Explore the Best eSports Betting Sites by Country

Bettors may legally wager on esports betting at approved sportsbooks in the particular region the person is placing wagers. Like sports, esports has high-level tournaments and matches throughout the year. A frenzy of popularity is fueling expansive growth in the esports market, which is expected to surpass the movie market in revenue over the next decade.

For this reason, more bettors are placing wagers on esports than ever. Due to underage participation in esports, state and national governments are exploring ways to prevent underage gambling related to gaming.

In the U.S., there are some states that allow e-sports betting, like Nevada and New Jersey. However, other states, like Indiana, have passed laws to specifically prohibiting esports betting, even as sports betting is allowed. Some esports bettors turn to offshore betting with online sportsbooks.

It's important for gamblers to research and understand esports betting laws to avoid running afoul of local regulations.

National and international laws tend to specifically target esports betting operations, so laws restricting individual gamblers are not as clear cut. The legality of betting on esports depends on the local regulations, which are in place to govern individual esports betting and protect millions of minors who participate in gaming across the globe.

By 2019, China, Spain, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea all hosted international gaming tournaments. New Jersey approved video game wagers just in time for the 2019 Worlds Cup League of Legends final match, which included more than 4 million viewers. Internationally, local governing bodies are evaluating how to approach the esports betting market.

Some legislators are firmly against allowing youth access to betting opportunities through esports. Others walk a fine line, hoping to attract tax revenue from adult gamblers and instituting some restrictions to curb youth participation in esports wagering.

Worlds Cup spectators included an international audience. The sheer number of viewers interested in esports is giving rise to esports gambling. In fact, bookmakers are targeting the esports gaming industry's audience. The esports betting market value is projected to surpass $13 billion by 2025.

Most governments are challenging the morality of targeting esports participants, who are historically younger in age, for gambling. However, like the sports market, gambling establishments are aggressively searching for ways to market and attract new bettors. From online advertising to sponsoring competitions, esports businesses continue to attract gamblers and grow the customer base.