Best Esports Betting Sites 2026

What Is Esports Betting?

Esports betting is when you place bets on competitive video game matches or tournaments League of Legends, CS:GO, Dota 2, and Valorant.

You can predict things like who will win, the final score, standout player performances, or specific in-game moments such as first blood or total kills.

An ever-emerging market that continues to gain popularity, esports betting has taken the industry by storm. Gaming enthusiasts have been able to combine electronic sports betting with another pastime of theirs, as the two mesh together beautifully.

Best Betting Sites for Esports – Mr. Gamble’s Picks

Mr. Gamble’s experts have continued to scour the internet to find the best betting site for esports. We’ve listed the top options that we strongly recommend for bettors based on the games that they like to wager on.

NetBet: Best Esports Betting Site

When looking for the best site for esports betting, there aren’t many options that can compete with NetBet. The bookie offers comprehensive coverage across various esports games, with extensive markets available alongside competitive odds, which helps it to rank as the best esports online betting site.

Additionally, NetBet provides players with a wide range of payment methods, enhancing the overall experience. Withdrawals are processed quickly, allowing players to wager on esports and receive their winning funds promptly.

How to Bet on Esports

Want to place an esports bet? A beginner to placing esports bets and not sure where to start? Check out our five-step guide to get started and begin wagering on esports in the right way!

1. Select a betting site: Pick a licensed and trustworthy bookie with esports from our list.
2. Create an account: After selecting a site, complete the registration process to create an account. At this stage, you may be able to claim a welcome bonus, so keep an eye out for this.
3. Make a deposit: Add funds to your account before placing their first esport bet. Pick a payment method that you’re comfortable with and happy to use for future withdrawals, as funds must be returned to this option.
4. Head to the esports market: Head over to the dedicated esports betting section of the site. They typically are in their own section, where many of the most popular titles and tournaments can be found.
5. Select your event and bet on it: Once you select it, the esport betting odds available will appear in your bet slip. Confirm the bet and keep tabs on it using live stream features to maximise win potential.

How to Choose the Best Esports Betting Site

Selecting the best esports betting website involves considering several factors. They can all have an impact on the overall gambling experience in significant ways, with many often being overlooked by bettors.

Mr. Gamble’s experts have provided what they look for when ranking the best esport betting sites, with each aspect detailed below:

Superb Coverage of Dota 2, CS:GO, WoW

The coverage that a betting site offers is a key factor to consider when selecting an esports site. The top bookies will offer comprehensive esports coverage, including Dota 2, CS:GO, and World of Warcraft (WoW), among others. This provides convenience, allowing users to stay on the same site for most or all of their esports betting needs.

Depth of Betting Markets

In addition to offering a wide coverage of events and titles, the best betting sites for esports will have a diverse offering of markets. The best will feature a range of markets for niche games as well. This helps to enhance the overall experience obtained and can build trust regarding positive sessions. 

The more markets available, the greater value can be achieved, especially when using esports bet builders and multiples.

In-Play & Live Streaming

A chosen esports betting live site should have in-play betting options and access to streams. Esports is very momentum-based, with athletes only being able to perform to a standard that they can maintain on the day.

In-play betting and live streams enhance the experience for bettors, as they can react to what they see happening, potentially obtaining additional value when things don’t go as planned.

Competitive Odds

Not all betting and betting exchange sites will offer the same odds; some will be shorter than others, whereas others may offer more value and be slightly longer. Shopping around for value by looking at the odds can reveal which sites are the best in offering potential value to bettors.

Bonuses & Promotions

Bonuses and promotions can add significant value for bettors, especially when selecting the best online esports betting sites. Bettors can obtain esports betting deals to help them place risk-free bets and potentially secure wins without having to wager their own money. 

Some bookmakers will offer specific esports bonuses or enhanced odds on select markets or during special events.

Payment Methods & Speed

Top esports betting sites will offer a range of payment methods, providing punters with convenience and flexibility to choose a method that suits them. Many of these will feature instant deposits, making it as quick as possible to place bets, especially when in-play.

Withdrawal speeds should always be checked, as these can differ depending on the method used. Some bookies can process them quicker than others, too.

Licensing & Security

Punters should only ever use a licensed betting site, as it will immediately rank as the best site to bet on esports for player safety. Online bettors can enjoy several protections with strong measures in place, including responsible gambling tools and enhanced security features. Transactions and private information are protected with encryption technology, ensuring data is safe from cybercriminals.

Esports Betting Markets

Esports betting markets provide a range of options for wagering on competitive gaming events, allowing bettors to engage with matches beyond simply picking a winner. These markets cater to different levels of knowledge and preferences, from straightforward bets to more detailed predictions about in-game events.

Here are some of the most common and popular markets to bet on esports games:

• Match Winner: Bet on which team will win the esports match outright.
• Map Winner: Wager on the winner of a specific map within a multi-map series.
• Correct Score: Predict the exact final score of the match or a specific map.
• First Kill (First Blood): Bet on the player or team to make the first kill in a round or map.
• Total Rounds (Over/Under): Predict whether the total number of rounds played will be over or under a set number.
• Player Performance (e.g., Most Kills): Wager on individual player stats, such as who will have the most kills in a match or map.

