Esports Betting Singapore (2025 Guide)

Esports Betting Singapore (2025 Guide)

Esports has grown into a global entertainment and competitive phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers and players across major titles and tournaments. Alongside this rise, betting on esports events has become an increasingly common topic — particularly among younger, digitally savvy audiences.

In Singapore, interest in esports and competitive gaming is rapidly growing. However, the country is also known for its strict digital laws, tightly regulated betting industry, and conservative approach to gambling. This makes the topic of esports betting more complex — and potentially risky — than in many other regions.

This guide is intended to help readers understand the legal status, technical workarounds, and international context of esports betting as it relates to Singapore. It is strictly for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as legal or gambling advice of any kind.

Is Esports Betting Legal in Singapore?

Singapore maintains one of the most tightly regulated gambling frameworks in Southeast Asia. The cornerstone of its online gambling laws is the Remote Gambling Act 2014, which broadly prohibits all forms of remote gambling — including betting over the internet, telephone, or any other digital communication.

Under this law, online betting is only legal through government-approved operators. As of 2025, the only two entities granted exemptions are Singapore Pools and the Singapore Turf Club. Neither of these organisations offers any form of esports betting. This means there are currently no legal ways to bet on esports within Singapore through licensed domestic channels.

Although enforcement typically targets unlicensed operators rather than individual users, participating in illegal online gambling can still carry legal consequences under Singapore law. Activities such as placing bets through unlicensed sites, facilitating access to such platforms, or advertising them may all constitute offences.

The landscape may appear to be shifting globally, but in Singapore, the legal framework remains strict — and esports betting is not currently an exception.

Offshore Betting Platforms and VPN Use

Despite the restrictions on online betting in Singapore, some offshore platforms based in other jurisdictions continue to accept users from the region. These sites are often licensed in countries such as Curacao, Cyprus, or Isle of Man, and may offer esports betting markets across games like League of Legends, Dota 2, CS2, and more.

Some of these platforms offer support for the Singapore dollar (SGD), as well as cryptocurrency payment options, and will allow account creation without location-based restrictions. As a result, they have become a point of interest for users seeking to engage with international esports betting content.

In some cases, users attempt to access these platforms using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass geo-blocking. While VPNs are commonly used for privacy and international browsing, it is important to note that using a VPN does not make illegal gambling legal. Masking your location does not remove liability under Singaporean law.

These offshore platforms operate in a legal grey area and are not regulated or authorised by Singapore’s government. Users choosing to engage with them do so entirely at their own risk, with no guaranteed consumer protections or legal fallback in case of disputes, blocked funds, or account issues.

Popular Esports Games in Singapore

Even though legal esports betting is not available through licensed operators in Singapore, local interest in competitive gaming remains high. The city-state has a vibrant gaming scene, with many fans actively following international leagues and tournaments across a range of top-tier titles.

Here are some of the most popular esports titles among Singaporean players and spectators — many of which also feature in international betting markets:

• League of Legends (LoL): A dominant force in global esports, especially across Southeast Asia. Riot’s franchise structure and regular international events drive sustained interest.
• Dota 2: A major title in Singapore and across SEA, with strong viewership during events like The International and regional qualifiers.
• Counter-Strike 2 (CS2): While more niche locally, it remains one of the most bet-on titles globally due to its fast-paced, team-based format.
• Valorant: Riot’s tactical shooter has seen rapid growth in Asia-Pacific, with a growing number of Singaporean teams and fans involved in the VCT circuit.
• Mobile Games (MLBB, Arena of Valor): Especially popular among younger audiences, mobile titles dominate the Southeast Asian esports charts and offer a different entry point to the competitive scene.

These games are commonly featured on international esports betting platforms, though again, none of the government-approved operators in Singapore currently offer legal betting markets on them.

Offshore Esports Betting Sites (Reviewed)

While no esports betting platforms are licensed in Singapore, some international operators continue to offer esports coverage for users in regions where online betting is permitted. One such platform that is frequently mentioned in esports betting circles is BetOnline.

