Top Esports Betting Sites
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About Esports Betting
If you’re new to the world of esports, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. What exactly is esports betting, and why is it one of the hottest industries worldwide? Here, you’ll find a brief primer on esports betting and discover why it’s one of the fastest-growing forms of entertainment.
What Is Esports Betting?
Esports betting is similar to regular sports betting, except instead of betting on live sports, bettors gamble on the outcome of competitive multiplayer video games. For example, you can bet on who gets the most kills in Call of Duty, which player will score first in Counter-Strike 2, and so on.
Video game competitions aren’t exactly a new thing. In 1980, Atari held the Space Invaders Championship, which drew over 10,000 competitors. Other tournaments quickly began to spring up worldwide, usually in arcades.
In 2002, the Major League Gaming organization was founded, and it didn’t take long for esports betting to explode in popularity. Today, the esports betting industry generates about $10 billion annually in the U.S. alone.
Why Esports Betting Is Growing Rapidly
Thanks to streaming platforms like Twitch, it’s easy to watch esports 24/7. Even major sports broadcasting companies have gotten into the game. Sports giant ESPN, for instance, purchased the rights to air the League of Legends final on the ESPN3 channel.
Esports betting is taking off like a rocket because it’s highly accessible and just plain fun. Watching your favorite team duke it out in a virtual warzone offers a unique thrill. Want to get in on the action? Just pick an esports betting site from our list to get started!
How We Rate the Best Esports Betting Sites
Of course, not all esports betting sites are worth your time. We searched for the very best and listed them right here on our site to save you hours of frustration. Here’s how we rate the top esports betting sites.
Licensing and Security
Before signing up with any esports betting site, make sure the site has a license from a gambling authority. Betting sites with a license are much more legit than those without. You can trust them to have fair odds, pay out on time, and secure your account from fraud. Betting sites that lack a license are too risky, so steer clear.
We also looked for esports betting sites that take security seriously. Good ones encrypt all financial transactions and require you to prove your identity before depositing or withdrawing money.
Game Selection and Market Coverage
The best esports betting sites have a wide range of games to choose from, including favorites like Call of Duty, League of Legends, FIFA, and Valorant. They make it easy to hop between games and keep track of your bets in one convenient place.
We searched for betting sites with good market coverage, which means they have an impressive variety of ways to bet on esports. Our top sites offer bets such as moneylines, over/under, props, and more.
Esports Betting Odds and Payouts
Just like regular sports betting, when shopping for an esports betting site, it’s important to pay attention to the odds, which depict the chance of you winning a certain bet. Some esports betting sites offer much better odds than others.
Payout speed is another big factor we pay attention to. Good esports betting sites pay out within one to three days, while the best get your winnings to you in just a few hours.
Payment Methods and Withdrawals
Our favorite esports betting sites offer plenty of payment methods to choose from, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and player-to-player transfers. We give a betting site major points if it accepts crypto. That’s because crypto is the fastest, most secure payment method available.
Our team pays attention to withdrawal options, too. We prefer sites that allow you to withdraw winnings using the same method you used to deposit money.
Bonuses and Promotions
Plenty of esports betting sites offer bonuses and promotions, but not all are worth your time. We chose betting sites with generous welcome bonuses, which will match your first deposit by a certain amount, as well as promos like free bets and cashback on losses.
The top esports betting sites offer loyalty programs as well. These programs reward you with points for every bet you make. The more points you rack up, the higher your rank and the better your rewards will be.
User Experience and Mobile Compatibility
As esports fans ourselves, we know there’s nothing worse than an esports betting site crashing or glitching in the middle of a heated match. That’s why we hunted for betting sites that offer a speedy, seamless user experience. Our favorites load quickly and stream matches without a hiccup. They also organize games and matches well to make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
Mobile compatibility is another big factor we pay attention to when rating betting sites. That’s because we know many esports fans prefer betting on their tablets and phones. We looked for esports betting sites that offer an app or, failing that, a website that works perfectly in mobile browsers.
Popular Esports To Bet On
If you’re new to esports betting, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of games on offer. Here, we list some of today’s hottest esports, including League of Legends, Dota 2, and Call of Duty, to help you find a new favorite.
League of Legends (LoL) Betting
League of Legends, or more simply, LoL, is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where champions duke it out for supremacy. It features a fantasy-themed world and hundreds of characters with unique abilities to choose from.
The game runs in a team vs. team format. To start, players choose a champion, which begins at level one. As they play, gamers gain experience to level up and win gold to upgrade their abilities and equipment.
LoL has many types of bets to choose from, such as:
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First to kill the Baron
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Time to finish the match
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Team to draw first blood (get the first kill)
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Betting
Counter-Strike 2, or CS2, is a tactical first-person shooter game that launched in 2023. It’s the updated version of its predecessor, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). Players join one of two teams: the Terrorists or Counter-Terrorists. They then compete in multiple objectives, such as bomb defusing and hostage rescue. At the end of a match, the winners receive virtual money.
