Esports betting has grown exponentially in popularity over the years, and with it, an array of online betting platforms have emerged, catering to the needs of enthusiastic esports fans and bettors. Whether you’re a seasoned esports punter or new to the scene, it’s crucial to choose a trustworthy and user-friendly platform to place your bets. 

Difference Between Esportsbooks and Traditional Sportsbooks

Esportsbook and Traditional sportsbooks have distinct differences although they share some similarities as platforms for sports betting. Here are the key differences between Esportsbook and traditional sportsbooks: 

Esportsbooks

• Esportsbooks focus exclusively on esports, which are competitive video gaming events. 
• Esports competitions are digital and take place entirely in the virtual world. Players or teams compete against each other in video games, making it a unique form of sport.
• Esportsbooks primarily attract a younger and digitally-savvy audience, often composed of gamers and esports enthusiasts. Esports has a global following, with a strong presence among millennials and Generation Z.
• Esportsbooks often integrate live streaming of esports events directly on their platforms, allowing users to watch and bet on matches simultaneously. They also feature in-play or live betting for esports.

Traditional Sportsbooks

• Traditional sportsbooks primarily cover traditional sports such as football, basketball, tennis, soccer, horse racing, and others. They do not include esports events in their offerings, or if they do, it’s a relatively small part of their platform.
• Traditional sports involve physical activities and take place in the real world. Athletes or teams compete in physical venues, and the outcomes are based on their real-world performance.
• Traditional sportsbooks offer live betting, they often rely on external broadcasters for live sports events, and the streaming experience may not be as seamless or integrated.

Most Popular Esports Betting Markets in 2023

1. CS:GO

• Match Winner: This is  where you simply pick the team you think will win the whole CS:GO match. It’s one of the most common and easy-to-understand bets.
• Map Betting: CS:GO matches are played on different maps, so you can bet on which team will win each map within the match. This adds more excitement and options to your bets.
• Total Rounds (Over/Under): Here, you guess if the total number of rounds played in the match will be more or less than a specific number. It’s like betting on the pace of the game.
• Pistol Round Winner: This  is all about predicting which team will win the very first round of the game, called the pistol round. This round often sets the tone for the entire match, making it a thrilling bet to consider. 

2. DOTA 2

• Match Winner (Moneyline): Similar to CS:GO, Dota 2 betting often centers on predicting the winner of a match or series.
• Map Betting: In Dota 2, maps are replaced with games, and bettors can wager on the outcome of individual games within a match.
• Total Kills (Over/Under): Betting on whether the total number of kills in a game will be over or under a specified threshold.
• First Roshan Kill: Predicting which team will secure the first Roshan kill, a significant in-game objective.

3. League of Legends

• Match Winner (Moneyline): Betting on which team will win a League of Legends match is a staple market.
• Map Betting: League of Legends matches consist of multiple maps, and betting on individual map outcomes is common.
• Total Kills (Over/Under): Similar to Dota 2, bettors can predict whether the total number of kills in a game will surpass a specified limit.
• First Blood: Betting on which team will secure the first kill in a match is often a pivotal moment.

4. Valorant

• Match Winner (Moneyline): Betting on the team expected to win a Valorant match or series is a standard market.
• Map Betting: Valorant matches are played on multiple maps, and betting on individual map outcomes is an option.
• Total Rounds (Over/Under): Bettors can wager on whether the total number of rounds played in a match will exceed or fall short of a predetermined number.
• First Blood: Predicting which team will achieve the first kill in a Valorant match, an action that can set the tone for the game.

These diverse markets cater to the strategic and action-packed nature of each esports title, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement for fans and bettors alike. Whether you’re new to esports betting or an experienced enthusiast, exploring these markets can enhance your esports experience and potentially lead to thrilling victories.

Here, we present 10 of the best esports betting sites to elevate your esports wagering experience:

Best Esports Betting Sites In 2023

1. Asian Connect 

Asian Connect is a sportsbook and betting brokerage service that provides access to a wide range of esports betting opportunities. Known for its Asian handicap betting options and competitive odds, it’s a favorite among serious esports bettors. Offers access to multiple bookmakers, giving you a vast selection of esports events to wager on.

