Best Esports Betting Sites and Odds in January 2026

What to Look for in the Best Esports Betting Sites

For anyone trying esports betting USA, knowing which sites are trustworthy can save time and money. Livescore’s experts test platforms from every angle, including odds, payouts, and features, so you can focus on betting strategy. Check the key criteria we examine below:

Licensing and Reputation

Choosing licensed online esports bookmakers is the first step for security. We verify that sites follow all U.S. regulations for fairness and safe handling of your money. Licensing proves a site is legal and accountable, whereas good player feedback and a clean payment history mean the deposits and payouts are fast and verified.

User-Friendly Esports Betting Features

A good sportsbook will simplify your betting experience, but the best esports betting apps and sites will enhance it with quick loading pages, live betting tools, and fast cashouts. Features like these help you follow multiple Dota 2 matches at once and adjust wagers quickly as the action unfolds. We prioritize such platforms because they prioritize you. 

Coverage and Markets

The top platforms offer more options than just picking a winner. We look for a variety of esports betting markets, including map winners, kill totals, and tournament futures across games such as CS2, League of Legends, and Dota. Having these options allows you to find value across every league, particularly in major Valorant or Utrecht competitions, giving you more ways to utilise your gaming knowledge.

Reliable Bonuses

A bonus is something you get in addition to what you expected. We look for sportsbooks that offer esports betting bonuses with low rollover requirements and clear terms, which give more back to the player rather than adding extra conditions. This includes welcome offers for new users and ongoing esports promotions for regular bettors. Our goal is to identify bonuses that help you bet more effectively and improve your long-term profits.

Fast & Secure Payout Options

Getting paid quickly is a must on our checklist, especially after a major series finale. We prioritize sites that excel in quick withdrawals, and offer methods like PayPal, instant banking, and crypto deposits esports. All the listed instant payout esports sites have been tested for speed and reliability, ensuring bettors can withdraw funds easily whenever they need. 

Live Betting Experience

Esports betting sites with live streaming take real-time gambling to the next level. We assess the integration of streaming, dynamic odds display, live stats, and rapid-fire betting for events like the Overwatch League and Valorant. Betting live on round winners and in-game props, with live stats at your fingertips, gives a strategic edge.

How to Bet on Esports in the United States

Choose a Legal Platform

Pick a sportsbook from our list of thoroughly vetted Esports bookmakers USA. Each site is fully licensed, secure, and compliant with U.S. regulations, ensuring safe deposits, payouts, and access to reliable esports betting options.

Register an Account

Create an account by providing personal details and a portion of your Social Security Number (SSN) for legal identity verification and to confirm you are over 21. After that, the platform will automatically run a geolocation check, which you must pass before you can proceed to funding your account. 

Deposit Funds

Navigate to the cashier section of the website and choose your preferred deposit method. Top esports gambling sites accept payments via e-wallets, bank transfer, card and even crypto. 

Navigate to the Esports Section

Once logged in, open the dedicated esports area. Most platforms organize matches by title, making it simple to browse esports events and locate the games and competitions you want to wager on.

Identify your Wager 

Browse by title and tournament to see the available esports betting markets. You can choose to place pre-match bets on upcoming winners or find in-game props and futures depending on your strategy. 

Place your Bet

Click on the odds next to your preferred outcome to add the selection to your bet slip. Then, enter the amount you wish to bet, review all details, and confirm to complete your bet safely. 

Track Results and Withdraw Winnings

After the match or tournament concludes, winnings are credited to your account. Licensed sportsbooks allow fast withdrawals, giving bettors confidence to continue online betting on esports securely and efficiently.

How to Read Esports Betting Odds

Since esports betting sites operate globally, odds come in different formats depending on your region and the bookmaker's preference. Mentioned below are three main esports betting odds explained for both new and seasoned bettors: 

Fractional Odds

The classic fractional format, also called British odds, is easy to understand. Fractional odds esports show potential profit relative to your stake: 4/1 means a $10 bet earns $40 profit plus your stake. This simplicity helps you quickly gauge value on any esports matches, which is why many beginners prefer this format for straightforward profit calculations.

