eSports Betting Sites

Written by Glenn Roberts

Glenn Roberts

Glenn is a sports lover and writes about Soccer and American Football. He also covers reviews of bookmakers, betting apps and deposit or withdrawal methods that players can use at online sportsbooks.

, | Updated: November 10, 2025

Find our expert reviews of reputable and regulated esports betting sites. Each bookmaker has been thoroughly vetted by our team using a real-money account.

1. 

   MyBookieRating: 4.9 ★

2. 

   BovadaRating: 4.8 ★

3. 

   XBetRating: 4.7 ★

4. 

   EverygameRating: 4.6 ★

5. 

   BetUSRRating: 4.5 ★

6. 

   VaveRating: 4.4 ★

With hundreds of online sportsbooks out there, finding a good esports betting site can be a real challenge. There is no need to worry, though. SportingPedia’s experts have put in the hours vetting dozens of sportsbooks to see what they have in store for esports bettors.

Our painstaking evaluation has enabled us to separate the wheat from the chaff and compile this list of the 10 best sites for esports betting.

The bookies recommended on this page eclipse the competition in terms of reliability, reputation, and betting experience. On top of that, they offer a phenomenal variety of esports markets, catering to a wide range of bettor preferences and betting styles.

Esports Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating

Comparison of Esports Betting Sites

Top 9 Esports Betting Sites

1. XBet

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   Costa Rica

   Min Deposit

   • $45 - Mastercard, VISA • $20 - Cryptocurrencies • $100 - Person2Person

   Min Withdrawal

   • $100 - for all payment methods except Bitcoin ($25)

   Withdrawal Time

   For customers with verified accounts - within 48 hours

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   N/A

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes Contact Us Form Phone: 1-855-219-5809
   

   

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   • Protects bettors with 256-bit encryption
   • 24/7 telephone and live chat support
   • An extensive range of lines on major and niche sports
   • Welcomes customers from the US
   • Ideal for cryptocurrency betting
   • Clean and highly responsive UI

   Xbet is a US-friendly bookie that boasts an impressive selection of markets, providing customers with a varied assortment of wagers on more than 25 sports. You can bet on all popular leagues such as the NBA, MLB, NFL, and NHL, or opt for non-sporting events like the US presidential elections.

   The esports coverage is solid, especially for popular games like League of Legends, Overwatch, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. That said, availability depends on the season and on whether any tournaments for the specific esport have started.

   Additionally, Xbet allows for quick, anonymous deposits and withdrawals through an extensive range of cryptocurrencies. Bettors can move funds to and from their balance with Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Dogecoin, and Tether.

   We recommend cashing out via Bitcoin because it is the fastest option and allows for fee-free withdrawals. Bettors unfamiliar with cryptocurrencies can either choose standard methods such as MoneyGram, Mastercard, and Visa, or read the detailed cryptocurrency guides available on the website.

   The user interface is clear and responsive. You can easily switch between different sports and leagues, adjust the odds format, or change your timezone. Customer service meets expectations, with support agents on standby and ready to assist bettors at any time.

2. bet365

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   • UKGC (#055148-R-331498-001)
   • MGA (#MGA/CRP/531/2018)
   • Government of Gibraltar (#076)
   • Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) +10 jurisdictions (including US states)
   • Kansspelautoriteit (1690)

   Min Deposit

   $/€5-10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€5-10

   Withdrawal Time

   Cards, E-wallets, Paysafecard: 1-4 hours; Apple Pay: instant; Wire Transfer: 1-2 banking days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   UEFA Champions League

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes; Email: support.eng@customerservices365.com; Phone: 00 800 1236 5365
   

   

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   • A broad range of banking solutions
   • Streams more than 600,000 live events per year
   • Winner of “Sportsbook of the Year” at the SBC Awards
   • A well-known and reliable betting brand
   • More than two decades of industry experience (est. 2000)
   • Covers popular and lesser-known esports

   With more than twenty years of industry experience, Bet365 has earned a reputation as one of the world’s best online bookmakers. There is hardly anything to criticize when it comes to this superb sportsbook. It is fair to say that Bet365 is among the most trusted and recognizable betting brands worldwide.

