eSports Betting Sites - How to Get Started

The intensity of eSports has taken over sports betting. Online betting sites are offering eSports odds due to its popularity around the world.

In this guide, we’re going to look at the top eSports betting sites! With so much to learn, we’ve broken down everything you need to know, including which betting sites have the best eSports coverage.

ESports are the newest betting craze on sportsbooks and with its rising popularity, we are here to help you learn about one of the most fascinating betting markets!

Top eSports Betting Sites

Although we think of eSports as a (relatively) new phenomenon, the first official eSports event took place in 1972 at Stanford University. Competitors battled it out playing Spacewar, with the grand prize being a year’s subscription to the Rolling Stone.  

Since then, we’ve seen other games like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man dominate the eSports world, with competitions to see who could rack up the highest score! 

Now, the world of eSports has entered the world of sports betting. Bettors and gamers alike have combined their interests to place money on popular video games, like Call of Duty, Overwatch, League of Legends and CS:GO. 

With eSports set to be an Olympic competition, we’re entering a new world of eSports and their potential. There are professional eSports players dedicated to winning games and competing at the highest level. Like Michael Jordan practiced his jump shot, players like Scump practiced their mechanics on Call of Duty.

It’s hard to grasp for some but the world of eSports is fascinating. The entertainment and betting aspect of it has people locked in, even if they aren’t gamers themselves! 

In this guide, we’re here to dissect the world of eSports and its prominent stance in sports betting. ESports has taken over online betting sites and we’re here to hold your hand through this growing market!

How We Compare the Best eSports Betting Sites

Comparing the best eSports betting sites isn’t easy! With sites popping up every day, it’s hard to determine which sites are better than others. Thankfully, our unbiased formula helps determine which betting sites are the best in Canada!  

When rating bookmakers, security and customer support are the biggest factors. Bettors will run into issues so it’s important to have measures to protect and help customers. Having multiple avenues of customer service and security is a good starting point. 

Of course, the actual eSports offerings are huge. Browsing eSports betting sites, we want the best betting markets, leagues, and tournaments to be available.

Why else would you be joining a betting site?

Bonuses are another category we take seriously. Betting Bonuses and promotions can help be the difference between a good bookmaker and a great one, so we look for what bookmakers can offer bettors!

Lastly, we also look at general sports coverage and betting markets, as well as goodies like an online casino. Bookmakers that have everything you could want on a single site will do better than one without all these features. Jumping from bookmaker to bookmaker can be tiring, so we look to see if bookmakers are fully loaded.

Best eSports Betting Sites

Sports Interaction: Excellent Customer Support and Betting Options

Many bookmakers are aware of what Sports Interaction has to offer. eSports know all too well that SI has put respect on the market, offering great odds and markets for top events. Looking at Sport Interaction's sports book, we love the several options available. All of the top betting markets and popular sports can be wagered on.

They also provide a great user interface which is easy to navigate. Their in-depth customer service options include a FAQ section, as well as phone, e-mail and live chat options. That is amazing! Many bookmakers don't offer this feature so Sports Interaction to do so is incredible.

eSports bettors will love what they can wager on. Offering a generous welcome bonus as well, eSports users should flock to SI and register asap. 

PowerPlay: Great Features with Exciting Promise

As one of the newer bookmakers on this list, PowerPlay faces stiff competition as a betting site. The good news is that PowerPlay is prepared to join the gauntlet. Although they are (relatively) new, there is nothing you can't accomplish on PowerPlay. 

Bettors have loved the option to play on the go with PowerPlay. Their site is mobile-optimized meaning you will easily navigate the site to find all the features you desire. Depositing and withdrawing isn't an issue, as e-Wallets, Credit and Debit are all accepted on PowerPlay. As a bookmaker, PowerPlay also offers live betting and an early cash out as a feature. These are tremendous benefits for such a young bookmaker. 

Despite being new, PowerPlay is here to stay. It will be interesting to see how they can improve in the future because they are doing everything right so far.

Bet99: Canadian Focused Betting Site

Bet99

Dominating the Canadian betting scene, Bet99 has quickly become a well-known brand. Being able to deposit with Interac e-Transfer has been a hit among Canadians and their dedication to a thorough sportsbook makes them a top choice among sports bettors.

Bet99 has partnered with a ton of other reputable brands, such as the NHL. Users will love that the sign-up process is quick and easy, and their mobile site responds well! Furthermore, Bet99 also comes equipped with live streaming, which is a huge plus among eSports bettors.

All of the top deposit and withdrawal methods (Credit, Debit, e-Wallets) are available and Bet99 has fast payout speeds as well. Customer service is another priority for the brand, as Bet99 offers live chat, e-mail and a dedicated FAQ section. 

Bet99 is new to the game but a top prospect in the online sports betting industry. 

