Global sports betting data consumption surged by 32 percent year-over-year surge in global data consumption during the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest LSports Quarterly Data Report. Based on data analysis from over 450 sportsbooks worldwide, the report highlights that bettors are increasingly exploring new betting verticals—most notably table tennis and esports.
Table tennis has emerged as the second most consumed sport globally, surpassing traditional betting favourites such as basketball and tennis. Over 4.2 million table tennis fixtures were ordered in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 27 percent year-over-year increase. The sport’s high-frequency matches and strong in-play turnover potential have been key drivers behind this surge in popularity, .
Meanwhile, the esports industry continues to post record-breaking growth within sportsbooks. Demand for esports content skyrocketed by 75 percent in Q1, cementing its position as one of the fastest-growing segments in the betting space. Simulated sports alone surpassed 3 million fixtures ordered, while popular titles such as E-Football and E-Basketball saw engagement climb by 79 percent and 122 percent, respectively.
Asia drives esports betting boom
Asia is at the forefront of esports betting growth, with several key markets—including China, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam—pushing the industry towards new heights. The region’s esports market is on a remarkable growth path, with revenue projected to reach $1.3 billion in 2025. According to , the region’s esports industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.10 percent between 2025 and 2029, reaching an estimated $1.6 billion by 2029. The esports betting segment alone is projected to generate $481.3 million in 2025—cementing Asia as the world’s largest market for esports betting.
Core esports titles like Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) and Dota 2 also contributed to the surge. According to the report, the region not only dominates in betting volume but also continues to see rapid growth in both user numbers and commercial value.
The region also boasts a rapidly expanding esports audience. User numbers are projected to surpass 505 million by 2029, with user penetration rising from 11.2 percent in 2025 to 12.5 percent by 2029. Average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to hit $2.94 this year, underscoring the market’s strong commercial potential.
Major tournaments power esports growth
The report said that prestigious esports tournaments continue to drive fan engagement and betting activity across Asia. Global events such as the League of Legends World Championship, The International (Dota 2), and popular mobile esports leagues are expanding their presence in the region. In March, Shanghai hosted the HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League (ACL), reflecting the region’s ongoing commitment to esports development.
Further solidifying the sport’s growing legitimacy, esports will debut as a medal event at the third Asian Youth Games, scheduled to take place in Bahrain from 22-31 October 2025. This marks the first time esports will feature as a medal discipline at the event. Young athletes aged 14 to 17 will compete in esports alongside peers from 20 other sports disciplines, representing 45 member nations.
Greater consumer willingness to spend on esports in Malaysia and Vietnam
Southeast Asia, in particular, continues to lead in esports engagement and audience reach. According to a 2024 Deloitte survey covering 14,250 respondents across 20 global markets, the region boasts one of the largest esports audiences globally. Vietnam and Malaysia rank among the top countries for esports viewership in the region, with consumers showing higher willingness to spend on esports-related experiences, including event attendance and digital subscriptions.
In Malaysia, the government is investing heavily in esports development. Earlier this year, Malaysia’s Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Adam Adli Abd Halim, unveiled the country’s esports strategy for 2026 Asian Games in Japan. To ensure a strong presence at the Asian Games, organisations such as the Malaysia Esports League (MEL), Esports Integrated (ESI), and the Malaysian Esports Federation (MESF) have united. They are training players in non-mainstream and lesser-played game titles to enhance Malaysia’s chances of winning.
Vietnam is also making significant strides in esports. According to the Vietnam eSports White Paper 2022–2023, the country has secured a major spot among the top five Southeast Asian countries with the highest number of eSports followers. The report, jointly produced by the Vietnam Recreational eSports Association () and OTA Network, focuses on the nation’s growing prominence in the eSports landscape. Vietnam’s eSports industry generated $5.78 million in revenue in 2023, an 11.15 percent increase from the previous year. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.95 percent, the market size is expected to reach $8.73 million by 2027.
These latest trends highlight how global sports betting is evolving at a rapid pace. Industry stakeholders continue to explore innovative ways to tap into this growing market, leveraging live betting markets, exclusive content, and major tournament tie-ins. With Asia leading the charge, the global sports betting industry is entering a new era of opportunity.
