Esports has become incredibly popular in recent years. And it’s no surprise that betting on competitive gaming has followed closely behind. From professional League of Legends tournaments to high-stakes Counter-Strike 2 showdowns, esports offers all the excitement of traditional sports. And now the chance to wager on your favorite teams and players.
If you’re new to esports betting in the United States, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from understanding the legal landscape to finding trustworthy sportsbooks and managing your bets responsibly.
Understanding esports betting
Esports betting lets fans wager on the outcomes of professional video game matches. These games can range from team-based titles like Valorant, Overwatch and Dota 2 to solo competitions such as StarCraft II or FIFA.
These betting markets are similar to traditional sports. You can place a wager on:
- Match winner (which team or player wins)
- Map or round winner
- Total score or kills
- Handicap bets (one team must win by a margin)
- Futures bets (who will win a tournament)
- Live/ in-play bets (where you wager during an ongoing match)
Esports betting is fast-paced, exciting and appeals to a younger demographic that grew up with gaming. But before you start placing bets, it’s important to understand the legal situation in your state.
Is esports betting legal in the U.S.?
Unlike traditional sports, esports betting in the U.S. doesn’t have a uniform legal status. Since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the federal sports betting ban (PASPA), each state has been free to regulate its own betting markets and that includes esports.
Some states like Nevada, New Jersey and Colorado explicitly allow esports wagering through licensed sportsbooks. Others, like Texas and California, prohibit outright or have yet to clarify their stance.
In many states, the laws are somewhat gray. They allow sports betting but don’t specifically mention esports. In these cases, operators often need event-by-event approval from regulators before offering esports odds.
If you’re unsure whether esports betting is legal where you live, check your state’s gaming commission website or use a licensed sportsbook that clearly displays its operating jurisdictions.
How to start betting on esports
Once you’ve confirmed esports betting is legal in your state, getting started is straightforward. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Choose a legal sportsbook that offers esports markets in your state.
- Create an account and complete the required age and identity verification steps.
- Deposit funds using a secure payment method.
- Select your game and tournament and stick to titles you understand well.
- Analyze teams and stats, look at form, roster changes and performance history.
- Place your bet on the outcome or market of your choice.
- Watch the match live (if you can) to enhance your experience and understand how momentum shifts can impact outcomes.
As with any form of wagering, it’s essential to bet responsibly. Start small, set clear spending limits and never chase losses.
Finding the best esports betting sites
When it comes to esports betting, choosing the right sportsbook is one of the most important decisions that you will make. A reliable and regulated platform helps to ensure fair odds, secure payments and prompt payouts.
You will want to look out for:
- Licensing and regulation within your state or a reputable jurisdiction.
- Competitive odds and variety of esports markets.
- A strong reputation with positive user reviews
- Responsible gambling tools like deposit limits or time reminders.
- Mobile accessibility for betting on the go.
One trusted source for discovering top-quality sportsbooks is Covers.com. This website is a comprehensive sports betting resource that provides odds, picks and expert predictions across major sports leagues. It also features betting guides, community discussions and insights from seasoned handicappers.
Covers.com is a great way to find legitimate and high-quality sportsbooks that offer competitive lines and reliable service. Whether you’re comparing odds, reading expert analysis or exploring new operators, the site is a great starting point for anyone who is serious about wagering safely and smartly.
What to bet on
Esports offers a variety of betting markets that cater to different levels of expertise:
- Match winner: Which player will win?
- Map winner or spread: How decisively a team will win.
- Correct score: Predict the exact match score, like 2-1 or 3-0.
- Player props: Individual performance metrics like total kills, assists, or MVP awards.
- Futures and outright: Long-term bets on who will win a league or championship.
- Live bets: In-play betting during a match.
For beginners, it’s a good idea to start with simple wagers like match winners and gradually explore more complex markets as you gain experience.
Most Popular Esports to Bet On
Different esports titles attract different types of bettors. Understanding the structure of each game can dramatically improve your ability to find value in the odds.
League of Legends (LoL)
A strategy-heavy 5v5 MOBA with predictable season schedules and large international events. Bettors often study draft priority, champion pools, and team synergy. Worlds, MSI and regional leagues (LCS, LEC, LCK, LPL) are among the most heavily wagered-on tournaments in esports.