Decimal Odds

Decimal, or European odds, are used widely on esports betting sites outside North America. These decimal odds esports represent the total potential payout earned, which includes both the profit and your original stake. For example, if you place a $10 wager on odds of 3.00, your total return is $30. These odds are straightforward because the final number tells you exactly what multiplier to use against your initial cash.  

American Odds

As the name suggests, this format is dominant in the U.S. and will feel familiar if you've bet on the NFL or NBA moneyline. They display as positive for underdogs, like +150, and negative for favourites, like -200. Positive numbers show the profit on a $100 bet, while negative odds show the amount you must wager to profit $100. Understanding this moneyline odds esports structure is the first step toward making smarter, informed esports betting decisions.

Popular Esports Bet Types

If you’re new to esports betting, getting familiar with different bet types, odds, and match dynamics is your best first step toward making profits. Mentioned below is a detailed breakdown of the most common esports betting markets found on licensed U.S. sportsbooks: 

Match Winner Bets

This is the simplest place to start. A Match winner bet is just picking which team will win a specific series, which is the exact same concept as a moneyline bet in traditional betting. The esports betting websites display odds based on team strength, map history, and recent form. For example, if FaZe Clan has a strong record on Inferno in CS2, betting them to win that series might be profitable.

Map Winner & Objective-Based Bets

Some bettors prefer breaking things down further with map winner markets, team objective bets, and kill totals betting. These wagers focus on what happens within a single map or round instead of the whole series. You might bet on key objectives like the first tower or dragon in League of Legends, or bomb defusal and first 10 kills in CS2. They reward your knowledge of how certain teams approach competitive matches and momentum shifts. 

Esports Props and Micro Markets

If you like detail-oriented betting, you’ll love esports player props. This market allows you to focus on performance metrics, like a specific esports athlete to hit an 'over' on headshots in Call of Duty or racking up the most assists in Dota 2. Similarly, esports micro markets let you bet on the immediate next action within a game, such as will there be a kill in the next 30 seconds? Every micro market is, technically, a prop bet; however, not every prop bet is a micro market.

Esports Futures Markets

Long-term bets can be just as exciting as match-day wagers. Esports futures markets let you predict who will win major esports events like The International [Dota2] or League of Legends Worlds before the competition even begins. Odds for these markets are posted well in advance on esports online sportsbooks, offering fantastic long-term value, especially if you track team performance during qualifiers.

Fantasy and Item Betting

Just like traditional fantasy leagues, esports fantasy betting lets players build a team of pros and earn points based on real-world stats. Then there is item betting, which is wagering with in-game virtual items (skins) instead of cash. This includes skin gambling, which exists outside of regulated sportsbooks, so we recommend prioritizing the legal platforms for actual money. 

Live & Stream-Based Betting

Betting as matches unfold has become a major part of sports betting. Live stream betting lets fans wager on outcomes in real time while watching Twitch or YouTube streams. The odds on esports betting platforms are updated instantly so that you can adjust your strategy based on team fights or a quick comeback. This adds an extra layer of excitement that pre-match analysis simply cannot offer.

Same Game Parlays & Advanced Markets

For experienced bettors, combining outcomes within the exact match can create higher payouts. Same game parlays esports allow you to link multiple results, like predicting a team to win and a player to lead in kills. These advanced markets include cross-map bets or team-specific props, which are best suited for bettors who closely follow gameplays and know how to manage risk efficiently. 

Esports Betting Bonuses and Promotions

Online betting can feel overwhelming without the right support. The best bonuses for esports betting give you more chances to play and protect your stake, letting you focus on winning smarter. We've compiled a list of the most popular promotions and how they can be best utilized: 

Esports Signup Offers and Deposit Matches

Most sportsbooks welcome new users with a first-deposit bonus or small insurance offer. The best esports betting sites that offer free bets often refund your first loss as credits, giving you a safety net when starting. These are most useful before big esports tournaments when you’re placing multiple bets early on. Just check the qualifying odds and expiry period so your bonus doesn’t expire before you use it.

