Everyone is talking about esports these days. It’s changed the industry in ways that many never expected. But to beginners, esports can be a confusing term. There are so many questions that they need answered in order to have a basic understanding of this popular international past time. Here are some of the most frequently asked:

Q: Are Esports Legal in the U.S.?

A: The law varies depending on what state you live in. Many of the 50 states have legalized esports gambling online and many others are considering doing so in the near future. It is always advisable to check local laws before you consider betting on esports.

Q: What Exactly is Esports Betting?

A: For those who may not be totally familiar with the term, it encompasses betting on the outcome of video games and the professional players who love them. Examples of esports games include Counter Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, Starcraft 2, and DOTA 2. Tournaments are held all over the world, with cash prizes in the millions.

Q: How Do I Bet On Esports?

A: Betting on esports is pretty simple. If you have ever bet on a traditional sport online, you already have some idea of what it is like. Once you are registered with a particular site, all you have to do is make a deposit and you’re ready for betting.

Most decent sports betting sites will give you some kind of incentive when you register with them. You may even get a free bet to get you started. If this is important to you, do your research before you choosing the site you want to place bets on. This will give you a better idea of what you are in for when you do.

When it does come time to place your bet, you will have a list of games/players to bet on, and information on odds for each one. You can choose to bet on the performance of a specific player or the outcome of a game. There will be a slip where every bet you make is recorded. The bet slip keeps track of who or what you are betting on and what the amount of your bet is. Once you submit your bet you sit back and wait for the results.

Q: What Do I Look for When Placing Bets?

A: Esports betting is all about predicting who will achieve the ultimate task needed to win the game. This task varies from one to the next. If you are betting on DOTA 2 or League of Legends, the ultimate task is for a player to destroy the main building of their opponent. In DOTA 2 this building is called the Ancient. In League of Legends, the building is called the Nexis.

The ultimate goal of Starcraft 2 is for a player to destroy each building in their opponent’s camp. When you are placing bets on this game you will have to successfully predict which player or team will accomplish this.

In Hearthstone, players are ultimately tasked with attacking their opponent’s Champion until his or her health units have been depleted. It’s up to you to figure out which player you think can accomplish that.

Counter Strike: Global Offensive may be the most difficult for players to win. It requires them to win 16 rounds against their opponent. They can do this by either detonating the bomb of their opponent or overpowering said opponent so he or she can’t detonate one of their bombs.

There are extensive guides for each of these games. The more you study the guide for the game you want to bet on, the more likely you are to win. You’ll be able to make more informed bets than you would have otherwise.

Q: What Are Esports Tournaments Like?

A: Esports tournaments play a significant role in the industry. They are generally held every year, for many of the top games. Each tournament includes teams of players that gather in a common space to compete against each other.

The shortest esports tournaments only last a matter of days, but more high profile tournaments can go on for several months. Smaller tournaments may operate with four teams, while larger ones can and do include as many as 30+.

The prize pots for tournaments vary drastically. The smaller tournaments pay out thousands of dollars in prizes, but the massive tournaments are known for making winning players millionaires. In 2015, the international DOTA 2 winner walked away with an $18 million prize.These larger tournaments are usually the ones you will encounter while exploring esports.

Q: How Should I Bet On Esports Tournaments?

A: Esports tournaments are all about which teams perform the best. If you are betting on tournament play, there are certain things to take note of first. One thing to consider is the roster of a particular team. Any changes in the roster should be noted. A team’s form is also an important factor in your bet. Equally important is how they approach the idea of competing with other teams. Lastly, before you place a bet, look at the overall odds for the tournament as well as individual matches. Only then will you be able to make smart bets. This information will help you determine the value of the odds for that particular tournament.

Q: How Does In Play Betting Work?

A: For some people, in play betting is the most exciting part of esports betting. But it requires you have a thorough understanding of what is happening in the game. In play betting involves placing a bet while a game is in progress. Those who bet on esports like this are able to figure out how a match is going before they decide how much money they want to risk on it. This is something that usually becomes easier the more time you spend following a specific game.