Frokat The Counter-Strike franchise is known for two things: its popularity and the very steady pace of advancement. Although its latest entry, Counter-Strike 2, can seem like just a cosmetic lift on the surface, it's a huge leap for the franchise, bigger than anything the game has seen since the original Counter-Strike, both in terms of gameplay and the Counter-Strike betting experience.
Pick The Best CS2 Bookie
The first step to placing bets on CS2 is finding the best online sportsbook for you
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It would be daunting - and, quite honestly, a very dry read - to list all the legal stuff regarding how CS2 betting works. Instead, we’ll do you one better: equip the readers with the knowledge required to understand the basics and do their own research.
Be Aware of License Strength
The first step on our way to placing bets on CS2 matches is finding a quality betting provider. The best way to do so is by looking at their license strength. Find out what that is, why it's important, and more in our Counter-Strike 2 bookmakers guide. This topic is especially important for those who reside in more challenging betting regions such as the United States, which is notorious for banning online bookmaker activity on most of its territory.
While looking at the bookie’s license is an awesome way to quickly determine if you can play, exceptions may apply. In this case, a quick review of the bookies' Terms of Service may help clear any doubts. There might be cases when the CS2 bookie holds no license at all! If this is the case, walk away. Unregulated, unlicensed sites are a major scam risk - and when your own money is on the line, playing on fishy, scummy sites is the last thing you'd want.
Review the Terms of Service
As we’ve mentioned above, it’s very important to carefully review the ToS to find additional information regarding existing regulations, operator’s policies, and more. This can help avoid any misunderstandings or disputes that may arise in the future - and be aware that many sites attempt to intentionally make their terms harder to understand than they should be. Additionally, the ToS may contain important information about the bookmaker's fees, bonuses, and other policies that can impact the overall experience as a user. By reviewing the ToS, it is possible to make a more informed decision about whether to use the bookmaker's services and ensure that you are using the platform in a responsible and compliant manner.
Dedicating some time to learn more about a bookie website, in general, is always a great idea. After you’re sure the site can be trusted legally, make sure to research its features, bonuses, game offers, and even “minor” details, such as the best CS betting app.
Dedicating some time to learn more about a bookie website, in general, is always a great idea. After you’re sure the site can be trusted legally, make sure to research its features, bonuses, game offers, and even “minor” details, such as the best CS betting app.
Don't Forget the Betting Bonus
It's way easier to test out new bookmakers when they give you a free bet as a bonus when you make your first deposit. Most bookmakers will feature some sort of welcome bonus to accommodate new users—use it to your advantage. More on that in our article on CS2 betting bonuses.
Counter-Strike 2 Betting Basics
CS2 gameplay is an explosive mix of tactics and fast-paced action.
Thankfully for veterans and beginners alike, the release of CS2 didn't complicate any of the game's mechanics, keeping its gameplay clean yet sophisticated as always. Like in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the match starts with two teams of five fighting to complete objectives around the map. One team, the Terrorist side, is fighting to either eliminate the second team, the Counter-Terrorists, or to plant a bomb and protect it from being defused. The team winning the map does so by reaching 13 round wins first.
| CS2 Betting Changes | CS2 Gameplay Changes |
|---|---|
| For those interested in CS2 betting, the changes to the game's Round system would be more interesting. The decrease in total rounds in a match from 30 to 24 noticeably shakes up the CS2 betting scene, aligning it more with recent tactical FPS games like Valorant and R6: Siege. Most round-based betting tips are outdated with this change—so discard any old info on how many rounds there are! | For any avid Counter-Strike fan, opening CS2 for the first time would feel like a totally new game. The visuals are brand new, with updated map layouts and several gameplay mechanics, such as the updated sound system and Smoke grenade mechanics. |
Sounds incredibly simple, doesn't it? However, the game's weaponry, tools (such as grenades, flashbangs, and defuse kits), and different maps (which also enable map betting) make it surprisingly sophisticated.
CS2 Betting Basics
Betting on CS2 matches may simultaneously look like an unskilled game of luck or insurmountably complex activity, but in reality, it is neither.As with all forms of sports betting, you need to be 18+ to wager with real money on CS2 bookmakers. All licensed esports betting sites enforce this legal gambling age through ID verification. While betting is a skill-based activity, and your Counter-Strike 2 bet accuracy improves with more knowledge, online esports betting is inherently risk-based. Know the risks and never bet any more than you can afford to lose - the core principle of responsible gambling.
Get Better at Betting on Counter-Strike Matches
There's more to know about CS2 betting than how to pick a site and place bets - although that part is definitely very important. We won't be going into very in-depth 200IQ strategies in this article, but we'll give beginners some pointers on how to start placing bets more accurately.
