Esports isn't just for watching — you can bet on it too
Esports betting lets you place wagers on the outcomes of professional video game matches — just like football betting, but in the digital arena. You can pick which team wins the match, who gets the first kill, how long the game lasts, and many more options depending on the title.
Compared to traditional sports, esports has a much more frequent match schedule and more in-game events within a single match that can serve as betting markets. This means more opportunities for players who truly know the game.
Malaysia is one of the most active esports communities in Southeast Asia. High mobile internet penetration, the popularity of MLBB and Dota 2 among youth, and the rapid growth of cyber cafes and local tournaments have made esports culture a natural part of daily life for many young Malaysians.
185 identified this trend early and offers esports betting markets covering the most popular titles in the region, with an interface fully accessible in Bahasa Malaysia on mobile devices.
The five most-betted titles
Not all esports titles offer the same depth of betting markets. Here is a quick overview of the five main titles available on 185 and what makes each one interesting from a betting perspective.
Dota 2
The dominant battle arena title on the international stage. Matches can run anywhere from 25 to 60 minutes with hundreds of in-game events. Map Winner, Kill Handicap, and Total Towers are among the most active markets.
Mobile Legends Bang Bang
An absolute favourite across Malaysia and Southeast Asia. With the frequent MPL Malaysia schedule, local players have the edge of knowing how home-side teams play. Match winner and set handicap markets are particularly popular.
CS2
The longest-running competitive shooter title. CS2 Major Championships draw global attention, with a strong following in Malaysia. Map result, Total Rounds, and First Kill markets are available for every match.
Valorant
Riot Games' tactical shooter that has grown rapidly since 2020. VCT Asia Pacific gives Malaysian players the chance to bet on regional teams they know well.
League of Legends
A major Dota 2 rival title with prestigious tournaments like LCK and LPL. South Korean and Chinese teams dominate, offering a different betting dynamic for fans who follow the international leagues.
How to read esports odds — a simple example
Odds in esports work the same way as in traditional sports. A lower number means the team is more heavily favoured; a higher number means a smaller chance of winning but a bigger payout if you get it right.
Example: If Team A faces Team B in an MLBB match with odds of Team A at 1.45 vs Team B at 2.70 — Team A is considered the stronger side. A RM 100 bet on Team A returns RM 145 if they win (stake included), while RM 100 on Team B returns RM 270.
| Market Types | Brief Description | Betting Example | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | Predict which team wins the overall match | Team A wins at odds 1.80 | All player levels |
| Map Handicap | The underdog team is given a map advantage | Team B +1.5 maps at odds 1.65 | Players who know team strengths |
| Total Kills (Over/Under) | Predict whether the total kill count will go over or under a set number | Over 45.5 kills at odds 1.90 | Players who understand game tempo |
| First Blood | Which team gets the first kill on the map | Team A First Kill at odds 1.75 | Players who know early-game strategies |
Key terms to know before you bet
The world of esports betting comes with a fair bit of technical jargon that can be unfamiliar to new players. Understanding these basic terms helps you make more informed decisions and avoid any confusion about the markets you're betting on.
How Malaysian players typically engage with esports
MLBB fans following MPL Malaysia
For Mobile Legends fans who have followed MPL Malaysia since the start of the season, every match is a chance to put their knowledge to the test. They know the playstyles of teams like Todak or SEATAC, understand when a certain team tends to take the first map, and use that insight to make more informed bets.
With 185, they can access live markets while the match is ongoing — adjusting their bets to match the current situation without waiting for the final result.
University students watching Dota 2 TI
The International is the pinnacle of Dota 2 every year, with a prize pool worth billions in MYR. Many Malaysian university students follow TI closely — knowing every team, understanding the current meta, and having strong opinions on who deserves to win.
The 185 platform covers major tournaments like TI with a wide range of options — from outright winner to individual match markets. Mobile access means they can bet from anywhere, including while watching with friends in the dorm room.
Next match starting soon
Register your 185 account today and join thousands of Malaysian players already betting on their favourite teams. Esports markets are available around the clock — from local leagues to world championships.
Top up your account and be ready before the match starts
One thing that often causes players to miss out is not having their account balance topped up before the match begins. Esports markets can close just minutes before kick-off due to rapid odds movement during the warm-up period.
The best approach is to deposit first via TNG eWallet, FPX, or Maybank — the process typically completes within two minutes. With your balance ready, you can go straight to picking your market and confirming your bet without racing against the clock.
For players from Sabah and Sarawak, these online payment methods are especially convenient as there's no need to visit any physical counter. Everything can be done from your smartphone wherever you are while the match is on.
If you're new and haven't registered yet, visit the new account registration to get started. The process takes under 3 minutes and you can make your first deposit right away.
Active players get more — a quick look at the benefits
185 rewards players who regularly use the platform. The more active you are across different betting categories — including esports, casino table games and other sports — the more benefits you can unlock.
These benefits include deposit bonuses, periodic cashback, early access to exclusive markets, and special tournament rewards for loyal players. Full details on current benefits are available once you log in to your account.
For new players who have just registered, there's a welcome offer that can boost the value of your first deposit. Be sure to check the promotions section once your account is activated to see what's currently available.