2. Betway 

Betway is a well-established sports betting platform that has extended its offerings to include a wide range of esports betting options. It is highlighted for offering competitive odds, making it an attractive choice for esports bettors. Betway provides comprehensive coverage of esports events, including major tournaments and leagues across various games.

3. GG.Bet

GG.Bet is a dedicated esports betting platform that excels in offering an extensive selection of esports titles to bet on. This includes popular games like CS: GO, Dota 2, League of Legends, and more. The site is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for both new and experienced bettors to navigate. GG.Bet often offers attractive bonuses and promotions specifically tailored to esports bettors.

4. 888sport

888sport is the sports betting division of 888 Holdings, a respected online gaming company renowned for its casino, poker, and bingo services. This platform caters to sports enthusiasts, offering them the opportunity to place bets on a diverse array of sporting events, including popular choices such as football, basketball, tennis, and horse racing. In addition to traditional sports, 888sport has also extended its offerings to include esports betting, recognizing the burgeoning popularity of this emerging market.

5. Bet365

Bet365 is an online betting site that has a strong presence in the esports betting scene. One of its standout features is the provision of live streaming for many esports events, allowing users to watch and bet on the action in real time. Bet365 covers a wide range of esports tournaments and competitions, ensuring that bettors have ample options.

6. BetOnline

BetOnline is a well-established online sportsbook that offers a comprehensive esports betting section. This diversity makes it a one-stop destination for various types of gambling entertainment. It offers attractive bonuses for both new and existing esports bettors.

7. William Hill

William Hill, a giant in the sports betting industry, also features a strong esports betting platform. Provides a wide range of esports events and tournaments, ensuring there are options for all esports enthusiasts. Offers a seamless betting experience, backed by a trusted and reputable brand.

8. Unibet

Unibet is another well-known name in the world of online betting, and it includes a dedicated esports betting section. Provides live streaming for some esports events, allowing users to watch and bet simultaneously. Unibet offers live betting, allowing users to place bets on sporting events as they happen. The live betting interface is user-friendly and provides real-time updates on odds and match statistics.

9. Pinnacle 

Pinnacle is a go-to platform for professional esports bettors due to its high betting limits and competitive odds. While Pinnacle primarily focuses on traditional sports, it has also expanded its offerings to include esports, recognizing the growing popularity of competitive gaming. Users can bet on a wide range of sports and esports events.

10. Betfair

Betfair is a well-known online betting platform that boasts an extensive sportsbook that includes not only poker and bingo but also various other sports. What sets it apart is its distinctive feature, allowing users to determine the odds and consequently bet against one another, distinguishing it from typical betting websites.

Key Aspects of A Good Esports Betting Site 

When evaluating esports betting sites, several key aspects should be considered to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and potentially profitable betting experience. Here are the key aspects you should look for:

Licensing and Regulation

Verify that the betting site is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority in the jurisdiction where it operates. This ensures the site adheres to industry standards and legal requirements.

Promotions and Bonuses

Promotions and bonuses are enticing incentives offered by betting sites to attract and retain customers. These can significantly enhance your betting experience. Welcome bonuses often provide a boost to your initial deposit, giving you more funds to wager with. Free bets allow you to place bets without risking your own money, and cashback offers provide a safety net in case you incur losses. It’s crucial to carefully read the terms and conditions associated with these promotions to understand any wagering requirements or restrictions.

Live Betting and Streaming

Live betting and live streaming add an extra layer of excitement to your betting experience. Live betting allows you to place bets on ongoing events, adjusting your wagers based on real-time developments. Live streaming lets you watch the action unfold, providing a sense of immersion and enabling you to make more informed in-play bets. It’s a dynamic and interactive way to engage with your favorite sports and esports.

Diverse Payment Options

The availability of diverse payment methods is essential for convenient deposits and withdrawals. Credit/debit cards, e-wallets (such as PayPal or Skrill), and cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin) should be among the supported options. Having multiple choices ensures that you can select the method that best suits your preferences and location. It also adds flexibility to your financial transactions, making it easier to manage your bankroll.

Reliable Customer Support

Reliable customer support is a lifeline for bettors who may encounter issues or have questions. A betting site should offer various support channels, including live chat, email, and phone support, to cater to different user needs and preferences. Responsive customer service representatives who can efficiently address inquiries or resolve problems contribute to a positive betting experience. Having access to quality support can alleviate concerns and ensure a smooth betting process.