Bettors can wager on the map winner, match winner, tournament winner, and more.
Dota 2 Betting
Dota 2 is another MOBA game that hails from legendary developer Valve. It takes its name from Defense of the Ancients, a popular Warcraft III mod.
The game features two teams of five players who compete to destroy the opposing team’s Ancient while protecting their own from destruction. Players can choose from more than 100 characters specializing in skills such as melee, magic, stealth, and healing.
With its fast-paced action and exciting gameplay, Dota 2 draws players from around the world. There are dozens of tournaments annually, and top players can win prizes worth well over $1 million.
As with other esports titles, you can bet on which team will win a match or map. Many betting sites also offer live betting, which allows you to place bets on the match in real time.
Valorant Betting
Developed in 2020 by Riot Games, Valorant is an FPS tactical shooter that draws inspiration from Counter-Strike. Players choose an agent and join either the Attacking or Defending team, where they work in groups of five to complete various objectives. Each agent starts the round with their signature ability and a pistol; players have the chance to purchase better weapons as the match unfolds.
Players must reach level 20 to join competitive ranked matches, which assign a rank to every player after they play five games. Ranking starts at the Iron level and goes up to Radiant. There can only be 500 Radiant players per region at any time.
On esports betting sites, you can bet on the match winner, over/unders, the player with the most kills, and specials, such as whether you think the match will go into overtime.
Call of Duty and Other FPS Games
Often imitated but never duplicated, Call of Duty is an FPS game with a history spanning over 20 years. Arenas range from realistic historical sites to sci-fi-themed locales such as spaceships.
In Call of Duty and similar games, players can specialize in weapons such as shotguns, pistols, SMGs, and sniper rifles. Call of Duty features three main modes: Hardpoint, Control, and Search and Destroy.
Call of Duty is so popular to bet on because it’s fast-paced and easy to understand. This is a great place to dive in if you’re an esports betting beginner. Of course, be sure to familiarize yourself with the different game modes before you place a bet.
Sports Simulation Games
With realistic graphics and heated gameplay, titles such as FIFA, Madden, and NBA2K offer the next best thing to betting on real sports. There are a variety of leagues for each title, so if you’re planning on betting on a sports game, it pays to familiarize yourself with them.
For FIFA, for example, the FIFA Global Series is the main competitive league. Every year, this league hosts a variety of qualifiers and tournaments, with the FIFA eWorld Cup being the crowning event. There’s also the ePremier League, which is a partnership between the Premier League and Electronic Arts.
As with real-life sports, you can bet on which team will win the game, which player will score first, whether the game will go into overtime, and so on.
Top Esports Betting Sites for 2025
We know you’re excited to start betting on esports, so without further ado, here’s our list of the top esports betting sites today. You’ll find the best betting sites for bonuses, crypto payments, competitive odds, and more.
Best Overall Esports Betting Site
If you’re scouring the web for the best all-around esports betting site, look no further than Bet365. This esports betting site offers an excellent variety of esports titles to bet on, including Valorant, LoL, and CS2. It holds a New Jersey gambling license, so you can rest assured that Bet365 is legit.
Bet365 offers an easy-to-navigate website and a seamless betting experience. It’s a snap to dive right in and choose a match to bet on. If you prefer to bet while on the go, you’ll appreciate this provider’s app for iPhone and Android.
The site offers an array of promos, the most notable of which is the welcome bonus. New account holders can choose from one of two bonuses. Either opt for the $1,000 first bet safety net or choose the bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer. In some states, you can also score a deposit-match bonus.
Bet365 offers an excellent selection of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and bank transfers. Depending on your withdrawal method, you could get your winnings in as little as one to four hours.
For these reasons, we’ve named Bet365 as the best esports betting site overall.
Best Esports Site for Live Betting
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of betting on live esports. If you’re into live esports betting, you’ll love Betsson. This site offers a seamless live betting experience so that you won’t miss a second of the action. It updates odds rapidly, perfect for helping you keep tabs on a match so you can place those last-minute bets.
Another thing we like about Betsson is that it settles all bets within just 15 minutes. On top of that, it offers a handy bet-builder tool to help you combine bets for the biggest payout.
Right now, Betsson is offering a 100% deposit-match welcome bonus of up to $100 for new bettors, so grab your bonus now.
Best Site for High Odds and Competitive Markets
Want an esports betting site with impressive odds? TonyBet is the one for you. This Canadian-based betting site has been in business for 22+ years and has some of the best odds we’ve seen among various providers.
TonyBet offers a slick, speedy platform, a nice variety of payment methods, and 24/7 customer service. It also takes bettor security seriously and holds a license from the UK Gambling Commission.