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)
One of the most mature betting ecosystems in esports. CS2 markets revolve around map vetoes, economy management, T-side/CT-side performance and player consistency. Majors and ESL events generate massive betting activity.
Dota 2
A highly complex MOBA where patches can drastically alter team strength. The International remains one of the largest prize-pool events in the world, offering deep betting markets such as kills, objectives, map totals and team props.
Valorant
Riot Games’ tactical shooter appeals to both CS2 and Overwatch fans. Betting revolves around agent compositions, map performance and momentum. VCT events are the most popular for wagering.
Overwatch & Call of Duty
These titles rely heavily on meta shifts. Bettors usually follow roster changes, team chemistry and hero balance patches closely.
Knowing the unique dynamics of each game gives you a clearer picture of how and where value emerges in the odds.
Key risks and things to watch out for
While esports betting can be exciting, it’s not without risks. Understanding them helps you make smarter decisions:
- Regulatory ambiguity: Laws vary by state and can change quickly. Always confirm legality before betting.
- Match integrity: Some esports feature younger players or smaller tournaments that may not have the same oversight as major leagues. Stick to recognized events like League of Legends Worlds, The International, or CS2 Majors.
- Patch updates and meta shifts: Frequent game updates can dramatically alter team performance.
- Offshore and unregulated sites: Avoid sportsbooks without U.S. licensing, as they often lack consumer protections and can withhold winnings.
By choosing a verified and licensed sportsbook, you are significantly reducing these risks.
How to Analyze Esports Like a Smart Bettor
Esports betting rewards preparation. Even basic analysis can give you a huge edge, especially compared to casual bettors who simply pick based on popularity.
Team form and recent performance
Look for win streaks, roster stability and how well teams perform against higher-tier opponents.
Map statistics and veto patterns
In games like CS2, Valorant and Dota 2, map or hero picks determine the tempo of a match. Some teams dominate on specific maps while struggling on others.
Player roles and impact
In MOBAs, roles like mid laners or carries often define match outcomes. In shooters, star riflers or duelists can swing entire series.
Patch notes and meta shifts
A major update can weaken strong teams or boost underdogs overnight. Always check recent changes before placing a bet.
Head-to-head history
Some matchups are stylistically difficult, even if one side is the favorite. Past meetings can reveal unexpected patterns.
Using this information helps you avoid the common trap of betting based purely on reputation.
Responsible betting tips
Even the most experienced bettors need discipline. Keep these key principles in mind:
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Never bet money you can’t afford to lose.
- Avoid impulsive “chase” bets after losses.
- Take breaks and limit the time spent betting.
- Use responsible gambling tools offered by your sportsbook.
- If gambling becomes a problem, contact resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) for help.
Remember that esports betting should only enhance your enjoyment of the game. It should never cause you financial stress.
The future of esports betting in the U.S.
Esports betting is still in its early stages in the U.S., but the growth is accelerating every day. As more states regulate online wagering and the esports industry continues to mature, expect to see more sportsbooks adding esports markets and more mainstream coverage of major tournaments.
Industry experts predict esports betting could become a multi-billion-dollar sector within the next few years, fueled by new updates, younger bettors, streaming platforms and global accessibility.
How to Choose the Right Bet as a Beginner
If you’re just starting out, the best approach is to simplify your decision-making process.
Stick to what you know
Bet on games you watch regularly. Familiarity with champions, maps or roles helps you predict outcomes more clearly.
Start with match-winner markets
These are easier to understand and carry fewer variables compared to props or live bets.
Avoid low-tier tournaments
Smaller events often have unreliable performance patterns and weaker oversight. Stick to major leagues and official circuits.
Compare odds across sportsbooks
Different operators offer slightly different prices. A small edge adds up over time.
Don’t bet every match
Pick only the ones where you have a strong read, not just because your favorite team is playing.
This simple strategy increases your chances of long-term success while keeping the experience enjoyable.
Betting on esports offers a thrilling way to engage with competitive gaming, blending the intensity of sports fandom with strategic wagering. But for U.S. bettors, success begins with understanding the legal landscape, choosing a reliable sportsbook and betting responsibly.