Best CS2 Gambling Strategy: Just Know The Scene
It's unnecessary to play CS2 at a high level to succeed in CS2 betting. However, you should at least know CS2's pro scene and follow its latest trends. Researching every aspect of professional CS can be quite a lot, so we've compiled a short priority list of things you'll need to keep in mind before placing a bet.
- Odds comparison. This step is also important. First, it can help you recalibrate your CS2 betting prediction by seeing how the bookies' analysts value the match outcome. Second, looking for higher CSGO odds will naturally increase your winnings!
- Team form. This factor is pretty obvious and rather easy to check—and it's also arguably the most important. If you don't have time to watch the team's games, you can use sites that feature the team's match history to determine if they're in a slump or on a roll. TIPS.GG website features a CS2 matches tracker - you can even look up individual players to see their stats using our CS2 player view.
- Match history. It's not uncommon for CS teams to have rivalries and "nemesis enemies." Always look at the teams' past matches to determine if one team is another's "kryptonite." The good news is that you no longer need to do that by hand; you can just use our CS2 match history tool.
- Map pools. Sometimes, the winner is unclear after researching the last two steps. In this case, take a look at their map pool. If one team performs better in the current map veto meta, they will likely win.
CS2 Betting Tip: Know The Game Itself, Too!
While researching the scene is crucial for pre-match betting strategy, other betting markets sometimes require quite intimate knowledge of CS itself. In particular, live betting strategy hinges a lot on the player's knowledge of Counter-Strike match dynamics, meta, and economy.
Let's demonstrate with an example:
FaZe Clan loses the opening pistol round, forces the next round unsuccessfully and is now forced to do a full save on the third round. A bettor completely unaware of how the CS2 economy works will think this round is a 50-50 - however, a savvy CS bettor will realize that FaZe Clan has absolutely minuscule odds of winning due to facing full-buy enemies without any equipment.
It's just one example of possible CS2 betting predictions based on game knowledge. If betting round-by-round in in-play betting, it's best to have at least some background in playing Counter-Strike before trying your hand at some of the game's more advanced betting markets. Make sure that your first bet isn't too complex.
CS Betting Markets: What's Here In 2024?
Due to its complexity, Counter-Strike has always had many different betting markets and esports betting experiences. Here, we see dozens of different bet markets - some new, some old, and some changed.
Classic Counter-Strike Betting Markets
These betting markets are not unique to CS2 - although they have a certain twist that sets them apart from traditional sports betting. Let's take a look at some of the more popular options for bets on Counter-Strike matches and events.
| Match Winner | The classic option of a simple moneyline bet is included in Counter-Strike betting options. Handicap bets also fall under the match-winner category in CS2, where handicap betting on a single map is possible due to its rounds system. The underdog receives a certain number of bonus rounds, so while normally you'd need to win 13 rounds, they might only need to win 8 or so to be counted as the match winner. |
| Total Rounds | Round totals are the most popular way to bet on CS2 matches, alongside Match Winners and Outrights. Bets are commonly placed in the Over/Under fashion, where a CS2 bookmaker selects an arbitrary number of rounds, and bettors predict whether the total rounds played will exceed this number or not. With CS2 reducing the round count to 24, bookies have refined their algorithms to accurately reflect this change. |
| Tournament Winner | Also known as Outrights, Tournament Winner bets allow you to wager on the outcome of an entire event or league instead of individual CS2 maps or matches. This market, while "basic," requires a deep understanding of the game to succeed. The difficulty of accurately predicting the tournament winner offers greater competitive odds compared to simply betting on matches, presenting an appealing option for those looking to "think big" in their CS2 betting strategy. |
We often see bookmakers post about this special betting market. It's not just a regular outright bet—in finals betting, players try to guess which teams will battle each other in the grand final. There is no need to get the winner right here!
| Comeback Bets | The most exciting type of Counter-Strike bet changes with CS2's release. This bet is simple: if Team B is significantly behind, a bettor can wager on whether Team B will win the next three or more rounds consecutively, predicting a turnaround in performance during a match. With shorter matches in CS2, every round counts significantly more, altering the favorite/runner-up thresholds for this type of bet compared to the previous version. |
| Round Score | With the changes in CS2, this bet involves predicting the exact score after a certain number of rounds, usually by the match's end. It's a more specific bet than predicting the overall match winner. Remember, the total round score no longer adds up to 30 due to the reduced number of rounds in CS2 matches. |
| Skin Gambling | The release of CS2 affects the Counter-Strike betting scene beyond just the number of rounds. New rare skins and in-game items can now be gambled with. Since it's possible to earn in-game skins by playing effectively, this means incredibly small-budget bets with CS2 skin wagers for those who play enough. This aspect introduces a new dimension to the betting experience, leveraging the game's content for betting purposes. |
The CS2 release changed up live betting CS options by putting way more impact on each individual round. With matches getting shorter overall, each round has more weight. Learn more about live CS betting via the link above.
