Esports Betting Sites
By the Bet at editorial teamUpdated 18+ · T&Cs apply to all offers
Competitive online gaming began as a small, little-noticed niche, but over the past twenty years it has grown into a global industry with a huge and devoted fan base. For the tens of millions of players and fans around the world, watching or participating in these events is as exciting as any mainstream sporting competition. Last year's League of Legends World Championship, for example, had a preliminary round watched by 60 million people, while the event itself was watched by 43 million people.
With the rise in popularity has come a surge in demand for betting opportunities on eSports, and bookmakers in the UK and around the world have been scrambling to provide punters with the best possible eSports betting options and the most attractive odds.
Esports betting enthusiasts can bet on a wide variety of games, from CS:GO to Warcraft, with betting markets available on everything from tournaments and leagues to individual players via Twitch streams. Betting on esports is one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK betting scene. To help you get started with this dynamic and modern form of betting, we've taken a close look at what's actually available to UK esports betting fans to give you the lowdown on the best deals and overall experience when betting on esports.
On this page
Sportsbooks licensed to take bets in Britain
Every site below holds a Gambling Commission licence. The order reflects what the sign-up offer is worth to a player here, not what an operator pays us — how that works is set out on our about page.
Offers and order last checked
- 1
DafabetSportsbook · UKGC 44662Casino offer100% first deposit bonus up to £200Since 2004No welcome free bet for new sportsbook customersVisit DafabetWhat you should know
The offer. 100% first deposit bonus up to £200. Terms are set by the operator and change without notice.
Who runs it. SCGO Limited (UK licensee). Licensed as UKGC 044662-R-324273-021 · SCGO Limited.
Deposits and withdrawals. PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Pay by Mobile, Trustly, Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller, bank transfer.
Why it is on this list. No welcome free bet at all, and that is the point: best odds guaranteed applies from the off rather than after a qualifier.
- 2
888sportSportsbook · UKGC 39028Sportsbook offerBet £10 get £30 in free betsMin deposit £10Code 30FXSSince 1997Free bets expire if not used within the set windowVisit 888sportRead reviewWhat you should know
The offer. Bet £10 get £30 in free bets. Terms are set by the operator and change without notice.
Who runs it. 888 UK Limited (evoke plc). Licensed as UKGC 039028-R-319297-013 · 888 UK Limited.
Deposits and withdrawals. Debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Paysafecard, bank transfer.
Why it is on this list. Price boosts on the day's main football and racing cards, and the free bets land as soon as the qualifier settles.
- 3
William HillSportsbook · UKGC 39225Sportsbook offerBet £10 get £30 in free betsMin deposit £10Code R30Since 1934Casino bonus carries 10x wageringVisit William HillRead reviewWhat you should know
The offer. Bet £10 get £30 in free bets. Terms are set by the operator and change without notice.
Who runs it. WHG (International) Limited (evoke plc). Licensed as UKGC 039225-R-319373-014 · WHG (International) Limited.
Deposits and withdrawals. Debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Paysafecard, bank transfer, shop deposit.
Why it is on this list. Shops as well as an app: a slip placed online can be settled or cashed out over the counter.
- 4
NetBetSportsbook · UKGC 39170Sportsbook offerBet £10 get £20 in free betsMin deposit £10Since 2001Free bets expire if not used within the set windowVisit NetBetRead reviewWhat you should know
The offer. Bet £10 get £20 in free bets. Terms are set by the operator and change without notice.
Who runs it. Netbet Enterprises Limited. Licensed as UKGC 039170-R-319343-029 · Netbet Enterprises Limited.
Deposits and withdrawals. PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Paysafecard.
Why it is on this list. Pool betting on the horses alongside fixed odds, and spin winnings come with no wagering attached.
- 5
BetwaySportsbook · UKGC 39372Sportsbook offerBet £10 get £40 in free betsMin deposit £10Since 2006No PayPal in the cashierVisit BetwayRead reviewWhat you should know
The offer. Bet £10 get £40 in free bets. Terms are set by the operator and change without notice.
Who runs it. Betway Limited (Super Group). Licensed as UKGC 039372-R-319367-028 · Betway Limited.
Deposits and withdrawals. Visa, Mastercard.
Why it is on this list. Free-spin winnings carry no wagering, and the football in-play tree is one of the deepest on a UK licence.
18+. New customers only. Offers change without notice — read the operator’s own terms before you stake. Free advice and blocking tools: GAMSTOP, BeGambleAware, National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.
