How To Bet On Simulated Sports Online
Sports sim betting or simulated sports betting is different than eSports or even virtual sports. With Sims, games are simulated using popular videogame titles such as Madden, NBA2K, FIFA Soccer, and more.
The difference here is that no one is controlling the teams in the match, and it is computer versus computer.
However, betting on these games that involve real rosters and coaches is available at many betting sites online.
The Games Feel Similar To Real-life
Wagers and markets are also on par with real games and are graded the same way.
The games look extremely similar to real-life games involving real players. Best of all, the simulated games are streamed live at sportsbooks through the Twitch.tv platform.
Just like any betting market alone, there is almost always value to be found if you look in the right places and learn to handicap the sport properly.
Simulated Sports Betting Guide
Simulated Sports Available For Wagering
There are many popular sports video games used for sim betting, including Madden, NBA2K, FIFA, and UFC Fight Night.
Most betting sites display game settings, such as All-Madden difficulty, 15-minute quarters, and random weather for a Madden simulation.
Simulated games are shorter than real-life matchups, usually lasting around 90 minutes or less. The faster pace comes from no commercials and computer-controlled teams.
Madden Game Simulations
Madden is world-famous and is easily the most popular simulated game. Betting markets are nearly identical to wagering on real NFL games.
Sides, totals, moneylines, and even live betting is available when betting Madden sims.
The only thing you’re usually going to be missing is player props, but it is possible some online sportsbooks have those, as well.
NBA2k Game Simulations
The 2k Franchise may be more popular than Madden these days. Betting sites that offer simulation betting odds will have markets on these two games, at a minimum.
If you’re familiar with betting on the NBA, then you will be right at home betting NBA2k. Sides, totals, moneylines, and even some props available where it is offered.
Live betting is also a mainstay at betting sites that offer simulated sports betting.
FIFA Simulated Games
FIFA is another sim that you find at sites that offer simulation betting odds. Markets are a bit reduced for FIFA20, but standard soccer wagers, such as three-way moneylines and totals, are options at most betting sites.
Asian handicaps may be a little harder to find, along with the horde of props available for most live soccer matches.
However, like most betting on game simulations, live betting odds are at hand.
UFC Simulated Games
MyBookie.ag is the only sportsbook only that offer UFC simulations, using the video game, UFC3, but it’s worth mentioning here because it’s one of the more unique sims available for wagering.
Also, the propositions available are incredibly close to UFC betting markets in real fights. Aside from betting on the outright winner, you can also bet props, such as will the fight end in a decision.
Tips For Success When Betting Simulated Sports
There can be an edge on any betting market, even simulated games where a large amount of random is going to occur. In fact, there may be hidden advantages that the oddsmakers are unaware of when offering odds on computerized video game matchups.
Here are a few of our best tips to give yourself a fighting chance to win when wagering on simulated sports betting.
Don’t Forget About Bankroll Management
Simulations offer more betting opportunities than regular sporting events. With multiple betting sites, you can find dozens of simulations daily.
Bankroll management is crucial, especially with the constant action in simulated sports betting. Focus on games where you have an edge and avoid less favorable spots.
Line shopping remains essential, as different sites may offer the same matchups with varying odds.
Be Aware Of The Vigorish
From our look at simulated sport betting odds, there have been no betting sites offering -110 odds as base pricing. Sportsbooks are juicing both sides at -115 and, in some cases, -120.
Remember, betting at odds higher than -110 raises your breakeven percentage. Meaning, it’s much harder to earn a profit betting sports when you’re consistently wagering more than -110, which is the case when wager on simulated sports betting.
You will need hit close to 55% of your bets to breakeven when wagering at -120, versus 52.38% when you’re consistently placing bets at -110 or less.
Proposition bets normally have -115 vigorish on both sides, but the edges on those wagers are considerably larger than betting on simulated games.
It’s going to be very tough to beat -115 or -120 pricing on simulations unless you’re sure you have a decent advantage of the market.
