The Ultimate Esports Betting Guide: Tips, Strategies, and Top Platforms

Updated: July 2025

The Ultimate Esports Betting Guide 2025: How to Bet, Win & Choose the Best Sites

Esports betting has rapidly grown into one of the most dynamic and exciting ways to wager online. With massive prize pools, passionate fan bases, and fast-paced gameplay, it’s no surprise that esports betting is attracting both experienced punters and total beginners alike.

Whether you’re a gamer who knows the meta or a sports bettor curious about the digital battlefield, this comprehensive esports betting guide for 2025 will help you get started, avoid common pitfalls, and bet smarter.

Inside, you’ll learn:

• How esports betting works
• The most popular games to bet on (like CS2, LoL, and Dota 2)
• What markets are available
• Where to find the best bonuses
• How to make informed bets using tips, strategies, and stats

TL;DR – Quick Summary

• Esports betting lets you place real-money wagers on competitive video game matches and tournaments.
• You can bet on games like Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2, Fortnite, and Valorant.
• Common markets include: match winner, map winner, total kills, first blood, and outright tournament champion.
• The best betting platforms for esports offer dedicated sections, live betting, and crypto bonuses.
• Use expert tips, watch streams, and follow tournament news to stay sharp and make smarter wagers.
• Esports betting is legal in many countries, but always check your local laws.

Esports Betting Guide for Beginners: How to Get Started

New to esports betting? You’re not alone — thousands of new bettors are exploring the world of competitive gaming every month. The good news is: you don’t need to be a hardcore gamer or a betting expert to get started.

Here’s everything beginners need to know to place their first esports bet with confidence.

What Is Esports Betting?

Esports betting is the act of placing wagers on professional video game matches or tournaments. Just like in traditional sports betting, the goal is to predict the outcome — such as which team will win — and earn a profit if you’re right.

You can bet on games like:

• Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)
• League of Legends (LoL)
• Dota 2
• Fortnite
• Valorant
• Overwatch
• Call of Duty
• And more

How Esports Betting Works (In Simple Terms)

Most sportsbooks list upcoming esports matches just like football or basketball games. You browse the match list, choose your market (e.g. winner, map 1 result, total kills), enter your stake, and confirm your bet.

Odds work the same as in sports: the higher the risk, the greater the reward.

Popular Esports Betting Markets

• Match Winner: Bet on which team wins the match.
• Map Winner: Predict which team will win a specific map or round.
• Total Maps/Over-Under: Wager on the number of maps played in a series.
• Prop Bets: Bet on specific outcomes like first blood, most kills, or first tower.
• Outright Winner: Pick the overall winner of an entire tournament.

Tip: Start with match winner bets if you’re new. They’re straightforward and ideal for learning the ropes.

What You Need Before You Start Betting

• A verified account with a licensed sportsbook
• A small bankroll or deposit (even €10–20 is enough)
• A basic understanding of the game you’re betting on
• Optional: access to match previews, team stats, or live streams

Is Esports Betting Legal?

In most regions, yes — but it depends on where you live. Esports betting is legal and regulated in countries like the UK, Ireland, Canada, Brazil, and parts of the US (depending on the state). Always check your local laws before placing bets online.

Quick Tips for Beginners

• Stick to games you already know or enjoy watching
• Use official tournament websites or Liquipedia for schedules and stats
• Don’t chase losses — start small and manage your bankroll
• Compare odds across different sportsbooks to find the best value
• Claim welcome bonuses (just make sure to read the T&Cs)

Popular Esports Games to Bet On in 2025

If you’re wondering which games are best to bet on, start with the titles that have the biggest competitive scenes and the most betting markets. These games attract massive audiences, feature regular tournaments, and are covered by all major esports sportsbooks.

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)

As the successor to CS:GO, Counter-Strike 2 has quickly become one of the most bet-on esports titles in the world. It’s a tactical first-person shooter known for its skill-based gameplay, team coordination, and map strategy.

