The top esports game, Dota 2 is gaining popularity in Africa, and Tanzania is no exception. But as the online game rises in popularity, as does Dota 2 betting. That’s why Parimatch is bringing you a wide range of Dota 2 betting options and a bunch of information on how to get started.
A fast-paced multiplayer game, the aim of Dota 2 is to bring down the enemy Ancient inside their stronghold. There’s a tonne of ways to attack another team’s base and getting creative with your approach is half the fun.
But it’s not just Dota 2 gameplay that’s become a favourite across Africa and Tanzania. Dota 2 betting has exploded and Parimatch is at the helm.
If you’re new to the world of esports betting, don’t worry, it’s really quite simple to understand. With a little research, you’ll be a Dota 2 betting master in no time.
Read on to learn about the different Dota 2 bets, the most popular events to bet on, and step-by-step instructions on how to place a bet on Dota 2 using the Parimatch online mobile application and website.
Contents
Dota 2 Betting Basics
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of betting, it’s important to have an understanding of the Dota 2 gameplay and the character types. If you don’t understand how the game is played, you can’t make an educated bet.
Gameplay
Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena game, otherwise known as a MOBA.
Very similar to titles like League of Legends and CS:GO, two teams are fighting to complete certain objectives before their opponent.
Teams are comprised of 5 players, with each competitor playing as one of the 119 unique character classes, or “heroes” as they are referred to in the game.
The match begins with each team starting on opposite sides of the arena. The primary objective is to be the first team to destroy a large structure known as the “Ancient” — which is fortified in the opposing team’s base.
There are all sorts of different paths (or “lanes” as they are referred to in the game) to reach the opponent’s base. Along the way, the players aim to complete neutral objectives and kill NPC’s (non-player characters) to gain experience points and precious resources used to make their hero stronger.
When one of the teams is confident enough in their hero’s abilities, they will make a push for the other teams “Ancient”. If successful in their efforts, and can destroy the opposing “Ancient”, then the game is over.
Dota 2 character types
Part of what makes Dota 2 so popular is the diversity in character types. There are 119 different heroes to choose from, each with their own unique abilities.
The varying hero abilities are reflective of their specific role.
For example, the role of a hero with very high defensive attributes could serve as bait for the opposing team — almost like a meat shield. While the opposing team is busy dealing with the hero who just stormed the gates, you could have another hero playing the role of a sniper, safely laying down devastating blows from afar.
With 119 hero classes and 5 different heroes on each team, there are an insane amount of combinations. This also means that there is a lot of different strategies that teams can explore.
Types of Bets in Dota 2
One reason why online betting on Dota 2 is so popular in Africa is because there are so many different options to bet on — and Parimatch has all of them.
Moneyline bets
You may already be familiar with this traditional bet type — it’s the grandfather of all bets. You are simply picking which team you think is going to win. That’s it.
Here’s what a moneyline bet looks like on Parimatch:
By default, Parimatch uses decimal odds, but on our mobile betting app you have the option to view odds in fractional or American format.
Handicap betting on Dota 2
Handicap betting is similar to moneyline betting, only the bookmaker applies a virtual advantage/disadvantage to the teams before the match begins. The odds will be skewed to reflect the advantage/disadvantage.
Here’s what a handicap line looks like on Parimatch:
 
This is the same matchup as the previous example. Take notice of how the odds change when a handicap is applied.
In the case of Dota 2, a handicap is applied in the form of a map lead before the match starts. So in a “best of 5” match, Live to Win is up by 1.5 rounds before the competition even kicks off.
Say you picked Vikin.gg to win. For your bet to pay out, they would have to win the match by at least 2 rounds in the “best of 5” round match.
If Viking.gg won the match by a score of 3 rounds to 0, your bet would pay out because they won by more than 1.5 rounds.
If they won the match by a score of 3 rounds to 2, the bet would not pay out because they only won the match by 1 round.
Totals bets on Dota 2
In a totals market, you are being asked to predict if you think “something” will happen more or less (over/under) than the number the bookmaker presents. In Dota 2 that “something” is maps needed to be played for a winner.
Remember, Dota 2 matches are played in a “best of” format. So, in a Dota 2 totals market, you are essentially wagering on how long you think the match will last.
Here’s an example from the Parimatch online sportsbook:
 
This example is from a “best of 3” maps style format. You have to decide if you believe the match will be over after 2 maps or, if you think the teams will split the first 2 maps, in a necessary and decisive 3rd map. Once you’ve made that prediction, you’ve got your bet.
Betting on firsts in Dota 2
One of the most popular Dota 2 bets is betting on firsts. This means you have to predict which of the teams will achieve “something” first.
For example, on the Parimatch online sportsbook, you have the option to bet on which team you think will get the first kill (first blood). If you don’t fancy that line, you could bet on which team you think will capture the first tower or which team you think will destroy the first barracks.
Here are all the firsts you can bet on Dota 2:
 
 
Placing special Dota 2 bets
Part of the reason why Dota 2 betting is so popular in Tanzania is because Parimatch offers some very interesting special bets that you won’t find anywhere else.
Special bets are betting markets that are unique to a specific esport.
For example, the only esports title where a team can snatch the “Aegis of the Immortal” is Dota 2, and Parimatch gives you the option to bet on it.
Here are some examples of Parimatch’s special bet options for Dota 2:
 