   Let the figures speak for themselves. The sportsbook serves 80 million customers across more than 150 countries, catering to its diverse user base with 21 supported languages and more than 25 secure payment methods.

   Few rival sportsbooks can match Bet365 for market diversity. The brand uses a proprietary platform to stream over 600,000 live events each year. It offers thousands of pre-match and live markets, covering more than 40 sports disciplines. Ski jumping, Alpine skiing, horse racing, soccer, golf, cricket, tennis, and basketball represent only a fraction of what is available.

   Bet365 also satisfies esports fans with an extensive range of markets. Betting action is available for just about any esport you can think of. The most notable titles include Valorant, Overwatch, League of Legends, CS: GO, Wild Rift, Dota 2, StarCraft II, and Arena of Valor.

3. Bovada

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   The Union of the Comoros

   Min Deposit

   •$10 - MatchPay; •$20 - card payments; •$50 - Direct Bank Transfer; •0.0001 BTC - Bitcoin; •0.001 BCH - Bitcoin Cash; •0.2827 BSV - Bitcoin SV; •0.01 LTC - Litecoin; •0.002 ETH - Ethereum; •5 USDT - USD Tether; •0.0002 BCL - Bitcoin Lightning

   Min Withdrawal

   •$75 - Bitcoin; •$10 - MatchPay, Voucher, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Bitcoin Lightning; •$50 - Ethereum, USD Tether; •$250 - Check by Courier; •$1,500 - Bank Wire

   Withdrawal Time

   • Bitcoin - Up to 24 hours • Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin - Up to 1 hour • Check by Courier - Approximately 10-15 Business Days • Bank Wire - Approximately 10-15 business days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   N/A

   Contact Details

   •Live Chat: Yes •Email: service@bovada.lv •Phone: N/A
   

   

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   • Accepts wagers from the US
   • Offers numerous cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals
   • Unavailable to bettors from MD, NY, NJ, DE, and NV
   • In-play betting is available for most events
   • Support via live chat, telephone, and email
   • Detailed betting guides with tips and helpful insights

   Bovada was launched about a decade ago by Canadian entrepreneur Calvin Ayre, a well-known name in offshore gambling circles. Home to an online casino, sportsbook, and poker room, the site focuses on the US market. It welcomes customers from most states, with Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Nevada being the only exceptions.

   Bovada’s sportsbook offers a well-rounded selection of sports, including soccer, baseball, football, basketball, tennis, and mixed martial arts. Esports are also exceptionally covered. You will find ample markets for CS: GO, King of Glory, League of Legends, Rainbow 6, Overwatch, Dota 2, Valorant, and StarCraft II.

   You can wager on events from major esports tournaments such as IEM Road to Rio, ESL One Malaysia, the Elisa Invitational Contenders, the LCS Summer Season, and the LoL European Masters, among others. Betting on virtual sports is another option; Bovada offers virtual soccer, greyhound, horse, and camel races.

   Bovada supports payments via cards, courier checks, vouchers, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Crypto withdrawals are processed at no cost, with minimums starting at $10 for BTC, BCH, and LTC. Customer security is a top priority, and the operator protects bettors’ personal and financial information with the latest SSL encryption.

4. BetRebels

   

   Licenses

   MGA (MGA/B2C/172/2009)

   Min Deposit

   €10

   Min Withdrawal

   Digital Wallets: €15; Bank Transfer: €20

   Withdrawal Time

   Processed within 24 hours; Transit time: 1 to 5 working days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   N/A

   Contact Details

   • Live Chat: Yes;
   • Email: cs@betrebels.com
   • Phone:+356 2704 0188 (Malta); +356 2704 0187 (Fax)

   
   

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   • A trusted and experienced betting operator
   • Wide assortment of esports
   • Razor-sharp odds
   • Easy-to-navigate website
   • Comprehensive live betting section
   • A wide range of secure payment methods

   BetRebels is an established betting site that stands out with competitive odds, a user-friendly design, and a versatile selection of markets. With coverage of more than 30 sports, there is plenty to explore. The range of niche disciplines is outstanding, as the sportsbook takes bets on biathlon, badminton, skiing, water polo, pesapallo, futsal, lacrosse, and many other secondary sports.