• Match winner
• Map handicap
• Round total (over/under)
• First kill or pistol round winner
• Live betting by round

Why it’s popular: Matches are fast-paced, and bettors can make use of real-time stats, stream coverage, and extensive team history.

League of Legends (LoL)

LoL is one of the most iconic esports in the world, especially during the annual World Championship. With structured regional leagues and a massive global following, it’s a staple for both casual and serious bettors.

• Match and map winners
• First tower or first blood
• Total dragons or barons slain
• Kill handicaps
• Tournament outrights

Why it’s popular: It offers dozens of prop bets and in-depth pre-match data, making it ideal for strategic wagers.

Dota 2

Dota 2 remains a favourite among esports bettors, thanks largely to The International, which regularly features multi-million dollar prize pools. The gameplay is deep, and the betting markets reflect that complexity.

• Series and map winners
• Total kills
• Roshan kills
• Team with most assists
• First barracks destroyed

Why it’s popular: High skill ceiling and explosive gameplay make for thrilling betting opportunities — especially during major tournaments.

Valorant

Valorant, developed by Riot Games, has rapidly grown into a top-tier shooter in the esports scene. The VCT (Valorant Champions Tour) offers year-round action for bettors.

• Match winner
• Round handicaps
• Spike plants/defuses
• First kill or ace
• Live betting per map

Why it’s popular: Matches are close, fast, and perfect for live bets and prop plays.

FIFA (EA Sports FC)

The competitive scene around FIFA (now EA Sports FC) includes 1v1 duels, team events, and regional championships. It’s great for casual fans who already love football.

• Match winner
• Correct score
• Goal total over/under
• First goal scorer (in-game player)
• Tournament winner

Why it’s popular: The gameplay mirrors real football matches, and betting sites often treat it like a traditional sport.

Other Honourable Mentions

• Overwatch 2 – Tactical hero shooter with a revamped esports structure
• Fortnite – Battle royale game with high-stakes solo/duo tournaments
• Call of Duty – Bet on CDL (Call of Duty League) matches
• Rocket League – Fast, goal-driven gameplay that’s easy to follow and bet on

Must-Watch Esports Tournaments to Bet On in 2025

If you’re looking for the biggest opportunities in esports betting, follow the premier global tournaments. These events not only attract millions of viewers but also offer the widest range of betting markets, enhanced odds, and live in-play options.

League of Legends World Championship (Worlds)

LoL Worlds is the crown jewel of the competitive League of Legends calendar. With huge prize pools, international hype, and high betting volume, it’s one of the most bet-on esports events every year.

• Dozens of prop bets per match
• Pre-match and live betting
• Futures on group winners and finalists

The International (Dota 2)

Valve’s flagship Dota 2 event, The International, continues to break records with its enormous prize pool and global reach. This event is perfect for high-stakes wagers and tournament-long betting strategies.

• Outright winner markets from qualifiers to finals
• Live map-by-map betting
• Risk-free bets and odds boosts often available

VCT Champions (Valorant)

The VCT Champions tournament crowns the best Valorant team in the world and concludes the year-long circuit. With explosive gameplay and lots of momentum shifts, it’s made for live esports betting.

• Map winner, round handicaps, first blood
• Match MVPs and special props
• Live betting by round or map

Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS)

Epic Games’ FNCS events deliver high-stakes action in solo, duo, and squad formats. While it’s less traditional than team-based esports, Fortnite betting has grown due to huge followings and unpredictability.

• Tournament winner
• Individual player performance
• Kill-based props

Counter-Strike 2 Majors

CS2 majors, run by tournament giants like BLAST and ESL, draw massive audiences and offer consistent betting action.

