Most bettors on 98win stick to traditional markets like match winner or tournament outright, but if you’re only betting on who wins, you’re missing out on a range of lesser-known markets that can offer far better odds — and more profitable opportunities. These underrated betting markets fly under the radar of casual bettors, which means they’re often priced with less precision. That’s where you, the smart bettor, can take advantage.
Let’s break down some of these overlooked bet types and how to use them effectively.
1. Map Winner Bets
While match winner bets are straightforward, map winner bets allow you to dive deeper into team strengths. Many teams have clear preferences or advantages on specific maps. For instance, a team might have a 75% win rate on Inferno but perform terribly on Mirage. If that team is set to play Inferno as Map 1, betting on them to win just that map — rather than the whole series — gives you a more focused and potentially higher-value wager.
On 98win, these markets are especially useful in best-of-three or best-of-five series, where every map is a fresh opportunity.
2. Correct Score Bets
Correct score betting is high risk, but high reward. Here, you’re betting on the exact final score of a series — for example, Team A to win 2–1. Since this market involves more possible outcomes, the odds are significantly higher than a straight win bet.
This market shines when you have strong statistical support. For example, if two teams often go to three maps against each other, and neither tends to dominate, betting on a 2–1 result for either side can yield a big payout. It’s risky but valuable when you’ve done your homework.
3. Total Maps Over/Under
This is one of the most consistent yet underrated markets. Instead of picking a winner, you’re betting on how many maps will be played in a series. This is especially valuable in matchups between evenly matched teams, where the winner might be hard to call, but the likelihood of a 3-map series is high.
For example, in a best-of-three match, if both teams have close rankings and a long history of tight matches, betting over 2.5 maps often makes more sense than choosing a winner. The odds tend to be fair, and your bet isn’t tied to which team wins — just how long the match lasts.
4. Player Performance Props
Player-specific bets — like who will get the most kills or who will have the highest K/D ratio — are increasingly available on 98win. These prop bets offer strong value, especially when a standout player is in excellent form.
This market rewards detailed research. If you know a player has consistently high performance on certain maps or in specific roles (like AWPing in CS:GO), you can find prop bet lines that underestimate them. These are especially useful in matches where the team result is unpredictable, but one player consistently shines.
5. First Blood / First Kill
The first blood market is available in games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS:GO. While it may seem like a coin toss, this is another market where stats and research can offer an edge.
Some teams play aggressively early, consistently securing first blood. Others are passive and prefer to scale into the game. By studying team playstyles, champion compositions, or pistol round strategies, you can often predict which team will secure the first kill — and this market often pays out well because it’s seen as volatile.
6. Live Betting Markets
Many bettors don’t use live betting to its full potential. On 98win, live markets shift with in-game action. If you’re watching the match and know the game well, you can spot swing moments — such as a major teamfight win, Baron steal, or bomb plant — that aren’t yet reflected in the odds.
Being fast and observant during live matches can let you grab high-value bets before the market adjusts. It’s reactive betting, but when done carefully, it can be one of the most profitable strategies available.
Final Thoughts
Underrated markets exist because most people ignore them — and that’s exactly why they offer value. While match winner bets are a safe default, exploring these alternative markets on 98win can dramatically increase your edge. Whether it’s betting on maps, player stats, or first kills, success comes from research, timing, and knowing where to look when others don’t.
The next time you’re placing bets on 98win, dig deeper than just the winner. These markets are your opportunity to profit while everyone else is stuck at the surface.