Dota 2 Betting Sites
Find our expert reviews of reputable and regulated Dota 2 eSports betting sites. Each bookmaker has been thoroughly checked by our team with real money account.
Dota 2 has a consistent presence on the esports scene, with its tournaments awarding millions in prize money to the professional gamers who come out on top. Just to give you some perspective, the tenth annual Dota 2 International Championship in 2021 broke all records with a prize pool exceeding $40 million.
With such massive amounts at stake, it comes as no surprise that Dota 2 has also captured the attention of sports bettors worldwide. Dota 2 markets are available on most betting sites, so finding a sportsbook that is the right fit for you can be a rather cumbersome task. SportingPedia comes to your aid with this shortlist of 10 reliable, safe, and high-value sportsbooks where you can enjoy some quality betting action on Dota 2.
Dota 2 Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating
Sportsbook | Reviews | Rating |
---|---|---|
22Bet | 1,632 | 3.7 ⭐ |
1xBit | 2,600 | 3.5 ⭐ |
LeoVegas Sport | 5,699 | 2.9 ⭐ |
Pinnacle | 243 | 2.2 ⭐ |
Tonybet | 132 | 2.2 ⭐ |
Unibet | 1,544 | 1.4 ⭐ |
Bovada | 956 | 1.4 ⭐ |
bet365 | 4,691 | 1.3 ⭐ |
VBet | 278 | 1.3 ⭐ |
888sport | 2,317 | 1.2 ⭐ |
Comparison of Dota 2 Betting Sites
Sportsbook | Sports on Offer | Min Deposit | Min Withdrawal | Min Bet | Bonuses | Bonus Wagering Requirements | In-Play Betting | Licenses |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22Bet | Football, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Volleyball, and over 40 other sports | $/€1 | $/€10 | $0.10 | • 100% Welcome Bonus up to €122 | • 5x bonus funds on accumulator bets (Welcome Bonus) | Yes | Curaçao (#8048/JAZ2017-067) |
bet365 | Football, Tennis, Speedway, Table Tennis, and 40+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | New Account Offer up to €50 in Bet Credits | Place qualifying bets to release bet credits (New Account Offer) | Yes | UKGC (#055148-R-331498-001) |
VBet | Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Boxing, and 30+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | • 10% Daily Cashback Up to €100 | • Cashback Free Bet must be fully wagered (10% Daily Cashback) | Yes | UKGC (#44662) |
Unibet | Hockey, Soccer, Cricket, eSports, Golf, and 30+ othersports | €10€15 for Neteller and Skrill | €10€15 for Visa | €0.10 | Welcome Offer: | Welcome Offer: | Yes | Irish Revenue Commissioners (1013174) Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/B2C/106/2000) UK Gambling Commission (045322-R-324275-017) Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (No. 092) |
Bovada | American Football, Baseball, Soccer, Basketball, and 20+ other sports | • $10 - Crypto, Player Transfer, MatchPay• $20 - Bank Cards• $50 - Direct Bank Transfer | • $10 - Voucher, MatchPay• $250 - Check by Courier• $1,500 - Bank Wire• $10 - All crypto except USDT and ETH• $50 - USDT and ETH | $0.50 | • 75% Welcom Crypto Bonus up to $750 | 5x deposit + bonus (both types of Welcome Bonus) | Yes | Union of the Comoros |
888sport | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, American Football, and 20+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | • €30 Free Bet on First Bet | Free bets must be fully wagered | Yes | UKGC (#039028-R-319297-012) |
Pinnacle | Football, baseball, hockey, cricket, golf, soccer, and 10+ sports | • Bitcoin - $6/€5• E-Wallets - $/€10• Cards - $/€20 | • Bitcoin - $12/€10• E-Wallets - $/€10• Cards - $/€20 | $/€1 | N/A | N/A | Yes | AGCO (OPIG1236075) |
Tonybet | Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey,Volleyball, Baseball, and 35+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | • Welcome Bonus | • 100% up to $350, Get up to $350 free bet, Minimum eligible deposit of $15, Turnover requirements must be met within 14 days (Welcome Bonus) | Yes | The Estonian Tax and Customs Board (#HKL000393, HKT000016, HKL000098, HKT000015) |