Prop Betting on CS2
Putting money on CS2 prop bets is the patrician's choice. After all, they take advantage of the game's complex nature compared to traditional sports—no offense to football fans! Prop bets can include anything from player performance, in-game score, round-decide events, or even silly stuff that doesn't affect the game's outcome (or affects it very tangentially).
Since Counter-Strike 2 is a team-based tactical game, players must plant or defuse the bomb depending on their team to win. This goes beyond eliminating the enemy squad and opening up different markets, such as CS2 bomb betting, as the main objective of the T Team is to plant and secure the bomb’s explosion. On the other hand, the CT side will fight hard to defuse the bomb site. This already creates a lot of ways for either team to end the round.
| Counter-Strike 2 Bomb Betting | Planting the bomb is the T side's primary objective in Counter-Strike 2, pivotal to the game's strategy. This action is central to the competition between teams. It is a classic example of prop betting in CS2, where punters can bet on the round's outcome, including scenarios like elimination, time limit expiry, or bomb explosion/defusal. |
| CS2 Pistol Round Bets | The pistol round is crucial as both teams start each half with minimal funds, relying on pistols. Winning the pistol round is key for a financial boost in the following two rounds, making it a significant phase of the match. It doesn’t guarantee overall victory but provides a strategic advantage. Pistol rounds highlight individual skills and aim, offering an exciting spectacle without the usual tactical smokes and flashbangs. |
| Race To Rounds Bets | In this betting market, punters predict which team will reach a certain point threshold first, regardless of the match's final outcome. The points are set by the bookie, and reaching this threshold doesn't ensure match victory. This bet is akin to total betting but focuses on a team achieving a set point milestone quickly. The total round count at the match's end is irrelevant, emphasizing the race to a specific round number. |
For example, in Total Rounds betting on CS esports matches, we might bet on whether FaZe Clan will win more rounds than 8 in a game. In the Race to Rounds, we can make a similar bet, but if FaZe's opponent, Natus Vincere, reaches 8 round wins first, it wouldn't matter if FaZe ends the map with 8 or more won rounds - this bet is sadly already lost!
| Successful Retakes Bets | In CS2 live betting, "retake" refers to the situation where Counter-Terrorists must recapture a bombsite they've been forced out of. Retake bets are popular in live betting scenarios with standard live odds, but they can also be found as pre-match prop bets, though they may be rarer. |
| Rounds Won By Time/Objective | Bettors can place wagers on how a round will conclude: either by eliminating the enemy team, completing the objective, or running out the clock. This betting type is unpredictable and not necessarily skill-based, offering higher odds due to its risky nature. It's a dynamic option that reflects the chaotic nature of CS2 gameplay and offers significant rewards in the esports betting market. |
Why Betting On Counter-Strike 2 Is The Best Option In 2024
The CS franchise has been the fan-favorite esports for over two decades, so there's little doubt the newest entry will easily uphold this status. Still, if you're new to it, here are some arguments as to why playing and betting on Counter-Strike 2 is a great idea in 2024.
| CS Esports Is The Most Popular In The West | CS2 Is Free And Easily Accessible | CS2 Has A Ton Of Betting Markets And Way To Bet |
|---|---|---|
| Most esports bookmakers prioritize CS, making betting opportunities plentiful. The frequency of Major tournaments in CS2 esports contributes to a highly accessible, fair, and enjoyable betting experience, simplifying the search for top betting sites featuring CS2. | CS2's low hardware demands and free-to-play model make it highly accessible, allowing for easy familiarity and testing of betting strategies. The game's intuitive nature also makes it straightforward to watch and understand. | The inherent complexity yet understandable nature of CS2 lends itself to a variety of betting markets, offering punters numerous options for match betting and exploring different strategies within the CS2 betting landscape. |
Best CS2 Events To Look Out For In 2024
So far, we’ve discussed the factors that depend on the bettor and the bookie when placing a CS bet. However, another crucial part of this CS2 betting guide is up to esports organizers and professional players: ensuring clear sportsmanship and no conflict of interest.
Betting on low-tier Counter-Strike 2 events is a game of risk that is not recommended for those just starting out. Instead, check out this part of our esports CS GO betting guide to see the list of recommended pro series with crystal clear track records.
ESL Pro League
ESL Pro League has a long history in the Counter-Strike esports scene, with its first season taking place in 2015. Since then, the league has grown substantially, with multiple regional divisions and a global finals event that offers a substantial prize pool and attracts millions of viewers from around the world. Titles like Dota 2, Starcraft 2, and, most importantly, the Counter-Strike franchise all saw play in the event's history. The tournament organizer, Electronic Sports League, hosts major-tier events that are watched by thousands worldwide.
