Esports betting is the go-to gambling option for the latest generation of punters, who grew up with amazing titles such as Dota 2, LoL, CS:GO, and Fortnite. These are just the surface of Esports betting culture, with hundreds of sites, dozens of games, and countless genres making headway in the world of Esports gambling. Discover an exciting new gaming genre, and meet the top Esports betting sites based on the rankings and reviews of our industry experts.
Any activity that involves humans competing against each other eventually garners the interest of punters. The appeal of staking a few dollars on the outcome of a game and humiliating your opponents more than usual cannot be ignored. The same mechanism of risk and reward has reached the world of electronic sports or esports. These video game-based events are similar to conventional sports matches, with players being split into team or individual matches that test their prowess. Said matches are parceled into tournaments or leagues that garner enormous crowds of rubberneckers and gamblers. The latter bet on games such as Fortnite, Valorant, Dota 2, League of Legends, Overwatch, the latest installments of Call of Duty and Counter-Strike, and a myriad of other titles.
The foundations of gaming were placed in the 1940s, when the first ever electronic game, Nim, was created. Nim required players to remove sticks from a heap and avoid being the ones to take the last stick.
While this game sounds rather boring, it laid the foundations for the arcade era of the 1970s and early 1980s, which saw the emergence of timeless titles such as Pong and Space Invaders. However, these games were at arcades, which hindered accessibility. A true revolution appeared in the 1980s with infamous home consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System. Consoles were followed by PC gaming and the console wars in the 90s.
Each era brought with it immense breakthroughs in both technology and design, but none were more important than the online gaming era of the early 2000s. Titles such as World of Warcraft showed the world that a lonely hobby could be turned into an event that would draw in massive crowds. This suspicion was confirmed by League of Legends, Dota, the Counter-Strike series, and other competitive online games that began organizing official Esports events.
Modern game developers even go as far as designing their games around the prospect of facilitating esports events, such as tournaments. The latest example of such a title is Valorant, whose competitions have garnered enormous interest.
As the popularity of online gaming and its events exploded in the 2010s, so did the number of sportsbooks offering video game betting in various esports categories. These bets were very beginner friendly, especially since they were aimed at a young and presumably inexperienced demographic. Simple bets quickly evolved into complex ones, the best of which we will cover in an upcoming section.
Partaking in esports betting is relatively straightforward. Once you open an account at an online bookmaker, preferably one that we have vetted and reviewed, you need only navigate to the esports section. Here you will find various categories and dozens of exciting games in each. Listings are often accompanied by statistical indicators and betting types, such as series or match winners.
However, you should plan your gambling endeavor ahead of time. We highly recommend that you explore the bonuses and promotions that your chosen online venue offers to beginners and veterans. Our recommended esports betting sites boast amazing offers for every type of player, with promotions such as welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, and cashback offers being the norm. Check out our dedicated guide to gaming bonuses to learn more.
While we offer a wide array of the best sportsbooks in the business, with the best licenses, bonuses, titles, and features, there are some online bookmakers that simply have not caught up to the Esports betting trend. Check out our list of the best esports betting sites to learn more.
When Esports betting first hit the online gaming scene, the most common issue was the lack of bookmakers. This has recently been flipped on its head thanks to an ocean of amazing operators. However, not every online gambling venue is ideal, and even fewer meet your needs and wants.
We highly recommend that you stick to licensed, regulated, and reliable operators that meet our draconian criteria. An Esportsbook should not only offer amazing bonuses and promotions; it should also give you access to the best games and the most reliable banking options. What is more, you should expect to find integrated live streams that allow you to follow your chosen match in real-time.
A nuance that beginners often overlook is the quality of odds and number of markets that a bookmaker offers for a specific title. While these are usually more than satisfactory for massive titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2, Call of Duty, CS:GO, and Valorant, they may be lacking for niche ones.
