Is it legal to bet on games online?

The answers depend on your location. esports bets are illegal in some states of the United States. 36 states now legalize online betting it is not illegal to bet on games if you reside in any of the states.

What are the best esports betting apps?

DraftKings is among the best esports apps today in the United States, others are covered in our article.

Which games are the best to bet on esports betting?

Some of the best games to consider for esports bets are League of Legends (LoL), Dota 2 and Counter-Strike.

Are there any age limitations in esports betting?

Yes, you can only bet on esports if you are 18 or older.

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Betting on esports and pro gaming

Esports betting involves betting on the outcome of professional esports matches and tournaments. Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming where professional players compete against each other. Just like traditional sports betting, esports bet allows fans to place wagers on their favorite teams or players in the hope of winning money if their predictions are correct.

Is gaming a sport? Yes, it is and has gained traction globally. Esports betting is growing in popularity as esports continues to gain mainstream recognition and a growing global audience. Many online bookmakers offer a range of esport betting options on various games, including popular titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

Esports betting and why you should try it

Check the highlights below for good reasons to try esports:

Excitement and engagement: Esports betting can add excitement and attention to watching professional esports matches. Placing a bet gives you a personal stake in the game's outcome, making it more enjoyable to watch.
Potential to win money: The main reason people engage in betting is the potential to win money. With esports betting, you can make informed decisions based on your knowledge of the teams and players and potentially win some money.
Accessibility: Esports betting is accessible through online platforms, making it easy to place a bet from the comfort of your home. This accessibility means you can quickly and easily place a bet on an upcoming match or live in-play betting while a game is underway.
Wide range of markets: Esports betting offers a wide range of markets, allowing you to place bets on various outcomes, including the overall winner of a match, individual game scores, and specific player performances. This variety means you can find a market that aligns with your interests and expertise in esport gambling.
Growing popularity: Esports and esport betting are both growing, with increasing numbers worldwide participating and watching professional esports matches. This growth has led to a broader range of betting options and a more competitive marketplace, which can benefit bettors.

You can bet on a variety of esports games in the U.S.

You can try out esports betting on any of the games below:

League of Legends (LoL)
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO)
Dota 2
Overwatch 2
Fortnite
Call of Duty (CoD)
Hearthstone
Rocket League
Rainbow Six Siege
StarCraft II

These games have large and dedicated fan bases, and there is often a lot of interest and coverage of professional matches and tournaments, making them popular choices for esports betting.

Not all bookmakers offer esports bet on all games, and the range of markets available may also vary. Check the offerings of different bookmakers to see which games they cover and what types of bets are available on each game.

Some games are also easier to understand than others. A good knowledge of each sport can also determine the ease of winning. Players should, therefore, learn about each of the games for esports betting before they start playing. You can learn about each sport online today for free.

The esport betting site where you play the game also matters. So, choose carefully to avoid making mistakes.

Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) betting

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) in esports betting refers to betting on the outcome of professional matches in games that fall under the MOBA genre, such as League of Legends (LoL) and Dota 2.

MOBA games are a popular sub-genre of strategy games where two teams of players control characters with unique abilities and compete against each other on a virtual battlefield. They are among the most popular games in the esports betting US today, with millions of players and fans worldwide.

MOBA betting is similar to other forms of esports betting in that it allows fans to place wagers on their favorite teams or players, with the potential to win money if their predictions are correct. Many online bookmakers offer MOBA betting options, including various markets, such as the overall winner of a match, individual game scores, and specific player performances.

MOBA is a subgenre of video strategy games and also a significant part of video games. League of Legends, for example, has more than 100 million players globally. MOBA's contribution to the esports industry has increased viewership for online games worldwide.

First-person shooter (FPS) games betting

First Person Shooter (FPS) games betting refers to betting on the outcome of professional matches in contests that fall under the FPS genre, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) and Call of Duty (CoD). The games now feature more frequently in video game bets.

FPS games are a popular sub-genre of action games where players control a character from a first-person perspective and compete against each other in fast-paced, tactical battles. They are among the most popular games in the esports industry, with millions of players and fans worldwide participating in video game betting.

FPS betting is similar to other forms of esports betting in that it allows fans to place wagers on their favorite teams or players, with the potential to win money if their predictions are correct. Many online bookmakers offer FPS betting options, including various markets, such as the overall winner of a match, individual game scores, and specific player performances.

Like many other shooter games, the game makes the brain happy, which is responsible for its popularity in the United States and many other countries. Its first-person perspective also contributes to its popularity. It creates a virtual environment that maximizes the player's potential on any esports bet site.

How sports simulators work

Sports simulators in esports betting involve betting on the outcome of professional matches in games that simulate traditional sports, such as FIFA and NBA 2K. More games are added frequently, giving more entertainment opportunities to players.

Sports simulators are video games that aim to accurately recreate the experience of playing a particular sport. They often include various features, such as detailed player and team statistics, realistic gameplay, and different game modes.

