Esports betting explained simply

Esports is emerging as a major betting tool and is considered one of the largest growth areas in the gambling industry. Esports betting is becoming more common to serve a variety of regulated betting markets and to participate in the dynamics of professional video gaming. Our goal is to present a concrete guide to betting on Esports such as Dota 2, League of Legends, Fortnite, Call of Duty and CS:GO, including betting strategies, predictions and, of course, the latest news from the Esports world.

Important information about Esports

The global esports market is nothing to scoff at. According to a NewZoo market report on eSports viewership and revenue, the industry generated $325 million in 2015 and over $892.8 million in 2016. The latest report on the eSports industry, released in December 2017 by market research firm Superdata, expects the industry to grow by over $1.6 billion this year and over $1.8 billion in 2019.

The global eSports market size was estimated at US$1.22 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.44 billion in 2022 to USD 5.48 billion in 2029, at a CAGR of 21.0% during the forecast period. Based on our analysis, the global eSports market exhibited an average growth of 15.4% in 2020 compared to 2019. Increasing live streaming of games, notable investments, growing viewership, engagement activities, and league tournament infrastructure are the factors influencing the market growth. The market is benefiting from growing revenue opportunities due to increasing industry specialization of players, organizers, influencers, and game developers. A sizable international prize pool and streaming revenues are also making electronic sports a professional career choice. In addition, colleges and universities have begun offering special programs to train qualified professionals.

The billion-dollar growth will ultimately help the sport overcome the current challenges it faces with traditional media, which still views professional video games with a certain point of view, and it will greatly help the industry find its true audience among avid stream viewers, professional gamers, casual gamers, and regular sports bettors.

The majority of current esports industry viewers are male Millennials (around 85%) and nearly half of them (46%) are between 18 and 25 years old. A significant portion of the audience are casual gamers who enjoy playing and watching professionals play games like Hearthstone, League of Legends, and Rocket League – three games that are arguably more accessible to the average gamer and viewer than Dota 2.

Esports Betting in 2023

Esports betting is largely done on the high-profile leagues and tournaments around professional video games. For example, you can bet on the final stage of a League of Legends tournament, but you won't find any markets for online qualifiers. This is because handicapping in eSports is still relatively young, and the depth of player pools means that new eSports stars are constantly emerging.

Major eSports events for 2023

The esports calendar is constantly growing, with new leagues and tournaments popping up all the time. Some of the most anticipated esports events for 2023 are:

Call of Duty: World League

Game: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Dates: December 2022 – August 2023
Prize money: USD$2,550,000
Qualifiers: top eight players who have earned points in the CDL

The Call of Duty League bears a striking resemblance to the league created by Blizzard's star game Overwatch. While the Call of Duty World League has been abandoned, this revamped COD esports competition has taken the world by storm. Like the Overwatch League, the COD League has teams in many US cities, making it a major event on the esports calendar. COD fans are eagerly anticipating the 2022-23 season of the Call of Duty League, which began on December 2.

BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023

Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Dates: May 8-21
Prize money: USD$1,250,000
Qualification: via regional RMR

The BLAST.tv Paris Major will not only be one of the most anticipated CS:GO events of the year, but also one of the most anticipated esports events as BLAST will host its first ever CS:GO Major. The first CS:GO Major of the year will feature 24 of the best teams from around the world competing for the $1,250,000 prize pool in Paris, France.

Esports betting sites in 2023

Esportsbonus.net wants to make it as easy as possible for newbies and experienced bettors looking to bet on eSports until they are familiar with the basics and the betting markets currently available in online sports betting. For this purpose, we will go over the most important aspects for safe and successful online betting. In doing so, we consider several factors, including reputation, Esport bonus offers and promotions, banking options, live Esport betting and, of course, the Esport betting types available. These are the factors we use when reviewing and testing the various top-rated esports betting sites that serve fans around the world, to ensure they receive a fair review and readers get an accurate assessment of what esports Bookmakers have to offer.

