Best Esports Betting Sites 2026
Esports has gone mainstream. The sport, and yes, it’s a sport, draws huge streaming numbers from across the globe and pays the best players millions of dollars to play video games.
But not all of the best online betting sites have caught on yet. Many don’t offer gambling on it at all, while full-on esports betting sites have risen to fill the gap.
This page is for the latter. We tested the top esports betting sites available to U.S. players and narrowed them down to the handful we’d actually recommend. These aren’t guesses either; no, this is us playing and testing every last detail to make the best selections.
So if you’re looking for the best place to bet on CS2, League of Legends, Valorant, Dota 2, Rocket League, or just esports in general, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to see which esports betting sites made our list, plus a full explainer on betting the new sport.
Best esports betting sites in the US
Finding the right sportsbook for esports isn’t as straightforward as it seems. While more operators now offer esports betting, only a handful consistently cover the biggest tournaments with competitive odds, live betting, and a wide range of markets.
Rather than have you spend hours digging all this up, we’ve gone ahead and selected the best esports betting sites that accept US players and give them a complete experience on the esports front.
After doing countless sportsbook reviews, we’re confident with our top picks for the best betting sites for esports:
BetUS — best esports betting bonuses
BetUS is the hands-down choice for esports bettors who want the most free-play money possible. Here’s a site that regularly gives out bonuses in the $2500 to $3500 range. Few sportsbooks come even close to that (you’re lucky to get $1000 at most places!).
These bonuses are offered to all bettors, not just new sign-ups. Returning players get equal love in the form of reload bonuses and a loyalty program.
Beyond the bonuses, BetUS covers the major titles bettors expect, including CS2, League of Legends, Dota 2, and Valorant. Its menu also reaches into smaller games and events instead of only showing up for the biggest tournaments.
That two-headed combination is what makes BetUS work exceptionally well for esports. The bonuses pull you in, but the game coverage and live betting give you enough places to actually use them.
BetOnline — most esports betting odds
BetOnline is the sportsbook to go if your chief priority is having the deepest esports betting menu possible. While some sportsbooks stop at match winners, BetOnline just keeps going and going. Maps, rounds, kills, handicaps, player props, tournament futures, you name it, chances are BetOnline has a market for it.
That depth extends across the esports calendar too. It’s not just the big games or events, it’s just about everything esports all year round. BetOnline consistently posts more betting options than most competitors, and that’s no small achievement.
Beyond the odds themselves, BetOnline carries excellent coverage across the biggest esports titles, with a clean interface that makes navigating between games and tournaments surprisingly easy. Live betting is another bright spot, with odds updating quickly as matches unfold.
At the end of the day, more betting markets create more opportunities to find value. If you’re the type of bettor who wants more than just moneylines, BetOnline is right up your alley.
XBet — best mobile esports betting site
XBet is one of the best sites for esports betting from a phone. Scratch that, it might be the very best! That’s saying something when there are hundreds and hundreds of competitors out there!
From the moment you fire up the site from a phone, the entire platform feels mobile-first, not like some ancient desktop sportsbook was shrunk down and stuffed onto a smaller screen. That design comes in extra handy with esports. Bettors can jump between CS2, League of Legends, Valorant, Dota 2, and other games without digging through endless menus.
XBet also ranks among the better live esports betting sites. Odds refresh quickly, and the bet slip keeps pace when rounds, maps, and momentum start changing on the spot. There’s little room for lag when you’re trying to bet before the next CS2 round begins.
Many esports betting sites USA players will find comfort in XBet. This site just goes a step further, not just in its mobile app, but the entire playing experience too!
Bovada — simplest esports betting site
Bovada is the no-BS choice for bettors who want esports gambling kept painfully simple. The layout is clean, the menus make sense, and you can find the game you want without hassle. That makes it one of the best esports betting sites 2026 has, particularly for complete beginners.
The betting menu is strong too. CS2, League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant, and other major titles are all here, along with pre-match odds, futures, and live betting. Bovada gives you plenty to bet without burying you under a useless features and gimmicks.
That simplicity is the whole selling point. There are larger esports betting sites with more bells and whistles, sure, but not everyone wants that. If you just want to pick a game, place a bet, and move on with your life, Bovada has your name written all over it.
