You might be surprised to discover that the latest star in the gaming industry is the realm of electronic sports. Both newcomers and seasoned players should take a close look at games like Dota 2, LoL, CS:GO, and Fortnite along with their corresponding betting options. This guide will fill you in on everything you need to know about eSports betting sites, game genres, types of wagers, and how to get started. Additionally, we'll highlight the best platforms available.
At first glance, the world of electronic sports might seem more daunting than it truly is. It's quite similar to traditional sports where fans cheer for their favorite teams or players, spectate their matches, and place bets on likely winners through online multiplayer gaming venues. Essentially, electronic sports are organized video games with a competitive edge. In these exciting events, professional gamers compete against one another, either solo or in teams, often in the form of tournaments or leagues for games such as Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Fortnite.
Prior to the 2000s, the video gaming culture was largely confined to casual gamers participating in informal online events. However, as these events began to be broadcast live and gained traction, a massive wave of electronic sports enthusiasts emerged globally. The growth was nothing short of phenomenal, with a robust industry sprouting up around organized events, extravagant sporting tournaments, and leagues that attracted massive crowds by the 2010s.
Nowadays, eSports are more organized than ever, with dedicated game developers focusing on crafting unique games and funding tournaments, competitions, and various events.
The eSports sector is bustling with countless betting houses offering wagers on video games and consoles. Newcomers might find the sheer number of options overwhelming, so at OnlineCasinoReports, we’ve decided to break it down into manageable parts and highlight the essential information you need to enjoy online betting on electronic sports.
As always, the first step is to navigate to the eSports section, which should be clearly labeled and organized into categories. Next, pick a sport genre that has favorable odds, select your preferred betting type (such as match winner or series winner), and place your bet.
Loyal bettors are often rewarded with superior welcome bonuses, enticing promotions, and exclusive rewards. An extra perk is that our recommendations showcase our stamp of approval, which is earned only after thorough research. There are strict criteria that an online betting house must meet to receive our recommendation, aligned with stringent gaming regulations and safety protocols for responsible gambling.
The popularity of electronic sports has surged, and they are frequently found among the top picks for any bettor. However, some sportsbooks have unfortunately lagged behind. Take a moment to explore our curated list of recommended eSports betting sites and choose from the finest available.
When demand in any particular market rises, new providers emerge to fill that gap. This is also true in the eSports realm, where an abundance of sportsbooks strive to deliver exceptional bets on video games. You no longer need to worry about finding a reputable site. Instead, your focus should be on making an informed decision. Ensure that your choice is limited to licensed and regulated bookmakers.
The reason for this seemingly odd limitation stems from the security that verified eSports betting sites provide. For instance, the trustworthy payment methods offered by an eSports betting company are paramount.
The top eSports betting houses will give you the opportunity to place live bets on the most popular electronic sports games. Furthermore, they often come equipped with an integrated streaming service so you won't have to keep switching between platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
While this might seem like a basic overview, there's a crucial piece of the puzzle that hasn't yet been explored: the odds of major and special markets. You should have a plethora of betting options, especially regarding leading games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, Call of Duty, or CS:GO .
There are three clear winners in the ongoing popularity race between game genres. The top three are unquestionable leaders in terms of audience popularity and global reach. They encompass multiplayer battle arenas, first-person shooters, and real-time strategy games.
Online tools have made tracking a game's popularity incredibly simple. You can now gauge the appeal of an eSports title based on streaming hours across platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Another useful tool is eSports charts, which provide real-time audience figures.
According to statistics, League of Legends stands as the most viewed game, with over 500 million hours dedicated to it. Following closely are Counter-Strike Global Offensive, Dota 2, Overwatch, and Arena of Valor, each accumulating over 70 million viewing hours.
The secret to eSports' popularity lies in this very aspect: streaming. Gender affiliation in eSports is roughly 85% male and 15% female, with the majority of fans between the ages of 18 and 34.