   Coverage of major sports is equally impressive. Bettors can choose from a wide variety of pre-match and in-game markets for football, hockey, soccer, basketball, and tennis. You can locate your desired markets within seconds because the website is neatly structured and very responsive. A search bar above the main menu lets you look up events by championship or team.

   BetRebels does not disappoint when it comes to esports, either. Action is available for Kings of Glory, LoL, CS: GO, StarCraft II, Dota 2, and Valorant. We found more than a dozen tournaments under the LoL tab alone. Some of the bet types include Match Winner, Number of Maps, Side to Win at Least One Map, Map Winner, Total Kills, and First Blood. The available markets are game-specific, however.

5. 888sport

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   • UKGC (#039028-R-319297-012)
   • MGA (#MGA/CRP/543/2018)
   • Government of Gibraltar (#112 and #113)
   • Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

   Min Deposit

   $/€10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€10

   Withdrawal Time

   • Visa and Apple Pay: up to 6 days • E-wallets and Rapid Transfer: 2-3 days • Wire transfer: 5-8 days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   National Football League (NFL), Dundalk Football Club, Cardiff City FC

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes; Email: support@888sport.com; Phone: N/A
   

   

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   • Honest and reliable bookmaker
   • Cashout feature available
   • A wide range of promotional incentives
   • Bet Builder feature
   • Extensive sports betting blog
   • Dark and light appearance modes

   Launched in 2008, 888sport is the dedicated sports brand of 888 Holdings and operates under licenses from Malta, Gibraltar, and Great Britain. This highly recognized sportsbook impresses with many standout features, including an excellent mobile app, high-quality live streaming, generous promotions, live scores, and a handy bet calculator.

   In addition, 888sport offers industry-leading odds on about 30 sports disciplines, some of which fly under the radar at rival sportsbooks. The lineup is extensive and includes rugby, football, soccer, darts, snooker, tennis, cricket, basketball, and golf, among many others.

   The sportsbook also caters to esports fans. At 888sport, you can bet on CS: GO, Overwatch, Dota 2, and League of Legends. You will benefit from the latest esports odds, news, and betting tips. The site provides comprehensive coverage of all major championships and competitions in the esports world.

   As mobile wagering enthusiasts, we were pleased with the well-designed apps 888sport offers for Android and iOS. They mirror all the functionality of the desktop site and perform just as well. Loading times are exceptionally quick, and mobile users have access to plenty of great features, including in-play wagering, early cashouts, and a bet builder.

6. 22Bet

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882);Curacao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/590/0758)

   Min Deposit

   • $10 for MiFinity; • 0.001 BTC for Bitcoin; • $11.64 for most other methods

   Min Withdrawal

   Depends on payment provider

   Withdrawal Time

   • Cryptocurrencies - 24 hours • E-wallets - 15 minutes • Credit and debit cards - up to 7 business days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   N/A

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes email: support-en@22bet.com Phone: +357 99 816806
   

   

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   • Accepts registrations from most countries
   • Competitive odds
   • Extensive range of betting markets
   • Fully compatible with mobile devices
   • Large selection of payment methods
   • Supports 49 languages

   Regulated under the laws of Curacao, 22Bet is one of the most prominent offshore operators in the global gambling market. It offers a full-service sportsbook, equipped with a comprehensive in-play section, an easy-to-use bet slip, and an excellent selection of disciplines. Options range from football, basketball, and soccer all the way to floorball and keirin.

   The 22Bet sportsbook is the place to be if you are an avid esports betting buff. The bookie has dedicated an entire section of its website to competitive video gaming. Fans will find all their favorite games in one place, including LoL, FIFA, Dota 2, CS: GO, Valorant, StarCraft II, Street Fighter, WarCraft III, and King of Glory. Both major and smaller tournaments receive in-depth coverage.

   22Bet does not limit users to the most popular games in the esports universe. Odds are available for lesser-known titles like FlatOut, Killer Instinct, Laser League, Assault Squad, and Dead or Alive. You can even wager on Rumble Stars, an unconventional multiplayer game that pits two teams of quirky animals against each other on a soccer field.

   There is no shortage of payment methods at 22Bet, from a dozen or so cryptocurrencies to conventional cards, e-wallets, and online banking. The minimum deposit is incredibly low at $1, making 22Bet a perfect fit for small-stake casual bettors.

