Best Esports Betting Sites in the US – Top 10 Ranked
Written by Dan Fitch
Updated: 08:22 am EST, 29/07/2024
This is our guide to the top Esports betting sites. We’re going to deliver our verdict on the best online bookmakers for Esports betting and reveal everything that there is to know about this exciting form of gambling. Let’s start by revealing our 10 favorite betting sites for Esports.
- BetOnline – Tops our rankings with a separate Esports section packed with markets
- Bovada – Low wagering requirements for welcome offer
- BetWhale – Esports section packed with titles featuring live streaming
- LuckyBlock – Crypto specialists cover a huge range of Esports games
- MyBookie – Great choice for Counter-Strike fans
- Sportsbetting – Esports results page keeps you up to date
- MegaDice – Bet on sports video games like FIFA and NBA2K
- XBet – Let reload bonus fund your Esports wagers
- WSM – Attractive live betting section that features Esports prominently
- TG Casino – Telegram betting site is a top pick for Esports
Our Top 5 Best Esports Betting Sites
We’re now going to take a closer look at our favorite esports sportsbooks, with in-depth reviews of our top five.
1. BetOnline – Our Number One Pick for Esports
BetOnline tops our rankings for Esports gambling sites. Unlike many of their competitors, who simply list them on their A-Z menu amongst competitors, BetOnline have a separate and dedicated section
This was perhaps a necessary move for a sportsbook that takes Esports seriously. The breadth of the video games that they cover, goes beyond what can be found at many of their competitors. When we conducted our review, we found you could bet on Counter Strike, League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant, FIFA and NBA2K, while other titles such as King of Glory and StarCraft 2 are often on the menu.
|
Games Covered |
Moneyline | Spreads | Totals | Props | Futures | Esports Live Streams |
|
6 |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Having a dedicated space makes BetOnline’s user experience a real pleasure for Esports fans. There are tabs which allow you to look at the current live betting opportunities, today’s events and those being covered over the week, futures and even a results section. Live streaming opportunities are prominently displayed, so you can watch the action.
There is real depth to the Esports markets at BetOnline. Some regular events are covered with around 25 markets. For major tournaments, though, it’s not unusual to see 100+. With a 50% welcome bonus and an Esports parlay bonus of up to 60%, BetOnline is our top recommendation.
Sportsbook Bonus:
50% up to $1,000
Wagering:
x15 times
# of Sports:
30+
SGPs:
yes
Pros:
- In-depth Esports coverage
- Live stream latest action
- Esports parlay bonus up to 60%
- Live betting & futures markets
Cons:
- Deposit via cards incur fees
2. Bovada – Industry Giant Delivers on Esports
Another sportsbook that covers Esports with the respect that it deserves is Bovada. When we reviewed them, we found markets available for Counter Strike 2, Dota 2, Kings of Glory, League of Legends, Rainbow Six, Starcraft and Valorant.
There were a good number of markets available for games, such as moneylines, spreads, totals, and props. We also found a number of futures betting options. Streaming was available on a high percentage of live events covered.
|
Games Covered |
Moneyline | Spreads | Totals | Props | Futures | Esports Live Streams |
|
7 |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Bovada has a very clean and clear design, making it easy on the eye. Navigating the Esports section is not as intuitive as it might be but, once you get the hang of it, you’ll soon be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.
The welcome bonus is a little lower than is available elsewhere, but that is balanced by the fact that the wagering requirements are low, as is the minimum deposit. If you want a little more bang for your buck, you can use the crypto welcome bonus, which matches your initial deposit to 75% and up to $750.
Sportsbook Bonus:
75% up to $750
Wagering:
x15 times
# of Sports:
30+
SGPs:
yes
Pros:
- Range of bonuses for Esports
- Well-designed sportsbook
- Lots of live streams for games
- All Esports favourites included
Cons:
- Needs more promos for existing players
3. BetWhale – Features Stacked Esports Section
In at number three in our rankings is BetWhale, who provide a separate section in which to bet online on Esports. It’s perhaps no surprise that they made this decision given the large amount of different games that they cover.