LeoVegas Sport | Football, Baseball, Tennis, Table Tennis, and 30+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€20 | N/A | Welcome Offer: Up to €30 in Free Bets | No WR on free bet wins | Yes | MGA (#MGA/CRP/237/2013) |
1xBit | Baseball, Football, eSports, Horse Racing, Rugby, Soccer, and 40+ other sports | 0.01 mBTC20.00 mETH9.16 mLTC | 0.21 mBTC | Varies based on account currency | Up to 7 BTC and | 40x on single and 1 mBTC min. | Yes | No official license |
Top 10 Dota 2 Betting Sites
22Bet
Min Deposit$/€1Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• Cryptocurrencies - 15 minutes• E-wallets - up to 24 hours• Credit & debit cards - up to 7 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: support-en@22bet.com Phone: +357 99 816806- Safe and confidential payments
- Adequate support service
- Deposits as low as $1
- An intuitive cashier with fiat and crypto-based payment methods
- Coverage of all major Dota 2 tourneys
- Swift and guaranteed withdrawals
With thousands of markets available each day, 22Bet is the place to be if you are looking for a versatile and high-value betting experience. From well-known to niche sports, this online bookie has it all, giving you the chance to punt on hockey, tennis, biathlon, football, water polo, and more.
At 22Bet, you will also find an impressive selection of esports, ranging from tactical shooters like CS:GO to online battle arenas like Dota 2 and LoL. The sportsbook covers all major Dota 2 tournaments and leagues, including the 1x Series, the Summer Wave, Ultras Dota Pro, and the Cyberpark Championship.
Customers have the opportunity to put their boldest predictions to test at highly competitive prices. Live betting is also possible at 22Bet where punters always have access to accurate and up-to-date in-play odds. Registered esports fans can conveniently watch live streams of all major events directly on the 22Bet website.
On top of these merits, the sportsbook provides exceptional customer support and a myriad of time-efficient solutions in its cashier. Customers can bank with various fiat-based payment methods, or opt for one of the numerous cryptocurrencies 22Bet works with. The sportsbook is accessible via all desktop and mobile devices, ensuring seamless betting sessions both on the go and from the comfort of your home.
bet365
Bet Now ReviewLicensesUKGC (#055148-R-331498-001) MGA (#MGA/CRP/531/2018) Government of Gibraltar (#076) +10 jurisdictions (including US states)Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time* E-wallets - 1-4 hours* Debit Card - 1-4 hours* Credit Cards - 1-5 days* Wire Transfer - up to 12 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsUEFA Champions LeagueContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: support.eng@customerservices365.com Phone: 00 800 1236 5365- A member of the IBIA
- News section with previews, monthly roundups, and tips
- In-depth Dota 2 stats
- Fair payouts
- A veteran in the betting industry
- Live scores and results
With more than 80 million satisfied customers worldwide, Bet365 is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to delivering a premium online betting experience. The history of this leading gambling company began more than twenty years ago, and it is no surprise it continues to this day. Bet365 has been consistently offering fair odds across a jaw-dropping variety of sports since the year 2000.
Bet365’s sports offering is second to none. The sportsbook stands out from the crowd with massive coverage of in-play events and leagues. Soccer is the most popular sport offered by Bet365 but basketball, tennis, horse racing, golf, baseball, cricket, and motorsports are well-covered as well. Niche sports like bowls, handball, and badminton have also made it to the list of disciplines you can find here.
