Quick facts about esports betting
- Esports betting is only regulated in certain US states.
- League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Valorant are the top esports.
- Esports events and tournaments take place frequently all around the world.
- bet365, BetMGM, and Caesars are the three best esports betting sites.
- You can place in-play esports bets and live stream matches at some sportsbooks.
Top 3 esports betting sites in the US
Each of the best esports online betting sites I recommend has something to offer bettors in the US. Below are my findings after evaluating them:
bet365 – Best for bet boosts
Bet365: Pros & Cons
- One of the Best US Sportsbooks
- Great Live Streaming
- Iconic & Pleasing Design
- Limited Availability in U.S. States
- Interface Can Feel Outdated
When I joined bet365, I was instantly drawn to the bet boosts available on featured events. This promotion applies to many esports matchups, and it increases the odds for specific betting markets.
For instance, I bet on a Dota 2 fight between Tundra Esports and Aurora Gaming. The boost increased the line for Tundra Esports to cover a -1.5 spread from +125 to +137.
Besides Dota 2, I also bet on popular esports games like League of Legends, Rainbow 6, Valorant, Esoccer, and EBasketball. Hence, the site has good coverage in terms of competitions.
Upon signing up, I got the first bet safety net of up to $1,000 in bonus bets as a welcome promo. You can choose the offer or simply bet $5 to get $150 in bonus bets. Remember that terms and conditions apply to both bet365 bonuses.
BetMGM – Best for live betting
BetMGM Sportsbook: Pros & Cons
- Plenty of Payment Methods
- MGM Rewards Loyalty Program
- Frequent Promotions
I’ve been betting at BetMGM for a long time now, and the brand always impresses me with its in-play setup. When I tried it for esports, the experience was first-rate.
The sportsbook supports live betting for top titles like LoL, CounterStrike, Dota 2, Valorant, and Overwatch. Plus, there’s a dedicated streaming tab, which allows me to watch all matchups in real time.
To access esports in-play betting on BetMGM, you just have to click the Live button on the menu and select your preferred event. Alternatively, you can select the streaming icon on the Media tab to view all live games.
When I joined this esports sportsbook, I received a welcome bonus of up to $1,500 in bonus bets on my first wager. This offer may vary for your state.
Caesars – Best for loyalty rewards
Pros and cons of Caesars Sportsbook
- Amazing Caesars Rewards Program
- Highly Competitive Bonuses
- Lots of Payment Methods
Caesars Sportsbook has one of the best betting apps I’ve used in the US. During my review, I found esports titles like Dota 2, LoL, CS2, and Call of Duty, and the market range was quite extensive.
However, what I appreciate the most about Caesars is the loyalty rewards. The sportsbook gave me 10 Reward Credits for every $100 I placed on straight bets and 20 Reward Credits for each $100 on parlays.
These credits were added to my account whether I won or lost the bet. Interestingly, I could redeem them for bonuses on the site or exclusive benefits at over 50 destinations in the US.
Before I started getting Reward Credits, I claimed the Caesars 100% profit boosts welcome offer. I only had to bet $1 to qualify, and I received boosts for 10 wagers, each capped at $25.
Is esports betting legal in the US?
Generally, the answer is yes. Esports betting is legal in the United States, but it's not exactly universal. Since gambling laws are handled at the state level, each state decides whether to regulate esports betting or not.
From my research, states like Nevada, New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado, Washington, and Tennessee allow esports. In these places, esports events are treated similarly to traditional sports.
In contrast, many other states either restrict esports betting entirely or haven’t addressed it in their legislation. These include even places where sports gambling is legal. One example I can mention is Indiana. While the state permits sports betting, it doesn’t allow wagering on esports competitions.
How to choose the best esports betting sites
While reviewing my top esports online
betting sites
in the US, these are the factors I considered:
1. Legal status and license
First, I verified that the site is regulated in my location and that esports is available. As I explained in the previous section, not every US state allows esports betting, so this criterion is crucial.
2. Available esports titles
A quality esports betting site must cover the most popular games and tournaments. During my reviews, I check for League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, Valorant, Call of Duty, Overwatch, and other popular games.
3. Markets and odds
When betting, I want more than just the basic markets. Besides picking who wins a match, I also want to bet on options like total rounds, first kill, or map winner.
Hence, the more markets a sportsbook has, the higher I rate it. Also, I evaluate the odds to confirm they’re fair. If the juice exceeds 9% to 10%, I skip the sportsbook.
4. Live betting and streaming
Since esports matches are dynamic, in-play is a necessity. The option to bet in real-time allows me to take advantage of momentum shifts. It’s easy while watching the action, so I also prioritize streaming.
Finally, I’m all in for esports sportsbooks with rewarding welcome bonuses and recurring promos for existing bettors. That said, I don’t just go with the promised value. I also read the terms and conditions to be sure the offers are worth claiming.
The bookmakers we trust the most
1.
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Bet now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
2.
Bet now
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
3.
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win
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The promotion is available for all new players on Hard Rock Bet. An initial deposit is required, and the players first cash bet must be at least $5 to qualify. Additionally, the qualifying wager must win to receive the $150 in Bonus Bets. To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in a Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. | T&C apply | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
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Most popular esports titles for online betting
One reason esports betting is popular is that it accommodates several video games. If you’re new to the niche and wondering which to start with, here are the trending ones I recommend:
League of Legends is one of the most established esports titles globally. It's played in structured, seasonal leagues like the LCS (North America), LEC (Europe), and LCK (South Korea), culminating in the annual World Championship.