How we compare sitesAffiliate links: we may earn a commission18+ onlyUKGC-licensed operators
Top 3 Esports Betting Offers
Claim a welcome Esports offer as a new customer at PariMatch. To qualify, sign up, opt-in, deposit and bet £10 at odds min 2.00 and get 2x £10 Free Bets for Esports & 1 x £10 Free Bet for any sports (odds 2.00+) and a £10 Slots Bonus on selected games (20x bonus wagering to withdraw maximum £250. Bonus expires in 7 days. Card payments only). The qualifying bet for this promotion must be made within 7 days of registering an account to claim it. Free Bets expire 7 days after being accredited if not used. 18+, T&Cs apply.
Claim offerGet up to 100 Free Spins on QuinnCasino Slot ‘World Darts Championship’ when you place a qualifying bet of £10+ on any E-Sports market(s) of your choice at minimum odds of evens (2.00) or higher. You will receive 5 Free Spins for each individual £10 qualifying bet you place on E-Sports, up to a maximum of 100 Free Spins, in any 24-hour period. Free Spins credited by 4pm the day after your E-Sports bet(s) settle. 18+, T&Cs apply.
Claim offerPlace a £5+ In-Play singles bets on eSports and get a free Power Up! Minimum odds of 1.2 (1/5). Maximum 1 Power Up per day. Power up expires after 24 hours. 18+, full T&Cs apply.
Claim offerHow To Bet On Esports
Betting on eSports is like betting on traditional sports. However, what may greet the novice in terms of the range and scale of betting options is likely to be nothing short of astounding. So here's a step-by-step guide to making your first bet on esports.
- Go to your favorite online sportsbook;
- Find the esports section within the list of available sports;
- Select the specific game you want to bet on, such as Dota 2, CS:GO, or others
- Identify the market and event you want to bet on;
- Select an option by clicking on it;
- Place your bet on the online betting slip;
- Place your bet;
That's it! All you have to do is wait until the event is over to find out if your bet won. You may also be able to watch the event via a live stream if your sportsbook has that capability.
Top 5 Esport Betting Sites – 2026
⭐Betway Esports Betting
For many UK esports betting enthusiasts, Betway is at the top of the list. This bookmaker has demonstrated its allegiance to this emerging sector by sponsoring a very prominent esports team. The bookmaker surpasses many of its competitors in terms of the number of markets it offers, covering more than ten games. For fans of Dota 2, CS:GO, Overwatch and the Rainbow Six series, there is no better place to bet. Of particular note is the site's coverage of Overwatch, for which there are very few betting markets offered elsewhere.
Betway offers an excellent esports product. Their in-play betting options are numerous and they offer esports betting fans plenty of opportunities to get in on the action as it's happening. Their odds are very competitive with other bookmakers, and thanks to their esports betting expertise, they can still make a profit while pricing esports events quite generously. Esports betting fans can also benefit from a dedicated Esports blog and news section, making this a complete resource for betting on Esports.
⭐Paddy Power Esports Betting
Paddy Power has established itself as an innovative and eye-catching bookmaker, and while it does not cover esports betting quite as thoroughly as Betway, those looking to use the Paddy Power site to bet on League of Legends, Dota 2, or any other type of esports can rest assured that the kind of humor and personality that typifies the brand has made its way to the esports section of the site.
The biggest bookmakers in Ireland have been ramping up their eSports coverage, offering more markets on the major events taking place. For example, when it comes to the CS:GO ECS League, Paddy Power has some of the best odds around, as well as a nice array of markets worth checking out.
As well as being a straightforward and easy-to-navigate betting site, Paddy Power is also well known for the inventive and rewarding promotions they offer their players. Because of this, along with their solid and substantial esports betting product, it is well worth checking the Paddy Power site regularly to see what fresh offers and esports betting bonuses they have waiting for you.
⭐Bet365 Esports Betting
As one of the largest online gambling companies in the world, Bet365 has become the dominant player in the UK for in-play sports betting and has applied the same expertise to in-play eSports betting. Their coverage of Dota 2, CS:GO and Starcraft is extensive and their League of Legends betting operation is well thought out.
Bet365 has around 30 markets for League of Legends, some with over 50 types of bets. Dota 2, CS:Go, and Overwatch are also heavily covered - all fan-favorite bets for the dedicated London bookmaker. Not all competitive video games get the same coverage, and high-profile tournaments for titles like Rainbow Six or the Fifa series don't seem to generate many betting opportunities at Bet365, meaning they're not a comprehensive option if you want to bet on all esports.
