Esports betting: The next frontier in online gambling
Esports betting has swiftly evolved from a niche activity to a global phenomenon. Many individuals are increasingly wagering on match outcomes and in-game events such as the first kill or most kills, while millions of spectators watch competitive gaming tournaments. This rise in popularity is driven by its compatibility with the younger generation’s fast-paced digital habits.
In 2024, esports betting experienced tremendous growth, generating $2.5 billion and attracting over 74 million online bettors, .
A revealed a significant increase in both betting volume and individual bet size. The average bet placed by users was $29, considerably higher than the average football bet of $5. This data underscores the growing engagement and investment in esports betting.
Global growth of esports betting
Esports betting is expanding rapidly worldwide. The Asia-Pacific market, which generates over half of global esports betting income, is led by China, South Korea, and the Philippines, according to a Statista report.
With estimated revenues of $857.6 million in 2025 and a predicted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.25 percent through 2029, the United States is a major player in North America. By 2024, Europe is expected to generate $0.7 billion in sales, growing at a CAGR of 5.15 percent until 2029. These regional dynamics highlight the widespread and increasing popularity of esports betting globally.
According to research by Oddin.gg, League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Valorant were the most bet-on esports games in 2024. Notably, Valorant witnessed a 175 percent increase in betting volume year over year, compared to 99 percent for Counter-Strike 2, 90 percent for Dota 2, and 61 percent for League of Legends. These figures demonstrate the growing popularity of esports betting across various games.
The explosive growth of esports
The global esports audience is projected to reach 640.8 million viewers by 2025, up from 435.7 million in 2020. This includes 318.1 million dedicated fans and 322.7 million occasional viewers. The Asia-Pacific region leads the way, accounting for over 57 percent of global viewership, with China and the Philippines contributing around 40 percent of the fanbase. In the United States, there are approximately 45 million esports fans as of 2023.
Several game titles have consistently drawn massive audiences. League of Legends leads with its 2023 World Championship, which reached a peak of 6.4 million concurrent viewers—the highest ever recorded in esports. Other top titles include Dota 2, known for its high-stakes tournament The International; Valorant, which continues to grow in popularity; and PUBG Mobile, which has seen strong engagement, particularly in Asian markets.
Esports continues to push new boundaries in entertainment. The 2023 League of Legends World Championship broke the record with 6.4 million peak concurrent viewers, outpacing the previous record of 5.41 million for the 2021 Free Fire World Series. Such events highlight the enormous scale and fan base of contemporary esports, cementing its status as an international phenomenon.
Esports betting around the world
Esports betting generated $2.5 billion in total revenue in 2024 and is expected to increase to $2.8 billion by 2025, with the possibility of reaching $3 billion by 2026 (Statista, 2024). Additionally, the number of participants rose dramatically, from 21.9 million in 2017 to about 74.3 million in 2024, who bet on online esports. This growth reflects the mainstreaming of esports betting.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) rose to $33.59 in 2024 and is expected to reach $34.90 in 2025, indicating a steady increase in the value each user brings to the market. It’s essential to distinguish ARPU from individual bet size; ARPU represents the total annual revenue per user, while individual bet size indicates the typical amount staked per wager.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, live in-match bets accounted for 46 percent of Counter-Strike bets and 28 percent of Valorant bets (Sharpr, 2025). This shows that a growing number of fans are becoming accustomed to live betting, enjoying the experience and instantaneous reactions that it provides. Prop bets, like predicting how many kills an individual player will have, are also gaining popularity. During Q4, 13 percent of the bets on Counter-Strike were props, indicating a demand for more specific and customised betting.
The average esports viewer is around 26 years old, with approximately 58 percent being male, though female viewership is steadily increasing. Over 90 percent of fans watch esports on smartphones, and more than 75 percent prefer live-streaming tournaments. Social media engagement is also high, with 68 percent of viewers following esports content on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Why esports betting is future of online gambling?
With the ability to wager from laptops, tablets, or phones, esports betting provides unmatched digital accessibility. The process is smooth because platforms are designed with mobile devices in mind. With constantly fluctuating odds that keep bettors engaged, esports is perfect for live betting. Since most sportsbooks are still developing esports odds, knowledgeable bettors who understand the meta and teams can identify opportunities for profit.
In 2024, the esports betting market remained a small segment of the overall betting industry. According to an Oddin.gg report, approximately $720 million was wagered on esports, a stark contrast to the $35 billion bet on the NFL. Football continues to dominate globally, accounting for 42 percent of the total betting market.