Biggest Dota 2 Events to Bet On
Online betting on Dota 2 is way more exciting when you are betting on a big event. Some of the largest championships shell out prize pools in the millions. With so much at stake, these big events can get super intense, which makes it very captivating for the viewer.
Not only are the big events more exciting to watch, there is also much more information and analysis on the teams. This makes it much easier to do predictive research and place educated bets.
Dota Pro Circuit
The Dota Pro Circuit was introduced in 2017 by the developers of Dota 2, Valve. The tournament was established to determine which teams are worthy of a direct invitation to the esports premier event, The International.
There are an even number of teams from the North American, Chinese, European, Southeast Asian, South American, and Commonwealth of Independent States regions.
The teams are awarded qualifying points based on how they finish in the tournaments. At the end of the season, the top 12 teams get invited to The International.
The International
The biggest and most lucrative esports event in the land is The International.
The total prize pool in 2019 was nearly $35 million USD and the winning team collected slightly over $15 million USD. With these kinds of numbers, you can surely understand why it’s so thrilling to watch. Some of these players go from rags to riches overnight and the event does a fantastic job covering all the stories.
The International is the crown jewel of the Dota 2 esports scene. If you’re serious about betting on Dota 2, this event is a no-brainer.
China Dota2 Pro Cup
The China Dota2 Pro Cup consists of professional Dota 2 teams hailing from China. The cup features 10 teams who are all competing for a prize pool of $80,000 USD.
8 of the 10 teams receive a direct invitation and the 2 remaining spots are awarded to teams from an open qualifier.
The tournament has a group stage followed by a double elimination playoff and all of the matches are played in a best of 3 map format.
Even though this tournament isn’t the biggest, it still hosts some of the best Dota 2 players in the world. It’s only been around for a year and if the meteoric rise of esports is any indication, it won’t be long before the China Dota2 Pro Cup rivals the popularity of The International.Â
How to make a bet on Dota 2 on Parimatch
1. Visit the Parimatch homepage.
2. On the top right of the screen, select log in or sign up. This is how to register your account.
3. After you are logged in, deposit funds into your account.
4. Once you’ve deposited funds to your account, navigate back to the homepage and click on E-Sport. You can also find it in the “Sports” menu.
5. Select Dota 2 from the list of esports available.
 
6. Select the league or tournament you wish to bet on from the drop-down menu.
7. After you’ve selected which league/tournament to bet on, select the specific match you want to bet on.
8. Next, scroll through the page and select your desired bet type.
 
9. After you’ve made your pick, look to the right of the screen at the betslip and enter how much you want to wager.
 
10. If you’re satisfied with your bet and ready to lock it in, select “place bet”.
11. To place multiple bets, repeat steps 4 through 10.
12. When you’re ready to lock your bets in, head to the betslip.
13. Click “Parlay” to place parlay bets. Add your wager and click to place your bet.
14. Click “System” to place system bets. Add your wager and choose the system you’d like to bet with from the dropdown menu. Then click to place your bet.
Tips for betting on Dota 2
Look at the stats
Pay attention to the teams’ historical performances. The statistics will give you an indication of what each team is up against. For example, you can look at the average kills, the average minutes, and the average maps played from previous Dota 2 matches.
All of this information will serve as an indicator of what to expect in the competition. The statistics are readily available and it doesn’t cost you a thing. Be sure you do your homework, it will certainly help you make more accurate predictions.
Take the emotion out of it
The most successful bettors in the world know that their personal feelings about a team mean nothing when it comes to making a smart bet on Dota 2.
That is to say, sometimes you have to back a team you loathe to give yourself the best opportunity to win.
Of course, you want to root for your favorite team, but make sure you bet without any bias. Remember, it’s you versus the bookie, and the bookmakers certainly do not operate with a single shred of bias.
Crowdsource information
One aspect of esports that makes them so engaging is their respective communities. The fans in the online community love to look at Dota 2 matches and share their opinions.
You could even propose a very specific question and within minutes get a tonne of feedback from like-minded Dota 2 fans or bettors.
Sure, you’ll come across a few outrageous predictions but you’ll also read strong arguments and factually based thoughts — which may have a positive impact on your predictions.
Looking at an upcoming match from another’s perspective only serves to help you make well-thought-out bets. Hey, you might even make a new friend.
Pay attention to the news
Esports teams are just like any other traditional sports team. It’s a group of people who get together and prepare for a match then they compete.
Just like with conventional sports the players can be cut, traded, loaned, or swapped out of the lineup for several other reasons.
Make sure you stay up-to-date with the news so you can be aware of any last-minute changes. The worst thing you could do is lock in a bet, only to find out that their game-changing superstar player is out with carpal tunnel syndrome (this happens more than you would think).
Compare LAN vs Online
Some esports matches are played online — where the competitors could be physically thousands of miles away from each other in the comfort of their own homes. Some of the bigger matches are played via LAN (a local area network) in a massive stadium full of crazed fans.
Think about how the pressure of a crowd may affect the performance of the competitors. Will they thrive under that pressure or will they succumb and underperform?
A lot of these professionals were sitting on their couches not long ago and playing in a packed arena might be overwhelming. Be mindful of the conditions surrounding the match as it could have an impact on the outcome.
Conclusion
The esports industry is exploding right now in Africa and it’s only the beginning. Did you know that the video game industry already has a higher market share than the film and movie industries combined? That’s insane.
Online betting on Dota 2 is a thrilling way to immerse yourself in the worldwide phenomenon that is esports. Don’t miss your chance to get in on the action.
After reading this guide, you are equipped with all the tools and knowledge necessary to start placing winning bets with Parimatch.
No matter your preferred style, Parimatch is sure to have what you’re looking for. Head on over to their online sportsbook and check it out for yourself!