Esports Betting Websites With Live Streaming

Esports betting is at its best when live streaming options are available. Live streaming is a crucial aspect of any betting experience, as it has revolutionised how sports betting is enjoyed. The best tennis betting sites use live streams due to the sport's fast-paced nature. Similarly, cricket, table tennis, and horse racing employ live streams because of the unique events that can occur during their games.

Betting sites that offer live esports betting allow bettors to find extra potential value, as they can react to the action happening in real-time, placing bets or adjusting their betting strategies to maximise potential success.

Esports are highly momentum-based, with athletes experiencing a range of emotions during competition, which can significantly impact their performance. Players may become frustrated if things don’t go their way, or they may become more confident. Bettors using live streams can notice this and use it to their advantage, finding additional betting value.

Esports Betting Apps

With sports betting having a mobile-first culture, the best sites for esports betting will offer dedicated esports betting apps, allowing users to place wagers on the go. The best app for esports betting can also enhance the overall experience, as it provides instant access that is typically user-friendly and intuitive.

In addition to all the standard features that the best online esports betting sites offer, bettors can keep updated on live in-play bets through push notifications. They can be alerted to what’s happening, allowing them to stay informed and make decisions as soon as needed.

Bet On Esports In Play

As highlighted in the benefits of live streaming on an esport betting website, in-play betting is one of the top features that betting sites regularly offer. The market is one that requires bettors to be reactive on occasion, with many aspects of esports gameplay unknown until athletes begin competing.

Betting sites that offer esports live betting typically provide extensive market coverage and competitive odds. When combined with live esports streams, this can help to enhance the value that can be obtained, as certain angles may be possible to exploit as the event/match is taking place in real-time.

Esports Sportsbook Bonus Offers

Sportsbook bonus offers can help to enhance the value that punters can receive when enjoying esports betting online. Bookies offer these incentives to encourage players to sign up to their platforms, rewarding them with bet credits and other prizes once they make a qualifying deposit (in most cases).

Offers can be found across the entire sports betting industry, with offers available on the best basketball betting site, football betting, boxing, horse racing, and now esports.

Below, some of the most commonly offered esports bonuses available:

Sign Up Offers

One of the most widely available esports bonuses, betting welcome offers (welcome bonuses) are usually made available to new players at the top betting sites. Players simply need to complete the registration process and make a qualifying deposit to trigger it.

A sign up offer will often come in the form of matched deposit bonuses (100% up to X) or free bets. These can be used on esports markets, providing punters with extra value when placing bets as they are usually risk-free.

Esports Free Bets

In addition to receiving them as part of a welcome offer, online bookmakers may offer esports free bets throughout a bettor’s time with the site. These can be used to increase the value received, as bettors can place bets without risking their funds. 

The terms and conditions of these bets can be less favourable than others, as wagering requirements can be higher or winnings can be capped at a lower maximum.

Enhanced Odds

A commonly offered bonus are enhanced odds promotions. Punters can receive odds at certain online bookies that have been inflated from their original price, providing them with the potential to earn extra from winning bets.

Cashback

Cashback offers can be found at some esports gambling sites. Bettors receive back a percentage of their net losses over a specific period, such as daily, weekly, or monthly. This means if a bettor loses money while wagering on esports matches, the platform returns a portion of those losses as cashback, either in real money or bonus credits that can be used for further betting.

5 Pro Esports Betting Tips – How to Place a Bet and Win

Although no guarantees can be made about how to win at esports betting, bettors can use various techniques and strategies to help them maximise their chances of potential success. 

Mr. Gamble has outlined five esport betting tips below that bettors should follow to give themselves the best possible chance:

Research

Researching as much as possible before placing esport bets is the best way to increase your chances of winning. Understanding how a game is played, staying updated on news and developments, knowing how an athlete is performing, previous head-to-head matchups, and examining player strengths and weaknesses can provide valuable insights that can positively shape bets. It can be wise to use €5 deposit betting sites when getting started.

Bet Live

Live betting on esports can be a strategy to use when trying to maximise win potential. Esports can be very emotional from a player’s perspective; they may become frustrated with their performance or buoyed and grow in confidence if things are going well. Bettors who notice this when engaging in live esport betting can find additional value and make informed bets.

Keep Disciplined

Bettors must maintain a clear mind and never let their emotions cloud their judgment. It can be very easy to become emotional when money is on the line; chasing losses is never a good thing. Punters who can stay level-headed can make better decisions, maximising their chances of a successful betting experience.

Find Value

Shopping around and comparing the odds and promotions being offered by the best esports sportsbook can help bettors to maximise win rewards when placing an esports bet online. One site may offer bonuses that provide additional value risk-free; some sites may offer enhanced odds or have longer odds than their competitors, allowing them to get more for their money if successful.