MyBookie — best VIP rewards program for esports bettors
MyBookie is built for esports bettors who plan on sticking around for the long haul, not the betting tourists. This is largely due to an incredible VIP program.
Most sites offer a welcome bonus and call it a day. But once that thing expires, you’re left without ways to get rewarded. That’s why MyBookie’s VIP program is different. Every bet you make on the site, esports or not, gets rewarded.
The VIP program is exclusive too. Not that MyBookie is trying to be snobby, but VIP programs only work when everyone isn’t getting the exact same perks. Cashback, special bonuses, dedicated support, and other rewards are reserved for bettors who keep coming back throughout the esports calendar.
Beyond the rewards, MyBookie offers solid coverage across the biggest esports titles, so plenty ways to earn points in the programs. If you’re after one of the best sites for esports betting that actually rewards loyalty over time, MyBookie deserves a long look.
Compare the best esports betting sites
Choosing between the top esports betting sites isn’t always easy because each one brings something different to the table. Some excel with bonuses, others with betting markets, mobile apps, or in-play betting. If you’re interested in betting on different sports alongside esports too, the comparison below lets you quickly see which sportsbook best fits your gambling style (and which don’t!).
| Name of Sportsbook | Sign-up Bonus | Active Promotions | Loyalty Program Available | Types of Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
50% up to $250 (card) | Parlay boosts/free bets/refer-a-friend | Yes (tiered rewards) | Crypto bonuses + exclusive promos |
 |
50% up to $250 (card) | Free bet reloads/contests/odds boosts | Yes (VIP program) | Crypto welcome + reload bonuses |
 |
125% up to $1250 (sports) | Reloads/cashback/seasonal NFL promos | Yes (LB Rewards) | Crypto welcome + reload bonuses |
 |
100% up to $500 (non-crypto) / 50% up to $1000 (crypto) | Crypto reloads/parlay contests | No formal tiers | Crypto reload promos |
 |
100% up to $1000 | Odds boosts/reloads/free bets | Yes (VIP program) | Bitcoin bonuses |
 |
50% up to $250 (sports) | Horse racing rebates/refer-a-friend | Yes (rewards program) | Crypto accepted |
 |
25% up to $500 | 20% crypto reload bonus | Yes (VIP club) | Crypto bonuses |
 |
225% up to $3625 (crypto) | 200% crypto bonus/free bets/reloads | Yes (rewards program) | Crypto bonuses |
 |
50% up to $200 (cash) / 100% up to $200 (crypto) | 100% crypto reload/limited free bets | Yes (VIP program) | Crypto bonuses |
 |
125% up to $2500 (crypto only) | Rebate offers/contests | No loyalty program | Crypto accepted + reloads |
How we rate esports betting sites
Let’s start with the obvious: what the heck even qualifies a bookie as one of the best betting sites for esports? Welp, we have a very, very specific set of criteria that ALL sportsbooks are measured on. Here are the seven traits that separate the best sportsbooks from everyone else:
Range of esports available
A real esports sportsbook should offer more than the obvious games, CS2, League of Legends, Dota 2, and Valorant, for example. Those are great options, but it’s only scratching the surface for hardcore esports bettors who also want Rocket League, Call of Duty, Overwatch, FIFA, NBA 2K, and the list goes on. Less is NOT more when it comes to bets offered.
Depth of betting markets
It’s not enough to just offer bets on many games, but we need to see a plethora of bet types for those games. It’s not enough to offer match-winner odds. No, no gives us props on rounds, kills, handicaps, correct scores, player props, tournament futures, and everything else bettors can sink their teeth into. The deeper the menu, the more ways there are to find betting value.
Bonuses and promotions
Free money, do we need to say more?
But here’s the thing: we don’t just hand out high grades just because a site offers a huge money deal on the surface. No, no, no, it’s got to be the real thing, without fine print that cheapens the deal. We’re looking for betting sites that give real money to bettors without jumping through hoops.