• Full match winner, round totals, and map-specific bets
• Live betting with dynamic odds per round
• Tournament outrights and bracket bets

Take Advantage of Esports Betting Bonuses

Whether you’re placing your first esports bet or topping up your account, betting bonuses can boost your bankroll and minimise risk. Here are the main types of esports betting promotions to look for in 2025:

• Welcome Bonuses – Get a 50–100% match on your first deposit (often up to €250–€500)
• Free Bets – Risk-free bets where the stake is refunded if you lose
• Reload Bonuses – Extra cash when you top up your account
• Cashback Offers – A portion of your losses returned as bonus funds
• Crypto Boosts – Special bonuses when depositing in Bitcoin or other crypto

Pro Tip: Some betting sites run exclusive offers during major esports tournaments, so it’s worth checking your sportsbook’s promotions page regularly.

 

How to Place Your First Esports Bet

New to esports betting? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to placing your first real-money bet on an esports match.

Step 1: Choose a Trusted Esports Betting Site

Start by selecting a licensed sportsbook that offers strong esports coverage. Look for sites with:

• Dedicated esports sections
• Support for games like LoL, CS2, Dota 2, and Valorant
• Live betting and in-play stats
• Crypto or local payment methods
• Welcome bonuses or free bet offers

Need help choosing? Check out our guide to the best esports betting sites.

Step 2: Create an Account and Verify

Register with your name, email, and password. You’ll likely need to complete KYC (Know Your Customer) verification by submitting ID and proof of address before you can withdraw winnings.

Step 3: Make Your First Deposit

Deposit using your preferred method — whether it’s a debit card, e-wallet, or crypto. Most sites offer a deposit bonus on your first transaction, so make sure to opt-in and check the bonus terms.

Step 4: Browse the Esports Section

Navigate to the site’s Esports tab and browse upcoming matches. You’ll usually find games listed by tournament, format (e.g., best-of-3), or date. Click on any match to view all available markets.

Step 5: Place Your Bet

Pick your market (e.g. match winner, first blood), enter your stake, and confirm the bet. Once the match starts, you can watch it live and — on some platforms — place additional bets during the action.

Top Tips for Smarter Esports Betting

1. Know the Meta

Games like League of Legends and Dota 2 evolve quickly. Follow patch updates, hero changes, and new strategies — they can massively impact team performance and betting outcomes.

2. Watch Matches Live

Watching games on Twitch or YouTube gives you a better sense of team form, momentum, and player coordination — especially helpful for live betting.

3. Use Stats to Guide Your Bets

Sites like Liquipedia and HLTV offer team rankings, win/loss records, player stats, and head-to-head results. Use this data to make more informed bets.

4. Don’t Chase Losses

Set a bankroll limit and stick to it. Losing streaks happen, and chasing them can lead to bigger losses.

5. Focus on Tournaments

Major events like Worlds, The International, and VCT offer more liquidity, better odds, and enhanced promos — making them ideal for both beginners and pros.

6. Follow Communities

Subreddits like r/leagueoflegends, r/DotA2, and r/ValorantCompetitive often share useful insights and roster news before it hits the sportsbooks.

 

Esports Betting Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Is esports betting legal?

Yes, esports betting is legal in many countries, including the UK, Ireland, Canada, and parts of the United States. However, local regulations vary, so it’s important to check if esports betting is allowed in your region. You must be 18+ or of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction.

Which games can I bet on?

Top esports titles for betting include League of Legends, CS2, Dota 2, Valorant, Overwatch, FIFA, Call of Duty, Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, and Rocket League.

What is the minimum deposit to bet on esports?

Most betting sites require a minimum deposit between €5–€10. Some crypto sportsbooks allow micro-deposits starting from 0.0001 BTC or equivalent.

Can I use bonuses for esports betting?

Yes, many sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses, free bets, and cashback deals that apply to esports betting. Always check bonus terms to see if esports wagers are eligible and what the rollover requirements are.

Is esports betting fair?

Licensed esports bookmakers are regulated and must follow fair play and responsible gambling rules. Always bet with regulated operators to ensure game integrity, bet protection, and payout security.

