Oddin.gg: Beyond the algorithm

Esports is a world of constant change and unpredictable outcomes. 

But while algorithms and AI enable the processing of thousands of data points every second, providing valuable analysis and automated odds creation, it’s the esports trader who often provides the final touch, truly grasping the nuances of the game and adding a human layer of understanding of players’ and bettors’ behaviour.

Oddin.gg recognises the irreplaceable value of human expertise in esports analysis. While technology forms the backbone of data processing, it’s the nuanced insights of human experts – data scientists and traders – that add depth and refine the understanding of each match.

“We work in a way that automates most of the trading, but there are still moments during specific matches when the mathematical model works best with expert input from the trader,” says Ota Špecinger, Oddin.gg’s head of esports trading.

This philosophy is central to Oddin.gg’s approach. With separate esims and esports trading desks comprising more than 100 traders in total – most of whom are former professional esports players themselves, collectively boasting decades of experience – the Oddin.gg team has mastered the art of blending technology and human insight, creating a dynamic system that adapts to the evolving esports landscape.

Game-specific strategies for smarter odds

Oddin.gg’s approach is game-specific. For titles such as Counter-Strike 2 – which has been around for more than a decade and is known for its more structured, predictable action – mathematical models take the lead, automating much of the process while traders monitor for anomalies and adjust odds in real-time.

“The game is much easier to simulate, so the automated trading system takes over with minimal input required from the trader,” notes Špecinger. “The game model is similar to tennis, just augmented with weapons economics. It’s played in rounds, with five players against five players. Everything is easily accountable.”

However, for more complex games like Dota 2 and League of Legends, the human element becomes more critical. These multiplayer online battle arena games feature a vast array of heroes, abilities and items, creating an endless number of possible scenarios that even the most sophisticated algorithms might lack sufficient data for, leading to situations requiring human input.

“These are more complicated because in Dota 2 alone, you have 126 heroes, each with six abilities, combined with 150 purchasable items and 58 neutral items,” explains Špecinger. 

“This is where the mathematical model is complemented by human expertise, creating a captain-copilot scenario. The fully automated trading system generates odds but can be enhanced further by a trader’s expertise, particularly in scenarios where the pick (heroes being selected) or build (items that player buys) is unconventional and not covered by historical data.”

What sets Oddin.gg’s traders apart

Oddin.gg’s traders are a unique breed. Thanks to years of playing experience, they have a deep understanding of the intricacies of the games. They are astute analysts, capable of processing information quickly and making decisive judgements under pressure.

This is crucial due to the fast-paced nature of live esports betting, where odds can fluctuate dramatically in seconds.

“Our team members are trained to excel at working under pressure,” says Špecinger. “They’re skilled at multi-tasking, and that’s one of the most important abilities in this role.”

Building a team of elite esports trading experts doesn’t happen overnight. Oddin.gg began with a core group of just five people six years ago and now boasts over 60 highly skilled esports-focused traders. Earning a place on this team is no easy feat.

The company runs a rigorous training programme that includes both offline and online components. Recruits undergo intensive sessions, learning the complexities of esports betting, mastering Oddin.gg’s proprietary tools and developing their own analytical skills.

A unified approach to success

The training also emphasises the importance of teamwork and communication. Traders work closely with shift masters and risk managers, sharing information and collaborating to ensure accurate odds and the integrity of each match.

There is a keen culture of collaboration across all departments at Oddin.gg, not just within the trading team. Traders work closely with risk managers to identify and mitigate potential threats like match-fixing and fraud. This includes advising operators on the risks of covering lower-tier or questionable tournaments, which could compromise integrity. 

“We have to meet bettors’ demand for non-stop live content when it comes to tournament selection,” explains Špecinger. 

“It’s our responsibility to flag potential risks and recommend the best course of action, but we also listen carefully to our partners, who often want the broadest coverage possible. Our system is here to ensure that any selection is traded successfully.”

Traders also collaborate with the product department to refine the company’s tools and technology. By combining the expertise of traders, risk managers and product managers, Oddin.gg delivers a seamless, high-quality esports betting experience for bookmakers and, ultimately, their bettors.

Oddin.gg: shaping the future of esports betting

As esports continues to evolve, so too will the role of the esports trader. Oddin.gg is committed to leading this evolution, investing in new technologies and developing innovative tools to support its traders.

“We are always working to improve our tools,” says Špecinger. “Advancements in technology, such as the rise of AI, are making it easier for traders to process high data volumes at split-second speeds.” 

This includes developing more sophisticated machine learning models, enhancing data analysis capabilities and designing new ways to visualise and interpret information.

Despite these technological advancements, Oddin.gg recognises that the human element is still essential in esports betting. The ability to understand the nuances of a game, adapt to unexpected events and make informed decisions under pressure – these are qualities that, for now, only a human trader can provide.

“It’s just really hard to quantify,” Špecinger says, referring to the intuitive judgements traders make. “That’s why our approach is to avoid market arbitrages. Yet, when we have a strong opinion, we’re prepared to take calculated risks.”

By equipping its traders with the tools and knowledge they need to excel, Oddin.gg has created a winning formula that combines human and machine capabilities, shaping the future of esports betting.

Ota Špecinger is head of esports trading at Oddin.gg. With more than eight years of experience, he began his esports betting career in 2016 as an esports trader on platforms such as Betfair Exchange and Pinnacle. Since joining Oddin.gg in 2019, Špecinger has been pivotal in building the trading team and refining the platform’s trading operations, driving innovation and precision in esports betting.

About Oddin.gg

Oddin.gg is the number one B2B choice for esports betting, enabling the growth of its partners by providing an engaging esports betting experience through its end-to-end esports betting ecosystem. Clients benefit from Oddin.gg’s multi-award-winning esports odds feed, risk management, iFrame solution, widgets, 24/7 content, bet builder, live esports data and marketing services.

Combining automated infrastructure, machine learning and advanced data science, Oddin.gg maximises profitability for its partners. The company powers solutions for Betano, ESPN Bet, Stake, Allwyn, Dafabet, Betsson, Betway, OpenBet, Aristocrat, Vibra Gaming, Betby and many more sportsbook and platform providers worldwide. Licensed in New Jersey, Colorado, West Virginia, Ohio, Arizona and Ontario, Oddin.gg is actively expanding its North American presence with additional licences underway.