Esports isn’t just a niche anymore — it’s a billion-dollar industry with millions of fans, international tournaments, and some of the most passionate viewership in all of entertainment. What started as LAN parties and underground streams has exploded into a global phenomenon broadcast on Twitch, YouTube, and ESPN.
Naturally, the betting world took notice.
With games like Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Valorant drawing Super Bowl-level audiences during major events, sportsbooks have begun offering real money betting options on the outcomes. And while it might still feel new to some American bettors, esports wagering is already well established in many global markets.
In the U.S., it’s a bit more complicated. While some states allow esports betting under their existing sports wagering laws, others restrict or outright prohibit it — and the fine print matters. You can’t just log on and bet on any video game match, anywhere.
This guide breaks down exactly where esports betting is legal, how it works, which games offer the best markets, and which sportsbooks are leading the way. Whether you’re a traditional sports bettor looking for new action or a lifelong gamer finally ready to wager, here’s what you need to know before placing your first esports bet.
A Brief History of Esports Betting
Esports betting didn’t appear overnight — it evolved alongside the rise of competitive gaming itself.
In the early 2010s, two games in particular laid the groundwork: League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). Both had massive player bases, international tournaments, and loyal fan communities — which made them perfect for betting markets. European and Asian sportsbooks were first to offer real-money odds, typically starting with outright match winners and expanding into map bets and kill totals.
Things really started to shift in 2019 with the rise of Fortnite. When Epic Games launched the Fortnite World Cup, offering a jaw-dropping $30 million prize pool, it proved that esports could command the same global attention as traditional sports. Tens of millions tuned in. A 16-year-old walked away a millionaire. And sportsbooks — especially U.S. ones — realized this wasn’t just a fad.
Since then, esports betting has exploded in both volume and variety. Major titles like Valorant, Dota 2, Call of Duty, and even Rocket League now have consistent betting markets during high-profile events. And while regulatory hurdles still exist in the U.S., the industry is moving quickly. Top sportsbooks like DraftKings and BetMGM now regularly post odds on global events, and more states are starting to write esports into their betting legislation.
From grassroots tournaments to sold-out arenas and Twitch viewership in the millions, esports has proven it’s here to stay — and for U.S. bettors, it’s one of the fastest-growing betting markets worth paying attention to.
Is Esports Betting Legal in the United States?
The short answer: it depends on where you live.
Esports betting is not legal across all 50 states. Even in states where sports betting is approved, esports may be excluded from the law or heavily restricted. That’s because esports — unlike football or basketball — doesn’t have a single governing body, and concerns over match integrity, underage participants, and non-traditional formats have made regulators cautious.
That said, esports betting is permitted in a growing number of states, usually under existing sports betting legislation.
States where esports betting is currently legal (at least in part):
New Jersey
- Legal with restrictions
- Bettors must be 21+
- Wagering allowed only on professional-level events
- Approval required for non-major or amateur competitions
Nevada
- Esports betting is permitted
- Each event must be individually approved by the Nevada Gaming Control Board
Colorado
- Fully legal, including live betting
- Operators must request approval for individual events
- Esports is integrated into state-regulated sports betting
Tennessee
- Permitted on select, pre-approved events
- Limited markets: few props and restricted live betting options
West Virginia
- Covered under general sports betting laws
- Esports betting is available during major professional tournaments
Illinois
- Legal, but heavily regulated
- Some sportsbooks offer esports betting; others opt out due to compliance uncertainty
Arkansas, Louisiana, Iowa
- Esports betting is legal but limited
- Availability depends on the sportsbook and event-by-event approval process
States where esports betting is currently not permitted:
- New York
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- Georgia
These states have either no active sports betting laws or do not include esports in their legal frameworks. Even where general wagering is legal, esports may still be excluded unless specifically addressed.
How Esports Betting Works
If you’ve bet on traditional sports before, esports betting will feel familiar — but with a few unique twists. Most esports events are structured competitions between professional teams or players, and sportsbooks offer similar bet types to what you’d find in football or basketball.