During our review, we found markets for no less than 13 games. Counter Strike, League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant, Ranbow Six, StarCraft 2, Kings of Glory, Mobile Legends, Warcraft 3, Crossfire, StarCraft BloodWar, FIFA and NBA2K were all on display.
|
Games Covered |
Moneyline | Spreads | Totals | Props | Futures |
Esports Live Streams |
|
13 |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
With such a large amount of games to cover, a separate Esports section makes it a lot easier to navigate. Upcoming events are displayed attractively, with clear links to live streaming. There is also a tab for results and favorites, where you can add your favored competitions. Market depth was good, with some of the games having 16 or more different bet types to wager on.
The welcome bonus is generous, with your initial deposit multiplied by 125% up to a limit of $1,250. We would have liked to have seen some promotions for existing users, but BetWhale’s product is strong enough for Esports fans to not need many extra incentives.
Sportsbook Bonus:
125% Deposit Bonus - Up To $1,250 To Bet On Sports
Wagering:
x15 times
# of Sports:
20+
SGPs:
no
Pros:
- Dedicated Esports section
- Strong betting market depth
- Easy access to live streaming
- View latest Esports results
Cons:
- Lacks mobile betting app
4. LuckyBlock – Crypto Kings Prioritise Esports
LuckyBlock are a relatively new name in the world of sports betting, having launched in 2021. They have made a splash with their commitment to innovation, prioritising cryptocurrencies as a payment option and utilizing Telegram to build a community and crypto casino.
As you might expect from such a forward-thinking company, Esports is very much on their agenda. We found markets based on 15 different video games and competitions, including ones that most others don’t feature, such as Overwatch.
|
Games Covered |
Moneyline | Spreads | Totals | Props | Futures |
Esports Live Streams |
|
15 |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
We’d have perhaps like to have seen a little more market depth, but you can’t argue with the amount of games that are covered. Lucky Block have an attractive website and, though it can take a little acclimatizing to, their menu system works a charm once you’re used to it.
There is a massive welcome offer available and lots of other regular promotions, such as deposit bonuses every Wednesday. Every bet will go towards your chances of winning Lucky Block’s monthly betting tournament, while there is also a VIP club and a loyalty scheme to enjoy.
Sportsbook Bonus:
200% up to €25,000
Wagering:
x60 times
# of Sports:
20+
SGPs:
no
Pros:
- Includes less featured Esports
- Crypto friendly sportsbook
- VIP Club & loyalty scheme
- Big choice of Esports to bet on
Cons:
- No specific deals for this niche
5. MyBookie – Superb Choice for Counter-Strike Fans
MyBookie completes the top five in our rankings. We found that it doesn’t cover as many games as the sportsbooks ranked above it, but we were impressed with how they covered those games.
This is especially true for fans of the Counter-Strike series. There were props bets that we didn’t find elsewhere and the odds were pretty strong. If you’re a CS2 fan, then MyBookie must be in your portfolio of Counter-Strike betting sites.
|
Games Covered |
Moneyline | Spreads | Totals | Props | Futures |
Esports Live Streams |
|
5 |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
Where MyBookie could improve is by updating its website. The current interface is neither easy on the eye, nor simple to navigate around. Live streaming was not available for the live Esports markets we viewed.
Yet again, MyBookie is appealing for what it does offer. There is a strong welcome bonus where you receive 50% of your initial deposit. Existing users can also take advantage of a 50% reload bonus and a 200% referral bonus.
Sportsbook Bonus:
50% up to $1000
Wagering:
x10 times
# of Sports:
20+
SGPs:
no
Pros:
- Covers betting on Counter Strike really well
- Attractive sign up bonus for new players
- Focus on the most popular Esports games
- Reload and Referral bonuses available
Cons:
- Sportsbook could do with makeover
- Missing live streaming of Esports
What Makes a Good Place to Bet on Esports?