Only Use Licensed Platforms

It is essential to only use platforms that hold a licence from an official regulator. These sites can be trusted as the best place to bet on esports, as they provide a positive experience by protecting esports bettors from unfair play and ensuring that the site has robust security measures in place for the storage of personal and sensitive data.

Top Esports Competitions You Need to Know About

There are many popular esports games. There are many reasons for their popularity, although some are culture-driven, while others have achieved huge success in popular culture.

League of Legends (LoL)

League of Legends remains one of the most popular and influential esports worldwide. Its major tournaments, including the Mid-Season Invitational and the World Championship, draw millions of viewers and offer substantial prize pools. The game is celebrated for its strategic depth, teamwork, and dynamic gameplay.

League of Legends enjoys a strong fan base due to its long-standing global presence and its appeal to competitive gamers who appreciate complex, team-based strategy games.

Popular markets include:

• Match Winner: Bet on the team that will win the entire match.
• First Blood: Wager on which team secures the first kill in the game.
• Total Kills Over/Under: Predict whether the combined kills for both teams will be over or under a set number.

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)

Counter-Strike has been a staple in the esports scene for over two decades, with Counter-Strike 2 continuing the legacy of high-paced, tactical shooter gameplay. Renowned global tournaments, such as the ESL Pro League and Major Championships, attract fans.

CS2's popularity is especially strong due to the game's deep roots in the presence of competitive teams. Its blend of individual skill and team coordination appeals directly to the shooter gaming community.

Popular markets include:

• Match Winner: Bet on the team that wins the match.
• Map Winner: Wager on which team wins a specific map within a multi-map series.
• Total Rounds Over/Under: Predict if the total number of rounds played in a map exceeds or falls below a given threshold.

DOTA 2

Dota 2 is known for hosting The International, the most lucrative esports tournament of the year, with multi-million-dollar prize pools. It features complex gameplay requiring high levels of strategy, teamwork, and execution.

Its esports scene has a loyal fan base around the world where fans appreciate its depth and the prestige attached to The International. Many have an appreciation for in-depth, tactical games, and the tournament’s global status as a pinnacle event in esports helps to drive its popularity further.

Popular markets include:

• Match Winner: Bet on the winning team of the match.
• First Roshan Kill: Wager on which team secures the first kill of Roshan (a key objective).
• Total Kills Over/Under: Predict if the total kills in the match are over or under a given number.

FIFA

FIFA esports competitions, including the FIFA eWorld Cup, take advantage of the global popularity of football, making it a familiar genre for gamers and bettors. Football’s massive fanbase naturally translates to a strong interest in FIFA esports, where players compete in virtual representations of the sport loved by millions.

Popular markets include:

• Match Winner: Bet on which player wins the match.
• Total Goals Over/Under: Predict whether the total goals scored will be over or under a specified amount.
• Correct Score: Wager on the exact final score of the match.

Call of Duty (CoD)

Call of Duty esports tournaments, such as the Call of Duty League (CDL), are extremely popular, consistently ranking as the country’s most-watched esports competition. This game's fast-paced, first-person shooter action, combined with team-based strategies, makes it an interesting game for bettors.

 CoD has a strong community, and established teams create a homegrown interest that further boosts viewership and engagement. Like FIFA, many have played the game on a casual basis, meaning they understand the game’s nuances, which makes it more accessible as an esports betting title.

Popular markets include:

• Match Winner: Bet on the team that wins the match.
• First Kill: Wager on the player or team that gets the first kill.
• Total Points Over/Under: Predict whether the total points scored by both teams will be over or under a certain number.

Payment Methods for Esports Betting

Available payment methods can have a significant impact on whether an experience is positive or not at online betting sites. It’s important to find an option that offers a diverse range, as well as one that offers methods that can be trusted and are familiar to punters.

Among the most common options offered are:

Debit Cards

Debit cards are the most accepted form of payment at betting sites, with every licensed site offering this method. Anyone who has a bank account will have access to this method, making it easy to make deposits. Still, it may not be for everyone, as withdrawals can take a lot longer to complete, and privacy isn’t offered.

E-Wallets

E-Wallets can include PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. These options can be convenient for betting, as they provide additional levels of privacy and safety compared to debit cards. Funds are usually separated from bank accounts, while fewer personal details are typically required. 

Withdrawals can also be completed much quicker. Still, fees can be incurred at some sites, while higher minimums may also be required when depositing funds.

Apple Pay

With mobile-first play becoming increasingly popular among bettors, Apple Pay has emerged as a preferred payment method. It’s hugely convenient, as it stores card details and requires a face scan or fingerprint for transactions to be completed. Withdrawals aren’t always possible with this method, or they may need to be returned to the card used, which can result in delays.

Esports Online Bookmakers and Responsible Gambling

Online bettors should always practise responsible gambling, starting with using only licensed operators when betting on esports online.

Trusted sportsbooks support responsible gambling by offering tools that help bettors stay in control, including:

• self-exclusion measures
• reality checks
• deposit limits

They also provide access to independent, third-party organisations that are designed to offer support when punters feel they may need additional help.

Esports Betting FAQ