How We Rate Esports Betting Sportsbooks in the US
At BetsMaster, we take esports betting seriously. Our team of experts has spent countless hours researching and testing the best esports betting sites and apps, so we can bring you our top picks for the best platforms to place your esports bets.
When it comes to rating esports betting sites, our experts consider a range of factors. Here are some of the key criteria we look at:
Range of games | The best esports betting sites offer a wide range of games to bet on, from the most popular titles like League of Legends and CS2 to up-and-coming games like Valorant and Rocket League. |
Betting markets | A good esports betting site should offer a variety of betting markets, from simple match winner bets to more specialized markets like first blood, total kills, and map winner. |
User experience | A good user experience is essential for any betting site, and esports betting sites are no exception. The best sites should be easy to use, with clear navigation and a smooth betting process. |
Bonuses and promotions | The best esports betting sites offer generous bonuses and promotions to new and existing players, such as free bets and matched deposits. |
Best Esports Betting Sites & Apps
In this section, we'll introduce you to the top online esports betting sites, where you can bet on a wide range of games and markets and take advantage of generous bonuses and promotions.
Our experts at Betsmaster have spent hours researching and testing the best esports betting websites, so you don't have to. We've looked at a range of factors, from the variety of games and markets on offer to the user experience and bonus schemes, to bring you our top picks for the best esports betting sites.
DraftKings Esports Betting
DraftKings is one of the leading daily fantasy sports (DFS) operators in the US and has recently expanded its offerings to include esports betting. The platform offers a range of esports markets, including popular titles like League of Legends and CS2, as well as niche games like Rocket League and Rainbow Six Siege. DraftKings also offers a range of betting options, from simple match winner bets to more specialized markets like first blood and total kills. With a great user interface, competitive odds, and generous bonuses, DraftKings is one of the best esports betting sites around.
Bet365
Bet365 is one of the largest and most reputable online sportsbooks in the world, and their esports betting offering is no exception. The platform offers a wide range of esports markets, with a focus on popular titles like League of Legends, CS2, and Dota 2. Bet365 also offers a range of betting options, including live betting and cash-out, as well as a great user experience and 24/7 customer support. With competitive odds and generous bonuses, Bet365 is a great choice for esports betting fans.
PointsBet
PointsBet is a relative newcomer to the US sports betting scene, but has quickly made a name for itself with its innovative PointsBetting system, which allows players to win more the more their bet wins by. The platform offers a range of esports markets, including popular titles like League of Legends and CS2, as well as less well-known games like King of Glory and Valorant. With a range of betting options, a great user interface, and generous bonuses and promotions, PointsBet is one of the best online esports betting sites.
Unibet
Unibet is a European-based sportsbook with a great reputation for offering a wide range of sports and markets, including esports. The platform offers a range of esports markets, including popular titles like League of Legends, CS2, and Dota 2, as well as less well-known games like Warcraft 3 and Starcraft 2. With competitive odds, a great user experience, and a range of betting options, Unibet is a great choice for esports betting fans.
Golden Nugget Sports
Golden Nugget Sports is an online sportsbook that offers a range of markets, including a great selection of esports. The platform offers a range of esports markets, including popular titles like League of Legends, CS2, and Dota 2, as well as niche games like Heroes of the Storm and World of Tanks. With a great user interface, competitive odds, and generous bonuses, Golden Nugget Sports is a great choice for esports betting fans.
Overall Information
Esports betting has exploded in popularity in recent years, with the market value expected to reach $30 billion by 2025. But despite its growing popularity, many people are still unsure about whether esports betting is legal and how it works. In this section, we'll take a closer look at the world of esports betting, from its history in the US to its current legality and beyond.
History of Esports Betting in the US
Esports betting has been around for almost as long as competitive video gaming itself. In the early days of esports, betting was largely limited to informal wagers between players and fans. But as the popularity of esports grew, so too did the interest in betting on the outcomes of matches.
In the US, esports betting remained largely underground until the Supreme Court's landmark decision in 2018, which struck down a federal law banning sports betting in most states. Since then, more and more states have legalized sports betting, including esports betting, and many major sportsbooks have launched esports betting offerings.
Can You Bet on Esports?
The short answer is yes, you can bet on esports. Esports betting has become a popular pastime for fans of competitive video gaming, with a wide range of games and markets available to bet on. From simple match winner bets to more specialized markets like first blood and total kills, there are plenty of options for esports betting fans.
Is Esports Betting Legal?
The legality of esports betting varies depending on where you live. In the US, the Supreme Court's 2018 decision paved the way for states to legalize sports betting, including esports betting, but not all states have done so. As of 2024, there are more than 20 states where esports betting is legal, and more are expected to follow.
However, it's important to note that esports betting is still not legal everywhere, so it's important to check the laws in your state or country before placing any bets.
League of Legends Betting
League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular esports games in the world, with a thriving competitive scene and a passionate fanbase. It's no surprise, then, that LoL esports betting has become a popular pastime for fans of the game. In this section, we'll take a closer look at LoL betting, from the types of bets available to the best esports betting sites for placing your wagers.
Types of LoL Esports Bets
Like all esports, LoL offers a wide range of betting options for fans looking to place wagers on their favorite teams and players.
Match Winner | A simple bet on which team will win a given match or series. For example, if Team A is playing Team B, a match winner bet would involve betting on either Team A or Team B to win the match. |
Handicap | A type of bet that gives an advantage to one team to level the playing field. For example, if Team A is heavily favored to win over Team B, a -1.5 handicap for Team B would mean that the bet would be successful if Team B loses by less than two games. So if the final score was 3-2 in favor of Team A, a bet on Team B with a -1.5 handicap would be successful. |
Map Winner | A bet on which team will win a specific map in a given match. For example, if Team A and Team B are playing a best-of-five series, a map winner bet might involve betting on which team will win the first map of the series. |
Total Kills | A bet on the total number of kills in a given match. For example, if Team A and Team B are playing a match, a total kills bet might involve betting on whether the total number of kills in the match will be over or under a certain number. |
First Blood | A bet on which team will score the first kill in a given match. For example, if Team A and Team B are playing a match, a first blood bet might involve betting on whether Team A or Team B will score the first kill of the match. |
Best Esports Betting Sites for LoL Betting
When it comes to LoL esports betting, there are a number of great betting sites to choose from. Here are some of the best esports betting sites for placing your LoL bets:
Bet365 | One of the most reputable online sportsbooks in the world, Bet365 offers a wide range of LoL betting options, including match winner, handicap, and total kills markets. |
DraftKings | One of the leading daily fantasy sports operators in the US, DraftKings has recently expanded into esports betting and offers a great range of LoL markets. |
Unibet | A European-based sportsbook with a great reputation for offering a wide range of sports and markets, Unibet is a great choice for LoL esports betting. |
Popular LoL Events to Bet On
League of Legends (LoL) boasts a thriving competitive scene, with a number of major events and tournaments held throughout the year. For esports betting fans, there are a number of popular LoL events and tournaments to bet on.
LCS Betting
The League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) is the premier professional LoL league in North America. The league features ten teams competing in a double round-robin format, with the top six teams advancing to the playoffs. The LCS is one of the most popular events for LoL esports betting, with a wide range of betting options available for each match.
LoL Worlds Betting
The League of Legends World Championship, or LoL Worlds, is the most prestigious event in the LoL competitive scene. The tournament brings together the best teams from around the world to compete for the title of world champion. With a total prize pool of over $2 million, LoL Worlds is one of the biggest events in esports, and also one of the most popular for betting.
