In recent years, the esports industry has exploded in popularity, drawing millions of fans worldwide and transforming competitive gaming into a billion-dollar global spectacle. As a natural extension of its mainstream success, betting on esports—once a niche pursuit—is now a major player in the global wagering market. With professional tournaments, dedicated betting platforms, and a passionate fan base, esports betting is reshaping how fans engage with their favorite games.
What is Esports Betting?
Esports betting involves placing wagers on the outcomes of competitive video game matches. Just like traditional sports betting, odds are set for various possible results, and bettors can place money on who they believe will win, which team scores first, or even specific in-game events. The most popular esports titles for betting include:
-
League of Legends (LoL)
-
Why it’s popular:
LoL has a structured pro scene (LCS, LEC, LCK, etc.) with highly followed international events like the World Championship. -
Betting types:
-
Winner of the match
-
First blood
-
First to destroy a tower or dragon
-
Total kills or maps
-
Correct map score
-
-
-
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
-
Why it’s popular:
CS:GO is one of the most established esports games with a consistent tournament schedule, simple rules, and huge fan following. -
Betting types:
-
Match winner
-
Map winner
-
First kill
-
Total kills
-
Pistol round winner
-
Handicap bets
-
-
-
Dota 2
-
Why it’s popular:
Known for The International, one of the largest prize pools in esports. Complex strategies attract knowledgeable bettors. -
Betting types:
-
Match winner
-
First Roshan kill
-
First team to 10 kills
-
Over/under on game time
-
Correct series score
-
-
-
Valorant
-
Why it’s popular:
Riot Games’ shooter has quickly grown in viewership and betting volume since its release in 2020. -
Betting types:
-
Match winner
-
Round totals
-
Pistol round winner
-
First kill
-
Overtime result
-
-
-
Call of Duty (CoD)
-
Why it’s popular:
With annual updates and a dedicated pro league, CoD continues to be a staple in FPS esports. -
Betting types:
-
Map winner
-
Series winner
-
Player-specific stats
-
Total rounds or kills
-
-
-
Overwatch
These games host massive international tournaments such as The International, the League of Legends World Championship, and the CS:GO Majors, drawing in both spectators and bettors alike.
Types of Esports Bets
There are many ways to wager on esports, allowing for simple or highly detailed bets:
| Bet Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Betting on who wins the match or series. |
| Handicap | One team is given an advantage/disadvantage to even the odds. Common in mismatches. |
| Totals (Over/Under) | Bet on whether a certain stat (kills, maps, rounds) will go over or under a set number. |
| Prop Bets | Specific events like first blood, first tower, most kills by a player, etc. |
| Live/In-Play Betting | Place bets in real-time as the match is ongoing. Odds change dynamically. |
| Futures | Long-term bets on tournament winners or season champions. |
Understanding Esports Odds
Odds represent the probability of an outcome and determine your payout.
-
Decimal odds (e.g. 2.00): Multiply your stake by the odds to calculate the return.
-
Fractional odds (e.g. 3/1): For every 1 unit bet, you win 3.
-
Moneyline odds (e.g. +200 or -150): Common in the U.S.
Example:
If Team A has 1.50 odds and Team B has 2.60:
-
A $100 bet on Team A would return $150 (including stake).
-
A $100 bet on Team B would return $260.
Favorites have lower odds (lower payout), while underdogs have higher odds (higher payout, more risk).
Esports Betting Platforms
Many sportsbooks now offer dedicated esports sections, including:
-
Mr. Cat
-
GG.Bet
-
Unikrn
-
Thunderpick
-
Pinnacle
These platforms offer:
-
Live streaming
-
Real-time odds
-
In-depth stats
-
Bonuses and promotions for esports bets
Big Tournaments to Watch & Bet On
| Game | Major Tournament |
|---|---|
| Dota 2 | The International |
| LoL | World Championship |
| CS:GO | BLAST Premier, ESL Pro League, Majors |
| Valorant | VCT Champions |
| CoD | Call of Duty League Champs |
These tournaments attract massive betting volume, often comparable to major traditional sports events.
Why Is Esports Betting So Popular?
- Global Reach and Accessibility
Esports is a truly global phenomenon, with events streamed live to millions via platforms like Twitch and YouTube. This accessibility has created a fertile ground for online betting, allowing fans to place bets in real-time, often while watching the matches. -
Younger Demographic Engagement
Esports resonates with a younger, tech-savvy audience—many of whom are more familiar with video games than traditional sports. Betting platforms that offer esports options tap into this demographic by providing digital-native, mobile-friendly experiences. -
Diverse Betting Markets
Beyond simply betting on a match winner, esports betting allows for a wide range of wagers: map winners, total kills, first blood, and even how many headshots a player will land. These in-game prop bets create exciting, fast-paced betting experiences. -
Year-Round Action
Unlike seasonal sports, esports tournaments run all year, offering continuous opportunities for fans and bettors to stay engaged.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The rapid growth of esports betting has prompted governments and regulators to take notice. Some jurisdictions have legalized and regulated it, while others have imposed restrictions. Responsible gambling practices are crucial, especially given the younger audience drawn to esports. Reputable betting platforms now include:
-
Age verification
-
Deposit limits
-
Responsible gaming resources
-
Transparent odds and fair play measures
Betting responsibly and staying informed about local regulations is key to enjoying esports wagering without negative consequences.
The Future of Esports Betting
As esports continues to evolve, so will the betting landscape. Innovations such as blockchain-based betting, AI-generated odds, and virtual reality integration are already on the horizon. Additionally, partnerships between betting companies and esports teams or tournaments suggest a future where wagering becomes an even more integrated part of the viewing experience.
Final Thoughts
Betting on esports represents the convergence of gaming culture and digital finance. For fans, it adds another layer of excitement to watching matches. For the industry, it opens up new revenue streams and engagement channels. However, as with any form of gambling, moderation and responsibility must guide the experience. With the right balance, esports betting is poised to become a permanent fixture in the global gaming ecosystem.
Disclaimer: Esports betting is subject to local laws and age restrictions. Always gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help from a trusted support organization.
