realm of political betting, stakes are high and odds are ever-changing, often swayed by the latest headlines and happenings. Election announcements: The moment a high-profile candidate announces their run, odds for that election can swing dramatically. Political scandals: Scandals or unexpected news can plummet a frontrunner’s odds in a heartbeat, while boosting the underdogs. By understanding how political events mold the betting landscape, you not only become a more informed citizen but also a potentially more successful bettor.  Betting Markets and the Factors That Shape Them In the ecosystem of betting markets, several elements come into play that can make or break the odds. No, we're not talking about just intuition or gut feeling here. Market dynamics are influenced by a blend of sentiment, regulations, economic principles, information imbalances, tech advancements, and even cultural beliefs. Here's how: Sentiment: The collective mood can shift rapidly, influenced by anything from breaking news to social media buzz. Regulatory changes: Laws can be game-changers. Legalizing sports betting in a state, for instance, will likely cause a ripple effect across the market. Supply and demand: Basic economic principles apply here too. A flood of bets on one outcome can skew the odds, luring latecomers to the opposite bet. Information asymmetry: Those in the know can shift the odds, especially in sectors like horse racing where insider info is invaluable. Technology: Big data and machine learning are refining predictions, offering insights that can tip the scales in favor of certain outcomes. Social and cultural influences: Never underestimate the power of collective psychology or cultural superstitions—like betting on "lucky" numbers or favored horse names. The Bottom Line on How Politics Alter the Betting Field From legislation changes that make or break markets to international politics that can rattle the odds on the sports field, the political arena is a powerhouse of influence. Platforms like PredictIt have even turned political outcomes into a market of their own, embodying the very essence of how deeply interlinked politics and betting can be. So, when someone says politics and betting are worlds apart, you can confidently argue otherwise. In a sense, they're more like distant cousins, influencing each other in ways both overt and subtle. Intrigued to see where they go next? Well, that might just be a good subject for a future bet.

If you're interested in the basics of Teen Patti, we have a complete analysis of the game's rules and step-by-step instructions on how to get started. We'll also review the complexities of betting and the nuances of playing blind or seen and share expert tips to help you improve your strategy. The Origin and Progression of Teen Patti Teen Patti or 3 Patti, a skill, strategy, and luck-based game, has long been a favorite pastime in many regions of the world, particularly South Asia. Frequently compared to poker, this traditional card game is an intriguing blend of probability, psychology, and decision-making. Originally developed in India, Teen Patti is believed to have drawn inspiration from the British card game 3-Card Brag, a popular game among British soldiers stationed in India during colonial times. The game's evolution over time reflects a unique mixture of cultural exchange and local adaptation, leading to the creation of a game that is uniquely Indian but has elements of its European ancestor. This genesis has given Teen Patti a unique identity. The game's digital transition has been nothing short of outstanding, with top online casino sites increasingly including Teen Patti games in their portfolios. This has expanded the game's reach, making it available to a global audience and introducing it to players who may never have had the opportunity to play it in its traditional form. Teen Patti's availability at online casinos has broadened its appeal and added a new dimension to the game, enhanced by high-quality graphics and interactive interfaces. Teen Patti Rules The rules of the 3 Patti game are simple. After your first bet, the ante, you will receive three cards while the dealer's cards are hidden. You can decide whether to play based on the cards you have. A queen or higher must be one of the dealer's three cards to qualify. The objective is to build the highest-ranking hand. Teen Patti sequenceMeaningTrio or trailThree cards of the same rank. Three A's are the highest, and three 2's are the lowest.Pure sequenceThree consecutive cards of the same suit.Sequence(Straight run)Three consecutive cards but in different suits. The ace-2-3 is the second hand in rankings after A-K-Q. King-ace-2 is not a valid hand.Color or flushThree cards of the same suit but out of sequence.Pair/doubleA pair is formed by two cards of the same rank. If two players have an identical pair, the winner is determined by the third card's value. High card or no pairWhen no other hand combination forms, you have the highest-ranking card. Getting Started With Teen Patti  With basic rules and straightforward gameplay, Teen Patti is a simplified version of the classic game of poker. Virtually anyone can pick up the game after watching a few rounds. Let's take a look at specific steps. Decide on Stake Value Before cards can be dealt, the players need to decide