Modern Esports betting covers hundreds of games in dozens of categories, but some are simply more popular than others. The leading genres are followed by millions of adoring fans and countless punters that see the perfect wager waiting for them in the next round of competitions. The biggest Esports game genres are:
The most viewed Esports depend on the current prize pools, hype, drama, game updates, marketing campaigns, and other nuances. All of these components are incorporated into EsportsCharts's real-time updates on the number of viewers of each Esport.
However, there are some interesting demographic statistics that you ought to know. Firstly, most esports fans are between the ages of 18 and 35. Secondly, a whopping 72% of the audience is male, with only 28% being female. Note that the audience is getting consistently older, with a sharp increase in female viewers in the younger end of this trend.
The largest all-time prize pool belongs to Dota 2, with a whopping $319 million at the time of writing. The most viewed Esport of all time is LoL or League of Legends, whose audience often surpasses millions of keen viewers.
The popularity charts are currently being ruled by Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, with League of Legends, Counter-Strike:Global Offensive, Valorant, PUBG Mobile, Apex Legends, Dota 2, and Arena of Valor trailing behind them. You can expect these rankings to shift as competitions and tournaments appear.
Game developers and their marketing teams have found that the best way to attract viewers and competitors is with massive prize pools. These are often in the ballpark of millions, which has led to some neck-breaking statistics. The most lucrative Esports and their associated players and tournaments are:
|
Rank |
Game |
Prize Pool |
Players |
Tournaments |
|
#1 |
Dota 2 |
$319,694,596 |
4715 |
1811 |
|
#2 |
Fortnite |
$159,419,752 |
6870 |
1345 |
|
#3 |
CS:GO |
$154,774,433 |
15919 |
6712 |
|
#4 |
League of Legends |
$102,371,223 |
9047 |
2848 |
|
#5 |
Arena of Valor |
$74,201,849 |
1916 |
149 |
We touched on Esports genres in a previous segment. However, it is paramount that you are fully aware of the various genres of games that you can bet on during our Esports betting adventures. We, therefore, present the following detailed breakdown of Esports genres, including the most niche ones.
|
Genre |
Description |
|
MOBA |
This genre of video games caused the explosion in Esports popularity that we saw in the 2010s. The catalyst was League of Legends, by far the most popular multiplayer online battle arena game in existence. Its close competitor, and superior in terms of prize pools, Dota 2, is always on its heels. |
|
FPS |
The appeal of first-person shooter games is universal. They were one of the first hits back in the Quake area, and they still dominate with titles such as CS:GO, Overwatch, Call of Duty, and Valorant. |
|
RTS |
Real-time strategy games combine micro-managing with in-depth game knowledge and excellent tactics. StarCraft 2 is currently the most popular title, with Warcraft II on its heels. Note that RTS games are incredibly popular in South Korea. |
|
CCG |
CCG, or collectible card games, have been on the rise since 2020, with games such as Hearthstone and Overwatch League Series 1 taking the forefront. However, a completely new genre of crypto card games, with flagship games such as Gods Unchained and Berserk, is slowly taking over. |
|
Battle Royale |
Battle Royale games took over the gaming space with a simple concept that features a limited map with highly contested areas that keep shrinking as the match progresses. The undisputed king is Fortnite, with titans such as Apex Legends, PUBG, Z1 Battle Royale, Real Royale, and others trailing behind it. |
|
Autobattlers |
The popularity of video game characters and the desire to bring them to life in a new gaming environment has given birth to strategic card games such as Dota Auto Chess, Dota Underlords, Teamfight Tactics (TFT), Auto Stone, Hearthstone Battlegrounds and other exciting titles. |
|
Fighting Games |
Fighting games used to be limited to consoles and arcades, but recent developments have ported them to PC. The one-on-one nature of these titles makes them highly competitive, with games such as Super Smash Bros, Street Fighter V, Emon Slayer, Mortal Kombat 11, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and others taking center stage. |
Modern Esports fills entire arenas with cheering crowds that cannot wait to watch their favorite leagues, tournaments, and championships. These events are streamed live and garner larger audiences every year. The most popular annual esports events are:
|
Event |
Game |
|
The International |
Dota 2 |
|
World Championship (Worlds) |
League of Legends |
|
Major Championships |
CS:GO |
|
Fortnite World Cup |
Fortnite |
|
Honor of Kings Champion Cup |
Arena of Valor |
|
PUBG Mobile Global Championship |
PUBG Mobile |
|
World Series |
Free Fire |
|
Champions |
Valorant |
|
Olympic Virtual Series |
Virtual Sports |
Being knowledgeable about Esports and knowing what kind of Esports you like is great, but there are still a few steps that you have to take in order to have an unforgettable Esports betting experience. Check out the following tips and get started today!
