What you’ll learn
This guide explains how LoL Worlds’ format affects prices, which markets to use and when, how to convert odds to probabilities, and what to watch out for when funding accounts with crypto. It also links to official sources for legality checks and integrity programs.
Worlds 2025 at a glance
Worlds 2025 runs October 14–November 9 in China, with a Play-In, a 16-team Swiss Stage, and a single-elimination Knockout Stage. Riot notes a one-day best-of-five Play-In between two fourth seeds from the best MSI regions; the Swiss Stage follows October 15–25, and Knockouts conclude in Shanghai and Chengdu.
Community wikis also summarize the competitive structure: five Swiss rounds where teams advance at three wins or exit at three losses; elimination/advancement matches use best-of-three, and Knockouts are best-of-five. Treat wiki details as provisional until Riot posts final rules.
Why the format matters for betting
Shorter Swiss best-of-ones can increase volatility versus best-of-threes and best-of-fives. Historical coverage during Worlds 2023–2024 highlighted a notable blue-side edge in parts of the Swiss stage, making side selection and draft position meaningful inputs before you bet. Always verify current-event side trends with trusted stat portals.
For team and player metrics, use pro-play databases that track objective control, early-game stats, and draft trends across LCK/LEC/LPL/LCS and international events. These sites are staples for pre-match research.
Core LoL markets and when to use them
Match or map winner is the foundation, especially in Knockouts. As prices shorten on favorites, many bettors switch to handicaps (for example, −1.5 maps in a best-of-five) or totals such as over/under kills. Popular props include First Blood, First Tower, First Dragon, and First Baron; make sure you understand each book’s settlement rules.
Regulated sportsbooks publish general and market-specific rules that govern suspensions, voids, and how in-play scoring is handled. Familiarize yourself with those pages before placing a bet.
You can also sanity-check what markets are commonly offered by browsing current LoL odds pages from major operators and odds portals.
Odds to implied probability: the quick math
Converting odds to probabilities helps you decide if a price is worth taking.
Decimal to probability: 1 ÷ decimal odds × 100
American (negative): |odds| ÷ (|odds| + 100) × 100
American (positive): 100 ÷ (odds + 100) × 100
These formulas are documented by major exchanges and calculators; use them to compare your estimates to the market and to remove the “vig” when shopping lines.
Live betting caveats: stream delay and data latency
Tournament broadcasts often include deliberate delays of several minutes to protect competitive integrity, so prices may move before a play appears on stream. Books also pause or reject bets during sensitive moments. Plan entries in advance and avoid chasing on-screen action.
Riot’s esports tech posts and production notes show how organizers manage latency and fairness around remote or hybrid play; it’s more evidence to respect timing risks in in-play markets.
Crypto basics for LoL betting
Bitcoin anchors blocks roughly every 10 minutes on average; many services wait for one or more confirmations before crediting deposits. Ethereum’s proof-of-stake chain runs in 12-second slots grouped into epochs; economic finality typically follows after several epochs under normal conditions. Your sportsbook sets the confirmation policy.
Use the exact network the book lists for each coin or token (for example, ERC-20 vs TRC-20). Sending on the wrong network or omitting a memo/tag can make funds irrecoverable. Check the operator’s funding page before you transfer.
Compliance and choosing a licensed book
In the U.S., sports betting is authorized at the state level. The American Gaming Association provides a current legal landscape and resources to find licensed operators. As of early 2025, AGA reports sports betting live and legal in 38 states and D.C.; always re-check your state’s rules.
In Great Britain, verify any brand on the Gambling Commission’s public register and review its guidance pages. Global AML standards for virtual assets (VASPs) and the “travel rule” also influence how operators handle crypto deposits and withdrawals.
Riot has also updated its stance on betting sponsors for Tier-1 teams with integrity safeguards, a change that shapes the broader ecosystem but does not replace your duty to use licensed books only.
Step-by-step: your first Worlds bet with crypto
- Confirm legality and licensing where you live using official registers or the AGA resources, and make sure the operator explicitly accepts your crypto/network.
- Create your account and complete KYC; AML obligations apply even when you fund via crypto.
- Deposit a small test amount on the exact network specified, then wait for the operator’s stated confirmations.
- Do your pre-match homework: read the official Worlds format page; check draft/side tendencies and objective stats on reputable databases.
- Convert odds to probabilities and compare across books; prefer markets you understand (match winner, map handicap, or a prop you have modeled).
- If you bet live, remember stream delays; avoid reacting to the broadcast alone.
- Withdraw winnings to a wallet you control when you’re done and record your results for future evaluation.
Bankroll and integrity essentials
Set a fixed unit size, avoid chasing losses, and track closing prices versus your entries to measure edge. Treat integrity seriously: esports has dedicated bodies and publisher policies addressing match manipulation—review them and skip any market that looks suspicious.
Useful resources you can bookmark
Official Worlds dates, stages, and venues.
Community format overviews and day-by-day schedules.
Stat hubs for LoL esports.
LoL market types and props explained.
Odds math and calculators.
Live-betting delay explainers.
U.S. legality and UK licensing checks.
FATF VA/VASP updates (travel rule and AML expectations).
Quick FAQs
When is Worlds 2025 and how is it structured?
Riot lists October 14–November 9 with a Play-In, a 16-team Swiss Stage, and a single-elimination Knockout Stage across Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.
What LoL props are common during Worlds?
Alongside match and map winners, you’ll often see First Blood, First Tower, First Dragon, First Baron, and kills totals. Check each book’s rules for settlement.
How do I turn odds into probabilities?
Use 1 ÷ decimal odds × 100, or for American odds apply positive and negative formulas noted above; reliable references and calculators are linked in this guide.
Are crypto deposits fast enough for live betting?
Bitcoin confirmations average about every 10 minutes; Ethereum blocks every 12 seconds with finality after several epochs. Your book’s confirmation policy controls when funds credit, so pre-fund if you plan to bet in-play.