What bonuses, promotions and VIP awards does the casino have?

The esports betting sites often offer a sign-up bonus. This is another important aspect when choosing a sports betting provider. Does the esports betting provider offer generous welcome bonuses for new players? Are your real money deposits matched with bonus money so you can maximize your wagering? Are free bets granted? What about cashback promotions and VIP reward programs for loyal members? These types of bonuses are a staple in the world of casinos and sports betting, so it's only fair to want to recommend the best ones for Esports bettors. In our esports betting reviews, we will always highlight each bookmaker's sign-up bonus and ongoing promotions.

One of the most important aspects of secure online betting is depositing money into your account, and the good news is that making payments to bookmakers has never been easier. Most betting sites accept common payment methods like Visa credit and debit cards, Master Card credit and debit cards, and popular web wallets like PayPal and Neteller. However, the online betting options available to you largely depend on where you are in the world. For example, PayPal is common on UK betting sites, but you're less likely to find it with bookmakers from Curacao.

What payment methods does the casino betting site offer?

Credit and debit cards with MasterCard and Visa are highly recommended and commonly offered by all of the major esports sportsbooks we recommend due to their proven built-in security systems.

Other online banking services like Neteller and Skrill are also recommended, and it's a big plus if they are offered by an eSports betting site. The good old transfer directly from your internet banking account or checking account is widely accepted, and the encryption technology and your financial institution's own security make it an easy decision to use this method.

We think it would be a great bonus if alternative payment methods like Bitcoin were supported on eSports betting sites; it's not currently widespread at the major sportsbooks, but smaller providers currently allow BTC deposits and it's only a matter of time before this becomes commonplace.

What are the Esports betting types?

The final consideration is what types of bets are available for Esports betting. Match betting is the standard form of betting on eSports offered on most websites. This involves betting on the outcome of an event – on the winning player or team. Most major international sports betting providers offer only a limited selection of markets, but sites like Bet365, Betway, Pixel.bet and GG.bet are slowly leading the way when it comes to exciting betting options for the most popular games, especially CS:GO, League of Legends and Dota 2.

Some sportsbook providers, such as GG.bet, offer live betting during the game, where players can bet on specific outcomes while the game is in progress. Bet365 and GG.bet also offer futures markets and other options, such as betting on the winners of each card, the correct total score of the card, the region of the winner, first-to- markets, and handicaps – in addition to head-to-head and outright markets.

What are the odds for Esports betting?

The most important thing when betting on a sport is, of course, the odds you can secure. Esports betting is no different, as many esports sportsbooks offer markets on the same events. While most Esports betting odds are fairly similar, if you check the odds carefully before placing your bets, you will sometimes find a bookmaker that rates a market differently than their competitors. When you find these outliers in esports odds, it can make a big difference between walking off the field a winner or limping home with your tail between your legs. Our esports betting reviews will always give you an indication of how each site's odds compare to their competitors.

What games can be bet on?

Games are the most obvious factor to consider when choosing your favorite online betting site. Dota 2, CS:GO, League of Legends and Starcraft are guaranteed to have betting markets due to their huge popularity, but it's always good to have variety. Many of the betting sites we recommend offer new markets from rising stars of the eSports scene, in addition to the most popular Esports in the world. Check out our guides to the most popular eSports.

What is the reputation and security of the casino?

With every sportsbook we recommend to our readers on this website, the first thing we do is check the reputation of the provider. Regardless of whether they are world-renowned brands or specialized bookmakers, as betting enthusiasts and fans of Esports, we test all their services, including the bonuses and promotions they offer. We take into account the jurisdictions that have issued their sports betting licenses, the regulators that review them as fair and responsible, and the user reviews of existing members that confirm them as trustworthy betting sites with the best value for money that pay out accordingly and on time.

How do we review our Esports bookmakers?

Our bookmaker review process is a meticulous one. We strive to present accurate and timely information about the established and new bookmakers on the market. We also work with the best providers to recommend their services.