on the minimum size of stakes, and then each player’s boot amount is added to the pot. The pot money in Teen Patti is typically capped at 1,024 times the ante. However, you're not subject to this rule if you're playing a no-limit game. Dealer Deals the Cards As soon as the initial pot has been decided, the dealer will deal the cards clockwise until everyone has three cards. All cards must be dealt face down. According to Teen Patti rules, two betting rounds are available. Note: If you decide to look at your cards before making the second wager, you must bet the ante twice or double the bet of a blind player. Players who decide to do this are called seen players, those who don’t are referred to as blind, and double betting is called chaal. In the first round, you must place the ante. In the second round, the betting depends solely on the players. However, a blind player can't bet more than twice the current stake. Furthermore, blind players can become seen at any time during the game. A seen player can only bet the current stake four times. As the game progresses, all players can pack or fold their cards. Possible Moves The game begins with the person sitting to the dealer's left. Each player has the same options during the game (fold, call, or raise), no matter if they play blind or seen. Additionally, the player's bet amount will depend on the previous player's stake and whether the player is playing blind or seen. Request a Sideshow When three players remain in the game, and one seen player plays after the other, the latter player can request a sideshow with the first seen player, who can then accept or refuse. Upon accepting the sideshow request, both players privately compare their hands, and the player with a lower Teen Patti hand must fold. Players who request sideshows must fold if their hand rankings are equal. If the sideshow request is denied, the betting process continues as usual. The Final Showdown Once only two players are left in the game, one of them can ask for a showdown. If a showdown takes place, players compare their hands, and the one with the highest card wins. In a pot-limit game, an alternative showdown occurs when the pot has reached the set amount. Then, all players must show their cards. Teen Patti Variations Players looking to add a twist to the classic gameplay can choose a different type of Teen Patti game. Given the existence of more than 50 variations, further classification is required. It's easiest to separate them in the following way: Joker variations Variations with different hand rankings Other gameplay and rule changes The proliferation of options is attributed to players' diverse preferences and skills. Some individuals seek more challenging versions of the game with higher levels of complexity. Muflis, also recognized as Lowball, stands out as one the most frequently played Teen Patti variations, closely resembling traditional Teen Patti. The distinctive aspect of Muflis lies in the reversal of 3 Patti hand rankings. In other words, what was previously regarded as the most favorable hand in standard Teen Patti becomes the least advantageous, and conversely, the weakest hand in the original version emerges as the winner in Muflis. In Lowball, the most desirable hand is 2-2-2. Tips for Playing Teen Patti To enhance your gameplay and boost your winning odds in Teen Patti, it's crucial to adopt effective strategies and tips. These recommendations, ranging from understanding the game's essence to smart betting, are designed to refine your decision-making skills and approach to the game. Start with small bets: That way, you can play more hands at once, giving you a greater chance of winning. Maintain a poker face: Don't bet first when you have good cards, and don't fold too soon if you have bad cards. It's important to read other players in this game. Winning will be extremely difficult if you're too easy to read.  Contain your emotions: Since this is a skill and chance game, being emotional can result in more loss than profit. Emotions lead players to make bad decisions, which results in huge losses. Don't be afraid to lose: It's important to accept that you can't win every time. Still, continuous practice will help improve your game tremendously.  Testing your skills: To truly master Teen Patti, it's crucial to continuously refine your skills and deepen your understanding of the game. One of the best ways to do this is by playing free games online. These free versions offer a risk-free environment where you can experiment with different strategies, get comfortable with the rules, and understand the nuances of both blind and seen play. Set limits before playing: Before joining a game, deciding on a budget that aligns with your financial comfort level is wise. This budget should be an amount you're willing to risk without affecting your financial stability. It acts as a safeguard against the temptation to overspend in the heat of the moment. Practice Makes Perfect in Teen Patti From the historical origins of the game to the nuances of playing it skillfully, we've covered a breadth of knowledge essential for any player. However, the key to success in Teen Patti lies in continuous learning and practice. So, as you go forth, keep in mind everything you've learned about Teen Patti and use this knowledge to excel in this fascinating game.