The bookie’s esports catalog is enormous, with extensive coverage of CS:GO, League of Legends, PUBG, Rainbow 6, Valorant, StarCraft II, and World of Warcraft. Bets are on for all Dota 2 regional qualifiers and at very decent odds, too. Esports buffs can punt on Map Winner, Match Winner, and Total Maps, although handicap betting is also an option.
Payments are hassle-free and secure at Bet365, not to mention depositing customers have over 20 banking solutions to choose from. The options range from popular digital wallets like PayPal and Skrill to bank transfers and prepaid methods like Paysafecard. Regardless of which solution you prefer to top up your account with, you can expect no additional charges from Bet365.
VBet
Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal TimeUp to 72 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsAFA, AS Monaco, OGC Nice, Pyunik Yerevan, Malta Premier League, Malta Football Association, Ukranian Football Association, FC Dynamo Kiyv, FC Oleksandriya, NK VeresContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support@vbet.com Phone: +1 (323) 3955131- Over 19 years of industry experience
- Official sponsor of AS Monaco
- Asian and Classic sportsbook layout
- Over 2,000 pre-match markets each day
- Operates in more than 120 countries
- Powered by BetConstruct
VBet is a global gambling operator that hails from Armenia. The company’s history began in 2003 with several retail betting shops. The betting firm expanded its product range with the launch of an online sportsbook three years later, in 2006. Today, the company operates in multiple regulated markets, having acquired licenses from the gambling watchdogs of France, the UK, and Sweden.
As a subsidiary of major betting software provider BetConstruct, VBet offers a superb catalog of leagues across 40 in-demand and niche sports. The sportsbook takes bets on all disciplines you can think of, from soccer, cricket, and basketball to floorball, hurling, and kabaddi.
The VBet oddsmakers price up all major esports tournaments for games like League of Legends, StarCraft II, Dota 2, and CS:GO. There is a separate esports section on the website where you have all live and upcoming events at a glance. Dota 2 fans can lay down bets on premier tournaments like The International and various regional championships.
The company is continuously working to improve its sports offering, providing a choice from over 40,000 in-play markets and 65,000 pre-match markets each month. On top of this fantastic diversity, VBet offers a great live streaming service, generous odds, and a nice range of betting promotions.
Unibet
ReviewLicensesIrish Revenue Commissioners (1013174)Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/B2C/106/2000)UK Gambling Commission (045322-R-324275-017)Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (No. 092)Min Deposit€10€15 for Neteller and SkrillMin Withdrawal€10€15 for VisaWithdrawal TimeCards: 1 to 3 daysDirect Banking: 1 to 3daysE-Wallets: Up to 12hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsMiddlesbrough FCCheltenham FestivalNHL SwedenF.C. CopenhagenPFL Europe DivisionContact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: info@unibetsupport.comPhone: 0808 1686635- In operation since 1997
- A very broad product offering, including niche sports
- Excellent reputation
- Winner of over 15 industry awards
- Offers great guides on various esports
- Great odds
Unibet has over 25 years of industry experience and knows how to deliver premium services to punters from all walks of life. What started as a telephone betting company grew into a full-fledged online sportsbook that prices up thousands of live and pre-match events every single day.
The world-renowned bookmaker reaches bettors from all four corners of the globe as its services are available in more than 100 countries. Unibet offers a myriad of markets for soccer, tennis, basketball, football, baseball, cricket, hockey, golf, and horse racing. Virtual and esports are available as well.
Unibet offers over 800 markets for major esports like CS:GO, Valorant, StarCraft II, Rainbow 6, and League of Legends. The Dota 2 section contains odds for all events from the regional qualifiers for The International. What is more, Unibet brings some of the most competitive prices for esports we have seen so far.
Punters with funded accounts have access to an ultra-modern live streaming facility, allowing them to watch the real-time action for various sports like hockey, soccer, darts, and basketball. It goes without saying in-play betting is also possible at this modern sportsbook. Unibet enables punters to turn their passion into profit by providing them with in-depth statistics and live scores that allow them to make more informed bets.