7. Everygame

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   No official license information

   Min Deposit

   $6 - $20

   Min Withdrawal

   $100 - $150

   Withdrawal Time

   * Bitcoin and ecoPayz - 48 hours* Checks (the US only) - 5 business days* Bank wires - up to 15 business days* SEPA - up to 4 business days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   N/A

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes Email: bet@everygame.eu Phone: Scheduled calls only
   

   

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   • Accepts bettors from the United States
   • Crypto-friendly betting site
   • More than 25 years of industry experience
   • 24/7 live chat service
   • Attractive odds on most esports markets
   • Excellent performance on mobile devices

   A pioneer in the online gambling industry, Everygame has been serving customers since 1996. The brand offers a well-polished online sportsbook that meets bettors’ expectations for sharp odds, high quality, and reliability. The company operates under the laws of Antigua and Barbuda, where it is also based, and welcomes wagers from most parts of the world, including the United States.

   Everygame runs on a state-of-the-art platform that features an appealing yet user-friendly design. The sportsbook lists more than 5,000 daily wagers across roughly 20 sports, including soccer, gridiron football, basketball, tennis, ice hockey, cricket, boxing, and golf. Odds are also offered on various non-sporting events such as presidential elections, lotteries, and stock market indices.

   Esports wagering is available as well. Everygame accepts bets on popular titles like League of Legends, Overwatch, and CS: GO, with League of Legends receiving the most extensive coverage. Action is offered on all major LoL tournaments and leagues, including the LCK, LCS, LEC, LLA, LPL, and PCS.

   New customers can fund their accounts with cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash. Fiat-currency options such as Paysafecard, eZeeWallet, Visa, Mastercard, and ecoPayz are also available.

8. Bodog

   

   Bet Now

   Licenses

   Curacao (OGL/2024/625/0719)Antigua and Barbuda Financial Services Regulatory Commission (#2392, #2393)

   Min Deposit

   $10

   Min Withdrawal

   $10

   Withdrawal Time

   One hour to 15 business days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   N/A

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes Contact Us Form
   

   

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   • One of the most popular offshore sportsbooks
   • Accepts BTC, LTC, ETH, and BCH
   • Robust Prop Builder feature
   • Comprehensive coverage of popular esports and leagues
   • Live streaming of major esports contests
   • More than 20 years of industry experience

   Established in 2000, Bodog is one of the frontrunners in the online gambling industry. The brand holds a license from the authorities of Antigua and Barbuda and serves customers in major markets such as Canada. This is a full-fledged gambling site featuring a live dealer section, online casino, poker room, racebook, and a sleek online sportsbook.

   The sports section caters to all betting styles and preferences, offering odds on 30 different sports. Whether your passion is football, tennis, horse racing, or basketball, this bookie will satisfy your betting appetite. The site even accepts wagers on celebrity boxing, award shows, politics, and reality shows. Betting on virtual races and virtual soccer is another option for Bodog customers.

   The esports section hosts a vast range of markets for Dota 2, CS: GO, King of Glory, League of Legends, StarCraft II, Valorant, and Overwatch. Both pre-match and live odds are available to dedicated esports bettors.

   Bodog also offers a great live streaming service for major esports contests, but you must be a registered member with a funded account to access the streams. Deposits can be made via bank cards and several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin.

9. Betano

   

   Licenses

   UK Gambling Commission (039576-R-319370-022)Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/CRP/152/2007)Danish Gambling Authority (DGA)Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL)Gambling Regulation and Inspection Service (017)Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic

   Min Deposit

   $10 ($5 with Apple Pay and Paysafecard)

   Min Withdrawal

   $10

   Withdrawal Time

   • Cards - 2 to 5 days; • E-wallets - within the same day; • Interac - 30 minutes; • Apple Pay, Google Pay - 1 to 4 days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Flamengo Rowing Club, Aston Villa, FC Bayern Munich, River Plate, Sporting CP, SL Benfica, Porto FC, Brondby, AC Sparta Prague, FCSB, Copa Americana, Copa Betano Do Brazil, Brasileirao Betano, Torneo Betano Apertura, Torneo Betano Clausura

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: YesEmail: help@betano.co.ukPhone: +44 7360 539790
   

   

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   • Popular among European bettors
   • Covers all major esports competitions
   • Outstanding range of deposit and withdrawal options
   • Offers betting on fantasy sports
   • Request a Bet feature
   • Early cashout feature

   Licensed in multiple European jurisdictions, Betano is a sleek betting site with a remarkable selection of markets across many major and niche sports. The sportsbook delivers a high-caliber betting experience that is sure to appeal to bettors of all backgrounds.