Live in-play betting
Esports and live betting go together perfectly. Matches move fast, momentum flips on a dime, and no lead is ever secure. That’s why we put a premium on betting sites that can keep up with live betting. There’s just no room for lagging sites that can’t even take your in-play bet, let alone update odds on the spot.
Odds competitiveness
Getting the right pick means nothing if you’re getting a crummy price on it. So as part of our rankings, we compare the same esports lines across different sportsbooks to see who consistently gives bettors more value. A few extra points on the odds might look small, but believe us, this makes a serious difference over time. We don’t overlook this, and you shouldn’t either!
Mobile experience
Esports bettors are glued to screens already, so naturally, a lot of betting happens from a phone. So we’ve given high marks to sites that treat the mobile betting experience with the utmost care.
The app needs to be fast, clean, and easy to navigate, all from your fingertips. Finding live CS2 odds should take seconds, not feel like paying Pac Man (it’s not as fun as it sounds when you just want to get a bet in!).
Which esports can I bet on?
Not every esport gets the same amount of betting love. The reality is the majority of esports betting sites USA only focus on the games that are most popular. Makes sense, right?
The good thing is that the best esports betting sites (the ones we ranked high above) carry all the heavy-hitting games. What games are heavy hitters, you ask? These ones mainly:
Counter-strike 2 (CS2)
League of legends (LoL)
Dota 2
Valorant
NBA 2K
Sports simulation esports
Battle royale esports
CS2 is the mother of all esports games. Seriously, no other game draws as much playing and betting interest than Counter-Strike, and this is reflected at most sportsbooks (if there’s an esports game it offers lines on, it’s probably CS2).
Due to this sheer popularity, bettors will get deep, and we mean deep, menus at CSGO esports betting sites. Forgot wagers on just who wins, there’s also a host of props on total rounds, exact scores, overtime, pistol rounds, first kills, bomb plants, and so much more!
Major events like the CS2 Majors, ESL Pro League, and IEM tournaments will bring out the biggest menus and strongest live-betting coverage for the game.
League of Legends is right up there with CS2 in popularity. Certainly, in terms of viewership, LoL clears CS, thanks to heavy Asian fanfare.
LoL betting revolves around five-on-five matches played across domestic leagues and major international events. The World Championship and Mid-Season Invitational draw the most action, but leagues such as the LCK, LPL, LEC, and LTA give bettors matches throughout the season, too.
Beyond picking a match winner, bettors can wager on First Blood, total kills, map handicaps, Dragon control, Baron control, and tournament outrights. Team tendencies matter greatly. Some rosters force early action through the jungle, while others willingly fall behind and build toward late-game team fights.
Dota 2 is a five-on-five MOBA with an enormous hero pool, complicated objectives, and a constantly changing meta. That unpredictability makes it an esports darling at most sportsbooks.
The International is its headline event, the Super Bowl essentially. As you’d expect, this is when Dota 2 betting options explode.
Common markets include match winners, map winners, total kills, First Blood, first tower, Roshan props, handicaps, and tournament outrights. Because patches can completely reshape hero strength and drafting priorities, bettors who ignore the current meta are at a serious disadvantage. Dota 2 bettors literally can never rest on their laurels.
Valorant is a five-on-five tactical shooter, but its agents and abilities create betting possibilities that simply do not exist in CS2. Team composition can dictate whether a roster attacks quickly, controls space with utility, or plays for late-round retakes, all making for thrilling betting action.
The Valorant Champions Tour drives most wagering activity, especially during Masters events and Valorant Champions. The common markets here is pretty in-line with other shooter games (match winners, map winners, total rounds, total kills, and so on).
NBA 2K is the best crossover (pun intended) esport for traditional basketball bettors to understand. The NBA 2K League features organized franchises connected to real NBA teams, but the digital rosters have their own players, tendencies, and play styles.
Still, it’s not that hard to pick up for regular basketball fans. That’s mainly because markets often mirror regular basketball betting: moneylines, spreads, totals, correct scores, and team props.
Pace is the biggest thing to study when gambling. Some 2K teams push constantly, while others slow possessions down like it’s 2000s NBA all over again. Again, that makes for fun betting since styles vary (unlike the NBA’s consistent style of 3-pointers and drive to the hoop).