It seems like everyone is talking about eSports these days. Multimillion dollar tournaments in video games? What’s that all about? And then there’s the exciting and rapidly growing world of betting on eSports. More and more online casinos are offering it, and more and more punters are choosing to wager on the outcomes of rounds of such games as DOTA2, Counter Strike: GO, and many others. Since eSports are kind of a new thing, and betting on them is even newer, here at SiGMA we thought we’d give a good overview of the whole thing. So, stay on this page to find out what eSports are, how to bet on eSports games, what is different compared to traditional sports and what the best sportsbetting online venues are. This is the only guide you’ll ever need; we promise. Read this and you’ll be an eSports betting pro in no time placing all kind of bets on the top online sportsbook sites.   What is eSports and Why is it So Popular? In recent years, eSports have seen a meteoric rise in the mainstream. What was once the province of sweaty nerds at basement LAN parties is now a multimillion dollar business, attracting sponsorships and investments from some of the biggest name in the gaming and IT-industry sphere. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="516538,541413"] But what are eSports? Simply put, they are any competitive multiplayer games that can be played by more than one person. There are many different games that are considered eSports today. So-called “MOBAs” (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas) like DOTA2, League of Legends, and Smite remain the most popular types. These games, in which teams of players compete to control crucial points on a map by using various hero abilities and tactics, are not the only type of game that’s out there. First person shooters (FPS) games can also be eSports. Counter Strike: Global Offensive is the most popular of these. Sports simulations like FIFA, strategy games such as Starcraft 2, and one-on-on fighting games like Tekken or Street Fighter are also eSports disciplines. When it comes to the players or perhaps more aptly, cyber athletes, they can play alone or in teams. Many of the most popular games are played team vs team, such as Overwatch, Valorant, Apex Legens. With the massive popularity of so-called battle-royale style games (Fortnite, PUBG) they too have started being featured at tournaments, even though certain purists in the eSports circle do not consider them to be truly a part of it.   How did it all begin with eSports? We already mentioned the LAN parties, and essentially the current eSport craze has evolved from multiplayer which has been part of video gaming since the very beginning. In fact, the very first home video game, Pong, was a table tennis simulation (albeit crude) that was meant to played one-on-one by two opposing players. But where it really heated up was with the advent of high-speed broadband internet. This popularized both the multiplayer games themselves (as players no longer had to be physically close to compete with one another) and watching streams of competitions on platforms such as Twitch. Of course, as the games grew in popularity so did the number of people who played them really well. From there, the fact that we’d eventually see a professionalization of what we now call eSports, was only the natural conclusion. Today, eSports are also popularized by Twitch streamers, many of whom have followings in the millions. Many countries in the world now have eSports associations too, further cementing the increasingly mainstream position of these virtual competitions. And of course, where there is contest, there is betting on the said contest. Online sportsbook sites have been increasingly getting in on the trend by offering punters the opportunity to take on action based on the outcomes of digital matches in many of the various eSport games. Proving the popularity of this new type of virtual sports competition, the market size of the eSports industry was over $1 billion in 2021 and it is expected to increase to $1.6 billion by 2024, according to the statistics and markets portal Statista. [get-play-banner] What is the Difference Between Traditional Sports Betting and eSports Betting? In essence, there aren’t many differences between betting on traditional sports and eSports. One consideration is that the eSports sportsbook market, because it is much newer, is less developed than the traditional bookmaking market. In practice, this means that an “industry consensus” hasn’t really emerged about which eSports should be included in a bookie’s selection. Anda also that more complex types of bets found in traditional sports betting may not be available when wagering on eSports. This is why, if you want to bet on eSports, it really pays to compare different sportsbook site options to see what’s available where. Outside of that, your experience of betting on eSports at any reputable and regulated online bookmaker’s website will be much the same as when you wager on games like football or basketball. Select the event offered, make the wager, and wait for the outcome. And just like it’s possible to bet on specific events in a sports match, so you can wager on what will happen in an eSports match. Some most popular option are number of kills or first blood (which team will make the first kill).   What Types of eSports Events Are There? Just like traditional sports have cups, leagues, and tournaments, so do eSports have various event and match types. As the industry developed, there emerged many different events in which e-athletes compete for glory, bragging rights, but also increasingly large boatloads of cash. Some of the most common types of events you will run into as you begin following eSports are tournaments and leagues.   