Esports betting on sports simulators works similarly to other forms of esports betting, allowing fans to place wagers on their favorite teams or players, with the potential to win money if their predictions are correct. Many online bookmakers offer betting on sports simulator games, including various markets, such as the overall winner of a match, individual game scores, and specific player performances.

It is essential to be aware of the local laws and regulations surrounding sports simulator betting and only to bet what you can afford to lose. Additionally, you should see sports simulator betting as a form of entertainment rather than a reliable source of income.

Sports simulators in esports typically feature several critical elements designed to accurately recreate the experience of playing a particular sport. Some of the most common features of sports simulators include the following:

Detailed player and team statistics: Many sports simulators include accurate player and team stats to make esports gambling, which can help to give a more realistic representation of the sport being simulated. It has attributes like speed, strength, shooting accuracy, and more specific metrics like passing accuracy for football games.
Realistic gameplay: Sports simulators accurately recreate the sport being simulated, including the rules, strategies, and tactics used by players. It makes the gaming experience feel more authentic and enjoyable for esports betting.
Various game modes: Many sports simulators offer a range of game modes, including career modes, tournaments, and online multiplayer. It provides a more comprehensive gaming experience and gives players various options for how they want to go about gambling on esports.
Customization options: Many sports simulators allow players to customize various aspects of the game, such as player and team names, uniforms, and stadiums. It adds a personal touch to the gaming experience and gives players more control over how they play esport gamble.
Realistic graphics and audio: Sports simulators often feature high-quality graphics and audio that aim to recreate the sport's look and feel accurate. The feature immerses players in the game and makes the experience more realistic for esports betting.

Esports betting varieties

Check below for some of the varieties:

Match winner esports bets

This form of esports betting refers to betting on the outcome of a specific match, where you place a wager on which team or player you think will win. This is one of the most common types of bets in esports and can be found at most online sportsbooks that offer esports betting. The sportsbook sets the odds for each team or player and will reflect their relative chances of winning the match.

Outright esports bets

Match winner bets in esports refer to betting on the outcome of a specific match, where you place a wager on which team or player you think will win. This is one of the most common types of bets in esports and can be found at most online sportsbooks that offer esports betting. Match-winner bets can be placed on esports games, including popular games.

System esports bets

It is a type of esports betting where you place multiple bets on different outcomes in a single wager. The goal of a system bet is to increase the potential payout by combining numerous bets but still having the possibility of winning if not all of your bets are successful. Place a 3-out-of-4 system bet on four different esports matches.

Esports-specific bets

Some examples of this bet type are:

First Blood Bet: A bet on which team will get the first kill in a match. Map Winner Bet: A bet on which team will win a specific map in a best-of-3 or best-of-5 series.
Handicap Betting: It is an esports betting option where a handicap is applied to one of the teams, levelling the playing field and making the betting more attractive.
Total Rounds Bet: A bet on whether the total number of rounds played in a match will be over or under a specified number.
In-Game Props: A bet on specific events during a match, such as the first team to plant a bomb in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive or the first team to destroy an inhibitor in League of Legends.
Player Props: Bets on individual player performance, such as the number of kills or assists a specific player will have in a match.

Popular types of esport bets

The following are examples of esport bets you can take part in:

Moneyline bets

It is the most basic type of bet, where you bet on the outcome of a match or tournament.

Outright bets

Outright bets are forms of esports bets that allow you to bet on the overall winner of a tournament or championship.

Map or round betting

It allows you to bet on the outcome of a specific map or round within a match.

Handicap betting

It involves giving one team a virtual advantage over the other, making the betting odds more even for profitable esports bets.

Prop bets

These can also be called proposition bets, allowing you to bet on specific events or occurrences within a match, such as the number of kills, headshots, or the first team to reach a specific objective.

Live betting

It enables the bettor to place bets on the outcome of a match while it is being played. This type of betting offers an exciting and dynamic experience for esports betting, making it popular in esports.

Future bets

They are esports bets allowing you to place bets on the outcome of an event that will occur in the future, such as the winner of a tournament or championship.

Betting on esport for the first time

The steps below will guide you on how to place your first bet as a beginner in esports betting:

Choose a sports betting platform: The first step is to choose a reputable and trustworthy sports betting platform that offers esports betting. Research, read reviews, and compare the different platforms to find one that meets your needs.
Register for an account: Create an account by providing your personal information, such as your name, email, and date of birth. You may also be required to provide proof of identity to verify your account.
Fund your account: Fund your account to place your first bet. Most sports betting platforms offer several deposit methods, such as credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
Choose your bet: Once your account is funded, you can start browsing the esports betting markets to find a bet that interests you. Look for a match or tournament you know about, or consider doing some research to learn more about the teams or players involved.
Place your bet: Click on the odds for the bet you want to place and confirm the amount you wish to wager. Your bet will be processed, and you will be able to see the outcome once the match or tournament has finished.

Using an esports betting bonus

Esports betting bonus can increase your bankroll, helping you land a larger bet to win more money. Bonuses reduce the cost of betting, ensuring the bettor spends and risks less amount. Nevertheless, not all bonuses are good for you. Avoid bonuses that have unfriendly wagering requirements.