⭐Betfair Esports Betting
At the beginning of the century, the UK betting industry was completely transformed by the advent of the betting exchange, and Betfair was quick to add esports to its offering. Unlike the traditional betting shop, where odds are set by a bookmaker, a betting exchange allows customers to bet against each other.
The esports section of the Betfair Sportsbook is minimalist to say the least. It does not even cover a range of esports, let alone the full spectrum. Where it does seem to attempt to cover some popular options - such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends-it does not do a great job of providing a complete set of markets. Even for the events it does cover, I often find the available odds to be on the lower end of the competitive spectrum.
Live betting is where Betfair esports really excels. Both the Sportsbook and Exchange sections of the site offer a variety of live betting opportunities, and you will also find an ever-growing range of esports betting markets on the Betfair Exchange, which generally offers better odds than any other betting company in the UK. Go to Betfair >>
⭐William Hill Esports Betting
One of the best known betting names in the UK, William Hill, covers esports betting with excellence. They're not as effective as some outfits when it comes to League of Legends betting markets, but they offer an excellent range of esports betting options on Dota 2, World of Tanks, Heroes of the Storm and Starcraft, and their coverage of esports betting for events like the ProData Cup is second to none. They also have a reputation for being one of the best CS:GO betting platforms in the UK, covering the game extensively with live betting and pre-match odds.
While William Hill does not present esports specific betting promotions, the bookmaker does offer a constantly updated sign up offer that is open to any new customer who registers for sports betting. Go to William Hill >>
Most Popular Esports Games
The competitive video game universe encompasses dozens of titles, and the list continues to grow as some games gain popularity and developers release new offerings. Despite this growth, a few competitive video games are perennial favorites, attracting by far the most interest and dollars.
League Of Legends
A relative newcomer to esports, League of Legends was released in 2009, but has quickly garnered a large and loyal fan base around the world. In fact, it is now one of the most popular Real Time Strategy (RTS) games on the planet.
League of Legends, sometimes abbreviated to LOL, pits two teams of five players against each other in a series of battlegrounds. Each battleground is an arena-like structure where the action takes place. The goal of the game is to destroy the other team's base, but there's a lot that has to happen before that can happen. Teams need to gain resources and experience, and it takes quite a bit of time and action in the arena to make that happen.
LOL has a strong role-playing aspect. The heroes that players choose from are an ever-growing aspect of engagement for esports fanatics. Other aspects definitely add to the interactive nature of this being one of the most interactive esports in terms of pro/fan relationships. The heroes that players use certainly engage fans more than ever in terms of the professional scene.
Dota 2
Launched in 2013, DOTA 2, short for Defense of the Ancients, is another RTS strategy game that has captured the hearts of players and fans around the world for its combination of cutting-edge game design and tactical depth.
Similar to LOL, a DOTA 2 match consists of two teams of five players each, selected from a pool of 115 unique Heroes. Notably, each Hero can only appear in one match, meaning players must choose wisely and use some tactical thinking to ensure they have the right Heroes to ensure victory.
The goal of DOTA 2 is to destroy the enemy's base while preserving your own, but first you must take down their fortifications. Every 30 seconds, both teams are supplied by "creeps," waves of semi-autonomous characters that attack the enemy and help you dismantle their structures. DOTA 2 combines deep tactical play with the demand for smooth, polished teamwork, making it the perfect team sport. ⭐⭐Check out the best Dota betting sites >>
CS:GO
Counter Strike: Global Offensive, or CS:GO for short, is one of the oldest and most popular e-sports since its release in 2000. It is second only to Dota 2 in terms of total prize money available to professional players.
At the heart of the game is a conflict between teams of terrorists and counter-terrorists battling it out on different maps. Each CS:GO match can have a variety of objectives and unfold in different scenarios, such as rescuing hostages, that pit players against each other. Players earn points for completing tasks and scoring "kills," and they lose points for dying, making stupid moves, or otherwise not following the plan.
One of the most popular esports team games is CS:GO. Several major CS:GO events attract millions of live viewers and esports fans who enjoy betting on the competition.
Other Popular Esports Games
There is no set list of official e-sports titles, which means fans can bet on all kinds of games. Aside from League of Legends, the most popular game to bet on seems to be Fortnite, a battle royale game that pits players against each other on a massive map. Fortnite has one of the largest fan bases in the world, and many of today's best-known e-sports athletes and Twitch personalities rose to fame playing the game.