   The site features hundreds of pre-match and in-play markets for American football, volleyball, cricket, golf, cycling, baseball, soccer, tennis, basketball, and more. Betting on non-sporting events is also available, with politics and award shows making the list. Best of all, registered customers with funded accounts can watch the action unfold in real time thanks to the state-of-the-art streaming services provided by Betano.

   As for esports, Betano offers markets on Dota 2, LoL, CS: GO, Overwatch, Valorant, StarCraft II, and King of Glory. You will find numerous player and team specials, and outright bettors will not be disappointed either, as Betano provides a vast range of long-term esports wagers.

   The sportsbook is suitable for novices, providing highly informative guides where they can learn about placing wagers, using the live streaming service, the cashout feature, and more. A comprehensive guide on esports betting is also available.

Esports Betting Overview

The esports betting market has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years as more bettors look for alternative ways to wager, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Forecasts suggest this segment of the gambling industry could grow to reach a whopping $23.8 billion by 2028.

All mainstream sportsbooks now readily take action on competitive video gaming, allowing bettors to place real-money wagers on their favorite esports players, teams, and competitions.

Game Coverage at Esports Betting Sites

The term ‘esports’ refers to competitive video gaming where teams of gamers are pitted against each other in individual matches or entire tournaments. Major competitions usually unfold in front of live audiences at land-based venues. Fans who are unable to attend in person can watch the gamers battle it out on popular streaming platforms like Twitch.

The top-rated online sportsbooks also offer live streaming services, allowing bettors to watch esports events and championships without having to navigate to a different site. Live streams are typically available for esports competitions on popular games like those we list below:

Bets are available for different game genres, from multiplayer online battle arenas and association football to first-person shooters. Before you start placing bets, you should learn everything there is to know about the format and structure of the specific esports contest and the game it involves. This will enable you to make smarter betting decisions and improve your chances of cashing out.

Popular Esports Championships and Leagues

It is no exaggeration to say hundreds of esports contests are held throughout the year, with online sportsbooks taking bets on most of them. If you are new to esports betting, focusing on the most popular leagues is a great starting point.

Once you learn the ropes, you can build on that and start diversifying your betting portfolio. The esports tournaments and leagues listed below tend to attract the most attention among fans and bettors alike.

1. The League of Legends World Championship (Worlds) has taken place annually since 2011, with the number of participating teams gradually increasing over the years. Hosted by LoL publisher Riot Games, the tournament uses a double-round-robin format during the group stage and switches to single elimination for the main event.
2. The Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) is the second largest global LoL tournament. The regional champions in the Spring Split battle it out for the chance to qualify for the group stage of the LoL World Championship.
3. The International is the global championship tournament for the multiplayer online battle arena Dota 2. Organized by Dota’s developer, Valve, the International consistently tops the list of esports tournaments with the largest prize pools. More than $40 million was awarded in prize money during the 2021 edition of the tournament.
4. The CS:GO Major Championships debuted in 2013 and have significantly expanded the circuit in the years since. The Majors are considered the most prestigious tournaments in the CS:GO universe and attract millions of viewers each year. The 2022 Major Championship was hosted by PGL in Antwerp and achieved a peak viewership of 2.1 million people.

5. The FIFAe World Cup (formerly known as the FIFA Interactive World Cup) uses an open qualifying format that enables millions of soccer fans to participate during the initial online stages via the PlayStation and Xbox One networks.

   The 2017 edition of the event broke all records, as it saw a whopping 7 million players competing in the qualifying phases. The massive pool is gradually reduced to 32 finalists who battle it out for the championship title and the chance to meet the world’s top footballers at the annual Best FIFA Awards.