Can I watch the matches live?

Yes. Most major tournaments are streamed on platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, or directly on the sportsbook site if live betting is offered.

How do odds work in esports?

Odds in esports work the same way as traditional sports. You’ll see them displayed in decimal (EU), fractional (UK), or moneyline (US) format. They reflect the implied probability of an outcome and your potential return.

 

Expert Tips for Smarter Esports Betting in 2025

Winning in esports betting isn’t just about picking favourites — it’s about reading the meta, understanding current form, and spotting edges where others don’t. Here’s how to approach betting like a pro in 2025.

1. Understand the Meta

Each game has a “meta” — a current best strategy or playstyle. Games like League of Legends and Valorant shift frequently after patches. Following patch notes, tier lists, and team playstyles can give you a major edge when betting on matchups.

2. Analyse Current Form

Always evaluate recent performances. Has a team gone 4–1 in the last five matches? Did they dominate weaker opponents or beat top-tier rosters? Don’t rely on name recognition — check win streaks, map win rates, and consistency.

3. Use Reliable Esports Stats

Stat-tracking sites like HLTV (for CS2), Oracle’s Elixir (for LoL), and VLR.gg (for Valorant) are essential. Use them to track team KD ratios, map picks, clutch stats, and player head-to-heads.

4. Bet by Match Type

Some teams excel in best-of-1s, others in best-of-3/5s. Use this to your advantage. Upsets are more common in single maps — especially in fast-paced games like CS2 or Fortnite tournaments.

5. Watch the Matches

There’s no better way to improve your bets than watching the games. Observe momentum shifts, team synergy, player tilt, and adaptation — things stats can’t always capture.

6. Stick to 1–2 Games You Know Well

While it’s tempting to bet on every event, you’ll perform better by specialising. Focus on 1–2 esports titles you understand deeply. You’ll be better equipped to read odds and spot mispriced markets.

How a CS2 Bet Works – Real Example

Let’s walk through a real-world betting example using Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). Suppose G2 Esports is playing against FaZe Clan in a best-of-three match at the BLAST Premier.

Step 1: Find the Match

Head to your chosen esports betting site like
BetOnline, Stake, or GG.BET and look under the CS2 section. You’ll see the match listed like this:

G2 Esports (1.80) vs FaZe Clan (2.00)

Step 2: Place Your Stake

You believe FaZe Clan is undervalued and bet €20 on them at odds of 2.00.

Step 3: Confirm the Betting Slip

Once you click “Place Bet,” your slip will show:

• Bet Type: Match Winner
• Selection: FaZe Clan
• Stake: €20
• Odds: 2.00
• Payout: €40 (if successful)

Step 4: Watch and React

You can follow the match live on Twitch or YouTube. Some sites offer live betting options, allowing you to hedge or double down during the game based on map momentum or player performance.

This simple walk-through applies to most esports matches, including Dota 2, Valorant, League of Legends, and more.

Maximise Value with Esports Betting Bonuses

Most esports betting platforms offer a range of bonuses to help you get started or boost your bankroll. These offers can make a big difference, especially if you’re betting on high-stakes events or trying out a new site.

Popular Types of Bonuses

• Welcome Bonuses: Typically a 100% match on your first deposit, e.g., deposit €100 and get another €100 to bet with.
• Free Bets: Risk-free wagers that don’t require you to stake your own money.
• Reload Bonuses: Extra funds added when you top up your account, often on weekends or during big tournaments.
• Cashback Offers: Get a percentage of your losses refunded over a set time period.

How to Claim and Use a Bonus

Claiming bonuses is simple. After registering with a bookmaker, you’ll usually be prompted to opt in or enter a promo code when depositing. Once your funds arrive, your bonus is activated.