BetVictor: Amazing Welcome Bonus and Promotions

BetVictor review

BetVictor has some amazing perks that will captivate bettors! One of their biggest strengths is their PGA Streaming and live betting options. As a betting site, BetVictor delivers a powerful punch. They are backed by the AGCO and iGaming Ontario, meaning they are a trusted online bookmaker.

Customer service is at the top of BetVictor's features, with live chat offered 24/7, as well as a dedicated e-mail and Twitter support channel. Their eSports coverage includes the top games and tournaments, and they also showcase trending bets in regard to the market. It has already been mentioned, but the sports coverage offered by BV is sublime.

BetVictor has established itself as a king in the Canadian sports betting scene. With their features, it's easy to see why. 

Bodog: One of Canada's Most Popular Betting Brands

Bodog has been around for years, and it shows their professionalism. From their eSport coverage to reliability, Bodog is a brand known for its trust.

Launched in 1994, Bodog has been a top pick for decades thanks to its extensive sportsbook and intuitive software. Bodog has odds on the top eSports events and their ongoing promotions and events are enough to keep their userbase happy. Games like Call of Duty, CS:GO, and League of Legends are prominently displayed but Bodog is always searching for the best eSports offerings. Bodog's online casino is also heavily talked about, with thousands of gaming options.

Those looking to download a mobile app will be happy that Bodog has its own app available to iOS and Android users. The mobile app is virtually the same as the site's desktop version, with the same betting and casino markets; eSports included!

It's easy to see why Bodog has been trusted for so long and their commitment to eSports makes them an excellent betting site. 

GGBet: Intuitive and User-Friendly Website

GG.BET Review

Considered a leader among eSports betting sites, GGBet does a beautiful job catering to bettors looking to wager on eSports. Despite being established in only 2016, GGBet has the best features and a full stack of eSports options. Bettors looking to deposit and withdraw have the usual suspects of Credit Card (VISA/Mastercard) and Interac. Not done there, GGBet also features e-wallets to deposit and withdraw your funds.

The online brand has a minimum betting limit of 50¢ and holds a license from Curacao. Those looking to play with GGBet on the road will be happy to know that they offer a dedicated mobile site for all of your mobile needs. Many have referred to their mobile site as fantastic.

They also provide some of the best betting markets and popular sports from around the globe. Not done there, GGBet's online casino is also something to partake in.

Those looking for a one-stop shop will love what GGBet has to offer.

Best eSports betting sites features

Range of Betting Markets – From the number of games available to the number of markets, some of the best betting sites will need a wide range of betting markets.

Live Streaming – Being able to watch the bets you placed is a huge opportunity for betting sites. Live Streaming is prominent in sports betting, and it is a huge plus for eSports!

Live Betting – As one of the biggest betting markets in sports betting, eSports bettors like to feel included. One of the best features in sports is live betting and certain bookmakers and eSports have this market. 

How to Open an Account for eSports Betting

To choose the best eSports betting site, you need to look at important features. Of course, one of the most useful features will be the betting markets and options. ESports has a ton of action and for you to be satisfied with your next betting site, make a list of what’s important to you. Some notable features you should look for include the betting markets and bonuses offered by eSports betting sites.

How to open an account

To wager on eSports, you’ll need to create an account. The good news is that opening an account is quite simple. Using Betway, we can show you how to easily create and register an account to begin betting.

The first thing you’ll want to do is head to Betway’s home page. From there, you’ll see Sign Up in the upper-right hand corner. Click that!

Next, you’ll want to enter your title, first, middle and last name. Once that is entered, you will need to enter your date of birth. 

Once that is entered, users will need to create a username and create a password. They will also need to provide their e-mail. 

Bettors will then need to enter their address and mobile number. They can also add limits on their account, but it isn’t required. Users will also need to declare the industry they are in. 

Continuing with the registration process, users will need to select their occupation and which welcome bonus they would like to receive. Lastly, bettors will need to read and confirm the terms and conditions of the site. Once that is complete, they can click continue, which will register their account. 

Recommendations For Joining a New Betting Site

Joining a betting site is easy but there are recommendations we would suggest when registering. Following these recommendations will help you make an educated decision for your next eSports betting site! 

Market Research – Play how you want to play! Before committing to a site, ensure they have the betting markets you like. 

Security – Protecting your data is important! Research what security measures are in place before handing over important data.  

Customer Service – While you never want to run into trouble, chances are you need customer support. When browsing betting sites, see how they can help you when issues arise. 

How to Bet on eSports

Before placing any wagers on eSports, it’s important to be informed of the world! There are a ton of different markets, bet types and eSports to take in and it can be a lot for newbies and veterans alike. Below, we’ll teach you the different categories of eSports betting and how you can bet on eSports!  