Other Popular LoL Events and Tournaments
In addition to the LCS and LoL Worlds, there are a number of other popular LoL events and tournaments to bet on. These include:
Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) | A tournament featuring the best teams from each LoL region competing in a single-elimination format. |
Rift Rivals | A tournament featuring regional rivalries, with teams from North America, Europe, and Asia competing against each other. |
All-Star Event | An exhibition event featuring top players from around the world, selected by fans. |
Counter-Strike 2 Betting
According to a report by Newzoo, CS2 is one of the most popular esports games in the world, with a global player base of over 27 million. The game has also generated over $100 million in prize money, with the largest tournament, the CS2 Major Championship, boasting a prize pool of $1 million. As a result of the game's popularity and the size of its competitive scene, CS2 esports betting has also grown in popularity, with the market value expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2025.
Types of CS2 Bets
Similar to other LoL and esports, CS2 provides fans with a diverse range of betting options to place wagers on their preferred players and teams. Most common are those mentioned above.
Match winner | A straightforward bet on the team that will win a particular match or series. |
Handicap | A betting type that levels the playing field by granting an advantage to one team. |
Map winner | A wager placed on the team that will win a specific map in a given match. |
Total rounds | A bet on the overall number of rounds played during a given match. |
First blood | A wager on the team that will score the first kill in a given match. |
Most popular CS2 Events and Majors
CS2 is a popular esports game with a large and active competitive scene that includes multiple major events and tournaments held throughout the year. For US esports betting enthusiasts, there are plenty of popular CS2 events and tournaments to place bets on.
ESL Pro League
The ESL Pro League is one of the premier professional CS2 leagues in the world, with a total of 24 teams competing in both the European and North American regions. The league format features a double round-robin, with the top teams advancing to the playoffs. The ESL Pro League is one of the most popular events for CS2 esports betting, with a wide range of betting options available for each match.
CS2 Major Championships
The CS2 Major Championships, also known as the Majors, are Valve-sponsored tournaments held twice a year. The Majors feature the top 24 teams from around the world competing for a prize pool of $1 million. The Majors are one of the most prestigious events in the CS2 competitive scene and also one of the most popular for betting.
Other Popular CS2 Events and Tournaments
In addition to the ESL Pro League and the Majors, there are a number of other popular CS2 events and tournaments to bet on. These include:
DreamHack Masters | A series of CS2 tournaments held around the world, featuring top teams from each region. |
Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) | A series of CS2 tournaments sponsored by Intel, featuring top teams from around the world. |
Blast Premier | A series of CS2 tournaments held throughout the year, featuring top teams from around the world. |
Dota 2 Betting
Dota 2 is a hugely popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game with a dedicated and passionate fanbase. Its competitive scene is thriving, with numerous major events and tournaments held throughout the year, attracting the best Dota 2 teams from around the world. With the growth of the game's esports scene, Dota 2 esports betting has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Best Dota 2 Betting Sites
Golden Nugget Sports | Highly reputable online sportsbook that offers a comprehensive range of Dota 2 betting options. It covers a wide range of tournaments, events, and markets, including match-winner bets, map winner bets, and handicap bets, among others. Golden Nugget Sports also offers a generous welcome bonus, as well as other promotions and bonuses throughout the year. |
PointsBet | Highly regarded online sportsbook that specializes in esports betting. It offers a wide range of Dota 2 betting options, including pre-match and live betting markets, as well as a variety of prop bets. PointsBet’s user-friendly interface and mobile app make it easy for players to place bets on Dota 2 matches on the go. Additionally, PointsBe offers a range of promotions and bonuses, including a generous welcome bonus for new players. |
Most popular Dota 2 Events
The International (TI) | The largest and most prestigious Dota 2 tournament, featuring the best teams from around the world competing for a multi-million dollar prize pool. The tournament is held annually, typically in August, and is organized by the game's developer, Valve Corporation. As one of the biggest esports events in the world, The International is also one of the most popular for Dota 2 esports betting. |
Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) | Series of tournaments that take place throughout the year, culminating in The International. The DPC features a number of regional leagues, with the top teams from each league qualifying for the DPC Major tournaments. These tournaments offer a significant number of Dota 2 betting markets and are popular with US esports bettors. |
EPIC League | Tournament that features 20 teams from around the world competing in a round-robin format. The tournament has a $500,000 prize pool and is considered one of the biggest events in the Dota 2 competitive scene. |
ESL One | Series of Dota 2 tournaments held around the world, featuring top teams from each region. These events offer a range of Dota 2 betting markets, including match-winner bets, map-winner bets, and handicap bets. |
DreamLeague | Dota 2 tournament that features a mixture of top-tier and up-and-coming teams competing in a league format. The tournament culminates in a LAN event, featuring the top teams from the league, and offers a range of Dota 2 betting options. |
Valorant Betting
Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter game that was developed by Riot Games and released in 2020. The game has quickly gained popularity, thanks to its exciting gameplay, unique characters, and dedicated player base. As a result of the game's growing popularity, Valorant esports betting has become an increasingly popular pastime for fans of the game.
Best Valorant Betting Sites
Unibet | Unibet is a highly reputable online sportsbook that has been operating for over two decades. The site offers a wide range of betting options for Valorant, including match-winner bets, map winner bets, and handicap bets, among others. Unibet is known for offering highly competitive odds, which is a significant draw for esports bettors. Additionally, the site has a user-friendly interface and is available in several languages, making it an excellent option for international esports betting fans. |
Bet365 | Bet365 is one of the world's largest online sportsbooks, offering a wide range of betting options for Valorant and other esports games. The site provides live streaming of various esports events, including Valorant tournaments, making it a popular choice for esports fans who want to watch the games they're betting on. |
Most Popular Valorant Tournaments and Events
Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) | Series of global Valorant tournaments organized by Riot Games. The VCT features a number of regional events, leading up to the Valorant Champions event, which offers a significant prize pool. The VCT is one of the most prestigious Valorant events and offers a wide range of betting markets. |
First Strike | Series of regional Valorant tournaments, organized by Riot Games. The tournament features top teams from each region, competing for a prize pool. First Strike is one of the most popular Valorant events for betting, with a wide range of markets available for each match. |
Ignition Series | Series of Valorant tournaments held throughout 2020, organized by Riot Games in collaboration with various esports organizations. The tournament features a range of top-tier teams competing for a prize pool. The Ignition Series was one of the first Valorant events and is still popular with Valorant fans and bettors. |
Pop Flash | Series of Valorant tournaments organized by esports organization B Site Inc. The tournament features top teams from North America competing for a prize pool. Pop Flash is one of the most popular Valorant events for North American fans and offers a range of exciting betting markets. |
Other Popular Esports
While games like League of Legends, CS2, Dota 2, and Valorant are among the most popular esports for betting, there are plenty of other games that offer exciting gameplay and are worth checking out for esports betting fans.
Rocket League Betting
Rocket League is a high-octane sports game that features rocket-powered cars playing soccer. The game has a growing competitive scene, with numerous major events and tournaments held throughout the year. Rocket League betting is becoming increasingly popular, with a range of betting options available for fans looking to place wagers on their favorite teams.
Overwatch
Overwatch is a popular team-based shooter game that offers an exciting gameplay experience and features a variety of unique and diverse characters. The game has a dedicated and enthusiastic player community and a rapidly expanding competitive scene. As a result of its growing popularity, Overwatch esports betting has become increasingly popular, with a range of betting markets available for fans who want to place wagers on their preferred teams.
Call of Duty
Call of Duty is a popular first-person shooter game that offers a fast-paced and exciting gameplay experience. The game has a rich and distinguished history, with a committed player community and a flourishing esports scene. Due to its widespread appeal, Call of Duty esports betting is also prevalent, with a variety of betting markets accessible for fans who want to place wagers on their preferred teams.
Live Esports Betting
Live esports betting, also known as in-game or in-play betting, allows bettors to place wagers on esports matches as they are happening in real-time. This type of betting has grown in popularity in recent years due to its exciting and dynamic nature, and its potential to generate significant payouts.
A key benefit of live esports betting is that it enables bettors to make informed decisions based on the progress of the match. For instance, if a team is struggling in the early stages of a game, bettors can adjust their wagers to reflect the changing odds. This aspect of live esports betting increases engagement and excitement for bettors and has the potential to yield substantial winnings.