Always read the terms and conditions. Look out for:

• Wagering Requirements: You may need to bet your bonus amount 5–10x before withdrawing.
• Minimum Odds: Bonuses may only be used on bets with odds above a certain threshold (e.g., 1.50).
• Expiry Time: Some bonuses expire within 7–30 days of being claimed.

Top 2 Esports Betting Bonuses in 2025

• 🥇 1st – BetOnline – BetOnline stands out with its dependable sportsbook, lightning-fast crypto withdrawals, and user-friendly platform. Whether you’re placing a single bet or planning a full weekend accumulator, their welcome bonus and stable esports coverage make them a top-tier choice for new and returning bettors.

 

• 🥈 2nd – GG.BET – For serious esports fans, GG.BET delivers outstanding depth across titles like CS2, Dota 2, Valorant, and LoL. Their live betting markets are fast and flexible, and they currently offer one of the largest esports welcome bonuses in the world—up to €3,500. It’s the perfect pick for esports-first punters.

Top Tips for Long-Term Esports Betting Success

Winning at esports betting isn’t just about luck — it’s about preparation, smart analysis, and self-discipline. Use the tips below to sharpen your strategy and manage your betting habits responsibly.

1. Stay Informed About the Meta

Follow game patches, roster changes, and tournament results. Esports can shift rapidly — what works one month might fail the next. Keep tabs on Twitch streams, developer updates, and esports news portals.

2. Follow Teams and Players Closely

Build familiarity with teams’ strengths and weaknesses. Consider performance trends, individual player stats, and match history — especially in head-to-head rivalries.

3. Start With Low Stakes and Track Results

Begin with small bets to understand the markets. Keep a simple spreadsheet of your wagers, odds, and outcomes. Over time, you’ll spot patterns and sharpen your instincts.

4. Only Bet What You Can Afford to Lose

Esports betting should be fun — not financially stressful. Never chase losses and avoid betting with borrowed money. Stick to a set budget and treat winnings as bonuses, not expectations.

5. Join Forums for Sharp Insights

Reddit, Discord, and specialised betting communities often provide valuable discussions, early team updates, and prediction threads that can’t be found in mainstream media.

Want more strategy breakdowns? Visit our esports betting guides hub for deeper insights.

 

 

Best Esports Betting Sites in 2025

Choosing the right platform is critical for a rewarding esports betting experience. The best sites offer competitive odds, fast payouts, live markets, and strong support for popular games like Valorant, LoL, CS2, and Dota 2.

Below is a quick comparison of top-rated sites for 2025 based on user feedback, betting features, bonuses, and crypto support.

Top Esports Betting Platforms

 

Each of these sites is vetted for reliability, payout speed, licensing, and betting variety. Whether you’re a crypto bettor or a traditional punter, they provide excellent esports coverage.

Need more detail? See our full comparison guide on the best esports betting sites of 2025.

Final Thoughts on Esports Betting

Esports betting is here to stay — and it’s only getting more competitive. Whether you’re betting casually or aiming to become a strategy-first punter, staying informed is the key to long-term success. Watch live streams, follow tournament updates, track your results, and only wager what you can afford to lose.

We’ll keep this guide updated throughout the 2025 season, so feel free to bookmark it or get in touch if you have questions or want help finding the right site.

Explore More Betting Guides

• Esports Betting in Canada
• Best Esports Betting Sites

Esports Betting FAQs

Is esports betting legal?

Yes, in many countries esports betting is legal and regulated similarly to sports betting. However, legality varies by location — check local laws before placing bets.

What’s the best site for esports betting?

Top-rated options include
GG.BET, BetOnline, and Betway. These platforms provide excellent esports coverage, live betting options, and reliable welcome offers.

Which esports games can I bet on?

Popular titles include Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant, and Fortnite.

What’s the minimum bet amount?

This varies by site. Most platforms accept minimum bets of $1 or lower, depending on currency and site terms.

Can I bet with crypto?

Yes. Platforms like
BetOnline Crypto and GG.BET support Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals.