Esports betting is by far the most valuable element of the entire industry. It boasts a multi-billion-dollar yearly revenue record and attracts countless bettors to the business all the time. It never sleeps, and thanks to the growth of esports in general, it’s fast becoming one of the most popular betting mediums in the world.
In this guide, you’ll find a definitive walkthrough introducing you to the best esports betting sites, the top games to bet on, and details on how to bet on esports safely and properly. It’s a big, bold world out there, and if you’re new to esports betting, you might feel overwhelmed.
With this guide, you’ll learn everything you want to know.
The Best Esports Betting Sites in 2026
Plenty of betting sites exist to serve the esports gambling market, but not all of them are worth your time. It’s worth stressing that with the rampant growth of esports, the number of ‘scam’ sites has grown in kind, which means you need to be careful where you’re investing your money.
If you’re hunting the best esports odds and the most competitive rates on the safest betting sites, these are the platforms you’ll want to get involved with.
Betway
- Rare UK-licensed operator offering deep esports markets
- Full coverage of all the top games: CS2, League, Dota 2, VALORANT, and Call of Duty
- Strong live betting tools, expansive market selection, and cash-out options
- Strict regulatory compliance
Thunderpick
- Top CS2 tournament sponsor with strong competitive identity
- Crypto-native esports platform aligns with gaming trends
- Fast live-odds adjustments and deep player prop markets
- Community rewards and engagement initiatives encourage interaction
GG.BET
- The most recognizable esports-focused betting site
- Expansive catalog of minor leagues as well as major tournaments
- Huge mainstream sportsbook packed with diverse markets and exotic odds
- Tried, trusted, and hugely respected amongst esports organizations
BC.Game
- Instant crypto payouts and strong cash-out options
- High wagering limits and continuous live betting market evolution
- Strong esports presence with team and tournament sponsorship
- Highly reviewed amongst veteran esports betting audience
Honorable Mention: Polymarket
- Not technically an esports betting site, but betting-adjacent
- In-platform streams and evolving markets that shift with the community sentiment
- Minimal trading fees compared to traditional bookies
- Covers a wide range of esports titles and offers a non-exhaustive list of trending topics to ‘wager’ on
- Deposit $20 and get a $50 bonus, courtesy of Insider Gaming
Best Games for Esports Betting
What are the best games for esports betting? It’s an easy question to ask, as the segmentation in the esports industry is very clear, and it has been that way for a long time. If you’re just getting into the industry, you’ll be able to identify the clear players with ease.
Here are the best and most valuable games for esports betting, ranked by popularity:
- Counter-Strike 2
- League of Legends
- VALORANT
- Dota 2
- Call of Duty
At the top of the table, you’ve got the year-round capabilities of Counter-Strike, a tournament ecosystem that never sleeps. It’s the undisputed king of the esports betting space, and it raises tens of millions of dollars in betting handle every year without any issues whatsoever.
League of Legends is an appropriate second-place title that’s forever challenging Counter-Strike for the crown. This game has some of the most-watched tournaments in esports history, and it’s well documented that esports bettors love a flutter on this game.
Working down the list, you’ve got VALORANT, the newest game on the sheet and a fast-growing title that has muscled more tenured games out of the top five esports titles. After that, Dota 2, which was once the most popular game for esports betting but has died off a little in recent years.
The top five esports betting games list is rounded out with Call of Duty, which is one of the least popular titles from a competitive standpoint but attracts millions of bettors every year because it’s so easy to understand.
How to Bet on Esports Easily
If you want a starter guide for betting on esports, you’re in the right place. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to start betting on yoru favorite games in a matter of minutes.
1. Find Your Platform
Whether you pick from the list of best esports betting sites above or find something else to suit your needs, finding the best platform for you is arguably the most important step. You’re looking for safe, trusted sites that offer a decent slew of bonuses, promotions, and terms, but also ones that accommodate the game you’re looking to bet on.
Once you’ve picked the site for you, simply sign up, complete whatever KYC process is waiting for you, and flesh out your account.
2. Fund Your Esports Betting Account
The first step you’ll take after making your account is injecting some funds into your account. This will involve using a traditional payment method like a debit or credit card or a more ‘modern’ method like crypto to put some funds in your wallet.
It’s here that you’ll want to identify the best esports betting promos available to you as a new user to further pad out that betting wallet.
3. Understand Your Markets
Spend some time observing the markets available to you on the site you’ve chosen, and perhaps get started with something more understandable and easier to predict, like outright winners or match winners. The more exotic markets or handicap markets might be more confusing for a complete newcomer.
It’s also worth understanding the esports betting odds presented to you, in whatever format they might be listed.
4. Learn Your Game
If you’re already an avid follower of the game you’re betting on, then you’ve got an edge over the competition. This means you’ll likely know which team has the best chance of beating the others, or which player might score that unique move to capitalize on more specific markets.
If you’re not as comfortable as you could be with your chosen game (or games), it’s time to do a little homework. I’ll always advocate for at least watching some of the gameplay you’re betting on, as it can give you a solid idea of a team’s form at any given moment.
5. Play Responsibly
Remember to never bet more than you can afford, to make use of any restriction mechanics on the site that you might need, and not to fall for ludicrous odds just because they offer an exorbitant return. When the fun stops, stop.
That’s about everything you need to know to get started on the best esports betting sites out there. Let us know on the Insider Gaming Discord server if you’ve had any success of late with these markets!
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out our full esports tournament calendar for 2026, and sign up to the Insider Gaming newsletter
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
More from Grant Taylor-Hill
Comments