Casinos are an iconic form of entertainment and have a rich and colorful history. From their earliest origins in Ancient Rome and China to their modern-day forms in Las Vegas and beyond, casinos have come a long way and remain a popular destination for fun, excitement, and potential profit.  In this blog post, we’ll take a look at this topic and learn some interesting facts. We’ll explore the development of casinos in the United States, the rise of online casinos, and the future of this iconic gambling institution. So buckle up and get ready for a journey through the history of casinos! A Brief Overview of the Origins of Casinos   The exact origin of casinos is challenging to pinpoint, but they have been around since ancient times. The earliest known gambling houses date back to Ancient Rome and China, where citizens would bet on various games of chance. In ancient Rome, gambling was seen as a way to pass the time, as well as to generate revenue for the government. In the 17th century, the first modern-style casinos began to appear in Italy. They were places where people could gather to gamble and socialize.  The Ridotto was the most famous in the early days, established in Venice in 1638. The Ridotto allowed the public to gamble in a regulated environment, and it became a popular destination for the wealthy and well-known.  By the 18th century, casinos had become commonplace in many European countries. They offered various gaming options, from card games to roulette and other table games. They also began to offer a variety of entertainment options, such as live music and shows, and the 19th century saw the rise of casinos in the United States.  The first American casino was the El Monte Casino, which opened in 1823 in California. This was followed by the opening of the San Francisco Casino in 1849. By the late 19th century, gambling had become a popular pastime in many American cities, especially in the West. The Rise of Casinos in the United States  The rise of casinos in the United States began in the 19th century when gambling houses started to appear in cities across the country. The earliest known casino in the United States was the El Monte Casino, which opened in 1823 in California. This was followed by the opening of the San Francisco Casino in 1849. By the late 19th century, gambling had become commonplace in many cities across the country, especially in the West.  Gambling was seen as a way to make money, and many cities set up regulated gambling houses to generate revenue. This made gambling a popular pastime for many Americans, and it wasn’t long before the first legal casinos began to appear.  In the early 20th century, gambling dens began to take on a more modern form. The first modern-style casino was the Las Vegas Sands, which opened in Las Vegas in 1941. This casino set the standard for modern casinos and featured a wide range of gaming options, including options of playing blackjack, roulette, craps, and slot machines. The Las Vegas Sands was followed by other casinos in city, such as the Flamingo and the Golden Nugget. These casinos revolutionized the gambling industry and made Las Vegas the world’s gambling capital.  In addition to Las Vegas, these gambling institutions can be found in many other cities across the United States, offering a wide range of gaming options and experiences. The Development of Modern-Day Casinos   The development of modern-day casinos has been an incredible journey of remarkable progress, taking gambling from the simple days of backroom games and saloons to the world-renowned, sophisticated entertainment hubs they are today.  A few centuries ago, the only way to partake in a game of chance, such as poker or blackjack, was in a backroom of a saloon or a hidden corner of an inn. These places often had seedy reputations and were not suitable for the whole family to enjoy.  However, as gambling began to become more popular, the need for a more pleasant and respectable environment for players to gamble in began to emerge. The first official casino opened up in Monaco in the late 19th century, and this was the start of the modern-day casino industry.  Since then, gaming houses have become increasingly sophisticated, with luxurious décor, state-of-the-art technology, and a wide range of games and services on offer.  Today, you can gamble in almost every country and continent, from the classic Las Vegas Strip to glamorous Macau.  A number of factors, including the growth of the internet and the availability of online gaming, have driven the development of modern-day casinos. They offer a much wider range of games than their land-based counterparts, enabling players to play their favorite games from the comfort of their own homes. This has helped to expand the casino industry, as well as making it more accessible to a wider range of users. The Development of Online Casinos   The development of online casinos has revolutionized the way people gamble. Over the years, gambling platforms have become increasingly popular, offering the convenience of playing at home and the opportunity to access a larger variety of games than ever before. During the pandemic, its popularity especially exploded.  The first online casino was launched in 1994. Since then, the industry has grown exponentially, with many online gambling platforms now offering a wide range of games, from classic table games like blackjack and roulette to more modern games like slots and video poker.  