PUBG is a Fortnite-like game that can attract betting interest, while the Call of Duty franchise leads a long line of esports shooters that includes Rainbow Six, Quake, World of Tanks, and Overwatch. Hearthstone is an esports card game that has a large audience, while sports video games like FIFA and NBA2k and the retro fighting game Streetfighter have their own highly dedicated fan bases.
Top 5 Esport Betting Sites – 2026
Choosing the right bookmaker for eSports betting is just as important as knowing the games themselves. Below is a detailed comparison of the top platforms, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses and what will make them stand out in 2025.
| Bookmaker | Main Esports Covered | Unique Features | Bonus Offer (2026) | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betway | Dota 2, CS:GO, LoL, Overwatch | Sponsorship of pro teams, extensive live betting | 100% up to £100 + free bets on esports | 9/10 |
| Paddy Power | LoL, Dota 2, CS:GO | Humorous branding, creative promotions | £20 risk-free esports bet | 8/10 |
| Bet365 | LoL (30+ markets), Dota 2, CS:GO, Starcraft | Deep in-play betting, market variety | Bet £10 get £50 in credits | 9.5/10 |
| Betfair | CS:GO, LoL | Betting exchange with user-set odds | £20 free exchange bet | 7.5/10 |
| William Hill | Dota 2, CS:GO, WoT, Starcraft | Strong live betting, reputation & trust | £30 free bet on registration | 8.5/10 |
Our Analysis
Bet365 remains the market leader thanks to its unrivalled depth of betting markets, particularly on League of Legends. Betway appeals to fans who value live betting and community involvement, while Paddy Power attracts casual bettors with its quirky brand personality. Betfair stands out for sharp odds via its exchange, but its coverage is limited. Finally, William Hill combines heritage with a solid eSports offering, making it a trusted option for newcomers.
When choosing a bookmaker, look beyond the welcome bonus and consider long-term value: odds, live stream availability and market variety are often more important to consistent success in esports betting.
Major Esports Events In 2026
The esports professional circuit includes a growing number of tournaments and competitions that test the best players in the world and offer a wealth of betting opportunities. This guide briefly describes the most important of these esports betting competitions in 2025.
- International eSports Federation World Championships
- Held annually since 2008, this competition allows eSports players to compete as national teams
- FIFA eWorld Cup
- This tournament gives everyone the opportunity to reach the highest level of eSports. It starts with millions of participants around the world playing the digital version of one of the world's most popular sports. And it culminates in a final event that, with all the buzz and hype that comes with it, may well be the most watched eSports tournament in the world;
Esports Betting Tips
- Esports betting can be a dynamic and exciting way to bet, but it contains a double layer of complexity, in that many of the sports involved are complicated in their own right, even before you get to the betting aspect. So, to help you get started in the world of esports betting, our editors have provided some useful tips on how to get the most out of your esports betting experience.
- Know the game. Regular sports betting devotees often have the advantage of having played their favourite sport in their youth, and esports betting fans should be no different. Before you can hope to profit from esports betting, you need to be intimately familiar with the game you intend to bet on and the best way to do this is to play it yourself.
- Know the players. Esports betting, like regular sports betting, revolves around the players. There are plenty of information resources out there to help you get to know the players, and understanding their abilities, strengths and weaknesses is crucial to successful esports betting.
- Study form. No matter how brilliant an esports player is, he or she is still human. Esports players suffer from injuries, illnesses, loss of confidence and other psychological issues, and staying up to date with the form of the key players in your favourite esport will give you an edge.
- Analyse team strategy. Head to head records can give you an idea of how one team might fare against another, but it is also important to consider their strategies. Which maps are they most successful in? What is their usual hero-banning approach? Get to know how each team operates and try to assess their likely strategy, strengths and weaknesses ahead of a particular event
- Compare the odds. Becoming a successful esports bettor is hard work and you need every advantage you can get. When you’ve decided on the bet you want to make, check out all the main esports betting sites to ensure that you are getting the best possible odds on your bet.
- Ignore opinions. The esports world is full of opinions but while you should keep your ears open for news related to player well-being, tactics and strategy, don’t give any credence to other people’s opinions. Hone your own esports betting style and back your own judgement.
Bottom Line On Esports Betting
Esports has grown from humble beginnings into a massive global industry. As bookmakers compete to provide betting markets for the swelling ranks of esports fans, opportunities abound for those willing to put in the time to prepare. The key to realizing these opportunities and potentially profiting from the modern betting phenomenon that is esports is site selection - finding the best esports betting site and doing your due diligence on the games, teams and players you intend to bet on.