In recent years, substantial prize money has been awarded to tournament victors, reaching into the millions of euros. Here are the top five games currently boasting the largest accumulated prizes, alongside some intriguing statistics we've gathered:
|
Ranking |
Game |
Jackpot |
Players |
Tournaments |
|
#1 |
Dota 2 |
280,803,508 € |
4272 |
1619 |
|
#2 |
CS:GO |
131,355,230 € |
14748 |
6120 |
|
#3 |
Fortnite |
111,339,316 € |
4931 |
750 |
|
#4 |
League of Legends |
90,515,461 € |
8076 |
2677 |
|
#5 |
Arena of Valor |
44,681,469 € |
976 |
97 |
Betting sites typically feature a dedicated section for eSports bets, especially for eSports tournaments, which are neatly categorized and prominently displayed for easy navigation. You'll find everything from first-person shooters to real-time strategy games. The following are the most common video game genres you’re likely to encounter in the world of eSports:
|
Game |
Description |
|
MOBA |
This genre reigns supreme among competitive multiplayer games, boasting the highest number of players and the richest tournaments. League of Legends and Dota 2 fill this elite club. |
|
FPS |
The variety of first-person shooter games dominating eSports betting includes titans like Counter-Strike Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Call of Duty. Closely following these immensely popular titles are Overwatch and Valorant, which introduce unique gameplay elements. |
|
RTS |
StarCraft 2 serves as the top choice for professional South Korean players, yet it maintains a broad global appeal as a real-time strategy game.","The year 2020 marked a resurgence for collectible card games like Hearthstone and Series 1 of the Overwatch League's card collectibles. |
|
CCG |
These games are cherished by a large number of players, which includes titles like Z1 Battle Royale, Realm Royale, and Fortnite Battle Royale. |
|
Battle Royale |
A new generation of card games emerged in 2019 with titles like Dota Auto Chess, Dota Underlords, and Teamfight Tactics (TFT). |
|
Autobattlers |
Fighting games constitute their unique genre, primarily played on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. Big titles include Street Fighter V (Champion Edition), Demon Slayer, Mortal Kombat 11, and Dragon Ball FighterZ. |
|
Fighting Games |
It seems that nothing can halt the meteoric rise of eSports, a phenomenon that's widely evident in leagues, tournaments, championships, and an array of other annual eSports events: |
The finest annual events in the eSports arena:
|
Event |
Game |
|
The International |
League of Legends |
|
Fortnite World Cup |
Fortnite |
|
LoL World Tournament |
League of Legends |
|
LoL World Championship |
League of Legends |
|
Olympic Virtual Series |
Virtual Sports |
Have you always wanted to dive into the world of eSports betting but didn’t know where to start? This comprehensive guide features rated and categorized bookmakers that specifically cater to electronic sports betting, helping you get started with popular games like DOTA 2, CS:GO, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and League of Legends.
Welcome Bonus of €300 and 50 Free Spins
Olybet Casino Spain Unveils New Welcome Package and Generous Cashback Offers
Over €3,000 Daily Prizes Available in OlyBet's Gift Calendar
+18 Play responsibly, #advertisement, Juegoseguro.es. Terms & Conditions apply.
Ultimate Guide to the Best eSports Betting Sites of 2025
Characteristics of eSports Betting Operators
Despite their seemingly overwhelming nature, eSports are quite similar to traditional sports where fans admire players or teams, watch their matches, and place bets on possible winners in multiplayer online gaming settings. In essence, electronic sports are organized video games infused with a competitive edge. These events feature professional players competing against each other, either individually or as teams. Commonly, these events include tournaments or leagues for games like Call of Duty, the Counter-Strike series, League of Legends, and Fortnite.
Before the year 2000, the gaming culture was somewhat isolated, primarily attracting hobbyist players competing in casual online events. However, as these events transitioned to live broadcasts and gained traction, the audience for eSports skyrocketed globally. By the 2010s, an entire industry emerged surrounding organized events, extravagant tournaments, and leagues that drew massive crowds.
Nowadays, eSports are more organized than ever, with dedicated game developers focusing on creating specialized games and sponsoring tournaments, competitions, and a variety of other events.
The first step, as per usual, is to navigate to the eSports section, which should be clearly labelled and categorized for ease of access. From there, simply select a sport genre with favorable odds, pick your preferred type of bet (like series winner or match winner), and place your wager.
Loyal bettors often find themselves rewarded with bigger welcome bonuses, promotions, and special incentives. An added bonus is that our recommendations carry our approval stamp, which is only granted after extensive research. A strict list of criteria must be met for a sportsbook to be recommended, based on stringent gaming regulations and requirements to ensure safe betting.
The popularity of eSports has surged significantly and is frequently among the top choices for bettors. Unfortunately, some bookmakers have fallen behind. Check out our curated list of recommended eSports betting sites and choose from the best options available.
The Most Popular eSports Game Genres
License and reputationThree genres clearly dominate the endless popularity contest among gaming types. These frontrunners lead the pack in terms of global reach and player engagement. They include multiplayer online battle arenas, first-person shooters, and real-time strategy games.
Quality bonusesMOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas) - The reigning champions of this genre are League of Legends and Dota 2. The former has the highest player count, while the latter boasts the most lucrative tournament: The International.
In-game offersFPS (First-Person Shooter) - Undisputed giants in this genre include Counter Strike Global Offensive and Call of Duty. Nonetheless, they could soon face competition from rising stars like Overwatch and Valorant, which present unique gameplay mechanics.
Competitive oddsRTS (Real-Time Strategy) – Generally monopolized by StarCraft 2, this genre predominantly features South Korean players but retains widespread global appeal, attracting thousands.
Available eSportsOnline tools have made it incredibly easy to gauge a game's popularity. You can now rank eSports titles by viewing hours streamed on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Additionally, eSports viewer stats provide real-time updates on audience numbers.