Markets and Betting Types: 

  • Tournament Winner: As it sounds, you are betting on the outright winner of a tournament, such as DreamHack. Known as a futures bet as well, betting on the tournament winner can give you better odds than placing a wager when play has begun. It can be difficult to win these bets, but the payout is usually greater!
  • Moneyline: One of the biggest and easiest bets to understand when wagering on eSports, the Moneyline lets you choose the winner straight up. In a CDL matchup between OpTic Texas and Toronto Ultra, you will find one team to be the favourite and one to be the underdog. Simply choose which team you think will win head-to-head and that’s it! If you choose the correct team, you win your bet.
  • Bracket/Group Winner: Some eSports have brackets in their tournaments. Like betting on the World Cup, you can wager on which eSports team will win their bracket. You will find bracket/group winner bets for some of the biggest tournaments, like Rocket League!
  • First Map: Those who frequent betting on first-person shooter (FPS) games will know of first map bets. This is a wager on who will win the first map (game) of a match. Being knowledgeable of teams that tend to win their first maps can help give you an advantage! This wager is popular in games like CS:GO and Call of Duty.
  • Over/Under: Over/Under bets typically apply to total score in professional sports but in eSports it can be applied to score, maps and other statistics you can quantify in eSports. Over/Under bets can also be applied to how many series a team will win in round robin play to how many points a team will score over the course of a season. This wager is popular among online betting sites due to its versatility.
  • Parlay: Also known as accumulators, parlay bets is the combination of multiple wagers into one. You can combine professional sports with eSports but unfortunately you will not be able to add multiple bets from the same match up (unless otherwise stated). Parlays on eSports betting sites can give you better odds but at increased risk, since you need all legs to win for your slip to cash. If one wager fails, then so will your bet.
  • Live Betting: Momentum can swing and live betting allows you to take advantage of that. You’ll see live betting options on sites like Sports Interaction, where a simple round loss could impact odds. Live betting is great for those that want to bet on the fly, with the odds reflecting how the game is unfolding.
  • Fantasy: Like fantasy football or basketball, you can draft players for fantasy eSports! This is popular in team games like Call of Duty and the NBA 2K! Bettors are usually given a budget to work with and then they must build their team based on how much eSports players are worth, set by the bookmakers. There is a ton of strategy involved and if the team you pick performs well, you could win big. 

Esports Odds:

Odds indicate how much money you would earn on a certain bet! It also indicates the favourite and underdog. The most common eSports odds will be American, Decimal and Fractional. Below, you can see how the different odds are integrated with payout percentage!

Payout Percentage: 

Payout percentage refers to the total money given back to the player that wins. Payouts are determined by your original stake (wager) and the odds from the bookmaker. 

If the Toronto Ultra are listed at –110 on the moneyline, a $100 wager would earn $90. Then the total payout would be $190.

How the odds are displayed also gives insight into your payout percentage. Typically, you’ll find American, Decimal and Fractional odds on betting sites.

American Odds: Indicate the amount you need to stake to win $100. Toronto Ultra at –120 means you would need to wager $120 to win $100.

Decimal Odds: This number represents the amount one wins for every $1 wagered. FaZe Clan at 4.00 means you would win $4 for every $1 wagered. On a $20 bet, you’d have a payout of $80.

Fractional Odds: Listed with a slash (6/1), these odds would mean that you win $6 for every $1 wagered. With odds at 6/1, a $100 would win you $600, with a total payout of $700.

Strategies and Tips:

Playing to your strengths when beginning your eSports betting career can help give you the best advantage. Here are some strategies and tips to help make you a successful eSports bettor. 

Bet on Games You Know: This seems like an obvious answer but betting on eSports you are knowledgeable of is a great way to start your career. We don’t want you throwing away money on eSports betting sites by wagering on the unknown. When it doubt, trust what you know!

Set a Betting Budget: eSports is notorious for upsets, which is why setting a budget can help you be a responsible gambler. Setting aside a certain amount to wager on and sticking with it will help you avoid overindulging.

Use Betting Bonuses: Bonuses are there for a reason! Seek out the best bonuses that impact on you and use them to your advantage.

Reasearch Teams and Players: Professional sports have advanced statistics and so does the world of eSports. Researching head-to-head competition and how players perform will help with your success as an eSports bettor. 

ESports Betting Bonuses: 

Bonuses are a way for betting sites to encourage wagers on events. You will find bonuses across major events, but smaller events like weekly match ups may feature bonuses as well.  

The most common bonuses include welcome bonuses for first-time players. However, eSports bettors can also take advantage of bonuses like free plays and boosted odds. 

Leagues and Tournaments:

ESports will have leagues and tournaments to help crown winners. Some of the most popular eSports tournaments you can find odds on include the Arena of Valor World Cup, Call of Duty League, CS:GO Majors, DreamHack, ESL, Fortnite Cash Cups, Halo Championship Series, and Intel Majors.