Sports simulation esports include EA Sports FC (formerly known as FIFA for the old heads), Madden NFL, NHL, and other competitive versions of traditional sports.
Here again, the betting markets are a mirror of the real thing, with moneylines, spreads, totals, props, and tournament futures. The main difference is game length. Shorter digital matches create more variance because one turnover, defensive mistake, or early goal leaves less time for the better player to recover.
Sportsbook coverage varies wildly here, mostly because sports games don’t have the obsessive fanbase that shooting or MMO games do. Typically though, it’s easier to get odds for FC soccer games since it’s a more global game.
Battle royale esports include Fortnite, PUBG, and Apex Legends. Unlike normal team-versus-team matches, dozens of players or squads compete in the same lobby, often across several rounds.
The thing to remember when betting these games is that consistency matters more than one explosive performance. Strong teams repeatedly survive deep into lobbies while collecting eliminations.
Coverage is growing for these games, but it’s still way thinner than CS2 or League of Legends, so bettors may need to go through several sportsbooks to find a meaningful amount of markets for it.
Popular esports betting markets
So what types of wagers do online esports betting sites even offer? Welp, it’s far more than just picking the match winner, we’ll tell you that.
The best online esports betting sites go way deeper than that (thankfully). Allow us to explain what types of bets you’ll commonly find online:
Moneyline/match winner
This is essentially the entry-level esports bet. You’re simply picking which team wins the match, that’s really all there is to it.
Moneylines work best when you have a strong read on the overall matchup, not just one map or early-game angle. Just beware of laying a crummy price on a massive favorite. Winning the pick is great, but risking $500 to make $100 is rarely worth it in the long run (one upset will zap any profit you’ve made doing this strategy).
Map betting
Map betting lets you zoom in on one piece of a series instead of betting the whole thing. This comes in extra handy for CS2 and Valorant, where map pools matter tremendously.
Believe it or not, a team can be the weaker squad overall but still have a huge edge on its best map, “home-field advantage” sort of. If you know the veto and each team’s tendencies, map betting can be great for finding hidden value.
Handicap betting
Handicap betting gives one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage before the match starts. For example, a favorite might need to win 2-0 instead of simply winning the series. On the flip side, an underdog could cash in by taking one map. Think of this like “spreads” in traditional sports betting.
We like handicap betting because it’s a good way to improve the odds on a dominant team. On the flipside, it’s also a perfect way to back a weaker squad without needing them to pull off the full upset. Handicap betting allows you to pick your spots.
Futures and tournament outrights
Futures are long-term bets on who wins an entire tournament, league, or championship.
The appeal is obvious: the payouts can be huge before an event begins because there are so many options. But there’s a catch. You’re betting before the bracket fully plays out, the meta settles, or injuries and roster issues surface. But hey, that’s why it’s high reward, high risk.
One more thing worth remembering: any futures bets locks up your money til the outcome is settled. If you’re a tight budget, this may handcuff your ability to wager on other things. So you probably don’t want to lock up your money unless you have real conviction.
Prop betting
This is where things get weird, the good kind of weird, though. Props are practically never-ending, depending on the game.
CS2 bettors can wager on first kills or total rounds. League of Legends has First Blood, Dragons, and Barons. Valorant offers pistol rounds, kills, and Spike plants. These markets reward people who actually know how a team plays, not just whether it’s “good” or “bad.”
We put a premium on sportsbooks that go deep with their props selection. In fact, this is where the great betting sites separate themselves from the merely good ones.
Live in-play betting
Live esports betting lets you fire bets after the match has already started, not before it happens. It’s a growing category for esports bettors mainly because games can and do flip in an instant, and that’s why we watch ‘em.
A team loses the first map but wins the draft on map two. A CS2 favorite starts ice cold. A LoL squad falls behind early but still has the better late-game composition. These are all common examples and with live odds, you’ll be able to react in real time, whether that’s good or bad is up to your judgment.
Esports betting bonuses
Let’s get to the fun stuff, the free stuff, betting bonuses or promotions. All the online esports betting sites offer them, but the quality of deals varies wildly.
