Esports Betting: The Next Frontier in Online Gambling

United States – May 22, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com Esports betting has rapidly evolved from a niche activity to a global phenomenon. Increasingly, people are betting on match outcomes and in-game events, such as the first or most kills, while millions of viewers follow competitive gaming tournaments. This surge in popularity is due to its compatibility with the fast-paced digital habits of younger generations.

In 2024, esports betting experienced tremendous growth, generating $2.5 billion and attracting more than 74 million online bettors, according to Statista.

A report by Oddin.gg revealed a significant increase in both betting volume and individual wager sizes. The average bet was $29, considerably higher than the $5 average bet in football. These figures highlight the growing engagement and investment in esports betting.

Global Growth of Esports Betting

Esports betting is expanding rapidly across the globe. The Asia-Pacific market, which accounts for over half of global esports betting revenue, is led by China, South Korea, and the Philippines, according to a Statista report.

With projected revenues of $857.6 million in 2025 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.25% through 2029, the United States is a key player in North America. Europe is expected to generate $700 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 5.15% through 2029. These regional dynamics underscore the global rise in esports betting.

According to Oddin.gg, the top esports titles for betting in 2024 were League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Valorant. Notably, Valorant saw a 175% year-over-year increase in betting volume, compared to 99% for Counter-Strike 2, 90% for Dota 2, and 61% for League of Legends—illustrating growing interest across different games.

The Explosive Growth of Esports

The global esports audience is projected to reach 640.8 million viewers by 2025, up from 435.7 million in 2020. This includes 318.1 million dedicated fans and 322.7 million casual viewers. The Asia-Pacific region leads the sector, accounting for over 57% of the global audience, with China and the Philippines contributing about 40% of the fan base. In the U.S., there were approximately 45 million esports fans in 2023.

Several titles have consistently drawn massive audiences. League of Legends led with its 2023 World Championship peaking at 6.4 million concurrent viewers—the highest ever in esports. Other notable games include Dota 2, famed for its high-stakes tournament The International; Valorant, which continues to grow in popularity; and PUBG Mobile, which sees heavy participation in Asian markets.

The 2023 League of Legends World Championship broke records with 6.4 million concurrent viewers, surpassing the previous high of 5.41 million set by the 2021 Free Fire World Series. These events underscore the vast scale and enthusiasm surrounding modern esports, confirming its status as a global entertainment phenomenon.

Esports Betting Worldwide

Esports betting generated $2.5 billion in total revenue in 2024 and is projected to rise to $2.8 billion in 2025, possibly reaching $3 billion by 2026 (Statista, 2024). The number of online esports bettors rose dramatically from 21.9 million in 2017 to about 74.3 million in 2024—demonstrating mainstream adoption.

The average revenue per user (ARPU) was $33.59 in 2024 and is expected to reach $34.90 in 2025, reflecting a steady increase in user value. It is important to distinguish ARPU from individual bet size; ARPU represents annual total revenue per user, while individual bet size refers to the typical amount wagered per bet.

In Q4 2024, live betting accounted for 46% of Counter-Strike bets and 28% of Valorant bets (Sharpr, 2025). This indicates that more fans are engaging in real-time betting, enjoying the instant reactions it provides. Prop bets—such as predicting a player’s total kills—are also growing. In Q4, 13% of Counter-Strike bets were props, showing rising demand for more tailored betting experiences.

The average esports viewer is around 26 years old, with about 58% being male, although the female audience is growing. Over 90% of fans watch esports on smartphones, and more than 75% prefer live tournament streaming. Social media engagement is high—68% of viewers follow esports content on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Why Esports Betting Is the Future of Online Gambling

With the ability to bet from laptops, tablets, or smartphones, esports betting offers unmatched digital accessibility. Platforms are mobile-first, creating a seamless user experience. With constantly changing odds, esports are ideal for live betting. As many bookmakers are still developing esports odds, savvy bettors who understand the metagame and teams can find opportunities for profit.

In 2024, esports betting remained a small segment of the overall betting industry. According to Oddin.gg, about $720 million was wagered on esports—significantly less than the $35 billion bet on the NFL. American football still dominates globally, accounting for 42% of total betting volume.

SiGMA – Written by Sudhanshu Ranjan
Edited by: @_fonta – www.zonadeazar.com