Having checked out our list and reviews of the best Esports betting websites, you may be wondering how we decided upon our rankings. Here is some of the criteria that we considered.
- Range of Games Covered – Just about every bookie that covers Esports will feature betting on the most popular games such as League of Legends or Counter-Strike. We favor sportsbooks who take their coverage to another level with a wide range of games, that includes more niche titles. The more games are covered, the greater the number of opportunities that exist for bettors.
- Market Depth – Just as important is that Esports events are covered with a deep range of markets. A winner’s market is not enough. We want to see Esports treated with the same level of detail as you’d expect with major sports like football or basketball. That means a range of markets such as totals, correct scores, spreads and prop bets, all of which we expect to see covered live.
- Live Streaming Service – If you place a bet on any sporting event, you’re going to want to watch it live to see how your wager goes and to manage your position, if needed. Esports is no different, except that you’re unlikely to find a broadcast on regular TV. Streams are available online, but we feel that it is important that this feature is available at the sportsbook itself. What could be more convenient than betting on and watching Esports, all from the same website?
- Payments and Crypto Options – If Esports is the new frontier for sports betting, cryptocurrencies fulfil that role when it comes to payment options. There is a lot of overlap between the type of young bettors that enjoy wagering on Esports and those that use crypto for their payments, so we like to see a range of these currencies offered. Aside from crypto, it is important that there are a wide number of more traditional payment options available and that withdrawals are delivered back to the bettor, quickly and efficiently.
- Bonuses and Promotions – One of the perks that you can expect when you open a new sportsbook account for Esports is a welcome bonus. We like there to be a balance between the size of the bonus on offer, along with the ease with which you can unlock the deal and the wagering requirements. After the welcome bonus, there should be a regular flow of promotions to enhance your betting experience.
What Esports Games You Can Bet Online
In this section we’re going to take a closer look at some of the most popular games that you can find markets for at US Esports betting websites.
Counter-Strike
The Counter-Strike series began life in 2000. Multiple versions of this tactical first-person shooter game have been released over the years, with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive becoming the popular choice for global contests. CS:GO betting sites have recently seen a switch in emphasis, upon the release of Counter-Strike 2 in 2023, which is now the main option for notable competitions and tournaments such as The International and Major Championships.
League of Legends
Released in 2009, League of Legends is often known as LOL or simply League. This multiplayer online battle arena game sees two teams of five players aiming to destroy their opponents’s base, which is known as the Nexus. Free-to-play, with playable characters that can be unlocked for a fee, the popularity of this game with video game fans has translated to the Esports arena and sportsbooks. League of Legends betting sites enable gambling on huge LOL tournaments such as the World Championship and Masters.
Dota 2
Another multiplayer online battle arena game is Dota 2. This sequel to Defense of the Ancients was released in 2013 and remains a firm favorite with Esports enthusiasts. Again like LOL, the objective is for two teams of five players to try and destroy the enemy base. In 2021, the Dota 2 competition The International, set the record for the highest tournament prize pool in Esports, with a total of $40 million. With so much as stake for players, it’s no wonder that Dota betting sites are doing equally impressive business.
H1Z1
This series was launched in 2015 with H1Z1. Several different incarnations of this game followed, before the release of Z1 Battle Royale in 2018, which is the title that most H1Z1 Esports betting sites now focus on. The game is a battle royale shooter in which players have to find weapons and utilize vehicles, with the aim of being the last person standing. This format creates plenty of betting opportunities, as a large number of competitors are whittled down to one.