One way that is through how many different deals there are. That’s why we wanted to explain the types of bonuses you’ll see out there. The more of these deals a sportsbook has, generally the better (unless they’re cheapening the deals with awful fine print). Here’s what you’ll likely come across promotion-wise.
Reload bonuses
Free bets
Odds boosts
Cashback offers
Welcome bonuses get all the attention, but reload bonuses are probably more valuable long term. These too pay bettors if they deposit money, but it’s available to everyone on all deposits, not just new players on the first one.
That’s perfect for esports bettors because the calendar never really slows down. One month it’s a CS2 Major, the next it’s Worlds or The International. As long as you’re depositing throughout this, you’ll get free money back.
Free bets let you place an esports wager without risking your own money. Pretty sweet, eh? It is, but not all free bets work the same exact way.
Some deals will return both your winnings and the original free bet amount if you win. Others only pay the profit, while removing the free stake. That one small difference can dramatically change the value of an offer so always know which type you’re claiming.
Odds boosts are one of our favorite promos because they’re tied to actual esports matches instead of generic sportsbook offers.
Rather than boosting every market, sportsbooks usually select a handful of games or tournaments, think a CS2 Major final or The International, and increase the payout on specific bets. It’s at their complete discretion which bets get boosted, so don’t mindlessly bet any with it, but it sure helps when it’s a wager you were already eyeing beforehand.
Nobody likes losing bets, but unfortunately, it’s just inevitable. Cashback at least softens those losses when they do happen.
These promotions return a percentage of your losses over a certain period (a week typically), usually as bonus funds. It applies to net losses, though, not every single loss. So you’d have to finish “in the red” during the allotted period to get the money back.
Banking options for esports bettors
You can’t bet if you can’t fund your account. Thankfully, the most popular esports betting sites make that part incredibly easy.
With that said, some online payment options are more advantageous than others. It’s why offshore sportsbooks have leaned hard into crypto, e-wallets, and prepaid vouchers (alongside traditional debit and credit cards). These options are way, way faster than old-fashioned bank transfers. As a bettor, it never hurts to be able to not just send, but withdraw money at a faster clip.
Here’s a nifty table that’ll explain the differences between the most common banking options:
The fastest payment options at esports betting sites are generally cryptocurrency and supported peer-to-peer services. Cards are convenient for deposits but are not normally available for withdrawals, while bank transfers and checks can take considerably longer. Exact methods, limits and fees vary by sportsbook, account and location.
| Payment method | Deposit speed | Withdrawal speed | Important details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cryptocurrency | Usually within minutes after the required blockchain confirmation | Usually within 24 hours, although account review and network congestion can cause delays | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT and other coins are available at several recommended sportsbooks. Bettors must send funds using the correct coin and network. |
| Credit or debit card | Usually instant when approved | Generally not returned directly to the card | Card deposits can be declined by the issuing bank. Some sportsbooks charge deposit fees or impose a waiting period before funds can be withdrawn by another method. |
| MatchPay and peer-to-peer payments | Usually within minutes after the transaction is confirmed | Often instant after another user accepts and completes the trade | Availability varies by account. MatchPay may facilitate payments through services such as Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, Apple Pay or PayPal, but the transaction must be completed through the sportsbook’s approved process. |
| Voucher | Usually instant after the voucher is redeemed | Often instant once the withdrawal voucher is issued | Vouchers are useful when a bettor does not want to use a bank card or cryptocurrency. Limits vary by operator. |
| Bank transfer or bank wire | Usually several business days | Can take approximately 10–15 business days at sportsbooks that support it | Bank wires normally have higher minimum withdrawal amounts than cryptocurrency and may carry processing or intermediary-bank fees. |
| Courier check | Not a deposit method | Can take approximately 10–15 business days | Checks are slower than electronic withdrawals and can carry delivery or processing fees. They may not be available to every account. |
Available methods are shown inside each sportsbook’s cashier. We recommend checking the current minimum, maximum, fee and processing time before making a deposit, because the method used to deposit can affect the withdrawal options available later.
Types of esports betting explained
We’ve said this a few times already on this page, but it bears repeating: esports betting is NOT just picking who wins a match. It can be, but that’s only a sliver of it.