The first step in having a healthy relationship with Esports betting is understanding that it is a fun hobby and not a way to make money. Make sure that you can afford to lose your deposits and that you optimize them by claiming generous bonuses and other promotions.
Not every Esports bookmaker is worth your time. Make a list of requirements and stick to them. These should include featured games, specialized markets, bonuses, promotions, banking methods, and security solutions. Check out our list of recommendations to find the best today.
Esports betting offers hundreds of exciting titles, which differ in their subjective entertainment and objective wagering value. Make sure that you find the best mix of entertainment and quality odds by researching games and picking out gems. Note that you cannot go wrong with big titles such as Dota 2 and League of Legends.
The meta refers to current ruling strategies, tactics, overpowered characters, or other nuances that consistently tilt the advantage in any match to one side. Being familiar with the meta can help greatly with in-game wagers and predicting outcomes.
The Esports world changes on a daily level. Teams fall apart, exciting tournaments are announced, player rankings change, and games become trendy. Keep up with these trends and make sure that you are always partaking in the hottest Esports bets around.
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Make the most of your next Esports betting session by incorporating tips from professional Esports punters. While luck is always a factor, you can greatly impact the outcome of your wager by making clever bets. Take into account the following:
Esports are on a rise that nothing can stop. While this has given rise to hundreds of amazing Esportsbooks, it has also facilitated the appearance of thousands of shady ones. Being able to distinguish the best from the rest in just a glance is a superpower worth having, which is why we recommend that you take these requirements into account:
Reputable and trustworthy
Esportsbooks that appeared yesterday do not have a history of customer reviews, which shows the quality of said venue. We recommend that you stick with established sites that are renowned for their quality and customer care.
Wide Esports coverage
You should not be limited to just the most popular tournaments and competitions from games such as Dota 2 and League of Legends; you should also have access to events of niche titles. What is more, you should have access to live streams and other Esports content on the Esportsbook’s site.
Competitive odds
When you find an appealing wager or market, check it out on other Esports betting sites. If your chosen site has the best odds, go for it. Remember that there is always somebody with a better deal out there.
User-friendly interface
The best Esportsbook sites are easy to navigate. This intuitive nature should also be part of placing bets, managing your account, claiming bonuses, and making both deposits and withdrawals.
Promotions and bonuses
The best Esportsbooks offer a plethora of bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs. These often include welcome bonuses, deposit bonuses, reload bonuses, cashback bonuses, free bets, and special event promotions for local holidays and venue anniversaries.
Banking options
The banking options of Esportsbooks have to be as diverse as their customers. You should expect to see everything from conventional bank transfers, VISA, PaySafe cards, and Mastercard to E-wallets and crypto transfers. Your favorite banking method should be available for deposit and withdrawal if it is capable of it, of course.
Responsive customer support
Responsive customer support is priceless when you are in a pinch. However, customer support is not there just to help you solve issues but also to prevent them. Make sure that you have access to deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and other responsible gambling materials.