The development of online casinos has also allowed for the emergence of live dealer games, which enable players to interact with real dealers in real time. This has added an extra layer of excitement to online gambling, making it more interactive and immersive.  Online casinos have also become more accessible, with more payment methods available and the introduction of mobile design, allowing access to your favorite gambling sites and games from smartphones and tablets.  The development of online gambling platforms has been a game-changer for the gambling industry and has opened up the gambling world to a much wider audience. As technology continues to advance and new features are introduced, the future of casinos looks even brighter.  Gambling: Beyond Money   It is easy to see gambling as an activity where money is the driving force. After all, what is the point of placing bets if not to win some extra cash? That is why the casino is a business that thrives, and it’s least dependable on external factors.   However, there is so much more to gambling than just money.  For many people, gambling is an enjoyable and entertaining activity. Whether it is playing the slots, betting on the horses, or simply enjoying a game of cards with friends, gambling is often a great way to pass the time. Something exciting about the anticipation of the outcome, the thrill of risk-taking, and the satisfaction of winning makes gambling a great source of entertainment.  Moreover, gambling can be a great way to socialize. People come together to play in person or online, forming strong connections that go beyond the game. Friendships and camaraderie are often formed over the shared experience of gambling.  In addition to its entertainment and social aspects, gambling also offers the potential to win money. This is, of course, the most appealing aspect of gambling for many people and draws them in. While no one should rely on gambling as a primary source of income, it can offer a welcome financial boost for those lucky enough. The Future of Casinos   The future of casinos is set to be an exciting and ever-changing one. With the introduction of new technologies, such as virtual reality, and advances in artificial intelligence, casinos are set to become more interactive and immersive than ever before.  The use of virtual reality will allow you to have a more realistic experience when gambling at a casino. This could include being able to interact with virtual dealers and other players, taking virtual tours of the casino to get a better feel for the environment, and even playing a game in virtual reality.  Artificial intelligence is also likely to play a big role in the development of the industry, allowing for more personalized experiences for players. AI-driven systems could tailor the casino experience to each individual, from the game they play to the promotions they receive. Casinos are also likely to become more socially connected in the future, with social gaming platforms allowing gamers to interact and compete with one another and even play together in tournaments. This could increase the level of competition in the casino industry and add an extra layer of fun and excitement. Finally, the use of cryptocurrency is likely to become more widespread, as it’s becoming an increasingly popular way to make payments. This could make it easier for a gamer to deposit and withdraw funds. Casinos, on the other hand, would be able to offer more flexible bonuses to their players.  Overall, the future of casinos looks bright and exciting, with a range of new technologies and advancements that will make the experience even more enjoyable and immersive. History of Casinos: Conclusion   Casinos have a long and colorful history, and they have come a long way in recent years. Since their infancy, gambling dens have evolved to become more and more exciting and entertaining. As technology continues to develop, casinos are finding new and innovative ways to appeal to their customers, so their future is more than promising. 

Blackjack is a casino game where a combination of luck and skill can bring you a lot of money, and many players have their own "from rags to riches" stories to tell. Unlike playing slots, where you need to rely on luck alone, playing blackjack requires understanding a blackjack cheat sheet, so you can devise a solid strategy and, ideally, card counting skill. Stay tuned as I’ll provide details on soft and hard hand combinations, basic blackjack strategy, and frequently asked questions. Blackjack Cheat Sheet Combinations The goal of casino games is to entertain you while taking risks. Gamblers are always looking for ways to lower the house edge in order to make the best of a bad situation and improve their chances of winning. And, in order to achieve this, players use a blackjack cheat sheet. If you plan to play a game against the dealer, you can easily improve your chances of winning if you know how to use it. The blackjack cheat sheet is a necessary tool that was made to help players improve their game and increase their chances of winning big while lowering the house edge. We'll look at two different cheat sheets in this guide. One is based on what happens when the dealer has a soft 17, and the other is based on what happens when the dealer hits. First, you need to know what the phrase "soft hand" means. When a player has an ace in their hand and can't go bust after a certain