If you were wondering how and where to bet on esports, you came to the right place. We carefully screened the odds, betting markets, fantasy options, main events, and every other critical aspect. Get a head start and review the presented esports betting opportunities.
We scoured the digital arena, going through every detail to bring you the best places to bet on esports. Browse our top list below and find your next go-to esports betting platform.
When selecting the ideal esports betting sites, we use specific criteria to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the platforms’ offers, trustworthiness, and user-friendliness.
Esports is a type of competitive gaming in which players face each other in organized virtual tournaments or matches. They can be held online or in person, and the games range from sports video games like FIFA and NBA 2K to multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games like League of Legends and Dota 2.
The global audience size reached 540 million in 2023, up from 435.7 million in 2020. The esports viewer estimation is 640.8 million by 2025. Of the current esports audience, 72% is male, and 28% is female, based on the US sample size. Additionally, only 261.2 million viewers out of 532.1 million were esports enthusiasts in 2022, with the rest being occasional viewers. These statistics and projections prompted the increase of esports betting offers in online sportsbooks.
Esports betting doesn’t differ significantly from classic, real-life sports betting. Thousands of matches are played daily, with bookies offering odds on all aspects of competitive play. Real-money betting is the most basic esports betting, identical to regular sports betting.
Getting started is simple—select the tournament or event of interest, select your match and markets, make your esports wager, and wait for the result.
Esports has a thriving community of competitive gaming fans, commentators, and analysts. By joining this ecosystem, you can keep up with the latest news and developments and use this information to your advantage when betting.
Unlike conventional sports, esports players outperform opponents via mental skills and rapid reflexes. These traits and the nature of the game mean you don’t have to think about external factors, such as the weather or possible player injuries. Your focus can be solely on evaluating the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Understanding esports odds is a fundamental skill for any bettor. Odds provide crucial insights into probability and payouts. This section explains the diverse types of esports odds you’ll find.
Fractional odds, also known as British odds or traditional odds, are a common way to represent odds. These odds are expressed as fractions. The first number represents the potential profit you can make if your bet wins and the second represents the amount you need to wager. If you see fractional odds of 5/1, a $1 bet could result in a $5 profit if the bet is successful. Fractional odds give a clear picture of potential profits and stake requirements.
Decimal or European odds are another prevalent esports betting format. These odds are given in decimal form. The decimal odds figure represents the total potential payout, which includes the profit and the initial stake. For example, if you bet $10 on a bet with 2.50 odds, a successful bet would result in a total payout of $25, including your original $10 stake.
American odds, also known as moneyline odds, are widely used in North America. These probabilities are displayed as positive or negative numbers, such as +150 or -200. Positive American odds represent the potential profit on a $100 bet. For example, if the odds are +150, a $100 bet could result in a $150 profit if the bet wins. Negative American odds represent the amount you must wager to earn $100. For example, if the odds are -200, you would need to wager $200 to make $100.
Exploring the diverse landscape of esports betting reveals an intriguing array of wagering options. This section discusses different bet types, each offering unique appeal and challenges.
Privately arranged social betting occurs in more informal settings, often among friends or within gaming communities. It involves individuals betting on the outcomes of esports matches or events using personal agreements and stakes. While it lacks the structure and regulation of online sportsbooks, social betting highlights the social and recreational aspect of esports.
It involves in-game virtual items, such as skins, as a form of currency to place bets on matches or other outcomes. Esports skin betting is particularly prevalent in games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), where skins hold significant value. However, it’s worth noting that skin betting has faced legal and ethical challenges, and it’s essential for bettors to use reputable platforms and be aware of the potential risks involved.
Real-money wagering at online sportsbooks entails placing bets using real currency on established esports betting sites. These platforms provide diverse events and markets, allowing bettors to wager on match outcomes, player performances, and in-game events. Real-money wagering in online sportsbooks unquestionably tops the list of the best esports bet types due to its widespread availability, diverse betting options, and potential for large winnings.
