CS:GO betting guide. Prematch and live betting: differences, disadvantages, advantages

We continue our informative series of materials dedicated to betting on CS:GO. Here we will plunge into the world of betting, as well as learn a little more about the esports discipline itself and bookmakers that offer their services to fans and cover popular matches from the stage.

In the third part, we will get acquainted with such concepts as prematch and live betting, understand the differences, see the main disadvantages and present the advantage of each type of esports betting.

First of all, we must understand that the best betting sites CSGO offer 2 betting options: pre-match betting (before the match starts) and live betting.

In other words, let's go through two key areas of CS:GO betting, each of which has pros and cons. Of course, we will not do without specific examples that will help you better understand the essence and differences between prematch and live bets.

Prematch

Bets on CS:GO made before the start of the match are called prematch. From the moment the meeting appears in the line at the bookmaker and until the start of the match, such events are classified as a prematch. By collecting data from sources such as HLTV or Liquipedia, CSGO gambling sites form a line several days or even weeks before the start of matches.

Up to the start of the event, the odds may change, depending on the number of bets made. However, in general terms, the dynamics of pre-match odds is minimal, since bookmakers scoop quotes from trusted suppliers, putting their margin into the final odds. Thus, an extensive line for the prematch is formed.

How to bet on prematch in CS:GO:

• Use analytical thinking: you should understand why you shouldn't take G2 Esports' victory in the match against MIBR with odds of 1.05;
• Work with statistics: study the information before the start of the match in order to predict possible maps, take into account potential changes in the composition and other factors that affect the result;
• Estimate the likelihood of an event occurring: assume the factors that carry the most weight, and also consider objective facts when determining the winner/choosing the right outcome.

Live bets

Bets made during the match are called live. In this case, the player monitors the event in real time and, taking into account the factors, anticipates the change in the scenario of the fight in one direction or another.

Live betting allows you to reduce the risks associated with the inaccuracy of the information received before the start of the match. For example, a player cannot accurately predict in advance which cards will be played in a match. In addition, forced substitutions occur in CS:GO matches, which are reported shortly before the start of the match.

A recent example is the game between Outsiders and OG in the recent Katowice tournament. flameZ, an OG player, fell ill before the match and was forced to miss the match, which was announced an hour before the match began. Thus, the bookmaker's quotes have changed in favor of Outsiders, which was the outsider of the meeting before the changes.

The main difference between live betting is the strong volatility of the odds. In other words, with each round, quotes change as bookmakers measure the chances of teams to win in real time.

However, there are advantages here too, because, knowing the map and the choice of sides, you can predict a potential comeback. For example, if a team starts on the attack on Nuke and finishes the half with six rounds, then there is a high probability of seeing a comeback and catching a good odds on the side switch.

Moreover, in live, everything is literally before your eyes - unlike pre-match bets, you don’t have to rack your brains about the starting lineups of teams, tactics and strategies of opponents, you just need to interpret it correctly.

How to bet live:

• Respond quickly to changes: you need to instantly react to changes in coefficients, taking into account what is happening on the server and predict a further trend.
• Take into account knowledge about the specifics of the map (including strengths and weaknesses, as well as statistics in attack and defense): by applying existing knowledge, you can successfully predict changes in the situation on the map and in the match.

Benefits of prematch betting

As we already know, betting companies form the line in advance. This is the main advantage of pre-match betting, since we can take into account the schedule of CS:GO matches in advance and build our analysis in advance.

The main advantages of prematch:

• A wide selection of matches in a line;
• Variable painting;
• Small dynamics of coefficients;
• No limits.

The advantage of live betting

In this case, the player gets another advantage - real-time information. Thus, we can evaluate the preparation of both teams and estimate possible scenarios.

The main advantages of live betting:

• Ability to evaluate the form of the match participants;
• Wide choice to use different strategies.

Disadvantages of prematch and live betting

Despite the presence of advantages, both options have their drawbacks, which simultaneously follow from the advantages.

First of all, pre-match bets do not allow you to get a complete picture of the event and conduct an accurate analysis. This is due to the fact that a lot can change in a matter of minutes before the start of the match: a player gets sick, the Internet is disconnected, and much more.

Secondly, live esports betting sites requires the player to respond in a timely manner, since in this case there is a strong volatility in the odds. In a literal sense, the numbers change not only with each round played, but also with the perfect kill. If we are talking about BO1, then you need to act instantly.

Thus, bets in prematch and live have their own distinctive features. In addition, both options have both advantages and disadvantages.

However, it all comes down to what information the player himself has. Prepared fans can quickly react to changes and use the information available. Therefore, the general conclusion is as follows: live betting is suitable for experienced players, while prematch allows you to carefully study the teams and make the right choice, taking into account all possible risks.