Here’s some of the major Esports games and their availability at our recommended bookmakers.
|
Sportsbook |
Counter-Strike | League of Legends | Dota2 | H1Z1 | FIFA | NBA2K |
Valorant |
| BetOnline |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| Bovada |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
| BetWhale |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| Lucky Block |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| MyBookie |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
| Sportsbetting |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| MegaDice |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| XBet |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
| WSM |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| TG Casino |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Esports Betting Wagers/Bet Types
When it comes to Esports betting sites USA bettors are presented with a wide range of different wagering options. Here are some of the different types of bets that you can place on them:
This is the first option that you are likely to see when you click on an Esports event. It is a market where you can bet on which individual or team will win the contest. Favorites are indicated by a minus sign and their price shows how much you need to bet to win $100. Underdogs are represented by a plus sign, with the figure showing how much you will win if you bet $100.
Sometimes there is a big favorite in the moneyline, which is where points spreads can be a useful option. The favorite is given a points deduction and the underdog a points advantage. This means that the favorite must overcome their points disadvantage to win the contest, while the underdog must not lose by a bigger figure than their points advantage. This is a good way to get extra value if the moneyline odds are unappealing and you think that the favorite will win big, or that the underdog will make it a close contest.
A total is quoted for a particular statistic within a game and the bettor can gamble on whether the end result with be over or under that figure. So for example, LoL betting sites will have totals markets on the number of kills in a game. For Counter-Strike, you can bet on whether the number of rounds played on the map, will be over or under a certain figure.
The term ‘props’ is short for ‘proposition’. A proposition is made and the bettor can gamble on that result, often with simple Yes or No options. You might have a Dota 2 betting market on which team will get the first Roshan kill. Or a props market in a Mobile Legends contest, based on which team will draw first blood.
A parlay allows you to group a number of bets together. All of the individual bets have to win for the overall parlay bet to be successful. This is a great way of creating value from a number of short-priced bets, or to go for a big win with a parlay featuring selections at larger odds. You can create Esports-specific parlays, or add a selection into a parlay that features picks from other sports.
As the name suggests, this sort of market allows how to bet on outcomes that will be determined in the future. In terms of Esports, this typically refers to betting on which team or individual will win a competition or tournament. So you could bet on who will win the League of Legends World Championships, for example. They markets are formed long before the event will take place and there can be major fluctuations in the odds, based on the form of the contenders.
Types of Esports Betting Offers
One of the perks of this form of betting is that there are a wide range of bonuses and promotions to take advantage of. Here are some of the types of Esports betting bonus that you can expect to come across.
- Welcome Bonus – This is the bonus sum that you can expect to receive when opening an account with an online sportsbook for Esports. Generally speaking, you can expect the bonus to be based on your first deposit, with bookmakers giving bonuses worth between 50% to 200% of that initial payment.
- Reload Bonus – Many sportsbooks will give bonus payments based on future deposits for existing users. Again, this will normally take the form of the bookie giving you a bonus based on a percentage of the size of deposit you make. Often, the reload bonus will be for deposits made on a certain day, such as Lucky Block’s Wednesday reload offer.
- Cryptocurrency Bonus – Another way that sportsbooks reward deposits, is with bonuses for those that make cryptocurrency payments. This type of bonus can be more generous than an equivalent deposit bonus using more traditional payment methods. For example, Bovada’s crypto welcome bonus is much bigger than their regular welcome deal.
- Free Bets – Bookies give out free bets which can be used on the event of your choice, including Esports markets. Sometimes it will be a free bet without any qualifying conditions, while on other occasions you might have to place a certain bet, to get a free bet. You place a free bet just as you would regularly, with the only difference being that if you win, you don’t get the stake back.
- Parlay Boost – Most sportsbooks offer a boost system to their parlays. These incentives are given on a sliding scale. The more selections you pick in your parlay, the greater percentage of bonus that will be added to your winnings. So a double with two selections, might get a 5% bonus, for example. It may then increase by 5% accruements with each extra pick, up to a 60% bonus for a parlay with 13 selections.
- Loyalty/VIP Clubs – Loyalty schemes and VIP clubs look to keep bettors happy by rewarding their custom and loyalty. The more that you bet on Esports and other sporting events, the greater the rewards will be. The rewards can come in the form of prizes or bonus funds to bet with, amongst others.