We have created a detailed review of BetOnline’s esports offerings for educational purposes. It covers supported titles, payment methods, platform usability, and international accessibility.

Please note that BetOnline is not licensed to operate in Singapore. The review is intended purely for informational purposes for users in jurisdictions where such platforms are legal.

Mobile Betting & App Limitations

Mobile usage dominates online activity in Singapore, and this trend extends to gaming and betting platforms worldwide. However, due to regulatory restrictions, access to gambling-related apps is extremely limited through official mobile app stores in Singapore.

Users attempting to engage with offshore esports betting platforms from Singapore will typically need to rely on responsive mobile websites rather than dedicated apps. These mobile sites adjust to fit screen sizes and often include full access to features available on desktop, such as live betting, match schedules, and account management.

While some offshore operators may offer downloadable Android APK files, these are not available via the Google Play Store in Singapore and may pose security risks. Users should approach such files with caution and understand the implications of sideloading software on their devices.

On iOS, options are even more restricted. Apple’s App Store does not permit gambling-related apps in regions where the operators are not licensed. This effectively means iPhone and iPad users in Singapore cannot legally download any offshore betting apps, and must rely entirely on mobile web versions.

If users do choose to access offshore sites, most will do so through a browser like Safari or Chrome, often combined with VPN usage. Again, this comes with legal and technical risks, which users should fully understand before proceeding.

 

Payment Methods and Financial Risks

Funding an account with an offshore betting platform while in Singapore presents several challenges — both technical and legal. Since these operators are not licensed locally, they do not benefit from regulated payment gateways or financial dispute resolution under Singaporean law.

Despite this, some offshore platforms support payment methods commonly used by international users. These include:

• Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum): Popular for its anonymity, fast processing, and lack of third-party oversight. However, users risk price volatility and irreversible transactions.
• E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller): Occasionally accepted by offshore sites, although many e-wallet providers restrict transactions to gambling operators in jurisdictions where they’re unlicensed.
• International Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are often supported, but local issuing banks in Singapore may decline transactions flagged as high-risk or gambling-related.
• Bank Transfers: Rarely used due to long delays, high fees, and potential regulatory scrutiny. In most cases, these transfers are routed through foreign accounts.

It’s essential to note that users have limited or no legal recourse if payment issues occur, funds are held, or accounts are closed by the operator. There is also the risk of financial institutions blocking or flagging transactions, especially if they appear linked to gambling activity in a restricted region.

Singapore’s Esports Scene and Final Thoughts

Singapore’s esports community continues to grow in both professionalism and popularity. While betting on esports is legally restricted, competitive gaming itself is actively supported through events, tournaments, and youth engagement programs.

Some notable esports events in Singapore include:

• PVP Esports Championships: Organised by Singtel, this tournament has featured major titles like Dota 2 and Arena of Valor, attracting regional attention and offering large prize pools.
• Singapore Esports League (SEL): A homegrown initiative focused on building the domestic Dota 2 competitive scene through a structured ladder-based format.
• SEA Tour (League of Legends): Singapore is one of the key countries in the Southeast Asia Tour, a circuit that feeds into global Riot events such as the Mid-Season Invitational and Worlds.

While esports betting is not legally accessible through licensed local platforms, the growing interest in competitive gaming reflects a broader cultural shift — one that mirrors global trends. For now, it’s important to distinguish between watching and supporting esports, and engaging in high-risk offshore gambling activity.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. eGamingHQ does not endorse or promote illegal gambling activities. Online betting is prohibited in Singapore unless conducted through operators licensed and exempted under the Remote Gambling Act.

Accessing offshore betting platforms from Singapore may breach local laws. The information provided here does not constitute legal advice, and users are strongly advised to consult qualified legal counsel before engaging in any gambling-related activity. eGamingHQ assumes no responsibility for actions taken based on this content.