Live esports betting provides a range of betting markets that vary depending on the esports event and the sportsbook that offers the betting options. Common live esports bets include map winners, match winners, total rounds, next kill, first blood, handicap, and player-specific bets.
How to Place Bets on Esports?
Betting on esports is an exciting and rapidly growing industry, with millions of fans around the world placing wagers on their favorite games and events. If you're new to esports betting, this step-by-step guide will help you get started.
Choose a reputable esports betting site
The first step in betting on esports is to choose a reputable online sportsbook that offers esports betting. Look for a sportsbook that is licensed and regulated, offers competitive odds, and provides a range of esports betting markets.
Create an account
Once you have chosen a sportsbook, the next step is to create an account. This typically involves providing personal information such as your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. You may also need to provide verification documents to ensure your identity.
Fund your account
After creating an account, you will need to fund it to place your wagers. Most esports betting sites accept a range of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
Choose the esports event and the type of bet
Once your account is funded, you can start placing wagers on esports events. Choose the esports event you want to bet on and the type of bet you want to place, such as match winner, total rounds, or player-specific bets.
Set your stake
After choosing your bet, you will need to set your stake. This is the amount of money you want to wager on your selected bet. Be sure to only wager what you can afford to lose.
Place your bet
After setting your stake, you can place your bet. Confirm your bet details and ensure that everything is correct before submitting it.
Watch the match and collect your winnings
Once you have placed your bet, you can watch the esports event and see if your bet is successful. If it is, you will receive your winnings in your betting account, which you can withdraw to your chosen payment method.
Esports Betting Tips
Research the Teams and Players
Let's say you want to bet on a Dota 2 match between Evil Geniuses and Virtus.pro. Before placing your bet, you should research each team's past performance, including their win-loss record, performance against other teams, and their recent form.
For instance, if Evil Geniuses has been on a winning streak and is currently ranked higher in the standings than Virtus.pro, they may be considered the favorite to win the match. However, if Virtus.pro has a history of performing well in certain matchups or against certain teams, they may be able to pull off an upset.
You can also look at any recent roster changes and how they may impact the team's performance. For example, if Evil Geniuses recently added a new player who has a history of performing well in a specific role, that could give them an advantage over Virtus.pro.
Understand the Game and Odds
Understanding the game and the odds is a key component of successful esports betting. It's important to have a good grasp of the game you're betting on, as well as the different betting markets available, in order to make informed betting decisions.
For example, let's say you want to bet on a CS2 match between Astralis and Natus Vincere. To make an informed bet, you should have a good understanding of the game mechanics and the different betting markets available for CS2.
You might research the different types of bets available for CS2, such as match winner, handicap, map winner, and total rounds, and consider which type of bet is best suited for the matchup between Astralis and Natus Vincere. You might also look at each team's play style and how they typically perform on certain maps.
Understanding the odds is also crucial for successful esports betting. The odds offered by the sportsbook reflect the probability of a certain outcome occurring, and can help you determine which bets offer the best value. For example, if Astralis is heavily favored to win the match, the odds may be low and offer little value. In this case, you might consider alternative bets, such as handicap or total rounds, to increase the potential payout.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
Setting a budget and sticking to it is a key aspect of responsible esports betting. It's important to determine how much money you're willing to spend on betting and to only wager what you can afford to lose.
For example, if you set a weekly budget of $50 for esports betting, you should aim to place bets that fall within this budget. You might divide your budget into smaller amounts, such as $10 per bet, to help you manage your spending.
It's also important to avoid chasing losses by increasing your bets after a losing streak. This can quickly lead to larger losses and can put you in a financially precarious situation. If you have a losing streak, it's important to take a break and reassess your betting strategy before continuing.
One way to help stick to your budget is to use a separate account or wallet specifically for esports betting. This can help you keep track of your betting expenses and avoid dipping into funds intended for other expenses.
Consider live betting
Live esports betting can offer additional excitement and opportunities to win. Keep an eye on the match and look for opportunities to adjust your bets based on the unfolding events.