Bovada
Min Deposit• $10 - Crypto, Player Transfer, MatchPay• $20 - Bank Cards• $50 - Direct Bank TransferMin Withdrawal• $10 - Voucher, MatchPay• $250 - Check by Courier• $1,500 - Bank Wire• $10 - All crypto except USDT and ETH• $50 - USDT and ETHWithdrawal Time• Bitcoin - Up to 24 hours • Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin - Up to 1 hour• Check by Courier - Approximately 10-15 Business Days • Bank Wire - Approximately 10-15 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: service@bovada.lv Phone: N/A- Over 10 years of industry experience
- Allows registrations from the US
- A handy Prop Builder tool
- Early cashout is available
- $0.50 minimum stake
- A great sports betting glossary for beginners
Online since 2011, Bovada provides an all-product gambling experience with a sleek sportsbook, a poker platform, live dealer tables, an online casino, and a dedicated racebook. Geared specifically toward the needs of US customers, Bovada is an industry-leading bookmaker that posts odds on nearly everything you can imagine.
The sportsbook is filled with competitively priced markets for primary sports like boxing, basketball, tennis, football, and soccer. Bovada does not limit its customers to such fan favorites, however. Patrons keen on niche sports are spoiled for choice, being able to pick from badminton, handball, table tennis, and snooker, among others.
Esports are also extensively covered by Bovada. Punters who prefer Dota 2 can take a flyer on the regional qualifiers and The International but CS:GO, LoL, StarCraft, and Valorant also receive massive coverage. King of Glory fans have the opportunity to wager on the King Pro League (KPL).
The minimum bet you can place at Bovada is set at $0.50, whereas the maximum varies based on the specific event and bet type. Speaking of which, Bovada supports a wide range of wagers, including single bets, parlays, teasers, round robins, futures, and props. The specifics of each of these are thoroughly explained in the sportsbook’s help section.
888sport
Bet Now ReviewLicensesUKGC (#039028-R-319297-012) MGA (#MGA/CRP/543/2018) Government of Gibraltar (#112 and #113)Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• E-wallets and Rapid Transfer - 2-3 days• Visa and ApplePay - up to 6 days• Wire transfer - 5-8 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsNational Football League (NFL), Dundalk Football Club, Cardiff City FCContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: support@888sport.com Phone: N/A- A heavyweight in the betting industry
- Superb mobile experience
- Handy bet calculator
- Launched in 2008
- Listed on LSE
- Blog with a regular stream of expert tips and news
Courtesy of 888 Holdings, 888sport has established itself as a heavyweight in the online betting industry and its fine reputation is no coincidence. The sportsbook has been providing a superior wagering experience for more than ten years now, offering an array of markets at quality odds. Here you can lay money on all major sports, horse and greyhound races, virtual and esports.
Navigation is easy as pie at 888sport thanks to the modern, yet user-friendly design of the website. Positioned on the left-hand side as usual, the main menu gives you instant access to the promotional page, the in-play markets, and the list of all sports available for betting. Also featured is a section with 888 specials where punters can find numerous price boosts across a broad range of sports.
The award-winning sportsbook lays odds for basketball, cricket, boxing, gridiron football, soccer, hockey, and tennis. However, these represent a negligible portion of what 888sport has to offer. Various niche disciplines are also available to bettors, including the likes of badminton, darts, table tennis, and snooker. The sportsbook takes action on all major esports leagues and tournaments like the CS:GO Elisa Invitational, the LoL European Masters, Valorant Champions, and The International.