Game developers are hard at work producing and publishing exciting new Esports-ready titles each year. However, there are a couple that have consistently dominated the charts since they hit the stage. Check out the following list and see the biggest and best Esports games out there:
League of Legends
This MOBA-style game has two teams competing against each other with the goal of destroying each other’s nexus. It has garnered enormous popularity ever since it was released in 2009.
CS:GO
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a first-person shooter that pits a team of terrorists against a team of counter-terrorists. Its rounds are objective-based and involve strategic gameplay and skilled shooting.
Call of Duty
Another first-person shooter whose name is synonymous with a long-running game franchise. Its fast-paced multiplayer modes and intense combat make it incredibly fun to play and watch.
Fortnite
The undisputed king of battle royales puts 100 players into an arena and has them do combat with building, shooting, driving, and destructive mechanics that are incredibly child-friendly.
Dota 2
Valve’s answer to League of Legends is an amazing MOBA with two teams and an army of ancient heroes. This game is synonymous with enormous competition prizes.
Overwatch
A combination of the FPS and MOBA genres with an incredibly diverse cast of heroes. Players are forced to work together and overcome their opponents with skill, teamwork, and tactical prowess.
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
The father of the battle royale genre is still going strong with addictive gameplay, which makes every strategic decision count. The map is populated by 100 players that fight for their right to remain on an ever-shrinking map.
StarCraft 2
This real-time strategy game has you control armies of units and partake in fast-paced battles. Its micro-management focus is enriched with deep strategy.
Hearthstone
Collectible card games would not be the same without this amazing title. It allows players to build decks and take part in card battles. It is based on a fantasy setting and makes cards come to life.
Rainbow 6 Siege
A tactical first-person shooter that strives to combine realistic hostage and terrorist situations with face-paced combat, charming operators, and competitive gameplay.
Rocket League
Racing games would not be the same without this quirky title. Its gameplay is almost as addicting as its wagering community, which is very similar to that of F1.
VALORANT
Riot Games attempted to corner the online tactical team-based shooter market with this character-based title. It was built around competitiveness, which makes it a pleasure to watch.
Call of Duty Warzone
This battle royale is beloved by Call of Duty fans the world over. It combines classic CoD shooting mechanics with a shrinking map and other battle royale elements.
Apex Legends
This free-to-play battle royale has unique heroes, referred to as “Legends”, which enrich gameplay with their unique abilities. It is focused on teamwork and fast-paced action.
Smite
Players control gods and mythical creatures in this MOBA title that combines multiple pantheons. Its gameplay is based on the third-person perspective and focuses on strategic teamwork.
Yes, they sure are! Esports has you betting on teams or individuals, depending on the game at hand. You wager on the winner or score, and each wager has underlying statistics based on a myriad of factors, so those that love one will surely enjoy the other.
Almost every sportsbook worth its salt offers some form of Esports betting. While there are also online casinos that have an Esports section, these have smaller libraries than dedicated sportsbook sites.
We recommend that you stick to tried and tested sportsbooks with a history of reliability and professionalism. The best Esports game depends on your taste, but you cannot go wrong with wagering on an exciting game of League of Legends, Dota 2, or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).
Yes, there definitely are! The best Esports gambling sites offer in-house streaming solutions that display ongoing games on their sites in real-time. However, you can always watch similar streams on YouTube and Twitch.
All you have to do is open an account at one of our recommended online Esports bookmakers, head on over to the MOBA section, find LoL, set a wager on an upcoming match, and hope for the best.
That depends entirely on the venue that you have chosen. The online sportsbooks that we recommend have been vetted by third-party auditors and reviewed by our industry experts. Other operators might be shady, which is why we recommend sticking to our recommendations.
Yes, there definitely are! Online sportsbooks offer all of the bonuses that you are used to at conventional gambling establishments. Classics such as welcome, reload, and cashback bonuses are all the rage.
If this guide has enticed you to learn more about the exciting world of Esports, we invite you to check out our recommended Esports bookmakers. Note that you can find an enormous library of amazing videos on both YouTube and Twitch.
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