The competitions discussed above comprise only a small portion of the esports tournaments you can bet on online. Here are several other high-profile events worth following:

Top Esports Organizations and Teams to Follow

We recommend you get to know the players and teams that participate in the esports tournaments you want to bet on. Look up their achievements, previous performance, and stats to better evaluate their chances of winning in future tournaments. You would not place a wager on a soccer match between teams you have never heard of, right?

Similarly, betting on esports contests requires sufficient research and knowledge of all participants involved in a given tournament, at least if you want to be a winning bettor. Here is a brief rundown of the top teams and organizations in the esports universe you should currently follow.

1. Team Liquid was established in 2000 and went on to become one of the most successful organizations in esports history. The organization boasts a solid presence in South America, North America, and Europe.
   • Overall Earnings: $39.8 million
   • Number of Tournaments: 2,272
   • Games: LoL, CS:GO, Dota 2, Fortnite, Hearthstone, and more
2. Established in 1999, Evil Geniuses has helped shape the history of esports, boasting an enduring legacy and millions of dollars in tournament earnings. The organization has fielded gamers in a variety of games, including Halo, League of Legends, Fortnite, and StarCraft II, among others.
   • Overall Earnings: $25.7 million
   • Number of Tournaments: 932
   • Games: CS:GO, LoL, WoW, CoD, Dota 2, StarCraft II, Rocket League
3. Fnatic is another top-ranking esports outfit whose history began in the summer of 2004. It was the third most watched Western esports team in 2020, racking up over 33 million fans worldwide. Fnatic also has a loyal following among esports bettors, having won more than 28 titles over the past 18 years.
   • Overall Earnings: $18.1 million
   • Number of Tournaments: 1,036
   • Games: LoL, Valorant, Dota 2, Apex Legends, CS:GO, FIFA, and more

4. FaZe Clan exploded on the esports scene in 2010 and quickly established itself as one of the world’s leading esports organizations. Headquartered in California, the organization is home to a multinational community of players across various games.

   The Clan has amassed half a million followers on the Twitch platform alone. The organization has joined forces with many popular personalities outside esports, including Kyler Murray from the Arizona Cardinals, LeBron James Jr., and rapper Lil Yachty.

   • Overall Earnings: $13.7 million
   • Number of Tournaments: 545
   • Games: LoL, CoD, CS:GO, R6, PUBG, FIFA, Halo

Esports Markets and Bet Types

Any avid esports betting fan will readily confirm that there are numerous ways to wager on competitive video gaming. Whether it is outright betting on which LoL team will win the Spring Split or predicting the correct map score in a Dota 2 contest, there is no shortage of esports bet types at our recommended sportsbooks. Below, we walk you through the most popular markets for esports betting.

1. Match Winner is the simplest and most widespread type of wager for esports, as all you have to do is pick a team to win a given contest without a point spread. Both pre-game and in-play markets are available to esports fans who seek to back their favorite teams with Match Winner wagers.

2. Map and match spread bets are two other common ways to punt on esports. Match spread betting involves the number of maps won during a given contest. Map spread betting relates to the number of kills a team has achieved on a specific map.

   You either bet on the favorite to win by more than the designated number of maps/kills or back the underdog to win outright or lose by fewer than the specified maps/kills.

   Example of Match Spread Betting

   100 Thieves -1.5
   Team Liquid +1.5

   A minus sign is used for the spread of the favorite (-1.5), while the underdog team is associated with the positive spread (+1.5). In this case, 100 Thieves are the clear favorite. If you choose to back 100 Thieves, they must win the match by two or more maps for your wager to pay.

   Respectively, Team Liquid is the underdog in the above example with a spread of +1.5. In the Best of 3 format, they must either win outright or lose with a score of 2-1. Your spread bet on Team Liquid loses if the score is 2-0.

   Map spread betting works similarly. The only difference is that the spread relates to the number of kills each team has made on a given map.

3. With Over/Under Totals, your goal is to predict whether the overall number of maps played will go above or below the total suggested by the oddsmakers. Similarly, you can also bet on the total number of kills achieved on a given map. Let’s say Natus Vincere is playing against Fnatic in a match from the CS:GO ESL Pro League.