draw, they have a "soft hand." Because an ace can be counted as either 1 or 11, the total value of your hand cannot be more than 21. If you have an A and a 6, for example, it could be a 17 or a 7. "Soft 17" is the name for this hand, and if you have it, you can draw freely without worrying. Soft Combinations Here are all the different ways you can have a soft hand: A2/13 — 13 or 3 A3/14 — 14 or 4 A4/15 — 15 or 5 A5/16 — 16 or 6 A6/17 — 17 or 7 A7/18 — 18 or 8 A8/19 — 19 or 9 (in most cases you should stand) A9/20 — 20 or 10 (in this case you should always stand) If you have an ace and a 10 or a face card, you’re guaranteed to have an unbeatable blackjack. Hard Hand Combinations Besides a soft hand, there’s a hard hand which is also called total. It’s any pair of cards other than an ace. With a hard hand, it's likely that you'll go bust after drawing another set of cards. Among the hard totals are the following: 9 — 7 (Hard hand 16) 8 — 6 (Hard hand 14) 10 —7 (Hard hand 17) If you have a high card in this situation, it’s likely that you will break. Therefore, drawing when you have a bad hand is a risky thing to do. Before we go into the cheat chart, let’s go over moves and how they’re represented in the picture. H – Hit S – Stand P – Split Ph – If allowed, split, otherwise hit. Pd – If allowed, split, otherwise double. Ds – If possible, double, otherwise stand. Dh – If possible, double, otherwise hit. Rh – If you can, surrender, otherwise hit. Rs – If you can, surrender, otherwise stand. Rp – If you can, surrender, otherwise split. Now, we'll look at the optimal basic strategy cheat sheet for a game of blackjack with 4 to 8 decks.

Blackjack Cheat Sheet

The Basic Blackjack Strategy Before going into details about different actions, we’re going to explain the basic moves of blackjack: Stand — You should choose to play stand when you have a good combination of cards. It’s counted as a positive move because you’re waiting for one more card. Double down — When it’s possible, you can double down on your previous bet. The most common thing players do in this situation is doubling down or hitting if they have a hard 10 or hard 11. Hit — When you don’t have a good hand, you should play hit and draw one more card, specifically when the dealer has already shown his card. Give up or not — The first thing you should think about when playing your hand is whether or not to give up. You can do this only after you’ve been dealt your first two cards. If you’ve taken a card, you’re not able to give up. Break or not — This is an option when your first two cards are a pair or when you have two ten-valued cards (a king and a jack, for example). It’s the second most important decision you’ll make. Double or not — Keep in mind that in certain online casinos, you can’t double on some hands. Try to rule this out before moving on. If your basic blackjack chart strategy says you should double, take this as a good sign! What it’s telling you is that you’ll probably win the hand. Strike or stand — This is the last thing to think about in basic strategy. If there are no other options, you should choose hit or stand. If you want to learn more, check out our article about different versions of blackjack where you can read about additional rules. Analyzing the Blackjack Cheat Sheet If you want to learn how to play blackjack like a pro, you should practice by playing the game and looking at the blackjack cheat sheet at the same time so you can memorize it and use it properly when you decide to play for real money. For example, you may find that if the dealer shows an 8 or a higher number, you aren't usually expected to split pocket pairs that are lower than 88s. Another important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t split tens because you’ll have 20 in your hand and the dealer can’t beat that so easily, you should just keep it and take your win. Take a look at our table to find out more: The Dos Within Blackjack The Don’ts Within Blackjack Split 88s and aces Don’t follow the dealer’s rules too strictly Unless the dealer has a 7 or higher, you can split 2, 3, 6, 7, and 9s Don’t hit again when you have a “soft 19.” If you have 11 or less, take the hit Don’t split pairs of Jacks, 10s, Kings, or Queens, which are all worth 10. If the dealer has a 7 or higher while you have between 12 and 16, take the hit Most of the time, when the dealer has an ace, he or she gets the standard 30%. So, it doesn’t make sense to put money on him. Avoid buying insurance. When you have a soft 17, take a hit Conclusion It's important to go beyond the cheat sheet if you want to get better at playing online blackjack. Don’t worry, the game won’t scare you. It's based on clear, simple rules — you just need to get all the necessary information. Learn the basic rules of blackjack and the different ways you can play the game. Also, learn the game's basic strategy, how to count cards, and how to use the blackjack cheat sheet like a pro. If you know enough about the strategy of the game and counting cards, you'll be able to play blackjack without any problems. FAQ Can you use a cheat sheet at a blackjack table? Casinos don’t have cheat sheet rules, so players can use strategy cards. Should you hit on a 12 or 13 in blackjack? Blackjack players usually hit on eight or less and stand on 12 or anything higher. However, if the dealer has a three, you should hit on numbers from eight to twelve, and stand on thirteen or higher.