Here are the most common markets:
- Match Winner (Moneyline)
Bet on which team or player will win the match outright.
- Map Winner
Some games are played in a best-of-three or best-of-five format. You can bet on who wins a specific map within that series.
- Correct Score
Predict the exact final score — for example, 2–0 or 2–1. These offer higher payouts but require precision.
- First Kill / First Blood
Bet on which team or player will score the first kill in a match or map. Popular in FPS games and MOBAs.
- Over/Under Maps or Rounds
Bet on the total number of maps or rounds played, similar to point totals in traditional sports.
These markets are available in both pre-match and live/in-play formats. During live matches, you can often bet on next map outcomes, round winners, or adjusted spreads — though live betting is typically limited to major events.
The Biggest Esports Titles to Bet On
While there are dozens of competitive games on the market, only a handful offer consistent, regulated betting markets in the U.S. These titles dominate viewership and offer structured, tournament-style play that sportsbooks can reliably cover.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
- Best for: Traditional bettors — structured, tactical, round-based play
- Popular markets: Match winner, round totals, handicap spreads, pistol round winner
League of Legends (LoL)
- Best for: Fans who enjoy team-based strategy and macro play
- Popular markets: First tower, first dragon/baron, map winner, total maps
Dota 2
- Best for: Deep prop betting and massive international events
- Popular markets: Kill totals, map winner, correct score
- Key event: The International, with huge prize pools and global betting interest
Valorant
- Best for: Head-to-head matchups and map betting
- Popular markets: Map spread, round totals, spike plant bets (in some markets)
- Note: Rapidly growing, especially during Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) events
Super Smash Bros. (Ultimate & Melee)
- Why it’s notable: A fan-favorite with one of the most passionate grassroots scenes in esports.
- Esports potential: Despite lacking Nintendo’s full support, major tournaments like Genesis and Smash Summit draw massive viewership. As legal sportsbooks grow more comfortable with fighting games, Smash could become a viable niche market — especially during high-profile events.
Call of Duty League (CDL)
- Best for: U.S.-based fans looking for familiar format and teams
- Popular markets: Match winner, map spreads, player props
- Note: Particularly popular on platforms like DraftKings and BetMGM
Overwatch, Rocket League, and Fortnite
- Available, but markets are less consistent
- Odds may only be posted around major events like the Fortnite World Cup or Overwatch League playoffs
- Always check availability — smaller or influencer-driven events are rarely covered
Ones to Watch: Emerging Esports for Bettors
While most sportsbooks focus on mainstays like CS:GO and League of Legends, several rising games are gaining serious traction — both in terms of viewership and competitive structure. These are the titles to keep an eye on as potential future betting markets in the U.S.
Marvel Rivals
- Why it’s notable: A hero shooter from NetEase and Marvel, combining Overwatch-style gameplay with beloved Marvel IP.
- Esports potential: The hype is already building. With official PvP support, competitive modes, and deep character variety, it has all the ingredients for structured esports leagues — and eventually, betting markets.
The Finals
- Why it’s notable: A fast-paced, destructible-environment shooter from Embark Studios.
- Esports potential: Gaining popularity on Twitch and with pro streamers. Competitive potential is strong, but needs formal leagues to support consistent betting markets.
Apex Legends (ALGS)
- Why it’s notable: Already has an established global competitive scene (ALGS), but betting coverage is inconsistent in the U.S.
- Esports potential: If legal clarity improves, expect sportsbooks to embrace Apex more widely. Its format is built for long-term prop and placement betting.
Street Fighter 6 / Tekken 8
- Why they’re notable: The fighting game scene is resurging thanks to new releases and a revitalized esports infrastructure.
- Esports potential: Events like EVO draw millions of viewers. Expect betting to expand here as U.S. regulators grow more comfortable with 1v1 formats.