Take Advantage of Promotions and Bonuses
Taking advantage of promotions and bonuses can be a great way to increase your potential winnings in esports betting. Many esports betting sites offer a range of promotions and bonuses to both new and existing customers.
For example, a betting site might offer a welcome bonus to new customers, such as a free bet or a deposit match up to a certain amount. They might also offer ongoing promotions, such as enhanced odds on certain matches or tournaments, or cashback offers for losing bets.
By taking advantage of these offers, you can increase your potential winnings without having to increase your bet size. For instance, if you receive a free bet worth $10, you can use it to place a wager without having to risk any of your own money.
Stay Up-to-Date With the Latest News and Events
Staying up-to-date with the latest news and events in the world of esports is crucial for making informed betting decisions. The esports industry is constantly evolving, with new games, events, and teams emerging all the time, and it's important to stay informed to make the most of your betting opportunities.
For example, let's say you're interested in betting on a League of Legends match between T1 and DAMWON Gaming. Before placing your bet, you should research each team's recent performance, any roster changes, and their overall form leading up to the match.
You might also stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the League of Legends scene, such as any new game patches or changes to the competitive structure. These developments can have a significant impact on how matches are played and how teams perform.
Summary
Esports betting is a growing industry that offers a range of exciting opportunities for fans of competitive gaming.
To get started with esports betting, it's important to choose a reliable and reputable online sportsbook, with options such as DraftKings, Bet365, PointsBet, Unibet, and Golden Nugget Sports being among the best.
Once you've selected a sportsbook, you can explore the wide range of games available for esports betting, including popular titles like League of Legends, CS2, Dota 2, Valorant, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Call of Duty.
To make informed betting decisions, it's important to do your research on the teams and players, understand the game and the odds, set a budget and stick to it, take advantage of promotions and bonuses, stay up-to-date with the latest news and events, and consider live esports betting.
Popular esports events and tournaments to bet on include the LCS and Worlds for League of Legends, the Majors and IEM for CS2, the International and the Pro Circuit for Dota 2, and the Valorant Champions Tour for Valorant. It's important to remember to always bet responsibly and never risk more than you can afford to lose, no matter what game or betting site you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is esports betting?
Esports betting is the act of wagering on competitive video game matches or events using real money. Esports betting has grown in popularity in recent years due to the rise of competitive gaming and the increasing accessibility of online betting.
How does esports betting work?
Esports betting works in a similar way to traditional sports betting. Bettors place wagers on the outcome of an esports match or event, and if their prediction is correct, they receive a payout based on the odds offered by the sportsbook.
What types of bets can be placed on esports matches?
There are several types of bets that can be placed on esports matches, including match winner, handicap, map winner, total rounds, and first blood. In addition, some sportsbooks offer live or in-play betting, which allows bettors to place wagers during the match as it unfolds.
What are the odds usually like for esports bets?
The odds for esports bets vary depending on the sportsbook and the specific match or event. However, in general, the odds for esports bets tend to be similar to those for traditional sports betting.
How do I know if an esports betting site is reputable?
To determine if an esports betting site is reputable, you should research the site and read reviews from other users. Look for a site that is licensed and regulated, has a good reputation in the industry, and offers reliable and secure payment options.
What are the risks of esports betting?
Like any form of gambling, esports betting carries risks, including the potential for losing money. It's important to only bet what you can afford to lose and to never chase losses by increasing your bets.
What are some tips for successful esports betting?
Some tips for successful esports betting include doing your research on the teams and players, understanding the game and the odds, setting a budget and sticking to it, taking advantage of promotions and bonuses, and staying up-to-date with the latest news and events.
What happens if I win an esports bet?
If you win an esports bet, you will receive a payout based on the odds offered by the sportsbook. The payout will be credited to your account, and you can withdraw the funds or use them to place further bets.
What happens if I lose an esports bet?
If you lose an esports bet, you will lose the amount of money that you wagered. It's important to only bet what you can afford to lose and to never chase losses by increasing your bets.
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