   Natus Vincere vs. Fnatic – Over/Under Map Total

   Over 2.5
   Under 2.5

   If you are confident this Best of 3 match will go into a third map, you will back the Over side. Conversely, you will bet on the Under market if you have reasons to believe either team will win before the game goes into a third map, i.e., the final score will be 2-0.

4. Proposition bets comprise a broad category of wagers, allowing you to punt on events that have nothing to do with who wins a match or a championship. One example is the First Blood market, where the goal is to predict which team will make the first kill on a specific map. Prop bets are game-specific and vary across different esports. Below, we give you several examples of League of Legends props.

   • Both Teams to Destroy an Inhibitor
   • Both Teams to Make a Quadra Kill
   • Both Teams to Kill a Baron
   • First Dragon to Spawn
   • Largest Multi-Kill
   • Map Duration
   • Either Team to Score a Penta Kill
5. With outright bets, you are punting on the outright winners of entire championships or leagues. Odds are available months in advance but can fluctuate dramatically over time. Bookmakers often cut down their outright market odds as the events approach.

Odds Formats at Esports Betting Sites

All premium online sportsbooks enable customers to adjust how odds are displayed according to their preferences. You can easily switch to the odds format you are most comfortable with by logging into your account and navigating to the settings menu. Below are the three most common options you will encounter at esports betting sites.

1. Decimal odds are the simplest to read and understand. The lower the decimal number, the higher the implied probability of an outcome. Teams priced at lower decimal odds are the favorites, while those priced at higher decimal odds are the underdogs. With this format, the original stake is included in the payout. A $20 bet that wins at 2.50 odds will return $20 x 2.50 = $50 in total, for a $30 net gain.

2. Fractional odds are the preferred format of British bettors. As indicated by the name, the odds are expressed in fractions (4/1, 1/2, 3/5) and reflect the ratio between the amount wagered and the potential payout a winning bet can return.

   Let’s say you back Team Liquid to defeat Movistar Riders at odds of 3/5. A $50 wager will yield potential net profits of $30. The original bet is returned to you, so you will collect $80 in total.

3. American odds are the default format at US-focused betting sites. Also known as the moneyline, they use a minus sign for the favorite and a plus sign for the underdog. Let’s say Fnatic is favored to defeat Team Spirit in a match from the ESL Pro League. Linemakers have priced Fnatic at -177 and Team Spirit at +129.

   The negative number indicates how much money you must wager to win $100, $177 in this case. The positive number reflects the amount you can potentially win for every $100 at stake. Therefore, every hundred dollars wagered on Team Spirit will return $229 in total, for a $129 net profit.

eSports Betting Sites FAQ

1. Is betting on esports legal?

   Online betting on esports is legal in most jurisdictions that regulate sports wagering in general. Most gambling regulators treat competitive video gaming contests like any other sports competition. With that said, we recommend you check whether online betting is legally allowed where you live, as gambling legislation varies from country to country.

2. What is live esports betting?

   Live betting, also known as in-game or in-play betting, is an innovative form of wagering that enables you to place bets on esports contests after they kick off. Simply put, this is the opposite of pre-match betting. Live odds fluctuate in real time, depending on what has happened up to a given point.

3. How much money can I win when betting on esports?

   It depends on the amount you risk and the specific odds posted for your chosen market. With that in mind, most sportsbooks impose restrictions on the maximum amount you can risk per single bet. Maximum bet limits are site-specific and are usually listed in the terms and conditions. We suggest you inquire with customer support if you cannot find this information in the terms.

4. What are the most popular game genres among esports bettors?

   Multiplayer online battle arenas like League of Legends and Dota 2 dominate the esports betting universe, eclipsing all other genres in terms of popularity. First-person shooters remain popular thanks to Counter-Strike:GO and Overwatch. Sports simulation games like FIFA have slightly given way to these two genres but still have a loyal following among esports fans.

5. How can I improve my chances of placing winning esports bets?

   The surest way to boost your chances of winning is to watch as many esports competitions as you possibly can. Follow different esports teams and watch out for changes in their rosters. Another good starting point would be to gain an adequate understanding of how the odds and different bet types work.

   Line shopping is also a great idea, as it can boost your overall long-term returns. The practice involves comparing the prices at multiple sportsbooks so that you can find the best odds before you place a wager.