Mobile Esports (e.g., Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang)
- Why they’re notable: Huge international audiences, especially in Asia.
- Esports potential: While U.S. viewership is still growing, mobile esports are global powerhouses — and likely candidates for expansion into betting markets as coverage increases.
Best U.S. Sportsbooks for Esports Betting
Only a few licensed U.S. sportsbooks offer reliable esports markets. Here’s a quick look at the top options:
DraftKings
- Most consistent esports coverage
- Strong on League of Legends, CS:GO, Valorant
- Offers live betting, props, and futures
- Clean, esports-friendly interface
BetMGM
- Great for big tournaments (e.g. Worlds, Majors)
- Includes props like map spreads and correct scores
- Limited coverage of smaller events
FanDuel
- Offers esports during major events only
- Easy for casual bettors
- Not ideal for daily or lower-tier matches
Avoid Offshore Sites (e.g. Thunderpick, Rivalry)
- Not licensed for U.S. use
- No consumer protections or guaranteed payouts
- Stick to regulated books for legal, safe betting
Tip: Always check your state’s sportsbook options — even licensed platforms vary in esports availability based on local laws.
Responsible Gambling in Esports Betting
Esports betting can move fast — especially with live markets, daily matches, and events happening across time zones. It’s easy to get caught up in the action, but smart betting starts with balance.
Here’s how to stay in control:
- Set a budget before each event or tournament
- Avoid chasing losses, especially on live or impulse bets
- Use sportsbook tools like deposit limits, timeouts, and wager caps
- Take breaks between events or series
If you ever feel like it’s getting too much, these free and confidential resources can help:
Final Word: A Growing Market With Room to Play Smart
Esports is one of the fastest-growing corners of the sports betting world — and for good reason. The games are global. The fan bases are loyal. And the structure of matches makes for a wide range of betting opportunities, from outrights to props.
But in the U.S., legality still matters. Not every state allows esports bets, and not every game is available at every book. Stick to licensed sportsbooks, follow pro tournaments, and keep an eye on the emerging titles that may become tomorrow’s best bets.
Done right, esports betting isn’t just entertaining — it’s one of the most dynamic and skill-based betting experiences out there.
Esports is also only one part of the wider global betting landscape. Readers interested in more established sports markets can explore resources such as the best football betting sites in India, while always confirming that a platform is licensed and permitted in their location.
Esports Betting FAQs
Is esports betting legal in the U.S.?
Yes — but only in states where sports betting is legal and esports is explicitly allowed. Laws vary, so always check your state’s regulations.
Which games are best to bet on?
League of Legends, CS:GO, Dota 2, Valorant, and Call of Duty are the most consistently covered in the U.S.
Can I bet on streamers or influencer events?
No. U.S. sportsbooks only allow betting on professional, sanctioned tournaments — not casual or influencer matches.
What’s the legal betting age for esports?
In most states, you must be 21 years or older to place esports bets.
Since graduating with an English and Media degree back in Dublin, I took a leap and landed in sunny Barcelona—where I’ve been working as a copywriter ever since, with over 3 years of experience in iGaming, sports betting, sweepstakes casinos, and everything in between. As an avid sports bettor and a recreational casino goer (yes, I’ve chased my fair share of bonus rounds), writing about this industry quickly became my niche. Working with platforms like WSN, Casinomeister, Online Casino Canada/UK/Ireland, I’ve written about pretty much anything you can bet on and would consider myself a bit of an expert! These days, I’m still working out of Barcelona—a city that lives and breathes sport. You’ll regularly find me at their matches, losing my head over a dodgy VAR decision. Favourite part of the job? Testing the platforms, games, and bonuses—all in the name of research, of course. 😉 There’s nothing better than rolling up your sleeves, trying out the latest offers, and sharing what’s actually worth your time and money. My message to you: Play smart, have fun, and don’t chase losses – the house always wins. And hey, if a sportsbook’s promo looks too good to be true… read the terms and conditions (trust me). 😄
Read more
