Keen to try esports betting but don’t know where to start? We feel ya. Wagering on esports has really skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, and there’s a lot you’re missing out on.
We know you’re keen to get into it, and so are we, so here you go: 7 reasons why esports betting could be the perfect addition to your gaming lifestyle.
1. A Booming Industry
Esports has experienced a mighty surge in popularity over the past decade. Just last year, the global esports market was valued at $1.38 billion, and projections have earmarked the industry to reach $2.9 billion by 2026. The growth is fueled by the increasing number of events, sponsorships, and us, the fans. In fact, the total global esports audience is expected to hit 532 million by 2025, with 220 million of those being enthusiasts, aka those individuals who engage with esports content regularly.
And as more and more of us tune in to esports tournaments, the betting market has, naturally, followed suit. The entire global esports betting market is predicted to exceed $13 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over one-fifth. Pretty impressive, right?
2. Accessible For All
One of the best things about esports betting is that it’s so accessible. Unlike traditional sports betting, where sometimes you might need to be physically present at a venue or more often than not follow some ridiculously complex systems to understand the odds, esports betting is available online on a variety of platforms. With the big increase in mobile apps and websites dedicated to esports betting, it’s made it easier than ever to place bets on your favorite esports events.
On top of this, the betting process is pretty simple, especially for newbies. Many of the best esports betting sites offer user-friendly interfaces, where you can find odds, view upcoming tournaments, and place bets with just a few clicks. In addition, there’s a wide range of betting options.
3. A Younger Demographic Leading the Charge
If you’re a data geek, one of the most interesting aspects of esports and esports betting is its demographic. You’ll probably have guessed that, while traditional sports tend to skew older, the esports audience is a younger, dare we say it, trendier crowd. In fact, 73% of esports fans are between the ages of 18 and 34, with a big portion being adult Gen Z’ers.
When you look at esports betting specifically, this demographic is just as keen. 34% of esports fans between the ages of 18-34 have placed bets on esports events, with 56% of bettors being under the age of 30.
4. A Vast Audience
Unlike many traditional sports, esports appeals to a truly global audience. The top esports tournaments have viewership numbers that rival the biggest sporting events in the world. For example, the League of Legends World Championship 2024 was watched by almost 7 million concurrent viewers. Compare that to the Super Bowl, which had an average of 111 million viewers in 2024, and you begin to see the scale of esports’ reach.
Of course, this global reach is a major draw for betting platforms. Esports betting is available to players in multiple countries, and many platforms offer odds on esports events across various games such as Dota 2, CS:GO, Valorant, and FIFA.
5. High Odds and Big Payouts
For those looking to win big, esports betting can offer big rewards. Esports betting markets are well-known for offering higher odds when compared to traditional sports – particularly in niche titles or less mainstream events. But why? It’s simply because the esports betting market isn’t as saturated or predictable as traditional sports.
As well as this, the very nature of esports competitions means that there are often unexpected outcomes. Underdog teams can and often do surprise everyone, and the volatility of online gaming events can lead to high payout potential for bettors who make the right call. With esports tournaments often featuring multiple rounds of competition and best-of series, the odds are constantly shifting, which just makes it even more exciting.
6. The Fun Factor
Betting on esports brings a level of engagement and excitement that is hard to match in regular sports. Think about it: in traditional sports, you’re often left waiting for a single game or match, but esports tournaments tend to have multiple games, rounds, or even series of games, so there’s always action.
Take this as an example, a CS:GO match could feature multiple maps; each with its own opportunities for betting. With live betting options available, you can place bets as the match unfolds, which adds an extra layer of fun. This real-time action keeps betting fans on their toes.
7. The Future of Betting
As the global esports audience grows year on year, betting will, undoubtedly, continue to be intertwined with this gaming world. We’re only really at the beginning; esports betting is still relatively new compared to traditional sports betting. Yet, as the gaming community expands, so will the number of opportunities to bet. With 28% of US adults being esports fans, it is understood that a large amount of this figure is also esports bettors.
With technological advancements like live-streaming, virtual reality betting, and the growing interest in betting platforms, esports betting is shaping up to be the future of online gambling. So, isn’t it time you got in on the action?