Esports fantasy betting poses a captivating twist to known sports fantasy leagues. Participants act as team managers, curating their dream roster from a pool of available players representing esports teams. The core concept is strategically choosing players based on their performance and potential in upcoming esports events.
As the actual matches unfold, the performance of your selected players directly influences your team’s success. Points are earned based on criteria such as:
These points largely depend on the fantasy league and accumulate throughout the tournament or event, reflecting the real-world prowess of your fantasy roster.
The ultimate thrill of fantasy competition lies in the head-to-head competition against other teams. As the event progresses, you can see how your team’s accumulated points measure against the performances of rival players. The manager whose roster amasses the most points emerges victorious, claiming prizes or rewards along with bragging rights.
Live stream betting allows viewers to immerse themselves in the excitement of esports tournaments as they wager on the outcomes of live matches played by streamers. Often highly skilled gamers, these streamers attract audiences eager to witness their gaming aptitude.
This betting practice transforms passive spectators into active participants. As viewers engage with their favorite streamers, live stream betting creates a vibrant community where gaming knowledge and intuition can translate into thrilling wins.
Arguably the most straightforward bet type you’re probably already familiar with, even if you’ve never actually bet on any sports match. Also known as a moneyline bet, it’s one of the most common bet types: which team or person do you think will win the match?
If you’re the kind of person who likes to make grand predictions, you’ll love an outright bet. In this method of wagering, you are putting money down on who will win the entire tournament or full league season. It’s a more exciting type of bet because it requires more analysis and prediction. Reputable online sportsbook betting sites will let you make these well in advance of the actual competition.
Accumulator and system bets are the most popular bets at sports betting sites because the stacked odds can result in large winnings. Of course, the more events you add to your bet slip, the higher the risk. The same is true in esports. These betting types are the most advanced, the riskiest, but also the most potentially rewarding.
Because of the nature of video games, you can only make some types of bets when you wager on the outcomes of electronic video game contests. For instance, betting on League of Legends includes wagers on which team will win the first map, or in CS:GO, you could bet on who will be the first to get five kills.
You can find more exotic offers on some sportsbook sites with a heavy esports focus. An example of this type of wagering coming from League of Legends is which team will destroy the first tower, dragon, or inhibitor. These exotic bets are best left to those with a better understanding of certain games.
These games are renowned for their graphics, competitions, and dedicated fan bases and are geared to shape the competitive gaming landscape for years to come. From the most popular esports games and tournaments that have stood the test of time, to emerging contenders making their mark, we look closer at the different types of esports and favorite games available for betting.
MOBAs are characterized by team-based gameplay where two teams, typically five players each, compete against each other in an arena. The primary objective varies by game but often involves destroying the opposing team’s main structure, known as the “Nexus” in League of Legends and the “Ancient” in Dota 2, while defending your own. Naturally, esports betting on League of Legends and Dota dominates the genre. Still, other games in the MOBA category include Heroes of the Storm (HotS) by Blizzard Entertainment and Smite by Hi-Rez Studios.
First-person shooter games are a great esports betting option. These games give players a first-person perspective, immersing them in fast-paced, action-packed environments where aiming and precision shooting skills are paramount:
Other FPS games in this category include Rainbow Six Siege, Apex Legends, and Battlefield.
A Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMO) is a genre of video games that allows a large number of players to interact with one another within a shared virtual world. These games often feature expansive open worlds, persistent player characters, and a variety of activities and objectives. MMOs cater to gaming interests, from role-playing to competitive multiplayer experiences. Let’s briefly discuss some notable games in this category:
Other MMOs in this category include games like EVE Online, The Elder Scrolls Online, and Guild Wars 2.
The differences between betting on traditional sports and esports are marginal. Reputable and regulated esports online sportsbooks operate the same way as when you wager on games like football or basketball. Select the event, make the wager, and wait for the outcome. Outside of that, compare sportsbooks to see the availability of different leagues and markets.