Today, bettors can wager through traditional sportsbooks, enter fantasy esports contests, or (less commonly these days) use skins betting sites. Here’s how all three differ.
Standard esports betting
This is what most people mean when they talk about esports betting.
You’re wagering on professional players or teams competing in real tournaments through a licensed sportsbook. Think CS2 Majors, League of Legends Worlds, Valorant Champions, and The International. You can bet on match winners, maps, props, futures, and live odds just like you would football or basketball.
It’s also the safest and most widely available form of esports gambling, which is exactly why every sportsbook on our “best of the best” list focuses on it.
Fantasy esports
Fantasy esports are… different. Instead of betting on a team, you’re building your own roster of players and earning points based on how they perform during a tournament. It’s basically fantasy football, except with esports.
This format is especially popular during massive events like the League of Legends World Championship because you get to follow multiple teams instead of sweating just one bet. Better yet, fantasy contests are often regulated differently than sportsbooks, making them available in places where licensed sports betting isn’t.
Skins betting
Skins betting is the “red-headed stepchild” of esports gambling. Instead of using cash, bettors wager virtual in-game items, called skins, that have real-world value. This became wildly popular in the early days of CS:GO.
At the same time, this model created problems, lots of ‘em, underage access, scams, exploitative pricing, and little regulatory protection. That’s why none of the operators we recommend rely on skins betting. They use legitimate licensing and real-money accounts instead of a shadow economy built around digital items. We’d hate for you to get scammed, so best to avoid sites that can’t be trusted.
How to place an esports bet
Betting on esports is easy, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. This is the case whether you’re betting on CS2, League of Legends, Valorant, or Dota 2, the process is virtually identical across all the best real money esports betting sites.
The best part? It’s just as fast as easy. From creating an account to placing your first wager, the whole process takes maybe 10 or 15 minutes. Here’s the simple five-step process:
Esports betting tips for beginners
So how do you actually make money at this betting thing? That’s what you’re here to do, right? Of course, you are!
If you want to give betting sites for esports a run for their money, you can’t just “wing it.” No, you need a strategy to truly take down the most successful esports betting sites. This will vary from bettor to bettor, but if we could advise you on three hard rules to implement, it would be these:
Set a budget
Believe it or not, betting isn’t merely about picking winners and avoiding losers. Just as important is managing your bankroll/budget. In fact, it’s the area we see most bettors poorly equipped skill-wise.
The trick is to budget around the esports calendar instead of treating every bet the same. Keep one portion of your bankroll for daily matches, then set another aside for futures on events like Worlds or The International since that money could be tied up for weeks, or even months. We’d even recommend reserving a small chunk strictly for live betting.
And never, under any circumstances, bet more than 10 percent of your bankroll on one bet. The name of the game in betting is survival, and you’re a few losses away from blowing your budget when doing this. If so, that would keep you out of the game. That’s a huge no-no.
Know the games you bet on
Your biggest edge is knowing something the sportsbook hasn’t fully priced in. That’s why we always recommend specializing instead of betting on every esport on the calendar (which is too time-consuming anyway). Pick one game and absolutely master it, follow roster changes, understand the current meta, keep up with patches, and actually watch matches. The money is made in mastery, not trying to be a jack-of-all-trades bettor.
Shop for the best odds
This might be the easiest betting tip you’ll ever follow because it requires almost no extra work.
Esports odds regularly differ from one sportsbook to another, even on the exact same match. That’s why we recommend keeping accounts at several of the sportsbooks on this page. Compare the prices before you bet and go with the one giving you the most value. Over an entire year of tournaments, those seemingly tiny differences can add up big time!
Esports events calendar
Unlike traditional sports, esports never really has an offseason. One tournament ends and another one is already around the corner, meaning there’s almost always something worth betting on. That should be music to your ears!
But there are some events you should start planning for already, the big tourneys. We’ve listed a few noteworthy ones below, and just know, the top betting sites will carry lines for all of ’em:
Esports betting trends to watch
Esports betting is maturing fast, and that’s great news for bettors. Regulation continues to become more crystal clear across more U.S. states, giving players more legal options while helping legit sportsbooks expand their offerings (more on that in the next section).