Currently, TonyBet offers a 100% welcome bonus of up to $350.
Best Site for Crypto Esports Betting
Prefer to pay with crypto on esports betting sites? You’ll love Mystake. This betting site accepts a wide variety of cryptocurrencies and offers some of the fastest payout speeds in the industry.
While some other betting sites only offer a handful of esports titles, Mystake goes above and beyond. Choose from titles like StarCraft 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, and CS2. Plus, Mystake offers more than 40 betting markets, including first blood, total kills, and many more.
Mystake also offers an impressive welcome bonus that matches your first deposit by 100%, up to a maximum of $500.
Best Site for Bonuses and Free Bets
It pays to shop around for an esports betting site with generous bonuses because those bonuses will help you stretch your bankroll further. If you’re searching for a betting site with great bonuses, Betway is the one for you. Welcome offers vary by region and range from $30 to $300 with your first deposit.
Betway offers plenty of esports to choose from, and we found its website to be slick and responsive. Payment methods include credit cards, PayPal, and PayNearMe. Withdrawals are quick and hassle-free, allowing you to get your winnings in just a few hours.
Esports Betting Markets and Bet Types
Don’t know the difference between moneyline and spread betting? We’ve got you covered with this handy guide to some of the most popular types of esports bets.
Match Winner and Moneyline Bets
Perhaps the simplest bet to understand is the match winner bet. As the name implies, you’re betting on which team will win the match. This type of bet is also called a moneyline bet. It’s a good pick if you’re new to esports betting.
Handicap and Spread Betting
Handicap, or point spread betting, involves betting on a team’s margin of victory instead of the final result of a match. In point spread betting, the underdog is depicted by a plus sign (+), while the favorite to win is marked with a minus sign (-). If you bet on the favorite, they must win by a certain number of points. If you choose the underdog, they must either win the game outright or lose by fewer than a certain number of points.
Over/Under and Totals Betting
Totals bets are more commonly called over/under because you’re betting on whether the total score will go over or under a certain amount. Rather than betting on an individual team’s performance, you bet on the combined performance of both teams.
For example, suppose you’re betting on CS2. You could place an over/under bet that says the Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists will score a combined 50 points by the end of the game.
Prop Bets and Special Markets
Prop bets are those that aren’t tied to the final result of a game. For example, you could bet on the number of kills a certain player will get or how long it takes a team to capture the opposing team’s base.
Prop bets are a fun way to spice up your esports betting experience, but they can be risky if you don’t fully understand the odds.
Live Betting and In-Play Markets
Live betting, or in-play betting, involves betting on an esports match in real time. What makes live betting so exciting is the ever-changing odds. If you see a team turning the tide in its favor right before the end of a match, for instance, you can squeeze in your last-minute bet and profit big.
How To Get Started With Esports Betting
Whether you’re brand-new to esports betting or just want to brush up on the basics, we’ve got you covered. Below, learn how to place a bet and manage your bankroll responsibly. You’ll also discover esports betting strategies to help you make the most of the experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Placing Your First Bet
Here, we’ll walk you through the betting process, from creating an account to placing your first bet.
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First, choose an esports betting site from our list of providers. We’ve done the hard work of researching betting sites, so you don’t have to.
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Create an account with your chosen betting site. You’ll need to supply basic details about yourself. You may also need to provide a copy of your ID.
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Once the betting site has verified your account, you can claim a welcome bonus if the site offers one. To do so, head to the cashier page and deposit funds into your account. Be sure to deposit the minimum amount to qualify for any esports betting bonuses.
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When the funds have hit your account, you’re ready to start betting. Go to the esports section to see available matches and odds.
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Choose a bet, then enter the amount of money you want to wager.
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Wait for the match to finish. If your bet wins, the provider will deposit the money into your account.
Bankroll Management and Responsible Gambling
Esports betting is exciting and fun, so much so that it’s easy to get carried away and spend more than you wanted to. Thankfully, most esports betting sites have responsible gambling tools to help you prevent overspending. For example, you can set a limit for daily betting or even temporarily disable your account for a certain amount of time.
Here are some tips to help you keep problem gambling in check:
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Never bet more than you can afford to lose on esports tournaments.
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Never borrow money to keep gambling when you’ve run out of funds for your bankroll.
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Avoid betting on esports when you’re using alcohol or drugs, as you’re more likely to make bad decisions.
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Don’t use money meant for necessities, such as rent and bills, on esports betting.
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Bet with your head, not your heart. For example, don’t angrily place another bet after a loss just because you believe you’re “due” for a win. If you’re feeling upset, it’s better to walk away and come back another time.