Tournaments are the events to look for when you’re eSports betting In the tournament format, a number of teams (or individuals depending on game) duke it out through stages. It’s not that at all dissimilar from any traditional sports competition you may have been following before. Within tournaments themselves, there are a couple of ways that things can shake out, depending on organizers and the type of game being played (not all games are fit for the tournament format). Taking CS:GO as an example (one of the most popular eSport games out there right now) tournaments usually advance from group stage to the knockout/playoff and then to the grand finale. In one form or another this structure will be present in most tournament-style events you can wager on. Within the group stage, teams duke it out most often in more than one game. This is because one team may be better at one map (level) and another at a different one, so it is done in the interest of fairness. The most typically used ones are best out of two and best out of three. In some cases, usually in later stages of the competition best out of five may be used. Depending on the game, these games may last for hours. Which for fans of eSports is actually good news as they get to enjoy watching some excellent gaming action. As for how it goes in groups, usually a round robin system is used where every contestant plays against every other. Another often used method is similar to football leagues where teams are randomly seeded for the first round and in the second winners play against winners while losers play against losers. This is called “Swiss seeding.”   Leagues offer a sustained eSports betting experience Another type of event to follow are leagues. These are usually operated by third parties who monetize the streaming rights to the matches. Some of the most well-known leagues to follow are the ESL Pro League, a CS:GO organization, and for fans of League of Legends there is the Spanish Superliga. Some other ones to check out are the eGames, a national level competition as well as the Electronic Sports League which produces various worldwide competitions in many games. But there’s are just some out of the literally hundreds put on by various sponsors and organizers for games such as Rocket League, SMITE, Tekken, World of Tanks, and many more. The best thing about all these is that the matches can, almost 100% of the time, be watched for free on various streaming platforms. It is, of course, possible to purchase tickets and attend in person, but for those who can’t or won’t, exciting action is always just a click away. This is in stark contrast to traditional sports, where watching games usually requires a subscription to a sports channel package. The best place to get informed about eSports events is the websites of the leagues, eSports sections of gaming sites, or even a online sportsbook site where you can see which events you can actually wager on. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="643215,501298"] What eSports Betting Options Are There? Experienced sports punters are used to a developed sportsbook market where many different wagers can be placed. Luckily, the situation is much the same as in eSports betting too. While the sportsbook market for these events is relatively new, there are already quite a few products available to wager on. In this section, we’ll take a look at what’s being offered out there and also go through some eSports betting tips to help you make the most out of your wagering experience. There are two main types of betting on eSports that have emerged: skin betting and cash betting. When it comes to skin betting, it’s a bit different than what you’d do in a traditional online casino. Essentially, unique in game items (called skins) are held by a third-party provider (a skin betting site) and players use them like casino chips. With these chips, punters then proceed to play any number of games such as slots, roulette, and betting on match outcomes. Very importantly, skin betting sites are not regulated in the vast majority of jurisdictions and are therefore quite risky. This doesn’t make them necessarily illegal, but caution is advised. When it comes to cash betting on eSports, they are regulated by the same bodies that regulate traditional sports and offered by well-known and trustworthy brands you are already familiar with.   Types of cash eSports bets at sportsbook sites Of course, exactly what’s offered might depend on the specific online betting venue, but here are some types of wagers you will most commonly find. Let’s get right into it. Right of the gate is the most simple type of bet that you are probably already familiar with even if you’ve never actually bet on any sports match ever. Yep, it’s the good ol’ match winner (also known in some places as a “moneyline bet”). It’s the oldest and the most common, but sometimes simple things are the best ones. This is a very uncomplicated type of bet. Which team (or person) do you think will win the match? Place your bets accordingly. Of course, spice can always be added to a match winner bet by using various forms of handicap betting where you can bet on the performance of an underdog in a matchup. If you’re the kind of person that likes to make grand predictions, you’ll love an outright bet. In this method of wagering, you are putting money down on who will win the entire tournament or the entire league season. It’s a more exciting type of bet because it requires more analysis and prediction. Good online sportsbook betting sites will let you make these well in advance of the actual competition. Finally, there is the system (aka accumulator) bet. In traditional sports, these are the most often made bets, because the stacked odds can lead to some very impressive payouts. Of course, the more events you add to your bet slip, the higher the risk goes. It’s absolutely the same in eSports. This method of betting is the most advanced, the riskiest, but also the most potentially rewarding, which is why at online sportsbook sites it is the de facto standard kind of wagering. As in traditional sports, it is possible to also place live bets. These work the same as in traditional sports, you are betting while the match is ongoing as opposed to placing a wager beforehand.   eSport specific online bets So far, the bets we covered are the same across traditional and electronic sports. But, because of the specific nature of the video games being played, there are some types of bets you can only make when you wager on the outcomes of electronic video game contests. Now, these bets will depend on the specific game but they all entail betting on events that happen as part of the gameplay. For instance, in League of Legends you could bet on which team will win the first map, or in CS:GO you could bet on who will be the first to get 5 kills. More exotic types of wagering can be found on some sportsbook sites that have a heavy eSports focus. Which team will destroy the first tower, dragon, or inhibitor is an example of this type of wagering coming from League of Legends, but similar map elements exist in other MOBA games too. It goes without saying that these exotic bets are best left to those with a more than passing understanding of the game in question.   