Moreover, technology is improving fast too. The most successful esports betting sites now offer faster live betting, smoother mobile apps, and quicker payouts than ever before. Crypto has also become a staple of the industry, which has greatly improved transaction speed and fees (less for you!).
Finally, tournament prize pools keep creeping into the millions, drawing larger audiences and more betting interest. Sportsbooks have responded by expanding their esports coverage with deeper betting markets, stronger promotions, and more live wagering options around the biggest events.
Momentum is really, really building in the esports world so it’s an exciting time to be a part of it all!
Is esports betting legal in the US?
The short answer is, well, it depends where you live.
Ever since PASPA was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018, states have been free to make their own sports betting laws. Some have come out and approved esports betting through licensed sportsbooks. Others prohibit it outright, while a surprisingly large group sits somewhere in the middle.
That patchwork of laws is why checking your state’s regulations matters before placing a wager. An offshore sportsbook accepting registrations from a state does not necessarily mean that esports betting is locally regulated or legally authorized there. Players should check current state rules and understand the protections available before depositing.
So what are the rules for your state? We have something convenient for you.
States where esports betting is legal
Want the state-by-state answer without all the legal mumbo jumbo? Use the table below.
We’ve broken down where esports wagering is clearly legal, prohibited, or still stuck in a gray area. Since these rules change fast, we’re always rewriting things, but it also doesn’t hurt for you to double-check your states latest laws too.
Regulated esports betting is expressly available in a limited group of US states, while other states approve esports events individually or do not address them clearly in their sports-betting rules. A state having legal sports betting does not automatically mean every sportsbook can offer every esports competition.
The table below separates states that have expressly allowed regulated esports wagering from states where availability requires further confirmation. Bettors must be physically located in the relevant state and use a sportsbook licensed there.
| State | Esports betting status | What bettors should know |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No regulated sports betting | No state-licensed esports sportsbooks are available. |
| Alaska | No regulated sports betting | No state-licensed esports sportsbooks are available. |
| Arizona | Check current sportsbook markets | Sports betting is regulated, but esports availability can depend on approved events and individual operators. |
| Arkansas | Expressly permitted | Esports markets may be offered through approved and licensed sportsbooks, subject to state rules. |
| California | No regulated sports betting | California does not currently license online or retail sportsbooks for esports wagering. |
| Colorado | Expressly permitted | Licensed sportsbooks can offer approved esports markets under Colorado sports-betting regulation. |
| Connecticut | Expressly permitted | Availability is limited to licensed operators and approved esports competitions. |
| Delaware | Check current sportsbook markets | Sports betting is legal, but bettors should confirm which esports events are approved and listed. |
| Florida | Check current sportsbook markets | Legal sports betting operates through a limited tribal framework. Esports markets must be checked directly with the authorized operator. |
| Georgia | No regulated sports betting | No state-licensed esports sportsbooks are available. |
| Hawaii | No regulated sports betting | No state-licensed esports sportsbooks are available. |
| Idaho | No regulated sports betting | No state-licensed esports sportsbooks are available. |
| Illinois | Regulated with event restrictions | Esports wagering is regulated, but approved competitions and market availability can be restricted. |
| Indiana | Event approval required | Operators may offer only leagues and events approved by the Indiana Gaming Commission. |
| Iowa | Expressly permitted | Licensed sportsbooks can offer approved esports wagering. |
| Kansas | Check current sportsbook markets | Sports betting is legal, but current esports competitions should be confirmed through licensed operators. |
| Kentucky | Expressly permitted | Licensed sportsbooks may offer esports markets permitted by the regulator. |
| Louisiana | Expressly permitted | Esports availability is subject to regulatory and parish-level sports-betting rules. |
| Maine | Check current sportsbook markets | Online sports betting is legal, but bettors should verify approved esports markets. |
| Maryland | Expressly permitted | Licensed operators may offer approved esports competitions. |
| Massachusetts | Expressly permitted with restrictions | Regulatory approval and participant-age requirements can affect which esports events are offered. |
| Michigan | Regulated with event restrictions | Esports markets can be regulated separately from ordinary sports markets and may require approval. |