Tournament Boosts

During major esports tournaments, sportsbooks offer boosted odds and special offers on popular matches or underdog picks. These esports promotions can increase your returns on bets placed on events like Dota 2 championships or Valorant Masters. Utilising these boosts in high-stakes matches can significantly benefit you without increasing risk. Since they’re short-term and tied to specific matches, always look over the sportsbook’s promo page before the next round starts.

Live Betting Safety Nets 

Placing bets while watching a live match can be exciting and risky, which is where the bet insurance or free bet refunds come into play. Some esports online sportsbooks now offer partial refunds or credits if your live bet loses under certain conditions, like if your team loses a round or a map after achieving a specific objective, like getting the first kill. These offers encourage active participation and strategic betting during high-stakes live streams. 

Reloads, Loyalty Rewards & Cashback Offers

Player retention is equally essential for a sportsbook as attracting new users. Esports reload bonuses offer smaller deposit matches, while cashback offers return a small portion of your losses over time. Both offers help bettors stay motivated and encourage frequent wagers. Doing so will further unlock esports loyalty rewards at top esports betting sites, such as exclusive boosts or lower transaction fees. These programs keep regular players engaged and make long-term betting a little more rewarding. 

Esports Tournaments and Leagues to Bet On

If you have bet on the NFL, NBA, or MLB, then betting on esports tournaments and leagues will be easier than you think. The odds and betting lines work the same way, but matches move faster and require quick decisions. Here is a detailed breakdown of all the major competitions for betting on esports to help you understand better:

League of Legends World Championship (Worlds)

Worlds is the Super Bowl of League of Legends betting, starting with group stages and moving to knockouts, between October and November. The most popular wagers are early futures on group-stage matchups and first tower props. As teams start performing in the tournament, the odds tighten up, reflecting the patch updates and team strategies. This is why seasoned bettors track form since LoL Mid-Season Invitational games, identifying underdog opportunities before spreads tighten.

The International 

The International usually takes place in August, featuring Dota 2 teams competing in group and knockout stages. TI stands out for its massive Dota 2 International prize pool and volatile odds, which directly affect the line movement. Because the odds can change a lot, it’s smart to bet on each map early and use prop markets to reduce risk during knockout rounds, which is why reviewing the matches before they start can be a useful Dota 2 betting strategy. 

VALORANT Champions

This is the annual conclusion of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), typically held between August and September. It uses a group stage leading into a double-elimination bracket. The best odds for Valorant Champions Tour often appear right after regional qualifiers conclude. The tactical nature of the game makes live betting extremely popular, and so on, Valorant betting sites focus on totals over/under rounds rather than reacting to fast-changing moneylines. 

PGL/ESL Majors 

Typically held twice a year, the PGL and ESL Majors are the biggest stages for Counter-Strike 2 betting. These events use a Swiss-system format that transitions into elimination rounds, so team form becomes clear early on. During the initial rounds, it’s usually smarter to target Map 1 winner bets, as underdogs often perform well on their preferred maps. 

Call of Duty League Championship

Held in late summer, with city-based U.S. teams competing for the Championship, the Call of Duty League will feel familiar to bettors coming from the NFL or MLB. Esports betting sites with CDL odds often see the most action on Hardpoint and Search and Destroy prop bets, and because the league follows a franchise model, tracking player form and rivalries is easier for traditional bettors. 

Evolution Championship Series

While most significant events are team-based, EVO is the premier event for fighting games like Tekken and Street Fighter, where athletes compete individually. Naturally, the focus here is on individual player skill, making props and outright bets especially popular. Because single-elimination events cause odds to shift rapidly, you should stake your claim on long-shot players initially. The odds are never better than they are right before the tournament begins.

Fortnite Champion Series Global Championship

When it comes to Fortnite betting, the FNCS, focusing on duo and squad matches, is the ultimate test of pro players. Because battle royale results depend on survival and placement, futures markets often hold the best long-term value. Many esports betting sites also roll out boosted parlays during qualifiers, which is why following top-seeded duos, rather than aggressive, kill-heavy ones, can lead to stable betting profits. 