Pinnacle
Min Deposit• Bitcoin - $6/€5• E-Wallets - $/€10• Cards - $/€20Min Withdrawal• Bitcoin - $12/€10• E-Wallets - $/€10• Cards - $/€20Withdrawal Time• Bank Transfer - up to 10 business days• E-Wallets - 24 hours• Cards - 1 to 5 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsMalta Vibes UltimateKnockout CS:GOTournament (2021)Contact DetailsLive chat: Yes Phone: N/A Email: customerservice@pinnacle.com- Useful odds converter feature
- Imposes $15 processing fees on withdrawals
- A dedicated Esports Hub
- Unrivaled odds
- Arbitrage and margin calculators
- High withdrawal limits with most methods
With more than 20 years of experience up its sleeve, Pinnacle is a true industry veteran and as such, knows how to deliver outstanding betting services to its customers. This easy-to-navigate sportsbook is accessible from over 100 countries but unfortunately does not accept registrations from the United States.
This aside, Pinnacle offers great value in terms of odds and is friendly to arbitrage bettors, unlike most other sportsbooks we have heard of. Pinnacle is also suitable for novice bettors, enabling them to improve their knowledge and winning chances.
The sportsbook is home to a comprehensive archive of resources that can teach you everything about sports betting. There you will find in-depth previews, analyses of various strategies, and predictions. On top of that, Pinnacle offers an impressive range of amazing features, including an odds converter, arbitrage and margin calculators, and a sports betting glossary.
The Handicap Table gives you an idea of how well various Premier League teams perform against the market expectations. You can also see the percentage of time EPL teams have covered their spreads.
In terms of markets, punters can anticipate highly competitive lines for all major and niche disciplines, including soccer, tennis, football, hockey, water polo, and cycling. The brand is a pioneer when it comes to esports.
Pinnacle has been offering odds on competitive video gaming since 2010 and has dedicated an entire section of its website to esports fans. In the Esports Hub, you can lay money on CS:GO, LoL, Dota 2, DCL, Rainbow 6, StarCraft 2, Valorant, King of Glory, and more.
Tonybet
Bet NowLicensesThe Estonian Tax and Customs Board (#HKL000393, HKT000016, HKL000098, HKT000015) Kahnawake Gaming CommissionMin Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• E-wallets - within 12 hours • Credit/Debit cards - up to 7 business days • Cryptocurrencies - less than 24 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsCPLContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: info@tonybet.com Contact Us Form Phone: N/A- A leader on the European betting market
- Over 2,200 markets to bet on
- A massive range of payment methods
- Speedy withdrawals
- Coverage of all popular esports
- $0.10 minimum stake on single selections
TonyBet is a leading online gambling company that provides a broad range of products, including a sportsbook with more than 2,200 pre-match and in-play markets. The sportsbook has an extensive reach when it comes to esports betting, covering all major tournaments for CS:GO, FIFA, King of Glory, League of Legends, and Dota 2. Punters can take a flyer on the ESL Pro League, the Overwatch League, the LoL European Masters, and other prestigious esports competitions.
Punters looking to place wagers on traditional sports can have a pick from tennis, basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, ice hockey, and more. There is no shortage of niche sports, either, with lacrosse, handball, pesapallo, stock car racing, and ski jumping all receiving comprehensive coverage at TonyBet.
In-play betting is available across all major sports and top competitions. The neatly structured live betting section features dozens of markets each day, which punters can sort by popularity or country. However, customers should keep in mind the exact number of available live markets depends on the tournaments that are currently taking place.
With TonyBet, punters always have their bet slips at their fingertips as the sportsbook is fully optimized for use on smartphones and tablets. Mobile users can conveniently download TonyBet’s native apps for Android and iOS straight from the sportsbook’s website by scanning the QR code.
LeoVegas Sport
Bet NowLicensesMGA (#MGA/CRP/237/2013) Ireland Revenue Commissioners (#1012453) Swedish Gambling Authority (#23Si808) UKGC (#39198)Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€20Withdrawal Time• Credit/Debit Cards - 3-5 days • E-wallets - Up to 24 hours • Bank Transfer - 2-5 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: help@leovegas.com Phone: N/A- A trusted online gambling brand
- High-quality odds for major sports
- Superb mobile betting experience
- Comprehensive coverage of all major esports
- Fantastic live streaming services
- Safe and convenient banking
LeoVegas emerged in 2011 and quickly cemented its position as a trailblazer in mobile gambling. As a mobile-first sportsbook, LeoVegas performs seamlessly on handheld devices and offers easy-to-navigate apps for iOS and Android. Powered by Kambi, the sportsbook features a wealth of markets for sports disciplines like soccer, horse racing, tennis, cricket, basketball, hockey, snooker, and more.