We test all sports betting providers against a list of standard criteria to determine their ranking.

Here's our checklist for reviewing bookmakers:

Is the casino platform safe and trustworthy?

We look at the bookmaker's license and check its authenticity. Then we go through the technical aspects of information and transaction security. We also consider the brand's parent company and its origin.

Are the casino's offers and promotions worthwhile?

Often shiny offers are not what they seem. We read the terms and conditions so you have a better idea of what to expect.

What banking options does the bookmaker platform offer?

We also determine the payout speed and evaluate customer reviews about payment problems. This way, we can provide you with the most comprehensive information possible.

What games and esports markets does the casino site offer?

We compare the available events and odds to give you the best options on the market.

Does the site offer live streaming and in-game betting?

The online reviews for esports betting all include some information about live streaming. A website that does not offer this important feature will fall behind in the rankings.

Does the betting platform offer a mobile alternative?

We know how important it is to have your entertainment wherever you are. Any decent betting site should provide its features either through a mobile website or a native app. Here you will find plenty of information on the best esports betting apps.

After completing our rigorous testing, we compile helpful and honest reviews to guide you through the world of online betting.

What are the different types of esports betting bonuses?

There are many different types of esports betting bonus offers available in 2023 that are a great way to boost your esports betting balance.

The best esports betting bonuses will come with decent turnover requirements, but remember that you will need to clear the hurdles in order to withdraw winnings. Some of the best types of esports bonus offers are:

What is a no deposit bonus?

With this type of esports bonus, you get something for nothing. For example, a leading esports betting site offers its players €5 with no deposit. This free bet bonus can then be used to place a bet.

What is a deposit bonus?

In this type of esports betting bonus, the player makes a deposit and gets it credited dollar for dollar. For example, one bookmaker offers a 100% bonus up to a value of €300. So if I deposited €100, I have a total of €200 available to wager.

How do I get a First Bet Bonus?

A common betting bonus at UK bookmakers, where you can place a bet and in case of a loss get your stake back as a bonus. This bonus is also known as a bet-back bonus.

What is an odds boost bonus?

Another cool type of esports bonus is the odds boost. Do you have a certainty you want to bet on? An odds boost will increase the odds of your selection.

What are the wagering requirements for esports betting bonuses?

So you've found an esports betting site you want to sign up with, and you're happy to see that the provider is offering a welcome bonus for new bettors who open an account. Sign-up Bonuses can be an excellent introduction to the world of esports betting, but you should be aware that the terms and conditions of a bonus offer will specify certain turnover requirements. We explain what turnover requirements are, how they work, and how you can meet the turnover requirements to get your esports betting bonus.

What is a turnover requirement – wagering requirement?

A turnover requirement is a condition attached to a bonus or promotion on an online betting site. This is the amount of money you must deposit and wager at a betting site before you can actually claim the bonus money.

These pesky stipulations are also known as playthrough requirements or rollover odds and are usually hidden in the fine print of a promotion's terms and conditions, so many bettors don't know they exist until they want to withdraw their winnings and are disappointed.

Understanding how the turnover requirements work and what you need to do to meet those requirements can save you a lot of frustration, and it will also help you distinguish the good Esports betting bonus offers from the bad ones.

What is it about the turnover requirements on a bonus?

Now that you know how the turnover requirements work, you're probably wondering what it's all about, aren't you?

While it's undeniable that turnover requirements suck, there's a pretty good reason why they exist. Basically, turnover requirements allow online sportsbook operators to offer sign-up bonuses and other deposit promotions without fear that their business will go under.

In the early days of online gambling, there were no turnover requirements, so bettors simply signed up with as many gambling sites as they could, withdrew the bonus money, and then took flight without ever spending another dime on the site. This is, of course, a very poor business model, and so bookmakers were forced to introduce turnover requirements to prevent them from being exploited by shady bonus hunters.

Are bonus offers from casinos still worthwhile?

