Overwatch esports competition is focused on its Overwatch League, a franchised league of 20 teams featuring some of the biggest esports brands in the world. Teams battle it out weekly, giving fans and bettors consistent action to tune into.
If you want to place some wagers on Overwatch but have no idea where to start, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about betting on Overwatch.
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Overwatch Gameplay Basics
Overwatch is an objective-focused first-person shooter. Two teams of six battle it out to complete a certain objective, which differs depending on the map, each using one of many playable characters.
These characters are known as heroes and can be split into three categories: Tank, Support and Damage. They all bring unique weapons and abilities that play a crucial role in the outcome of the match. Each team uses two of each role, and with a total of 32 options, there tends to be a lot of variety.
When it comes to the game itself, matches in the Overwatch League are played in a best-of-five format, meaning teams need to win three maps to win a series. To win a map, a team must complete the map’s objective. There are four different game modes:
Assault
The two teams are split into attack and defense. The attacking team has to capture two points in the given time limit, while the defending team must hold on to these points until time runs out. When the first point is captured, more time is added.
After either both points are captured or the time runs out, the round ends and the teams swap sides.
Escort
Similar to Assault, teams are split into attack and defense. However, in this mode, the attackers have to push an objective, known as the payload, to a certain location. Once again the defenders try to stop them.
The payload will only move when there are attackers nearby, meaning they have to escort it. If there are no attackers in the area, or if there are defenders nearby, it won’t move. Just like in Assault, there is a time limit and both teams get a chance to attack and defend.
Hybrid
This mode is a mix of both Assault and Escort. Just like with the other modes, teams are split into attack and defense and are given a time limit to complete the map objective.
In this case, the attackers have to first capture a point, like in Assault, then if they succeed they need to push the payload like in Escort. Once again the defending team tries to stop them and the teams swap after the time runs out or the objectives are completed.
Control
There’s no attack or defense in this game mode, just one simple objective – control the point. This is Overwatch’s take on King of the Hill. The two teams battle it out over a point on the map, gaining control over it when there are no enemies in the area.
The amount of control slowly builds up, with the aim being to get it to 100 percent. The round ends once a team reaches 100 percent control and teams play until one of them has won two rounds.
Understanding Overwatch Betting Odds
Overwatch bets are most commonly displayed in American odds, which consist of numbers in relation to -100. The numbers change entirely depending on how likely it is that a team will win, with a minus (-) sign showing the favored side, while a plus (+) sign shows the underdogs.
For example, the odds of an Overwatch match may look something like this:
Paris Eternal -185
Vs
Vancouver Titans +150
This means that Paris Eternal are the favorites, as shown by the minus (-) sign, and the number that follows it shows how much you would need to bet to win $100. In this case, betting $185 would net you a profit of $100.
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Titans are the underdogs, as shown by the plus (+) sign. This time, however, the number indicates how much you would win if you bet $100. Using this example, betting $100 would net you an extra $150.
These numbers change quite frequently and will differ from sportsbook to sportsbook. If you’re unsure of where to place Overwatch wagers, check out our list of the best esports betting websites.
Types of Overwatch Bets
There are many different types of bets that you can place on Overwatch. From simple moneylines, to spreads and totals, you can definitely find the right wager for you. Let’s take a look at some of the most common options.
Moneyline
Moneyline wagers are the most popular and simple choices for bettors. All it requires is picking which team will win the series, and nothing other than the final result matters.
As Overwatch matches are played in a best-of-five format, you’ll just be looking to see which team can get to three first.
Spreads
Spreads are bets that change the number of points that a team needs to win or lose by. When it comes to Overwatch, you may find options like London Spitfire -2.5. This means that not only do you think Spitfire will win, but they will absolutely dominate and win 3-0.
The benefit of this type of bet is that you can get much better odds, but at the cost of more risk. Of course, it also goes the other way and you can give teams a positive spread. Betting on something like Dallas Fuel +2.5 means they would only have to win one game in the series for the bet to win.
Totals
Totals are quite self-explanatory – they’re wagers on the total number of games played. In Overwatch, you’re likely to see totals options of 3.5 or 4.5, meaning you can bet on whether you think there will be three, four or five games played in a series.
This will usually be represented by OVER or UNDER options. If you pick OVER 3.5, for example, then you’re betting the series will go to at least four games. On the other hand, the UNDER option would mean only three games would be played.
Futures
Futures are a very straightforward wager option – choosing the overall Sportsbook. Usually, a futures bet will only be open at the start of an event. A futures bet for Overwatch will generally look like this:
San Francisco Shock -155
Philadelphia Fusion +245
Los Angeles Valiant +450
Houston Outlaws +650
There will be an option for every team at the event, with the odds depending on how likely they are to win. In this example, the San Francisco Shock are favorites, while the Houston Outlaws are the biggest underdog.
Prop Bets
Prop bets are wagers based on events that may not even have an impact on the outcome of the match. They can get quite specific, so some knowledge of the game is required for props.
Due to the nature of the game, there are fewer prop options than in other esports like CS:GO and League of Legends. However, there are still some good choices for Overwatch props. The most popular ones are:
Correct map score
Map round picks
Correct game score
Ready To Make Your First Overwatch Bet
Now that you understand the basics of Overwatch and some of the many bets you can place, you are prepared to make your first wager. The next step is to make sure you are going to the right sportsbook to place your Overwatch bet, which we have sorted out for you.
Once you find the best book for you, turn on some Overwatch, relax and watch the money flow in.