On any given day, esports buffs can find odds for Rainbow 6, LoL, Valorant, StarCraft II, and Dota 2. Customers can put their esports predictions to the test at very competitive odds, not to mention they will benefit from a highly versatile selection of events. The league catalog comprises the ESL Pro League, the Global StarCraft League, LEC, LCK, LCS, LCO, and many others.
LeoVegas’ excellent reputation is further consolidated by the licenses it has obtained from the UKGC and MGA. LeoVegas prioritizes the well-being of its patrons and ensures the highest possible levels of security. All sensitive information transmitted to and from the sportsbook is safeguarded with the latest encryption and firewall technologies.
Payments to and from LeoVegas are conducted with reliable banking solutions like Skrill, PayPal, Neteller, Mastercard, Visa, and Trustly. Minimum deposits start at $20 and are processed at no extra cost for the customers.
1xBit
Min Deposit0.01 mBTC20.00 mETH9.16 mLTCMin Withdrawal0.21 mBTCWithdrawal Time10 to 30 minutesDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support-en@1x-bit.com security@1x-bit.com Phone: N/A- No fees on deposits and withdrawals
- Slick native apps for iOS and Android
- A wealth of esports markets
- End-to-end cryptocurrency sportsbook
- 6 odds formats
- Full and short market view
As a crypto-exclusive online sportsbook, 1xBit is the perfect solution for punters looking to deposit and withdraw swiftly and anonymously. But it gets better as this online bookie does not impose any restrictions on the maximum winnings punters can cash out and processes withdrawals within half an hour or so.
The crypto-friendly bookie provides a wild variety of markets for more than 40 sports. Apart from must-haves like horse racing, soccer, and basketball, we came across niche sports like Muay Thai that remain under the radar at most rival sportsbooks. The esports category is quite broad as well, with more than 300 markets on offer. Odds are on for CS:GO, Dota 2, LoL, Valorant, King of Glory, StarCraft II, and Mobile Legends.
The sportsbook strives to fulfill the requirements of all punters regardless of their experience level, location, and preferences. The settings menu located in the upper right corner gives customers a choice from six odds formats. Punters can easily switch from full to short market view and change the font size of the markets.
The Bet Generator feature allows you to quickly create five-fold accumulators, doubles, and trebles. All in all, 1xBit scores highly in all aspects, from usability and loading times to market versatility and payout speed. The only shortcoming here is that the sportsbook is out of bounds to punters from certain markets like the UK and the US.
Dota 2 Betting Overview
Considering its massive reach, it is no surprise that Dota 2 is also hugely popular among esports bettors. Online sportsbooks cater to popular demand with a variety of markets for Dota 2, allowing punters to lay money on all major leagues and tournaments.
Dota 2 Tournament Rules
Dota 2 Heroes
Each team member selects a character known as a ‘hero’ to play with and control. There are as many as 123 playable heroes in Dota 2 and each one has a distinct appearance, strengths, and capabilities. Once a hero is selected, it becomes unavailable to other players. The heroes are grouped into two primary categories, core and support.
Core heroes are frail and vulnerable in the beginning but their strength increases later on in the game, allowing them to potentially carry their teams to victory. Support heroes are generally incapable of inflicting severe damage. Their primary purpose is to help their cores heal and provide them with buffs that enhance their power.
Creeps
The game also features basic units called ‘creeps’. Some of these creatures can be controlled by the teams, while others are neutral. The most powerful of these is Roshan the Immortal, a neutral creep who spawns right at the beginning of the match.