The 21st century so far has been marked by the rapid development of technologies that have affected many industry sectors. One of them is definitely iGaming. Online gambling is now more accessible than ever thanks to a fast, dependable internet connection and the most recent iGaming technology advancements. Despite the fact that the gaming sector's market value increased to 155.89 billion dollars in 2020 (Clement, 2021), the current casino industry figures reveal that the world of iGaming is developing further. In this article, I will explain what the iGaming industry is all about and which technological innovations have the most credit for the current and future sector development. What is iGaming? Before we dive into the topic, let’s take a quick reminder of what iGaming actually is. The iGaming industry usually refers to any type of online casino gambling and the game software that supports it. It's an umbrella term for all types of online betting, even if there's no actual gaming software involved. Therefore, this includes: Virtual sports Live casino games Table and dealer games Sports betting Slots and jackpots It started to develop in the 1990s with increased internet speed and the commodification of computer technology for regular households. More and more people started moving to digital spaces for entertainment, and the casino industry was no different. The international judicial system had to adapt to gambling laws, as moving to the online space provided more opportunities for players to access casinos and more opportunities for casinos to make a profit. Special gambling licenses had to be given to the companies operating online casinos, which to this day isn’t allowed in every country. Although many of the current online casinos have a Cura?ao iGaming license, in the 90s, Antigua and Barbuda was the first to recognize the opportunity to give offshore casinos gambling licenses, which would then be available across the world. Seeing the market potential iGaming had, many countries started implementing policies that would make it easier for investors to enter the industry. Although many online casinos are restricted in the United States, in 2018, the Supreme Court adopted new laws and repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) to enable its investors to get involved in such a booming market. The projected value for the iGaming industry in 2026 is expected to be over $100 billion (Technavio, 2022). It's no wonder this is the case, as the development of iGaming technology has been a game-changer over the last few years and is one of the main reasons why this industry is on the rise. Revolutionary iGaming Technology The iGaming industry depends on the most recent technological advancements as it expands. However, while some of these innovations become trends, others help define the whole sector's direction. Let’s look at four technological innovations that have and will change the iGaming landscape. #1 Blockchain Technology There's a reason that the iGaming industry has achieved such an expansion at the same time as the development of blockchain technology. Technological innovations from the blockchain sector have brought more gambling security while giving new payment opportunities and more accessible storage options to players and online casinos. The influence of blockchain as the leading iGaming technology can be seen through cloud-based storage, cryptocurrency, and the appearance of blockchain casinos. Incorporating the latest technological developments, online casinos employ cloud computing to handle and store player information while improving operational efficiency. The most recent developments in cloud-based technology can help the gaming industry reach and maintain millions of players globally. In nations where it's illegal to gamble in brick-and-mortar casinos, cloud computing offers gamblers a safe haven where they may play casino games without worrying about facing legal ramifications. Online crypto casinos are not as liable to these restrictions as their physical counterparts, which is why crypto-only online casinos are becoming one of the main online gambling trends. The participants' information confidentiality and anonymity are guaranteed by the encrypted storage mechanism, which minimizes security threats from the outside. Moreover, blockchain development has enabled new digital currencies to emerge. Most popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum are becoming omnipresent in online casinos. Crypto and FIAT payment options have become a new standard for all online casinos. With the help of this new technology, gamblers can receive their winnings immediately, which is a significant improvement over the high fees and drawn-out payout processes associated with credit reimbursement, bank transfers, and e-Wallets. Blockchain methods have become so integrated into the iGaming industry that many young casinos use only cryptocurrency. The benefits for players are obvious: Faster payouts Guaranteed anonymity Better security Game developers are also taking note of the blockchain integration and are now developing games compatible with FIAT and cryptocurrency. Furthermore, some new games are compatible only with crypto, so bets can only be made in cryptocurrency. This shows that blockchain technology has substantially changed the iGaming industry and will likely be a huge part of its further development. Augmented and Virtual Reality Maybe the most intriguing iGaming technology is virtual reality. Augmented and virtual reality