Turnover requirements are a necessary evil to keep online betting sites from dying out, and while they are more than annoying, that doesn't mean bonus offers are worthless. If you are a high stakes bettor or make frequent deposits and medium size bets, you may find it easy to meet the turnover requirements and get access to the bonus money without any problems.

It is rather the casual players who are affected by the turnover requirements. Low stakes players will probably have to accept the fact that they will not be able to bet enough within the required time frame to benefit from the bonus offer or free bets.

What other terms and conditions apply to Esport bonuses?

We can't stress enough how important it is to read the terms and conditions of a promotional offer on an online betting site, because there can be many other conditions that apply besides the turnover requirements.

• Following the above example of bonus offers, here are some other conditions that are typical of the bonus terms and conditions of the major betting sites:
• The welcome bonus is not available for players depositing with Neteller or Skrill.
• Bonus offer is valid only for players from certain countries (just because a betting site accepts signups from your region, it doesn't mean that the advertised bonus offer is valid for you).
• Bonus offers are available only once per customer, IP address or household.
  If an attempt is made to meet the wagering requirements by betting on both sides of an outcome at one of the affiliated brands, the bonus will be forfeited.

The wagering requirements and conditions vary greatly from betting site to betting site, so always read the fine print before depositing your money.

Frequently Asked Questions about Free Bets – Free Bets

Free bet offers on online betting sites can be confusing if you are new to online betting, but rest assured we are here to help. Some of the questions we have been asked about free bets in esports include:

Are free bets really free?

Whether a free bet is really free depends on the type of offer. Sometimes free bets are marketed as such, even though you have to make a deposit to claim the offer. Just do your homework before claiming a free bet and you will be fine.

Are free bets without deposit good?

This is really subjective and depends on what you are looking for. With some bookmakers, a free bet with no deposit may simply be to try out the site before you wager real money. Other no deposit free bet offers are a legitimate way to make some money. Always read the terms and conditions of your no deposit free bet bonus before accepting it, because there is nothing worse than placing a winning bet and finding that your winnings are limited to a certain amount.

Are free bet bonuses legal in esports?

Once again, it depends on where you are in the world. In some places it is illegal to offer free bets, but in other places free bets are perfectly legal.

Which is the biggest free bet available?

At the time of writing, our biggest free bet offer was a 100% free bet worth up to 500 units of your currency.

Should I claim a free bet when it is offered?

Claiming a free bet can be a great way to place a bet without making a deposit. However, it can also be very frustrating if you score a big win and then find out that your winnings are limited to a certain amount or there is some other questionable wagering condition. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions before claiming a free bet.

Frequently asked questions about esports

Who is the richest eSports player?

It may be hard to believe, but esports players are among the richest sportspersons in the world, earning millions of euros every year. Kuro Takhasomi, a Dota 2 star from Team Liquid, has earned over $5 million in prize money in his career, and that figure doesn't include lucrative sponsorship money.

How to follow esports online?

Twitch is the world's largest provider of live streams of esports events, although other streaming services such as YouTube have hosted exclusive eSports events. The accessibility of esports live streams is probably the best of all professional sports, as they are usually free. Streamers are celebrities in the esports world themselves, and it's not uncommon for the best ones to have millions of followers.

Can you bet on esports with bitcoin?

It's amazing how often this question is asked. We suspect it has to do with the age structure of esports fans. The short answer: yes, you can bet on esports with Bitcoin.

When did esports or competitive video games start?

There are records of video game competitions taking place at Stanford University in the 1970s. Since that time and the advent of the internet, esports has grown into something much bigger, worth billions of dollars worldwide. The entire history of esports makes for interesting reading.

Can anyone bet on esports?

As with all forms of gambling, you must abide by the laws of the country you are in. For example, if you are in Australia or the United Kingdom, sports betting is perfectly legal, including betting on esports, as long as you are 18 years or older. Be sure to read up on the laws that apply to sports betting before signing up with an esports bookmaker.