Unlike the core and support heroes, creeps cannot level up, improve their abilities, or gain experience. Players are rewarded gold if they manage to kill creeps that belong to the opposing faction. They can then use the gold to purchase more potent weapons and defense tools in the in-game shop.
Match Format
The two competing teams are eventually pitted against each other in a fight. The losing side returns to its base to regenerate, while the winning team progresses further into the map. A round is complete once one of the two teams manages to destroy the Ancient of the opponents. Another round commences and the matchup continues until one side earns an overwhelming lead. Most professional Dota 2 contests use either the best-of-three or the best-of-five format.
Dota 2 Tournaments to Follow
The biggest tournaments fill entire stadiums with spectators eager to follow the action up close. An increasing number of punters are also turning their attention to this thrilling esport as it offers no shortage of exciting tournaments to bet on. Below, we explore two of the most prestigious events covered at Dota 2 betting sites.
The International
- Round robin format during the group stages
- Double elimination format during the main event
The International is the single biggest Dota 2 tournament. It sees the world’s top teams vying for the coveted champion title and a share of a massive prize pool that dwarfs those in all other esports. Sponsored and organized by Valve, The International sees 30 teams competing for the Aegis of Champions trophy, which is subsequently engraved with the names of the players from the winning squad.
The highly anticipated event is held annually at different locations around the world, from Singapore and China to Canada and Germany. Some of the largest prizes in esports are awarded at The International. The 2021 edition of the tournament generated an eye-watering prize pool of more than $40 million but the figure increases each year.
The Major Championships
The Dota 2 Major Championships comprise a series of prestigious tournaments again organized by the game’s developer Valve. The Majors were first introduced in 2015. The number of tournaments in the series has changed throughout the years. In 2021, for example, there were only two Majors as opposed to three as was the case in previous years.
2021 Dota 2 Majors- ONE Sports Singapore Major
- WePlay AniMajor
Only the top-seeded teams from each regional league on the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) make it to the Majors. The six regions include Western Europe, China, Latin America, North America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. The winning teams in the Major Championships are awarded DPC points and monetary prizes.
The guaranteed pool starts at a minimum of $500,000. Invictus Gaming snagged the first-place prize of $200,000 plus 500 points at the ONE Esports Singapore Major in 2021. The winning teams from each major automatically qualify for participation in the ultimate Dota 2 championship, The Invitational.
Ways to Bet on Dota 2
To help you get started, we bring to your attention the most common ways to bet on this hugely popular MOBA esport. Some of the bet types will perhaps look familiar if you have previously wagered on traditional sports like soccer.
Match Winner
This wager type is the bread and butter of Dota 2 betting and poses as the perfect starting point for novice bettors. All you have to do is choose a team to win the match outright and cash out your ticket if your pick is correct. Keep in mind the majority of Dota 2 matchups utilize the best-of-three format, which means your team must win two rounds for your bet to pay out.
Map Winner
This one is pretty similar to Match Winner, the only difference being here you are betting on who you think will win an individual map (Map 1, Map 2, or Map 3). Another alternative for map bettors is to wager on the total number of kills per map. You can also try to guess whether the map kills will be an even or odd number. Betting on a map’s duration is possible as well.
Spread Betting
Spreads, or handicaps as they are also called, enable bookmakers to level the playing field between two unequally matched teams. By setting a spread, oddsmakers aim to attract an equal amount of betting action for both sides involved in a match. Otherwise, most people will simply back the clear favorite.
With the spread, points are added to the score of the underdog and subtracted from that of the favorite. One such wager pays provided that the team you back covers its spread, i.e. wins by the margin assigned by the oddsmakers. The example below shows you what a spread bet for Dota 2 looks like.