Esports betting bonuses come in different forms, each designed to give users unique incentives and rewards. The landscape is overflowing with opportunities to bet on esports with enhanced stakes. We give an overview of typical esports betting offers, shedding light on their distinct characteristics:
Esports betting apps let you bet on your favorite teams with just a few screen taps. Bettors can look forward to conveniently and quickly wagering using their mobile device, with the added benefit of access to extra features and bonus offers. Numerous online sports betting applications compete by providing accessibility to both Android and iOS users.
Some standout features mobile users can look forward to include:
Bettors who want to fund their esports betting bankroll can do so easily using any of the methods typically accepted at sportsbooks. Traditional payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. These methods have been a staple in the betting industry for years, offering convenience and familiarity to bettors. It’s evident, however, that esports fans prefer virtual wallets and currencies for bankroll management, as discussed below:
Esports betting with PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller allows users to deposit and withdraw funds, enabling quick access to esports markets. Most esports betting platforms widely accept classic payment methods, making them accessible to a broad range of users.
Esports betting with Bitcoin has emerged as a game-changer in the arena. The decentralized nature, security features, and speed of transactions make it an attractive option compared to traditional methods.
Anonymity, lower transaction fees, and especially rapid processing times go hand in hand with fast-paced sports and updated offers. For these reasons, Bitcoin esports betting platforms are becoming increasingly popular.
Even though it’s among the newest betting forms, valuable insights and strategies to help you place esports bets already exist. Our advice will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions:
Traditional sports and esports betting are similar in that you should limit your bets to games you’re familiar with. A solid number of esports games are sophisticated, and your betting will be suboptimal if you are unfamiliar with the rules. If you don’t currently follow esports but are interested, the easiest thing to do is to start watching tournament streams of several games and pick the one that appears most intriguing to learn.
Once you’ve found a game you enjoy, become acquainted with the teams and players who compete in leagues and appear in matches. You may better predict matchups by evaluating their historical performance on various maps and conditions. You will also better understand whether a specific bookie provides the best odds. Check the teams’ and players’ social media accounts for any updates that may assist you in making a decision.
The event format is another factor to consider when placing an online esports wager. Will it be a best of one, two, three, or even five? Of course, the fewer the rounds, the greater the possibility of an upset. Keep in mind that a draw is conceivable in a best of two.
You may get a sense of how the rest of the world is wagering on a matchup by following online tipsters. The final decision is always yours, but it never hurts to get some advice from professional gamers and bettors.
The legality of esports betting is jurisdiction-dependent. In many regions, such as the United Kingdom and parts of the United States, esports betting is legal and fully regulated. However, some countries have restrictions or bans due to concerns about underage gambling or match-fixing. It’s crucial to research your local laws to ensure compliance.
Like any form of gambling, esports betting carries risks. The primary risk is financial losses if your bets don’t succeed. Additionally, there’s a potential for developing gambling-related issues, so it’s essential to approach with caution while following responsible gambling practices and to make sure it is legal to bet on esports in your region.
When choosing an esports team to bet on, factors to consider include the team’s recent performance, player form, strategies employed, head-to-head records against opponents, and any roster changes. In-depth research can provide valuable insights into a team’s potential success.
Betting offers vary by bookmaker and region. While popular titles like Dota 2, CS:GO, and League of Legends are widely available, the range of games you can bet on may differ. Some bookmakers also offer bets on emerging esports titles, so it’s worth exploring the offerings of different platforms.
Esports live betting is a regular occurrence on many gambling sites. It’s a dynamic feature that allows bettors to wager on ongoing matches, providing real-time excitement. This method includes esports competitions such as tournaments and leagues. For those looking to bet on esports, live betting offers the chance to adapt to in-game developments and adjust strategies for potentially better outcomes.