- Tournaments – Many bookies offer monthly betting tournaments with huge cash prizes to be won. You earn points in the tournament by making successful bets. Wagers on Esports will be eligible in these contests, alongside those placed on other sports.
- Refer-a-Friend – If you have lots friends that enjoy Esports then this type of bonus could earn you a lot of money. This type of promotion sees you receive a bonus payment, every time you manage to persuade a friend to sign up to the sportsbook you hold an account with.
Which Sites are Best for Esports Odds?
Whenever you place a bet, you’ll want the best odds available, or at the very least a price that is close to the best. That’s as true for Esports markets as it is for any other type of bet.
Odds comparison sites are a great resource for finding out which bookie has the best price, for any given event. They cover Esports, so there’s no excuse to not know where the biggest odds can be found.
You won’t find a single sportsbook that can consistently give the best odds for every Esports event and market. That’s why we’d always suggest creating a portfolio of sportsbook accounts for betting, so that you can shop around for the best prices.
That said, some bookies are able to be consistently competitive when it comes to odds. Typically, it’s the bigger, more established sportsbook companies, that can afford to be so generous with their lines.
One of the main reasons that we picked BetOnline as our number one site for Esports, was the consistent strength of their odds. If you decide to only open one account for Esports wagers, then they would be our recommendation.
Is Esports Betting Legal in the US?
There are 16 states in the US where you can place bets on Esports legally. Then there are another five states where this activity is regulated to a certain degree, with certain rules and restrictions in place.
Legal online sports betting in the US is a relatively new concept in itself. With Esports being a new and unfamiliar addition to the menu of bookmakers, it is perhaps unsurprising that some states have been less progressive than others, especially since it can be considered to appeal to a young audience.
There are four states where gambling on Esports is illegal. This includes California, where all online sports betting is prohibited. Yet then there are states such as Indiana, Montana and Oregon, where though it is legal to bet on sports online, Esports has been singled out as a prohibited type of sport.
If you find yourself living in a state where it is illegal to place Esports wagers, then thankfully there is a solution. All the major offshore betting sites provide access to Esports and our recommendations in this category, all do a great job of covering this exciting form of betting.
Skins Betting
Skins betting is a somewhat controversial form of gambling on Esports. ‘Skins’ are something that can be purchased within a game, to change the appearance of weapons or a character.
For some years, there has been official trading platforms available, such as Steam, which enable these skins to be bought using virtual or real currency. Some of the rarer skins can be very valuable and worth thousands of dollars.
A worrying trend has been the advent of skins gambling sites that enable people to bet on Esports events, using skins as the currency for their stakes. The sites that offer these services are not licensed to provide a legal form of gambling.
Without such licensing in place, there are concerns over the ability and willingness of these skins betting sites, to prevent underage gambling and their overall safety.
All of our recommended bookmakers for Esports are licensed and safe to use. None of them offer skins betting as an option.
Esports Sites That Accept Crypto
Crypto Esports betting sites is a concept that simply didn’t exist just a few years ago. Now, just about every switched-on sportsbook offers wagering on Esports and payments via cryptocurrency.
We’ve put our Bitcoin and Ethereum Esports betting sites under the spotlight, to show you the cryptocurrencies they have available as payment options.
|
Sportsbook |
Bitcoin | Ethereum | Litecoin | Cardano |
Tether |
| BetOnline |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| Bovada |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
| BetWhale |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
| Lucky Block |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| MyBookie |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| Sportsbetting |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| MegaDice |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| XBet |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| WSM |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| TG Casino |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
How to Bet on Esports
If you’re interested in opening up a betting account for Esports, you might be wondering how to go about the process. Follow our step-by-step guide to find out how. We’ve used BetOnline as an example, but you’ll find that the process is similar, regardless of which bookie you pick.
Step 1: Find the Sportsbook Website
Whether it’s BetOnline or another bookie that you want to set up an account with, you will need to visit their website. Choose from our toplist or visit BetOnline by clicking here, to ensure that you’re eligible for the relevant sign-up bonus.
