Best Esports Betting Sites in 2024
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.
Our Top Ranked Betting Sites for Esports
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.
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What to Look For in the Best Esports Betting Sites
When selecting the ideal esports betting sites, we use specific criteria to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the platforms’ offers, trustworthiness, and user-friendliness.
- Odds and margins: Competitive odds ensure that bettors receive fair returns on their wagers. The best sites consistently provide higher odds and better margins for various esports events.
- Esports markets: A good betting site should offer a variety of markets, allowing bettors to explore different betting alternatives.
- Esports coverage: We assess the depth of events and games a betting site offers because top-rated sites should not only provide the main titles and tournaments but also address the multifaceted preferences of esports enthusiasts.
- Live betting and streaming: Sites that provide live betting and streaming of matches offer a complete esports betting experience. Those sites are pushed to the top of the list.
- Free bet availability: Welcome, birthday, and other free bet offers improve your betting sessions by allowing you to place bets without spending your money. One of the indicators of any reputable esports site is the presence of free bets.
- Security and fair play: Fair play guarantees a level playing field for all bettors. Reputable esports sportsbooks adhere to strict ethical standards, conduct regular audits, and have transparent mechanisms in place to prevent cheating or unfair practices.
- Reputation: Reputation is a vital benchmark when choosing an esports betting site. A trustworthy site has a history of proper transaction handling and treating its customers well. By checking user experiences, we estimate a site’s stature in the esports industry.
What Are Esports?
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.
How to Bet on Esports
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.
Interpreting Esports Betting Odds
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
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 Odds
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
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.
Types of Esports Bets
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.
Social and Challenge Betting
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.
Skin and Item Betting
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 Bets
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.
Fantasy Esports Gaming
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:
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- Kills
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- Assists
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- Objectives achieved
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.
Betting on Streamers
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.
Match Winner
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?
Outright Bet – Moneyline
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.
Aka Accumulator
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.
Esports Specific Online Bets
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.
Elite Esports 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.
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
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.
- League of Legends (LoL): One of the world’s most iconic and widely played MOBA games developed by Riot Games. LoL features a vast roster of champions, each with unique abilities, and is known for its strategic depth and fast-paced gameplay. LoL esports betting is highly popular, as the game has a dedicated esports scene, with numerous professional leagues and tournaments, such as the League of Legends World Championship.
- Dota 2: Developed by Valve Corporation, Dota 2 is another influential MOBA title. Like LoL, it boasts a massive hero pool with distinct abilities and is celebrated for its complex gameplay mechanics and high skill ceiling. The annual Dota 2 tournament, The International, offers one of the largest prize pools and ultimate esports Dota 2 betting opportunities.
First-person Shooter (FPS)
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:
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive features two teams, terrorists and counter-terrorists, competing in objective-based game modes. Its competitive scene is renowned for its strategic depth, teamwork, and individual skill, and the competition crosses over to CS:GO esports betting sites.
- Overwatch blends fast-paced shooting with strategic team play. Betting on Overwatch, which features city-based teams competing in a league (OWL), most resembles classic betting out of known games.
- Valorant combines the tactical gameplay of CS:GO with hero abilities similar to those in Overwatch. Valorant esports betting is on the rise, offering opportunities for fans to wager on their favorite teams and players in various tournaments and leagues.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Call of Duty: Warzone have esports scenes with professional competitions. Call of Duty betting has gained attention from fans who follow the intense gunfights and team strategies.
Other FPS games in this category include Rainbow Six Siege, Apex Legends, and Battlefield.
Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMO)
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:
- The FIFA series by Electronic Arts is a renowned sports MMO game. It offers realistic gameplay, an extensive roster of real-world teams and players, and different single-player and multiplayer modes. Fans who enjoy virtual soccer matches and competitions can engage in Fifa esports betting, where all the same markets can apply as in football betting. Compared to football, the advantage of FIFA betting is the absence of real-life issues such as injuries, referee mistakes, weather, and other variables.
- Fortnite is a massively popular battle royale MMO game. It combines shooting mechanics, building structures, and a vibrant, ever-changing environment. Fortnite’s competitive scene features events like the Fortnite World Cup, attracting top players worldwide.
- Rocket League is a unique MMO that combines soccer with rocket-powered cars. The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is a prominent esports league.
- World of Warcraft (WoW) betting is based on a classic MMO known for its expansive, immersive fantasy world. It allows players to explore, complete quests, and engage in epic battles. WoW betting sites have a dedicated player base and wagering opportunities for in-game events, progression, and more.
Other MMOs in this category include games like EVE Online, The Elder Scrolls Online, and Guild Wars 2.
Comparing Traditional Betting & Esports Betting
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.
| Traditional Betting | Esports Betting |
| A more rigid game schedule | Available 24/7 |
| Possible injuries and referee mistakes | Result depends only on players’ skill |
| More developed market | Fairly new market that’s still growing |
| More standardized offers | Less consistent offers on different sites |
| Complex bets available | Standard bets and combinations |
| Potential game delays and interruptions | Continuous and uninterrupted gameplay |
The Lowdown on Esports Tournies and Leagues
Just like traditional sports have cups, leagues, and tournaments, esports have various events and match types. As the industry developed, a number of esports competitions emerged in which eathletes compete for glory and increasingly large cash prize pools. The most common events you will run into are esports leagues and tournaments.