The events are regular, which is why the game is a go-to for many bettors, including myself. Additionally, LoL has a straightforward format, making it friendly to new esports bettors.
Since shifting from CS:GO, Counter-Strike 2 has claimed a spot among bettors’ favorites for esports. I like the title for its fast rounds and simple objective, as players just plant or defuse a bomb. Still, there are many market options, such as map winners, round totals, pistol round results, and more.
In my expertise, I find Dota 2 ideal for more experienced bettors. The esport title has a deep, strategic gameplay, which demands a steep learning curve. Nevertheless, if you become conversant with it, making predictions becomes relatively easier.
Developed by Riot Games, Valorant combines tactical shooter gameplay with unique character abilities. It’s newer than other esports on this list, but the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) is already ranked as a top-tier competitive game. I usually bet on total maps, round winners, overtime, and a few others.
Betting on CoD is centered around the Call of Duty League (CDL), which has a strong US following. Matches are quick and action-packed, and common bets include match winner, correct score, map handicaps, and total kills per player or team. Thanks to the CDL’s seasonal format, there are events to bet on all year long.
Interest in Overwatch may appear low right now, but it was once one of the fastest-growing esports with the Overwatch League (OWL). My research confirms the title still has active fans and competitive tournaments, so it’s worth checking out.
Expert esports betting tips
As an experienced bettor, I can confirm that strategy plays a big role when making predictions for esports games. At the same time, you have to be realistic and not go overboard with your picks. Based on my experience, these are some essential tips to follow while betting:
1. Understand the games and their structures
Each esports title has its own rules and strategies. That’s because the game types are different, and below are examples for the popular ones:
| Esports title |
Game type |
| League of Legends (LoL) |
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) |
| Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) |
First-Person Shooter (FPS) |
| Dota 2 |
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) |
| Valorant |
Tactical Shooter |
| Call of Duty (COD) |
First-Person Shooter (FPS) |
| Overwatch |
Hero Shooter |
If you’re new, take time to learn the basics of each one before betting. I suggest watching streams on Twitch or YouTube to get a firsthand view of how things work. That way, you can understand why some teams or players perform better than others and what factors affect match outcomes.
For example, experience has taught me that team coordination and draft picks matter most in a MOBA game like Dota 2. Meanwhile, in FPS titles such as CS2, individual aim and map control are crucial.
2. Follow the scene closely
The Esports space is always moving fast. There are frequent tournaments, roster changes, and meta shifts, which change strategies and best practices. For these reasons, it’s important to stay updated by following the news.
I keep track of tournament schedules and player transfers to know what’s going on at all times. You can do this easily by checking social media, official game websites, and esports news platforms.
3. Focus on specific games and leagues
While it might look appealing to bet on every esports title, focusing on one or two games is best. It’s a smart strategy to improve your insight, as you’ll learn specific team styles, strengths, weaknesses, and how they perform under pressure. Then, you apply your knowledge to find value bets.
4. Compare odds
Different sportsbooks offer slightly different odds and betting options in the US. Recognizing this, I usually shop around before placing a bet to find the best value. Even slight differences in the market lines can add up to better returns in the long run.
5. Use in-play betting with caution
Live betting lets you wager on esports matches as they happen, which is very engaging. However, it calls for quick decisions and careful attention. It’s not ideal if you’re easily pressured or distracted.
6. Avoid emotional bets
If you’re a video game fan, it’s natural to want to back your favorite esports team or player. But that doesn’t pay off where gambling is concerned, so keep your emotions in check. I’m always objective while analyzing form and stats, using probability to make my predictions, and ignoring my personal feelings.
Pros and cons of esports betting sites
After betting on esports matchups across top sportsbooks, these are the upsides and downsides I noted:
Pros and cons
- Available at top sportsbooks
- Variety of esports to bet on
- Pre-match and in-play bets
- Unavailable in some US states
Conclusion – Bet on top esports events at the best US sportsbooks
If you’re in a US state that allows esports betting, you sure will want to use a reliable sportsbook. I’ve made it easy by highlighting the top ones on the banners of this page. Hence, all you have to do is pick the one that meets your preferences. Just click the relevant banner to go directly to your preferred betting brand and get started.
Kickstart your betting journey with these top bonuses
1.
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Min. Deposit: 5
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2.
Bet $5 & Get $150
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3.
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The promotion is available for all new players on Hard Rock Bet. An initial deposit is required, and the players first cash bet must be at least $5 to qualify. Additionally, the qualifying wager must win to receive the $150 in Bonus Bets. To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in a Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. | T&C apply | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
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Esports betting sites FAQs
🏟️ Where can you bet on esports in the US?
You can bet on esports in the US at top sportsbooks like bet365, BetMGM, and Caesars. However, first confirm that the option is available in your state of residence.
🎮 What is the easiest esports to bet on?
Each esports title is unique, and the easiest is subjective. It depends on which of the video games you’re familiar with, but some bettors point to CS2, Overwatch, and COD.
📱 What is the best esports betting app?
The best esports betting apps are bet365, BetMGM, and Caesars. These sportsbooks offer apps for Android and iOS, and you can use them provided you’re physically located in a supported state.
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by
Ryan Leaver
as part of our fact-checking process.
Advertiser disclosure
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