allows online casinos to simulate the casino experience and offer a digital substitute for conventional sit-down gambling. While virtual reality (VR) is entirely based on the digital world, augmented reality (AR) incorporates elements of the digital environment into physical reality. These innovations are becoming more and more important for online casinos as they have the means to bring the full casino experience to players in any environment they are currently in. AR and VR have enabled the creation of new forms of online casinos. For example, there are now "video casinos" that allow users to connect with other online gamblers while seated at actual gaming tables. Utilizing special 3D cameras, the gameplay is streamed to online gamers, letting you fully immerse yourself in the experience. However, the technology is still at the beginning of its development, even though some of its main concepts date back to 1957. For instance, the graphics in virtual reality are a long cry from those in contemporary video games. In addition, virtual reality hardware is pricey and hence far less widely available. In order to maximize the benefits of VR technology, you will also need a powerful PC, which raises the price even further. Considering the costs and the low-quality graphics of VR games, virtual casinos might need some more work to do before they become a standard in the industry, especially if we consider the development and ease of mobile gaming. Virtual reality has limitless potential, even though its current condition is far from ideal. The good news is that many businesses have already made significant investments in the creation of virtual technology. VR is currently primarily used in the video game industry, but it will surely enter the iGaming sector more. With better graphics and accessibility, VR might become an integral part of the iGaming industry in the future. Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence and machine learning have transformed every industry possible, so iGaming is no exception. Self-learning algorithms have allowed online gambling companies to better personalize the experience for the players. The online casino sector's use of AI analytics enhances the player experience, spots fraud, and improves data-driven business choices. With the advent of modern iGaming tech, online casinos can now monitor player history, betting patterns, preferred games, and a myriad of other "signals" of player activity. A more individualized player experience, a safer gaming environment, and more operational effectiveness are made possible by the analytics layer's actionable insights and data usage for the iGaming technology stack. The same is true when it comes to iGaming advertisements. The algorithms can differentiate potential customers and their preferences through a thorough analysis of the data and find the right way to place the service in front of them. Vital details like a user's betting preferences are collected when they visit a betting site and are used to customize offers, bonuses, and other services. This raises revenue while bringing down marketing expenses. So, using machine learning algorithms benefits the player and the online casino company. Mobile Gaming One more very important iGaming technology development is the vast improvement in mobile gaming. Most gamers nowadays want access to their games at any time and place, so game developers started massively optimizing their games for mobile devices. Online casinos did the same, with their websites available on all devices and platforms to maximize the potential audience group. The development of stronger devices and better mobile graphics has allowed this transition to go smoothly. Stronger internet connections are also a big factor in mobile gaming development. In addition to enabling faster game downloads than current 4G networks, 5G networks also support the growth of mobile-based cloud gaming services and augmented reality (AR) games. One million devices can be supported by 5G in a single square kilometer, encouraging more people to play mobile games, especially multiplayer ones. In 2021, mobile gaming accounted for almost 57% of global video game revenue (Thematic Intelligence, 2022). We can see the shift towards mobile happening in real-time, which benefits the iGaming industry. Mobile casino games are simple and do not need a large amount of power to be run like some video games do. Therefore, it's perfectly suitable for mobile devices, and I believe these two industries will continue to grow together for years to come. iGaming Technology Final Words Several iGaming technologies have enabled the online gambling industry to develop rapidly. Blockchain technology has brought more digital security to the players and various payment options guarded by encryption. Although still in development, AR and VR have an interesting effect on the player experience in online casinos, as they can get real-life casino experience from the comfort of their home. The development of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms has allowed casino companies to enhance the gambling experience with personalization and help with their advertising efforts while lowering expenses. Mobile gaming is probably the most important iGaming technology as it has become the main video game outlet. It will be very interesting to see how iGaming will continue to develop, but one thing is certain: These technologies will be involved in one way or the other.

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.