Esports Betting Strategies for Beginners
How can you make the most of your time on esports betting sites as a beginner? Esports wagering can quickly become complicated, so when you’re first starting out, it’s best to keep things simple. These tips will help you start on the right foot:
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Choose the right esports betting site. The site you choose makes all the difference between a great betting experience and a bad one. Struggling with analysis paralysis? Pick one of the esports betting sites from our list. We’ve vetted each one and have given all of them our stamp of approval.
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Study the odds before you bet, as they give the best indication (although not a guarantee) of which team will win. If you’re unsure how to interpret the odds, check out tipster websites. They keep track of upcoming matches and will tell you which bet looks the most promising.
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Avoid betting on new teams until they’ve established a track record of wins. Such teams might be up-and-coming superstars, but you won’t know that until you’ve seen them perform a few times.
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Watch out for roster changes where a team replaces a weaker player with a stronger one. Changes can happen at the last minute and may drastically tip the odds in a team’s favor.
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Start off with basic bets, such as which team will win the match or tournament. Avoid props, handicaps, and other special bets until you’re more confident in your wagering skills.
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Consider playing the esports game you’re betting on. While you probably won’t reach the lofty heights of the top players, you’ll learn how the game works and what to look for when choosing a team to bet on.
Payment Methods for Esports Betting
You’ve chosen an esports betting site; now, which payment method should you use? Your payment method matters because it affects deposit and withdrawal speed. On top of that, esports betting sites may charge fees for certain payment methods. And if you want to claim a bonus, the betting site might require you to use a specific payment method, like crypto.
Here, we discuss your payment options and the perks and drawbacks of each.
Traditional Payment Options
Traditional payment methods include credit and debit cards, bank transfers, cashier’s checks, and e-wallets. Most esports betting sites offer a good variety of traditional payment options to choose from.
The biggest benefit of payment methods like this is that they’re familiar. If you’ve used your debit or credit card to buy things online, it pretty much works the same way on esports betting sites. Just enter your card number and the amount you want to deposit, and you’re good to go.
Payment methods like credit cards and e-wallets are also very secure. Many offer fraud protection to safeguard you from unauthorized transactions.
So what’s the catch? Traditional payment methods can be quite slow. For example, it can take three to seven days to get your winnings with a credit card or bank transfer. Additionally, some betting sites charge a fee to use these methods. It’s not uncommon to see fees of 2% to 5% per transaction.
If you prefer traditional payment methods, e-wallets like PayPal and Google Pay are usually best. They’re highly secure and very speedy, allowing you to get paid in hours or minutes instead of days.
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Cryptocurrency Betting Sites
What if there was a payment method that offered lightning-fast speeds and was totally anonymous to boot? Crypto fits that bill to a tee. With cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Tether, you can get your winnings in mere minutes. That beats the pants off far more sluggish traditional payment methods.
If you don’t want a betting site to know your private details, you’ll love the anonymity of crypto. Crypto transactions don’t include your name, phone number, or any other identifying information. This is a big plus as it offers a robust layer of protection against fraud.
Another great perk of crypto betting sites is that they allow you to bet even if you’re in a country where esports betting is against the law. That’s because crypto gambling sites are located in offshore countries, so local gambling laws don’t apply to them.
That said, crypto isn’t for everyone. It can be complicated to get started with crypto if you’ve never used it before. Additionally, crypto transactions aren’t reversible. Once you’ve put money in, it’s a done deal.
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Esports Betting Legality and Safety
Is esports betting legal? The question sounds simple, but the fully fleshed-out answer could fill an entire book. The short explanation is that esports betting may or may not be legal, depending on where you live. In the United States, for instance, it’s legal in 18 states, and there are currently plenty of politicians out there who are trying to legalize it in others.
To further complicate matters, there’s a big difference between regular esports betting, skins betting, and fantasy esports. Skins betting involves using skins, which are in-game items that change a player’s appearance, as currency. Because skins aren’t real currency, skins betting has largely gone unregulated.
What about fantasy esports? Fantasy esports are games featuring virtual players rather than real ones. Because of this, most states classify them as fantasy sports contests, which are legal in many areas of the U.S.
If you live in an area where esports betting is illegal, you’re not out of luck. You can always use a crypto esports betting site, as mentioned above. To date, nobody has ever been prosecuted for esports wagering at an offshore betting site.
Now, let’s move on to the topic of safety. Are your personal and financial details safe on esports betting sites? As long as you only gamble at licensed betting sites, yes. Stay away from unlicensed sites, and you’ll be perfectly fine.
To know if an esports betting site is licensed, scroll down to the bottom of the page. There, you’ll see information about the gambling authority that provides its license. You may also be able to find information on the site’s “About” page.
Find Your New Favorite Esports Betting Site Today
Now that you’ve learned all you need to know about esports betting sites, are you ready to place your first wager? Simply choose one of our top esports betting sites to claim your welcome offer and start betting today.
FAQ
Have more questions about esports gambling? Learn more about esports betting sites here.