Step 2: Register Your Details
Once you are on the sportsbook website you will need to register to set up an account. At BetOnline this is done by clicking on the green button marked ‘join now’ while other bookies will have a similar button. Once you’ve clicked on it, you’ll be presented with a sign-up form, where you will need to add your personal details.
Step 3: Deposit Funds
With your account set up, click on the Cashier section to add some money. Choose your preferred payment method and how much you wish to deposit. Be mindful of meeting the requirements of any welcome bonus. At BetOnline there is a promo code that must be entered at this stage to be eligible.
Step 4: Find the Esports Section
It couldn’t be easier to find the Esports section at BetOnline, as it is give its own dedicated tab at the top of the screen. Other bookmakers may have it located within their A-Z list of sports.
Step 5: Place Your Bets
Take a look at the games on offer and the events which you can bet on. Once you’ve found an Esports wager that you like the look of, click on the odds to add to your bet slip. Then you just need to add a stake and confirm the bet.
Live / In-Play Esports Betting
The advent of live betting has enhanced the enjoyment of fans of traditional sports such as football and basketball. Rather than placing a wager and simply having to hope that it wins, bettors now have control and can place bets during the action.
For Esports fans, they’ve simply never known any different. Being a relatively new addition to the offering of bookmakers, Esports bettors have always had the option of placing wagers during contests, as well as before it.
There are several advantages to live betting. As we said, you can manage the position of a prior bet, whether that means placing additional bets to cover it, or using a cash out function to take an early profit. It can also pay to see how things go in an Esports event for a little while, before committing to making a bet.
In terms of being able to watch the action, an increasing number of sportsbooks are now offering live streaming of Esports events. It makes perfect sense for bookmakers. The rights are pretty cheap and it allows bettors to both enjoy Esports live betting and watch the event, all from the same website.
Apps and Mobile Esports Betting
With Esports attracting a youthful audience, it’s no surprise that mobile betting is a popular option. Events are taking place all day and into the night, so mobile betting is the practical choice for keeping up with all the Esports action.
There are even dedicated mobile games that you can bet on such as Mobile Legends, Arena of Valor, and PUBG Mobile. The websites of all of our recommended sportsbooks in this category, are very mobile friendly, while several also have dedicated mobile apps.
They all have their merits, but our number one recommended Esports betting app is provided by Bovada.
Esports Betting Tips
If you’ve got this far we’d imagine that you’re now strongly considering betting on esports. Here are some strategies that will boost your profitability.
1. Do Your Homework
Finding an edge against a sportsbook when it comes to NFL or NBA betting can be tough. They employ expert oddsmakers in those sports to draw up their lines. With Esports, finding such experts is tough. This creates opportunities for bettors. Put in the research in particular games and tournaments, so that you know more than the bookie that you’re betting with.
2. Find Value
The idea of putting in the work so that you know more about Esports than the oddsmakers, is to be able to identify value. Put simply, a value bet is when the odds are bigger than they really should be, based on the true probability. Become an Esports expert and you will find that odds regularly jump out at you, that are incorrectly priced.
3. Seek Out Expert Advice
With more traditional sports, it’s not remotely difficult to find expert opinions from former athletes and talented tipsters alike. With Esports, you have to be a little more creative. Check out relevant Discord channels, Reddit discussions and independent Esports sites, to see what the fans are saying.
4. Make the Most of What’s Available
Be sure to take advantage of welcome bonuses from our recommended bookmakers for Esports. Sign up for more than one account, to get more for your buck. Keep your eyes peeled for offers for existing users such as reload bonuses and parlay boosts. Watch the action at sites that offer streaming on Esports.
5. Be Calm
Betting can be an emotional experience, especially with fast, action-packed Esports games. Be calm and don’t let those emotions get the better of you. It can be tempting to chase any losses, but you should resist that impulse. Never bet more than you can comfortably afford to lose and only bet when you have a strong reason to believe that your wager will be a winner.