Any serious eSport (whether Console, PC or Mobile) will have tournaments, leagues, and cups to help crown winners with various prizes. Some leagues, like the Call of Duty League span across multiple months to crown a winner, culminating in a final playoff. The majority of serious eSports will have competitions in seasons with an eventual winner.

Smaller events like the LeagueGaming Friday Night Face-Off will begin and conclude in one weekend, with various prizes. 

ESports Categories: 

No two eSports are the same! With different objectives and goals, the entertainment never ends. The beauty of betting on eSports is that there is a variety of games and competitions that you can choose from, which we break down below!

First Person Shooter (FPS): Call of Duty, Apex Legends, Halo, CS:GO, PUBG.

Third-Person Shooter: Fortnite.

Sports Games: Madden, NBA 2K, PGA, NHL.

Fighting: Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Super Smash Bros.

Card/Table: Online Poker, Chess, Checkers, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, Hearthstone.

Racing: iRacing, Needs for Speed, Mario Kart.

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA): Dota 2, League of Legends, Arena of Valor, Warcraft.

Most Popular ESports Games:

The variety of popular eSports is what excites bettors! Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a popular mobile game that has a chokehold on the Southeast Asian market.

Looking at other mobile eSports, PUBG Mobile and Arena of Valor dominate mobile eSports, with peak viewers in the hundreds of thousands.

Many eSports bettors and fans will know of PC/Console games, such as Valorant and CS:GO. Viewers for these matches and events can reach in the millions, which shows their strength in the market.

Not done there, games like League of Legends, Apex Legends, DOTA 2 and Call of Duty are other popular eSports that garner interest from fans and bettors alike.

While games like Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, Fortnite and Halo have slightly fallen off, we’d consider them to be among the most popular eSports games in the world.

Bettors looking to wager on popular eSports can turn their attention to the games listed above. While other games like Madden and NBA 2K may offer betting odds, they aren’t as popular as the games listed. The majority of popular eSports console games will have betting odds, and niche sites may provide odds on mobile eSports.

ESports Bonuses and Promotions

Much like regular sports betting, eSports wagering will also have promotions and bonuses tied to events! Some of the popular promotions that bettors can take advantage of including the Welcome Bonus, Free Bets and Boosted Odds!

Welcome bonuses are applicable to every sport but new users looking to gamble on eSports can use this to their advantage! Welcome bonuses usually come in the form of matched deposits. This means that the online sports betting site you join will match your initial deposit, which is usually 100%. Bettors looking to wager on eSports should look at different welcome bonuses!

Free bets are like they sound! These bets allow you to place a wager on an event, with the bookmaker refunding you if you lose. This will allow you to bet on eSports without risk, because whatever you risk will be returned if the bet doesn’t cash. Free bets are popular during hot events, like the CDL Finals. 

Boosted odds are another way eSports players can take advantage of promotions and bonuses. Boosted odds

FAQs

How can I join an eSports team?

This depends. Joining an eSports team like OpTic, Faze, 100Thieves and Liquid will require you to have a decent following combined with skills to play professionally. Being a top player on the scene could muster attention towards you becoming a pro. You could also create your own eSports organization and collaborate with other gamers looking to join the professional scene. 

Is there an off-season for eSports leagues?

Certain leagues like the NBA 2K League, Madden League and Call of Duty League will have an offseason. However, games like Fortnite will have competitions throughout the calendar year.

Can you add eSports wagers to parlays?

Yes! Since eSports wagers are treated like regular sports betting wagers, adding eSports bets to parlays should cause no issue. 

Does eSports offer the same betting markets as other sports?

Yes! Most markets you see for regular sports will be offered for eSports betting! To confirm what markets are available, click on the eSport you want to follow, and all available betting options will be listed.

What are eSports lan events?

Lan events refer to in-person events. While the majority of eSports are played in your own home, lan events are where eSports teams gather in a specific area and play face-to-face. The Call of Duty League has lan events throughout the season, while events from Fortnite may only offer lan events for the finals. 

Are eSports also played on mobile devices?

Yes! There are various eSports that are played using mobile devices, such as an iPad or Tablet. Depending on the bookmaker you deposit with, you may find odds on eSports played on mobile devices. 

What is the difference between eSports and virtual sports?

ESports is a competition similar to regular sports, which are played by humans. Virtual sports use an algorithm to determine the winner of an event. Virtual sports are held to a certain standard to ensure bookmakers are not cheating their customers.

Does every eSport have betting odds?

Unfortunately, no. Most betting odds will be reserved for major eSports, such as the Call of Duty League, CS:GO, DOTA 2 and other popular eSports leagues. While there may be cash prizes for certain eSports like NHL, World of Tanks and Gears of War, the chances of finding odds on those markets would be rather slim.