The Esports World Cup

The EWC is like the annual Olympics of esports, bringing together multiple titles and esports leagues across different game genres. Since odds move differently for each game, using various

platforms with broad market coverage can be extremely useful. Moreover, cross-game parlays or multi-title promos during the event can add extra betting value, especially when sportsbooks push offers across featured tournaments.

Six Invitational (Rainbow Six Siege)

The biggest global event for Rainbow Six Siege betting is the Six Invitational, set for February 2–15, 2026. Because of the game's dependence on strategic choices like map rotation and operator selection, there is excellent value in prop markets. Make sure to prioritize Map Winner props and first-round outcomes, as analyzing team compositions closely is what pays off before the odds adjust. 

PUBG Global Championship 

The PGC is the top-tier tournament for PUBG betting, where pros go head-to-head in a shifting play zone, resulting in unpredictable outcomes. For this tournament, placing team objective bets, specifically focusing on survival and consistency, is strategically a safer approach than picking the outright winner. Similar to Fortnite, the game also rewards the last man standing, and wagering on players and teams that implement that strategy can lead ot stable value. 

Esports Betting Apps and Mobile Experience 

In 2025, mobile esports is a genre of its own that has redefined competitive gaming. Titles like PUBG Mobile and Clash Royale drive major fan bases and millions in bets across both the U.S. and Asia. In fact, the global mobile esports betting market is projected to reach over $670 million by the end of 2025. 

Console and PC classics such as Call of Duty and EA Sports FC have smartly adapted to smaller screens because today's flagship phones are as good as a PC. With 8GB RAM, powerful Snapdragon chips, and terabytes of storage options, these are essentially pocket-sized gaming rigs. This capability means you can follow rounds, watch map control, and place in-game bets right from your phone.

Most sportsbooks support downloads via the iOS App Store or Google Play, or offer mobile-friendly websites letting you track odds and claim mobile esports bonuses on the go. 

Are Esports Betting Apps Legal in the U.S.?

Yes, but legal esports betting apps USA are only available in licensed states, and all wagers must be placed within state lines. Always use verified apps rather than those from offshore sources. For smooth payouts and safe betting, check out the best esports mobile betting apps for iOS and Android below:

Top Esports Betting Games 

Some games dominate esports betting because they combine competitive depth with steady tournament schedules and loyal fan bases. These titles attract millions of viewers each year and are featured across most esports betting sites. Here’s a breakdown of the main genres and the leading esports games available online:

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena

MOBAs are team-based strategy games where two squads, usually five players each, compete to destroy the opponent’s base while defending their own. While games like League of Legends and Dota 2 dominate the genre, there are also other titles you can bet on:

League of Legends (LoL)

Developed by Riot Games in 2009, League of Legends remains the most-watched esport worldwide. Its mix of tactical decision-making and mechanical skill drives consistent LoL esports betting, with millions wagering on international tournaments every season. The constant updates and clear team structure make esports betting on League of Legends both engaging and accessible.

Dota 2 

Developed by Valve in 2013, Dota 2 is known for its detailed gameplay and deep strategy. Each match features unique hero drafts and tactical plays that can change the outcome quickly. The annual event, The International, attracts massive viewership and strong esports Dota 2 betting, as fans look for early value in group stages. 

Other MOBA titles

Smaller MOBA games like Blizzard’s Heroes of the Storm and Hi-Rez Studios’ Smite also have active communities. Heroes of the Storm is easier to learn and uses familiar Blizzard characters, while Smite changes the format with a third-person camera view. Both attract smaller yet dedicated audiences, creating niche opportunities during community tournaments and regional leagues.

First-Person Shooters (FPS)

FPS titles focus on accuracy, coordination, and timing. Matches are short and fast, making them popular for live or prop bets. Since outcomes depend on team tactics and map performance, following a basic FPS betting strategy helps bettors find better value over time.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive 

Released by Valve in 2012, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive became the standard for tactical shooters, where Counter terrorists and terrorists compete to defuse or plant bombs, respectively. Its balanced gameplay and long-running pro circuit keep CS: GO esports betting sites active throughout the year. 

