Yes, betting on Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is legal in some parts of the United States, but not everywhere. Esports betting laws are set by individual states, not the federal government. States like Nevada, New Jersey, and Colorado allow licensed esports betting, while others restrict or prohibit it. Many US players legally use international betting sites.
What does the law say about CS2 betting in the United States?
To begin with, there is no federal law that bans or specifically legalises esports betting across the US. Each state decides whether to allow or regulate esports wagering.
As of 2025, seven states have legalised esports betting in some form:
- Nevada – the first state to regulate esports betting, back in 2017.
- New Jersey – formally added esports to its sports betting framework in 2020.
- Colorado, Tennessee, and Virginia – allow esports betting under state-regulated sportsbooks.
- Arizona and Maryland – have approved esports betting for select events.
Meanwhile, states like Texas and California still prohibit real-money esports wagering. If your state doesn’t allow it, you can still use licensed offshore sportsbooks, which accept American players under international regulations. For a full breakdown of US laws, see our Esports Betting USA (2025) Guide.
Which US states currently allow esports betting?
| State | Esports Betting Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | Yes | First state to regulate esports betting. |
| New Jersey | Yes | Licensed and supervised by NJDGE. |
| Colorado | Yes | Permitted under sports betting framework. |
| Tennessee | Yes | Online-only esports betting allowed. |
| Virginia | Yes | Fully licensed. |
| Arizona | Yes | Limited approval for select events. |
| Maryland | Yes | Recently added esports to approved markets. |
| Texas | No | Betting still prohibited. |
| California | No | Online gambling remains illegal. |
Where can Americans legally bet on CS2 matches?
Most American bettors have two main options: licensed US sportsbooks (available only in approved states) and international betting sites that legally accept US customers. While US-based books sometimes offer esports markets, the widest CS2 coverage comes from offshore platforms such as BetOnline, Thunderpick, and GG.BET. These sites are licensed by recognised gaming authorities in Panama or Curaçao and operate legally for US players, provided their state does not explicitly ban online betting. Explore tournaments and coverage in our main CS2 Betting Guide.
Best Card-Friendly Esportsbooks in 2025
All brands below support Visa/Mastercard in many regions. Availability can vary by country — confirm the method in the cashier before depositing.
★★★★★★★★★★ (9.7)
Visa/Mastercard accepted (check region)
WELCOME BONUS:
50% welcome bonus, up to $250 in free bets
Fast approvals • Deep LoL/CS2/Valorant
T&Cs apply • 18+ • Please gamble responsibly
★★★★★★★★★★ (9.6)
Cards supported in many regions
WELCOME OFFER:
Exclusive VIP program!
Huge esports depth • Fast payouts
T&Cs apply • 18+ • Please gamble responsibly
★★★★★★★★★★ (9.7)
Cards accepted (check region)
WELCOME BONUS:
UP TO €1,000 + €250 FREE BETS
Live + pre-match esports odds
T&Cs apply • 18+ • Please gamble responsibly
★★★★★★★★★★ (9.6)
Cards + crypto supported
WELCOME BONUS:
Claim Your 100% Deposit Bonus up to €600
Slick UX • Low fees • Fast payouts
T&Cs apply • 18+ • Please gamble responsibly
How do you bet on CS2 in the USA?
If you’re new to esports betting, the process is simple: choose a licensed or reputable site (e.g., BetOnline or GG.BET), create an account with verified details, deposit via card, e-wallet, or crypto, select a CS2 match, pick a market (match winner, map handicap, total rounds), and confirm your wager. For strategy and markets, see our main CS2 Betting Guide.
What are the most popular CS2 betting markets in the USA?
Most US players stick to the main betting markets when wagering on CS2: Match Winner (simple win/loss), Map Handicap (balances favourites/underdogs), Total Rounds (over/under), Player Props (kills, assists), and Outright Winner (tournament champion). These markets cover events like the CS2 Esports World Cup and PGL Majors. For event-specific odds and previews, see our CS2 Esports World Cup Betting Guide.
Are offshore CS2 betting sites safe for US players?
Yes — provided you use licensed and regulated operators. Sites like BetOnline and GG.BET follow international compliance standards and use SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and responsible gambling tools. Avoid unregulated “skin betting” sites offering free coins or case bets, as many operate without oversight. Always verify licence details and contact information before depositing.
What are the pros and cons of betting on CS2 from the USA?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Legal in several US states | Still restricted in many regions |
| Safe offshore sites available | Not regulated by US authorities |
| Accepts crypto payments | Currency conversion fees may apply |
| Expanding esports coverage | Limited local sportsbook options |
Prize Pool Breakdown
| Placement | Prize (USD) | Club Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $400,000 | 1,000 |
| 2nd | $180,000 | 750 |
| 3rd | $100,000 | 500 |
| 4th | $60,000 | 300 |
| 5th–8th | $35,000 each | 200 |
| 9th–12th | $20,000 each | 100 |
In summary: Is CS2 betting worth it for US players?
In summary, CS2 betting is legal in some US states and accessible nationwide through licensed international sites. The safest option is to use established operators like BetOnline, GG.BET, or Thunderpick, which offer reliable odds, payment flexibility, and wide esports coverage. For state laws, see our Esports Betting USA Guide. For strategy and markets, visit the main CS2 Betting Guide. For major events and odds, check our CS2 Esports World Cup Betting Guide.
FAQs
Is CS2 betting legal in all US states?
No. Only certain states such as Nevada, New Jersey, and Colorado have approved esports betting.
Can Americans use offshore sites for CS2 betting?
Yes. Licensed offshore platforms are legal for most US players.
Can I use crypto to bet on CS2?
Yes. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are accepted by most major sportsbooks.
What’s the safest site for CS2 betting in the USA?
BetOnline is widely trusted among American players for security and reliability.
Where can I bet on CS2 tournaments like the Esports World Cup?
GG.BET and Thunderpick both offer full odds coverage for major international events.
References
- Official Esports World Cup Results – Liquipedia link or game site
- Publisher press releases (Valve, PGL, BLAST.tv)
- Verified esports coverage: Dot Esports, Esports Insider, HLTV.org
- American Gaming Association: 2024–2025 US Esports Betting Market Report
- NewZoo Global Esports Audience and Betting Trends 2025
About the Author
Written by: Cian O’Rourke, Esports Betting Analyst at eGamingHQ.
Eight years covering League of Legends betting markets and line movements across LCK, LPL, and LEC events.
Reviewed by: Aoife Brennan, Senior Content Editor & Responsible Gambling Lead.
Every guide is fact-checked against official Riot Games and Liquipedia sources and reviewed for accuracy, fairness, and transparency.
Last updated: 19 October 2025
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you sign up or make a deposit through them — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend licensed and trusted esports betting sites that meet our review standards. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ only. T&Cs apply.
