Esports Betting Explained

The definition of esports has been strongly debated for many years by all sorts of people, including academics, players, spectators, and even politicians. However, the consensus is that esports is competitive video gaming, played for a prize and typically watched by live or online spectators. Internationally, esports betting has accompanied esports recent meteoric rise, and more recently, US esports betting regulations are starting to allow esports bets. Present-day esports competitions are usually leagues or tournaments, with several multi-million dollar tournaments that dwarf major sporting events like Wimbledon. 

Esports has experienced more than financial growth; recent esports competitions experience viewership that outnumbers the Superbowl! For esports enthusiasts, the date esports was invented is up for debate. However, it wasn’t until the 90s that the modern format of esports began to take shape. This marked the beginning of organization and professionalization, which attracted more people – and more money. 

Best Sportsbooks That Offer Esport Betting

How to bet on Esports?

Although modern-day esports has fewer physical demands than most traditional sports, the industry’s rapid growth mirrors the development of many major sporting franchises. As esports has developed, the way viewers and players enjoyed their favourite competitive video games changed too. As with almost all human competition, betting soon became a prominent feature of esports. Although there were some teething problems surrounding regulation, esports betting is beginning to be resolved. Governments around the world are finally catching up to the fast-changing esports. Now would-be sports bettors do not have to resort to sketchy grey-market betting sites to place a wager on their favorite sports. 

The increasing amount of regulations has resulted in many established and regulated online casinos and sports betting sites adding esports to their portfolios. In 2020 the global esports betting market was valued at 66.98 Billion dollars and it is projected to grow for many years to come. Particularly in the US, some states have begun to directly legalize esports betting, allowing many big-name gambling brands to wade in.

Betting on esports is broadly similar to traditional sports. Still, there are several different betting terminologies, as well as in-game terminologies would-be bettors should know before placing a wager. As with traditional sports betting, knowing more about the games and its players gives you better chances of winning, so make sure to check out our how-tos!

Best Esports Games to Bet on

Esports is constantly evolving, meaning that new esports titles wax and wane with time – much faster than traditional sports. Thankfully, there are several esports titles that are standing the test of time. We have included these as well as some of the most popular recent esports titles to bet on.

  • League of Legends
    League of Legends (LOL)
  • FiFa
    FIFA
  • Dota-2
    Dota 2
  • Counter Strike Global Offensive
    Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
  • Call of Duty
    Call of Duty
  • Valorant
    Valorant

Everything you need to know about Esport Betting  

If you would like to bet on esports, a good place to start is the longest-running esports titles: League of Legends (LOL), Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), DoTA 2 and Call of Duty. Alternatively, the newer more popular esport options include Valorant and Fifa. Check out our articles for more information on esports games, teams and events. You can also see our helpful esports betting guides, how-tos and tips!

Esports Betting Guide and Tips

Esports Betting FAQs

How to bet on esports in the US?

Currently betting on esports in the US is tricky, as it has not been fully legalized in many states. There are some grey online esports betting options available, however, we recommend waiting until fully licensed and legal sportsbooks start offering esports bets.

Is esports betting legal in the USA?

Yes, in some states. The states where esports betting is fully legal include Nevada, New Jersey, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Esports betting is being approved on a state-by-state basis, just as traditional sports have been – this means some states impose different regulations and limitations. Conversely, esports Fantasy Sports, like Sports Fantasy are legal at a federal level and therefore fully legal across the US. 

What is esports betting?

Esports betting is the wagering of currency, or alternative digital objects with perceived value on the overall outcome, or specific in-match events, of competitive esports game(s).

How esports betting odds are calculated?

Esports betting odds are calculated in the same way as traditional sports betting odds. Odds by online sportsbooks are informed by game experts and the large wealth of statistical data made available in most esports.

What types of esports bet are there?

In addition to traditional sports betting options, there are several esports and even game-specific bets available. Check out our guides for a full breakdown of your esports betting options.

Where to bet on esports?

Currently, esports betting is only available in a few states. Unless you want to risk grey-market online betting sites. Watch this space for fully licensed and legal esports betting options in the US coming soon.

How does esports betting work?

Esports betting works almost identically to traditional sports betting. The only differences are the subject matter and that historically, some esports betting uses in-game ‘skins’ as an alternative currency.

How to make money betting on esports?

Similar to traditional sports betting, although making money on esports betting relies on getting lucky there are some steps you can make to improve your chances. Knowing how and when to make successful bets, as well as what research you should do, can help you make money. For more detailed information read our guide.

Is there a guide to betting on esports?

Betting on esports is straightforward, but you may want to bet for more than simply fun. You can improve your chances of winning by reading our helpful esports betting guides.

What is 'skin' gambling in esports?

As of January this year, the last US case against Valve for skin gambling was dropped. So currently skin gambling is legal in the US, but it is subject to a lot of legal, licensing, and even some moral concerns. We recommend betting with real currency on fully licensed and legal sportsbooks, not just to avoid any headaches, but because some skin gambling sites are not properly licensed and can scam you.