Before accepting any prize, you should carefully read the terms and conditions to understand the requirements for claiming and using the bonus. Most bonuses have specific eligibility criteria, such as a minimum deposit amount, a minimum odds requirement, or an exact geographic location. Make sure you meet the criteria to claim the bonus.

Claim the bonus after meeting the requirements by following the instructions provided by the esports betting platform. This could involve entering a bonus code or contacting customer support. Once the bonus has been credited to your account, you can use the bonus funds to place bets on esports matches or tournaments. Some bonuses may restrict the types of bets you can place or the odds you can bet on.

How to pick a good and safe site for esports betting

The United States plays host to some of the best sites for esports bets, and we will show you the most popular of them below:

BetRivers

Dive into the digital battleground with BetRivers! Experience the thrill of esports betting, from intense MOBA clashes to FPS showdowns. BetRivers brings the action right to your screen, letting you back your favorite teams and players. Lock in, place your bets, and feel the esports adrenaline with BetRivers.

DraftKings

Gear up for a digital showdown with DraftKings! Dive into a realm where every esports battle becomes a heart-pounding spectacle. DraftKings, a leader in the sportsbook world, brings the esports universe right to your screen. Whether you're backing top esports teams or predicting game MVPs, DraftKings offers an unparalleled esports betting experience.

Caesars

Step into the digital coliseum with Caesars! Immerse yourself in a world where every esports clash, from strategy games to action-packed battles, becomes an epic saga. Caesars, with its rich legacy in the betting world, brings the esports universe right to your fingertips. Whether you're championing top esports teams or predicting game MVPs, Caesars offers a legendary esports betting experience.

Fanduel

Ignite your gaming passion with FanDuel! Delve into the digital realm where every esports skirmish, strategy, and triumph becomes a mesmerizing event. FanDuel, a powerhouse in the sportsbook scene, catapults the esports universe right to your screen. Whether you're championing top esports contenders or predicting game MVPs, FanDuel delivers an unmatched esports betting thrill.

BetMGM

Amplify your gaming journey with BetMGM! Dive deep into the esports arena where every match, strategy, and victory becomes a captivating spectacle. BetMGM, a renowned name in the sportsbook industry, brings the esports world right to your fingertips. Whether you're rallying behind top esports teams or predicting game-changing moments, BetMGM offers a premier esports betting experience.

PointsBet

Elevate your gaming experience with PointsBet! Dive into the esports realm where every match, strategy, and in-game decision becomes a thrilling event. PointsBet, one of the fastest-growing online gaming operators in the U.S., delivers an unparalleled esports betting adventure. Whether you're rallying behind top esports squads or predicting game-defining moments, PointsBet offers a unique and exhilarating betting format, ensuring you're always at the heart of the action.

How to choose a safe sports betting site

The tips below will help you know if that sports betting site is safe:

Licensing and Regulation: Ensure the site is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority, ensuring the site operates legally and that your personal and financial information is protected.
Reputation: Look for sites with a good reputation in the esports betting community. Check forums and review sites to see what other users say about their experiences with the site.
Betting Options: Look for a site that offers a wide variety of betting options, including match-winner bets, outright bets, and special esports-specific bets.
Odds and Markets: Make sure the site offers competitive odds and a good selection of markets. Check several sites to compare odds and markets before deciding on e sports gambling.
User Experience: Consider the user experience when using the site for esports betting. Is it easy to navigate? Does it offer a user-friendly interface? Are live scores and results readily available?
Bonuses and Promotions: Look for sites that offer generous bonuses and promotions, especially for new users. Also, please find out about the wagering requirements on the bonuses before accepting them.
Payment Options: Consider the payment options offered by the site, including deposit and withdrawal methods. Make sure the site provides a payment method that works for you. You are better off with a payment method that does not require too many details.
Customer Support: Look for esports bets sites with good customer support, including live chat, email, and phone support. If anything goes wrong, the customer support agents should provide help fast.

Options of custom service

Esports betting platforms generally offer several customer service options to help customers with any issues or questions. Many sports betting platforms have extensive FAQs and help sections on their websites, which provide information on common issues and questions, but the most common customer service options are:

Live chat

Many esports betting platforms offer live chat support, allowing you to communicate with a customer service representative instantly. This is often the quickest and most convenient way to get help.

Email support

You can also contact customer support via email, which is usually the preferred option for more complex issues or questions.

Phone support

Some esports betting platforms offer telephone support, which is a good option for urgent issues requiring immediate attention.

Social media

Some sports betting platforms offer customer support through social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook.

Other games

Esports is competitive and available at various online sportsbooks. Aside from gambling esports, you can also try out these other online betting games:

Fantasy Sports are online games where you create a virtual team of real-life players and compete against other users based on the statistical performance of those players. You can bet on the outcome of your fantasy team, just like esports gamble.
Online Poker is a popular card game you can play against other players for real money. There are various online poker rooms where you can play and bet on the outcome of your games.
Casino Games offer a wide range of games, such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and slot machines that you can play for real money. You can bet on the outcome of these games at various online casinos.