Esports Tournaments to Bet On
In the tournament format, teams or individuals, depending on the game, compete through stages. Within tournaments, things can shake out in a couple of ways, depending on the organizers and the type of game, since not all games fit the tournament setup:
- In CS:GO, the contest usually advances from the group stage to the knockout phase and then to the grand finale. This structure will be present in most tournament-style events you can wager on.
- Within the group stage, teams often battle in more than one game, involving several maps or levels. The most typical formats are best of two and best of three.
- In later stages of the competition, the event organizers usually change to the best of five rule.
In groups, a round-robin system is used where every contestant plays against each other. Another often-used method for esports is Swiss seeding, where teams are drawn for the first round according to their achieved rating, after which winners advance.
Below, we list some of the hottest esports tournaments that take center stage in the realm of esports betting.
Dota 2 – The International
The International is renowned for its massive prize pools, often exceeding $30 million, making it the most lucrative esports tournament. It is the pinnacle of Dota 2 esports, featuring the world’s top teams competing for the Aegis of Champions.
League of Legends World Championship
The LoL World Championship boasts substantial prize money, often exceeding $2 million. This tournament is the climax of the competitive LoL season—teams from various regions battle for supremacy, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. The championship is celebrated for its impressive production and memorable moments.
Fortnite World Cup
The inaugural Fortnite World Cup had a prize pool of $30 million, with significant individual prizes. It showcases the best players in the popular battle royale game in a celebration of Fortnite’s cultural impact. It includes solo and duo competitions.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) Major Championships
CS:GO Major Championships are the premier events in the CS:GO competitive calendar, offering $1 million prize pools. They feature top teams and are known for their intense gameplay and passionate fanbase.
SiGMA joined this community and regularly teams up with Maltese Esports organization GMR Entertainment and Esports Technologies to host tournaments in arenas devoted to electric live tournaments during our events.
Esports Leagues
Leagues are usually operated by third parties who monetize the streaming rights to the matches. Some of the best-known leagues to follow are the ESL Pro League and the Electronic Sports League, which produces worldwide competitions in many games.
Sponsors and organizers put on numerous competitions for the following games:
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- Rocket League
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- SMITE
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- Tekken
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- World of Tanks
The league matches can be watched for free almost 100% of the time on several streaming platforms. It is, of course, possible to purchase tickets and attend in person, but for those who can’t or won’t, the action is always just a click away. In contrast, traditional sports require a subscription to a sports channel bundle to watch games.
The Top Esports Teams
Now that we know what the most popular esports tournaments and games are, let’s also check what the top-ranking esports teams are. This is our top ten based on the prize money earnings across all games and the number of tournaments they have participated in.
- 1. Team Liquid: $48,127,173.71 earned across 2694 tournaments
- 2. OG: $38,074,532.44 earned across 172 tournaments
- 3. Team Spirit: $29,093,827.40 earned across 229 tournaments
- 4. Evil Geniuses: $28,547,445.56 earned across 1004 tournaments
- 5. Natus Vincere: $21,079,325.59 earned across 731 tournaments
- 6. Team Secret: $20,332,743.66 earned across 403 tournaments
- 7. Fnatic: $20,171,606.97 earned across 1119 tournaments
- 8. Virtus.pro: $19,488,768.25 earned across 644 tournaments
- 9. Paris Saint-Germain Esports: $19,186,122.34 earned across 165 tournaments
- 10. FaZe Clan: $18,658,586.96 earned across 701 tournaments
These teams have proven their skills and prowess across various esports tournaments, cementing their status as some of the best teams in the industry.
Esports Betting Bonuses
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:
- Free bets and no deposit bonuses allow users to place wagers without risking their own money, often awarded as part of promotions or loyalty programs.
- Deposit bonuses and reload bonuses match a percentage of deposits, effectively giving new users extra funds for esports betting.
- Cashbacks provide a partial return on unsuccessful bets in cash or bonus funds.
- Accumulator bonuses boost potential winnings for bettors who place multiple bets.
- Loyalty bonuses are given to long-term users based on their activity and frequency.
The Convenience of Esports Betting Apps
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:
- In-Play betting
- Live streaming
- 24/7 customer support
Esports Betting Payment Solutions
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:
E-wallets
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.
Crypto
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.
Expert Esports Betting Tips
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:
1. Leverage Your Existing Knowledge of Games
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.
2. Stay Updated on Teams and Players
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.
3. Pay Attention to the Event Format
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.
4. Analyze the Community’s Betting Activities
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.
Esports Gambling FAQ
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.
Esports odds are crafted by bookmakers who analyze various factors, including team performance, player statistics, recent form, and historical head-to-head matchups. The goal is to provide balanced odds that attract bets on both sides.
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.