Some eSports Betting Tips - Keep your focus on games you’re most familiar with Yet another way in which traditional sports and eSports betting are familiar is in that you should keep your betting to the games you actually know something about. Many of the games offered are quite complex and if you aren’t familiar enough with the rules, your betting will be suboptimal. If you don’t really follow eSports now but are interested, the best thing would be to start watching tournament streams for different games and pick the one that seems most appealing to learn. - Follow teams and players Once you have a game you like, familiarize yourself with the teams and players that are in the leagues and that pop up in matches. By analyzing their historic performance on certain maps and situations you will be able to better predict matchups. You will also have a better feel for whether a particular bookie is offering you realistic odds. Be sure the check the teams’ and players’ social media too for any developments that may help you make a decision. - Be mindful of the event format Another thing to be consider when making an online eSports bet is the event format. Will it be a best of one, two, or three, or even five? Of course, the lower the number of rounds (games) the higher is the chance for an upset. Also keep in mind, in a best out of two, a draw is possible. - Check how the community is betting By following online tipsters, you can get a feel for how the world at large is betting on a matchup. The final decision is always yours, but it doesn’t hurt to crowdsource a little bit of wisdom. - Deposit Methods on eSports Websites & The Use Of Cryptocurrency Of course, in order to actually place a wager on an online casino of any type you will first have to somehow deposit monies. But, here, you are in luck. Owing to the fact eSports betting is offered by the same operators who are already very experienced in the industry, a vast number of payment providers are accepted. You can expect to be able to use debit cards such as MasterCard and Visa, and a whole selection of e-wallets such as EcoPayz, Neteller, Skrill, and many more. Importantly, you shouldn’t expect any limitations in payment methods when it comes specifically to online eSports betting. The same providers that you use for your other gambling will also work for your eSports action. - What about Bitcoin and other crypto? Cryptocurrency is huge right now, as investors pump money into Bitcoin (and a few other crypto tokens) hoping the value will go even further up. But if you like to use crypto the way it was originally intended to be used, that is for transactions including but not limited to gambling, you are in luck. Well, at most online betting venues anyway. Some still do not take cryptocurrencies. But many do, so if you’re a crypto-gambler that doesn’t mean in the least that eSports betting is not for you. Quite the contrary, a lot of the top places where you can wager on the outcomes for eSport matches take cryptos. Typically, the more popular ones are taken such as Bitcoin, Tether, Ethereum, and BTC Cash.   5 Best eSports Betting Sites Want to know where to wager on your favorite eSport games? We at SiGMA prepared this handly little guide to some of the top online casinos that offer sportsbook. LeonBet LeonBet is a sportsbook site offering a good selection of bonuses, many bet types, and a loyalty program. When it comes to eSports, some of the games you can bet on are CS:GO, DOTA2, League of Legends, Valorant, and others. BetDukes BetDukes is another great option for players interested in wagering on eSports. It accepts crypto, and there is a gamified loyalty scheme to enjoy. CS:GO, DOTA2, League of Legends, and other games can be wagered on. Play Fast Casino Play Fast is the crypto-friendly option for eSports gamblers as many tokens are accepted here, Bitcoin, BTC Cash, Dogecoin, Tether, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether, to be exact. So if you’re a cryptocurrency aficionado, you’ll love placing wagers on games such as Kings of Glory and Rainbow Six. Royal Panda Royal Panda is a good option to bet on eSports. This casino has less of a sportsbook focus, but it is a good place if you’re a casino gambler who likes to make occasional sportsbook wagers. 22 Bet 22 Bet is another crypto-friendly destination to make your eSports wagers. What sets this venue apart is the sheer number of games it has listed, including some more obscure titles such as Sekiro, Killer Instinct, and even Angry Birds. For those looking to bet on less popular games, this is the right place. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="487335"] eSports Betting FAQ Finally, we’ll take the time to answer some basic questions about eSports online betting that you might have. Is eSports Betting Legal? Generally speaking, yes. This will of course depend on where you live, but the rule of thumb is — if traditional sportsbetting is legal so is eSports betting. Note that this is for cash betting at regulated sites. Skin gambling remains unregulated virtually everywhere. Can I Bet on eSports Events Via Local Sportsbook? It’s best to wager on eSports events online at regulated online sportsbook sites. This way gives you the most security and confidence. If you live in a country where physical betting shops are present and legal, you may also be able to bet on eSports in person. How Do I Pick the Best eSports Betting Sites? When it comes to picking the sites to place wagers with, there are several things to consider. What deposit and withdrawal methods are accepted? What sort of bonuses are offered and can they be used in eSports wagers? What games are available? Luckily, you can get answers to most of these questions in our detailed top online sportsbook sites reviews. For everything else, we recommend you visit the site in question and take a look around.