Valorant 

Introduced by Riot Games in 2020, Valorant combines traditional shooter mechanics with agent abilities that add tactical depth. Its fast-paced matches and strong competitive scene made it an instant hit. Valorant esports betting continues to grow quickly as new teams, maps, and agents make outcomes dynamic and engaging to follow.

Call Of Duty

The long-standing series from Activision continues to dominate console-based esports. Known for its fast-paced shooting, tight team combat, and multiplayer modes, the game combines strategic play and quick reflexes to keep players engaged worldwide, making Call of Duty betting popular among both new and experienced esports bettors. 

MMO and Battle Royale Games

Massively multiplayer and battle royale titles attract diverse audiences because they combine open-world gameplay with large-scale competitions. Their persistent worlds, rotating seasons, and special tournaments create diverse wagering options. Here is a breakdown of the best battle royale games to bet on throughout the year:

World of Warcraft 

Blizzard’s 2004 classic continues to attract players with its massive fantasy world and player-versus-player modes. Competitive raiding and time-based contests are at the core of WOW betting markets. Dedicated WoW betting sites allow fans to bet on raid completions, speed runs, and other organized challenges that reward consistency and teamwork.

Fortnite

Released by Epic Games in 2017, Fortnite mixes shooting, survival, and building mechanics in a colorful, changing world. Streamers on Twitch and YouTube play it regularly, creating large communities where fans watch, learn strategies, and follow competitions. Its social and creative aspects make it one of the most-watched and played games online.

Other MMO Titles

EA’s Sports FC, formerly FIFA and Rocket League by Psyonix, bridges the gap between gaming and traditional sports. FIFA esports betting works exactly like football betting markets, with familiar odds and match outcomes. Meanwhile, Rocket League betting strategy relies on reading team consistency and mechanical skill, making both titles appealing crossover options for bettors who enjoy sports-based esports.

Profitable Esports Betting Strategies 

There is no magic formula for guaranteed profits, but you can increase the likelihood by following esports events, reviewing team stats, and watching live odds. Here are five esports betting strategies and tips to know before you place your next bet: 

Compare Odds Across Platforms

Before placing a bet, check multiple esports gambling sites for differences in odds. Even small variations can affect long-term returns. For example, CS: GO match winner odds might be slightly higher on one site. Consistently choosing the best value helps your bankroll grow steadily, without taking unnecessary risks.

Monitor Game Updates and Meta Changes

In games like League of Legends or Dota 2, patches can change hero strengths or map strategies. Esports betting platforms frequently lag in repricing teams whose strategy has been nerfed, or those who suddenly benefit from the change in the competitive meta. Reviewing patch notes and seeing which teams adapt can give you a significant edge. 

Exploit Live Betting Opportunities

In-play wagers reward quick analytical thinking. During a Rocket League LAN, watching player rotations and control of the ball can help you identify undervalued map winners. Similarly, trends like early scoring patterns or frequent saves allow you to act while odds are still favorable, 

Use Team and Player Statistics

Don't underestimate the importance of past performance and map-specific stats. For example, a Valorant team may consistently win on Bind but struggle on Ascent, or in CS: GO, identify the AWPer with the highest first kill success on a specific map, and compare their odds against the opponent’s opener. This approach turns data into a practical decision-making tool, extending beyond simple esports betting tips for beginners.

Use Case Openings and Bonuses Strategically

Esports case opening bonuses or tournament promotions can give you a small, low-risk way to explore games or minor tournaments. This helps you learn team behavior, understand odds, and experiment with strategies without risking large amounts. 

Online Esports Betting Helps You Unlock New Levels 

The esports gaming market is primed for growth, offering betting opportunities that traditional sports simply can't match in terms of variety. From the complex strategies of League of Legends to the dynamic, mobile-first gameplay of PUBG, bettors who do their homework on formats and team stats are bound to make big profits. 

While the market is still evolving, there is no perfect platform out there. However, security, diverse markets, and regular bonuses are what we look for, filtering out sites that are not worth your time. Ready to take your esports bets to the next level? Check out our list of the best esports betting sites and claim your profit share.