The ESL Pro League is an essential part of the CS esports scene. Its prominence also means it's ubiquitous on any CS2 betting site. The league offers a unique and exciting viewing experience for game fans and is an essential series of events for any serious CS betting enthusiast.
The IEM
Intel Extreme Masters is a world-renowned esports tournament series organized by ESL and Intel. Events that are part of the IEM tour feature some of the best CS2 teams from across the globe competing for large prize pools in front of millions of viewers around the world! Established in 2006, it has since seen huge growth with its exciting formats, which are held at several international locations annually.
IEM Katowice is perhaps the most well-known part of the IEM series - and CS esports in general. It also features other esports titles in addition to Counter-Strike. /img_credit: ESL
A single Intel Grand Slam season is ten consecutive events organized by the ESL. As such, a Grand Slam season can last up to 2 years - just think of the amount of esports betting that can be done in that timeframe! To achieve the title of an Intel Grand Slam Season champion, a team must win at least 4 events out of 10 to claim the title as well as a $ 1,000,000 prize money.
DreamHack Masters
DreamHack Masters is one of the largest and most prestigious CS2 esports tournaments in the world, featuring some of the best teams and Counter-Strike players from around the globe. One of the key advantages of betting on DreamHack Masters is the tournament's high level of competition, which ensures that matches are always exciting, even, and fair. The tournament’s massive popularity ensures its appearance on virtually every online bookie.
DreamHack Masters also features top-tier production values—no one ever gets bored when live betting on matches of DreamHack events. It is an essential part of the CS2 esports calendar and is featured on virtually every esports betting site.
BLAST Premier
BLAST Premier is a massive series of events spanning the entire year. Its popularity, high viewership, and high level of play are perfect for sports betting sites and bettors alike. If you wanna see top teams playing against one another on the highest stage, BLAST Premier is for you. You'll find BLAST Premier events on every betting site worth its salt.
PGL
PGL (Professional Gamers League) is a leading esports tournament organizer and production company that has been involved in the Counter-Strike esports scene since its foundation in 2002. The company has organized and produced some of the biggest CS2 events in the world, including the PGL Major Championships, which are among the most prestigious CS tournaments in the world.
And more! There are many other tournament organizers, series, and events in the CS2 esports ecosystem. The two most popular categories for CS2 betting are undoubtedly Minor and Major series-class.
| Major Tournaments | Minor Tournaments |
|---|---|
| Major Tournaments are the pinnacle of Counter-Strike esports, featuring the best teams, players, and massive prize pools. They provide high competition levels and top-tier production, making them as free from unsportsmanlike behavior as possible. Bookies often focus on these events, providing a wide array of betting options from simple match winners to complex proposition bets. | Minor Tournaments offer a smaller scale of competition, featuring newer teams and a higher level of unpredictability in matches. While they can be more exciting due to these variations in skill and outcome, there's a higher risk of unsportsmanlike activities, such as match-fixing, making them a more cautious betting option. |
What CS2 Teams To Bet On In 2024
We've talked about how we've talked about where. Now, let's talk about who - it's time to put teams into CS betting. Here's a list of the year's best-performing teams. It's safe to place your money on them, whether it's an outright match-winner bet or an individual player stat bet.
This Ukrainian team was the one to win the very first Counter-Strike 2 Major - the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 - and that is something to be proud of, indeed. This roster has been through decades and decades of Counter-Strike history all the way through Counter-Strike 1.6 times, the turbulent Counter-Strike: Global Offensive era, and now, with huge changes in the roster, they've made history in Counter-Strike 2, too. It wasn't just a fluke, either - NaVi was a massive competitor in the 2022-2023 period and also the best team in the world back in 2021, too.
FaZe Clan is the dominant force on the Counter-Strike scene—or, maybe we should say they were from 2022 through 2024 since they were recently dethroned by Natus Vincere. Still, the FaZe Clan is a force to be reckoned with, with nine golds in the 2022-2024 period. Betting on FaZe Clan matches is a safe bet for near-guaranteed winnings—this team is the favorite in most matchups.
This legendary French team has endured many restructurings, so it can be tough to tell whether they're in high or low form. In 2024, however, they finished the first Major of Counter-Strike 2 in third place by defeating Cloud 9, a team based in North America. Team Vitality remains an S-tier team, but since they play in Europe, they have some tough competition.
A talented multi-gaming organization based in Europe has a strong footing in Counter-Strike 2. With such huge names like brothers Nikola "NiKo" Kovač and Nemanja "huNter-" Kovač, Rasmus "HooXi" Nielsen, and, last but not least, coached by the legendary Wiktor "TaZ" Wojtas, G2 Esports are one of the best CS2 teams on the scene. One of their most notable achievements is two back-to-back wins in Intel Extreme Masters events in 2023.