Alliance vs. Entity- Team Alliance +1.5 (3.00)
- Team Entity -1.5 (1.36)
With the best-of-three format, matches always end with a score of 2-0 or 2-1. If you choose to back Entity, the team must win two out of three rounds to cover the -1.5 spread and earn you a payout. Alliance is a 1.5 underdog in this case. As such, they must either pull out an outright upset or lose two games for a final score of 2-1.
Over/Under Total Games
Over/under totals are another exciting way to wager on Dota 2. With this bet type, it is irrelevant which team wins the fixture. What you are looking at here is the total number of games played before a match is resolved. An over/under total market for a best-of-three clash may look something like this:
Team Liquid vs. DGG Esports- Over 2.5 (4.00)
- Under 2.5 (1.22)
Under bets will pay if either team wins with a final score of 2-0, while the Over side wins provided that the fixture ends with a score of 2-1. Similar markets are available for the total number of kills made on a map.
Outrights
Also known as futures, outrights are quite straightforward but require sufficient knowledge of the teams and their performance throughout the season. They involve predicting which team will emerge as the overall winner of an entire regional league or a championship like The International, for example. An outright market for Dota 2 may look something like this:
The International – Western Europe Qualifier Winner- Team Secret 2.40
- Entity Gaming 4.00
- Team Liquid 4.24
- Into the Breach 40.00
- Alliance 40.00
- Team Ivy 65.00
Looking at the odds above, we see Secret are the firm favorites to win this regional qualifier. The odds get longer as a team’s implied probability of winning diminishes. Team Ivy is the underdog in this case but could bring you the most handsome profit if they pull off the upset.
First Blood
Proposition bets like this one are generally unrelated to the overall outcome of a Dota 2 match. Who wins or loses in the end is completely irrelevant in this case as your goal is to predict which team will kill a hero first.
A word of caution, though. First Blood bets may seem rather straightforward but are quite tough to get right without sufficient experience and research. You must carefully study the teams and their strategies before you start experimenting with proposition bets. Below is a list of other Dota 2 props you can find at our recommended sportsbooks.
- First team to make 10 kills
- First team to demolish a tower
- First team to kill a Roshan creep
- First team to destroy a barrack
- Correct game score
- Player to make the most kills
Related Topics
Dota 2 Betting Sites FAQ
Are Dota 2 betting sites safe?
The answer to this question largely depends on where you punt. Some Dota 2 sportsbooks outperform others when it comes to security, fair odds, and overall reputability. The experts of SportingPedia have scoured the internet to find the best bookies for Dota 2 betting. We have personally tested them all to ensure they provide safe betting services, sharp odds, speedy withdrawals, and adequate customer protection.
Can I use my smartphone to bet on Dota 2 events?
Yes, the Dota 2 sportsbooks we have selected keep up with the times and are all fully compatible with portable devices. Android and iOS users can load the sites in their mobile browsers or opt for downloading the dedicated apps some sportsbooks offer. Either way, they will enjoy the same premium experience, functionalities, and market diversity.
Is it possible to bet on Dota 2 using cryptocurrencies?
Our shortlisted sportsbooks accept all sorts of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tron, Ripple, and Dogecoin. Some of them work exclusively with altcoins and feature integrated on-ramps that allow customers to purchase cryptocurrencies on-site with fiat-based payment methods.
Where can I find the best odds for Dota 2?
Why not try some of the betting sites recommended on this page? As keen esports bettors ourselves, we have carefully researched them all and can confidently say you will not find more competitive pricing anywhere else. It would be smart to compare the prices across several sites to find the most favorable odds for the Dota 2 events you plan to place wagers on.
Do online sportsbooks offer statistics for Dota 2?
Yes, you will find detailed Dota 2 statistics at some of the sportsbooks we endorse. They offer in-depth stats for all major tournaments and leagues, along with tips and previews that can boost your chances of making correct predictions. Comprehensive information is available for most Dota 2 teams, showing you their current rosters, top heroes, and previous scores.