| Minnesota | No regulated sports betting | No state-licensed esports sportsbooks are available. |
| Mississippi | Regulated with event restrictions | Retail sports betting is legal, but esports wagering depends on state rules and approved markets. |
| Missouri | Check current sportsbook markets | Legal sports betting launched on December 1, 2025. Bettors should confirm current esports approval and operator coverage. |
| Montana | Check current sportsbook markets | Sports betting is offered through a restricted state-run system. Esports availability may be limited. |
| Nebraska | Expressly permitted | Availability is limited by Nebraska’s retail-focused sports-betting framework and approved markets. |
| Nevada | Expressly regulated | Nevada regulations expressly cover esports events. Regulators can prohibit particular events or event operators. |
| New Hampshire | Check current sportsbook markets | Sports betting is legal, but individual esports competitions must be confirmed with the licensed operator. |
| New Jersey | Expressly permitted | Licensed sportsbooks may offer approved esports markets, subject to integrity and participant-age rules. |
| New Mexico | Limited tribal sports betting | There is no statewide online sports-betting system. Esports availability depends on individual tribal properties. |
| New York | Regulated with significant restrictions | Esports markets are not automatically available and must comply with New York regulatory requirements. |
| North Carolina | Check current sportsbook markets | Online sports betting is legal, but bettors should verify whether a specific esports event is approved. |
| North Dakota | Limited tribal sports betting | No statewide mobile sportsbook market exists. Availability depends on tribal properties and their rules. |
| Ohio | Expressly permitted | Licensed sportsbooks may offer esports events approved under Ohio rules. |
| Oklahoma | No regulated sports betting | No state-licensed esports sportsbooks are currently available. |
| Oregon | Check current sportsbook markets | Legal sports betting is available through a restricted market. Esports competitions must be checked individually. |
| Pennsylvania | Permitted subject to approval | Licensed sportsbooks may offer approved esports competitions, but availability varies by event and operator. |
| Rhode Island | Regulated with event restrictions | Esports wagering is subject to the state’s restricted sportsbook system and approved markets. |
| South Carolina | No regulated sports betting | No state-licensed esports sportsbooks are available. |
| South Dakota | Check current retail markets | Sports betting is restricted to retail locations in Deadwood. Esports availability must be confirmed locally. |
| Tennessee | Expressly permitted | Licensed online sportsbooks may offer approved esports markets. |
| Texas | No regulated sports betting | Texas does not currently license sportsbooks for esports betting. |
| Utah | Gambling prohibited | Utah does not authorize state-regulated sports or esports betting. |
| Vermont | Check current sportsbook markets | Online sports betting is legal, but approved esports events should be confirmed with licensed operators. |
| Virginia | Expressly permitted | Licensed sportsbooks can offer permitted esports markets under Virginia regulation. |
| Washington | Expressly permitted at authorized locations | Sports betting is generally restricted to participating tribal casinos rather than statewide mobile betting. |
| West Virginia | Expressly permitted | Licensed sportsbooks may offer approved esports competitions. |
| Wisconsin | Market changing | Retail tribal sports betting is available, while wider online implementation remains subject to the state’s developing framework. |
| Wyoming | Check current sportsbook markets | Online sports betting is legal, but specific esports event availability should be confirmed with licensed operators. |
| Washington, D.C. | Check current sportsbook markets | Legal sports betting is available, but esports markets depend on regulator and operator approval. |
Esports markets can change without the wider sports-betting law changing. Before registering, check the state regulator’s approved-event rules and confirm that the licensed sportsbook currently lists the tournament you want to bet on.
Responsible gambling
Any form of betting should be fun first. It’s supposed to be entertainment, not a way to pay your mortgage or replace a paycheck.
The best esports betting sites recognize that too, which is why they offer responsible gambling tools like deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options to help bettors stay in control. They are not the end-all, be-all way to solve problem gambling, but it helps.
But what if it doesn’t and betting begin to negatively seep into your finances or personal life? Then it’s time to take a step back and seek help. The National Council on Problem Gambling can be reached at 1-800-522-4700, and additional resources are available at ncpgambling.org. These are trained professionals who can help out during even the worst situations.
Esports betting FAQ
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