Banking and paymentsAccording to statistical data, League of Legends claims the title of the most-watched game, accumulating over 500 million hours of viewing time. Following closely are Counter-Strike Global Offensive, Dota 2, Overwatch, and Arena of Valor, collectively amassing over 70 million viewing hours.
Customer supportThe key to the popularity of eSports undeniably lies in the streaming aspect. The demographic of eSports enthusiasts breaks down to 85% male versus 15% female, predominantly aged between 18 and 34.
In recent years, tournament winners have taken home staggering prize pools, sometimes reaching millions of euros. Below are the top five games currently with the largest accumulated prizes, along with some fascinating statistics we've gathered:
League of LegendsBetting sites typically feature a dedicated category for eSports bets, especially for eSports tournaments, which are divided into several categories and prominently marked for easy navigation. You’ll find everything from first-person shooters to real-time strategy games. Here are some common gaming genres you can expect to encounter as you delve into eSports:
CS:GOThis genre reigns supreme among competitive multiplayer games. It commands the highest player count and the largest prize pools. The elite members include League of Legends and Dota 2.
Call of DutyFirst-person shooter games dominate the eSports betting landscape, led by heavyweights like Counter-Strike Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Call of Duty. Their immense popularity is matched by games like Overwatch and Valorant, introducing unique gameplay elements.
FortniteStarCraft 2 remains the professional playground for South Korean gamers, though its appeal stretches globally in this real-time strategy game.
Dota 2The year 2020 witnessed a revival of collectible card games like Hearthstone and the Overwatch League's Series 1 collectible cards.
OverwatchThese games are adored by many and include titles like Z1 Battle Royale, Realm Royale, and Fortnite Battle Royale.
PlayerUnknown's BattlegroundsThis represents a new generation of card games that emerged in 2019 with titles such as Dota Auto Chess, Dota Underlords, and Teamfight Tactics (TFT).
StarCraft 2Fighting games boast their own unique genre, commonly played on the Playstation 4, Playstation 5, and PC, featuring big names like Street Fighter V (Champion Edition), Demon Slayer, Mortal Kombat 11, and Dragon Ball FighterZ.
HearthstoneIt seems nothing can halt the growth of eSports, a phenomenon evidenced by the numerous leagues, tournaments, championships, and other annual eSports events:
Rainbow 6 SiegeTop Annual eSports Events:
Rocket LeagueNow that you have a grasp on electronic sports and are eager to start wagering, it's important to reflect on a few key tips. These insights can greatly help you craft a solid betting strategy.
VALORANTElectronic sports betting typically attracts avid gamers. If you don’t fit this mold, make sure to familiarize yourself with the game rules and terminology to get a better sense of how the gameplay unfolds. Many leading esports betting platforms offer a plethora of free games you can download and explore to hone your skills.
Call of Duty WarzoneBetting on a game you understand gives you an edge, but it takes things to another level when you wager on teams and players whose strengths and weaknesses are clear to you. By being aware of these elements, along with a team's or player's background, you can make well-informed betting decisions.
Apex LegendsA thrilling way to dive deeper into the world of electronic sports is to watch live matches. These live broadcasts provide fantastic opportunities to see how a game really plays out in real-time. By following the action, you can pick up invaluable tips and strategies that players use quietly, while commentators discuss openly. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube offer numerous live streams and pre-game discussions that can be beneficial for understanding a specific eSport.
SmiteIdentifying the top esports betting sites is essential.
After addressing all your prerequisites, you’ll want to seek out a preferred betting site. Our curated list of premier electronic sports betting platforms serves as an excellent starting reference and promises to enhance your betting experience.
How do we find the finest casinos?
We routinely update our reviews and maintain our database of gambling sites to ensure that the information remains accurate and relevant. These updates cover various aspects, including bonus offerings, changes in conditions, licensing details, and much more.
How our specialists score online casinos and gaming platforms: Evaluating casinos is our forte, and we ensure that we address vital details and key aspects. When it comes to deciding which online casino to opt for, we’ll give you the latest insights regarding a casino’s security protocols, payout practices, customer feedback, and much more. Check out the following graph for additional information.
Our expert reviews will assist you in discovering the best and most rewarding online casinos. By focusing on a casino's game library, banking options, customer service, and all the crucial factors that influence your choice, our reviewers empower you in your decision-making process.
Learn more about how we assess casinos
Not familiar with electronic sports betting or need a quick refresher? Look no further! These tips will help you bet like a pro and give you a more profound understanding of the events taking place.
Seek out odds that provide the best value.
One effective strategy is to look beyond the favorites and focus on the underdogs that have the potential to perform well. Leverage their strengths and exploit opportunities across various markets to maximize your gains. Popular examples of games that support this strategy include LoL, Dota 2, CS:GO, and CoD.
You’ll often find that the top esports betting operators release odds well in advance for major tournaments. By placing bets early on anticipated winners, you can optimize your potential returns. Unexpected eliminations are uncommon during group stages, and odds typically shift dramatically during playoff rounds.
Blackjack
Ruleta
Craps
Bacará
Póker
Videopóker