Compare Them Against Your Own Ratings, If Possible
Modeling is difficult, but creating your own power rankings or ratings for a sport isn’t impossible, and when it comes to game simulations, checking player ratings and matchups, along with settings, can be easily done.
The oddsmakers could have left out some factors when handicapping the simulations and may not have accurately accessed each team’s rating or some elements of randomness.
If you have an in-depth knowledge of how these simulations are calculated or can build a model yourself, there may be a much larger edge to be had when betting on game simulations.
Where To Bet On Simulated Sports
There is good reason to think simulated sports will still be available at sportsbooks due to their popularity, even after the pandemic.
After all, they don’t take a lot of effort from oddsmakers to produce and formulate odds, and they involve real-life players, coaches, and playbooks.
The ratings are also tied to teams’ performance in the real world, making them far more realistic and relatable than virtual sports.
#1 BetUS Sportsbook
BetUS is our top-ranked online sportsbook, and yes, they do offer sim sports betting odds.
Their 100% Up To $2,500 Welcome Bonus is one of the biggest in the industry, allowing you to boost your bankroll right after signing up and depositing.
You may not find many markets to bet on sim sports, but more options will open after you log in to your account. Just wait for a sim sports event to come up.
In the meantime, take a look at real sports to bet on. You can make a profit by taking advantage of the bonus.
#2 BetOnline Sportsbook
Another elite option in online betting markets is BetOnline.ag.
They offer sports simulations for both the NBA and NFL.
BOL’s main promo is their 50% Up To $250 Welcome Bonus. Make sure to claim it with your first deposit.
BetOnline provides a great live betting platform and lightning-fast payouts.
#3 Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada is one of the most recognized brands in the offshore betting industry.
They offer NFL, NBA, and FIFA simulated sports betting odds when the markets are available.
Bovada gives you a 50% Up To $250 Welcome Bonus with a very low rollover, making it easier to clear.
If you are interested in betting on sports casually, we recommend you try Bovada.
Bonus: Mybookie Sportsbook
One of our top-rated betting sites has a host of sports simulations.
Madden 20 and NB2K20 are available throughout the day, and as mentioned above, they are the only betting site to offer UFC3 simulations.
Current betting limits for NBA and NFL sims are $250 at prematch and $500 live. However, wagering limits may rise an hour before the start of a game as MyBookie gets more liquidity or betting action.
First-half and overnight bets are capped at $100.
Final Thoughts: Betting on Simulated Sports
Simulated sports betting offers a unique way to wager when live sports aren’t available. Whether it’s virtual versions of real leagues or AI-driven matchups, these events provide fast-paced action with plenty of betting options.
But while they mimic real sports, the outcomes are entirely algorithm-based, meaning there’s no player form, coaching strategy, or real-world variables to analyze.
If you’re betting on simulated sports, the key is understanding how the simulations work and managing your bankroll wisely. It’s fun, but it’s not the same as traditional sports betting.
FAQ
A few common questions from our readers.
Is betting on simulated sports legal?
Yes, but it is only found on online betting sites. Regulated land-based sportsbooks will not have odds on sports sims.
What types of bets can you make in simulated sports?
The same bets you can make on live sports. You won’t find as many markets, but all the standard options are there, such as sides, totals, moneylines, and plenty of propositions. However, betting limits are considerably lower than live games with real players.
Is betting on simulated sports safe?
Yes, it is a randomized event and wagers are graded in the same way that they would be if it was a real-life game. The results are random and oddsmakers have no part in the simulations, other than to set the odds.
How do you win simulated sports bets?
Shopping odds and knowledge of the video game and teams helps, but just like any form of sports handicapping, it takes time and effort, and there is luck involved.
Are Simulated Sports Rigged?
No, they are randomized games where computers play simulated games against each other. The ratings of the teams and players are based on their real-life performance, but there is always randomness and variance of outcomes, just like real-life sports.
