Best Esports Betting Sites UK (2023)

A Guide to Esports Betting Sites

E-sports, also known as electronic sports or competitive video gaming, refers to organised, competitive video game tournaments and leagues featuring a wide variety of games — from first-person shooters and sports simulations to strategy games.

These esports tournaments and leagues are often organised by game developers, professional esports organisations, or other sponsors and can feature prize pools amounting to millions of dollars. Many esports tournaments are held at large, dedicated venues or major gaming conventions — some are even televised or streamed online for viewers to watch.

Esports players, also known as "pro gamers," compete in teams or as individuals and often train for hours each day to hone their skills and strategy. In addition to physical agility and quick reflexes, successful esports players also need strong teamwork and communication skills and the ability to make quick and decisive decisions under pressure.

Esports has grown significantly in popularity recently, with professional leagues and tournaments attracting millions of viewers and players worldwide. Some professional sports leagues, such as the NBA and the Premier League, have even created their esports leagues. The ePremier League, for example, is held every year, and esports fans in the UK can stream or bet on the games.

How to Bet on esports

There are several ways to bet on esports, and here are the general steps you can follow to get started:

How We Chose the Best Esports Betting Sites in the UK

There are several factors to consider when choosing an esports betting site:

Safety and Licences

Choosing a reputable and secure site licensed and regulated by a reputable authority is vital. We looked at betting sites with a good track record and robust security measures to protect the customers' personal and financial information. All of the betting sites listed here are licensed to operate in the UK by Great Britain’s Gambling Commission and Malta’s Gambling Authority.

Range of Esports Events and Markets

We checked for sites offering a wide range of events and markets. This includes different types of bets, such as moneyline, point spread, and over/under, as well as various betting markets and odds formats.

Esport Promotions

Many esports betting sites offer bonuses and promotions to attract new customers and retain existing ones. These can include welcome bonuses, free bets, and other perks. However, it’s always advisable to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand the requirements and limitations of any bonuses or promotions.

High Esports Odds

Esports betting fans need a sportsbook with high odds to maximise their profits. The esports betting sites listed in this review have some of the best esports odds around.

Live Esports Streams

Live streaming allows you to follow up on your favourite esports games and tournaments. For this reason, we looked at esports betting sites that offer the option of live streaming the games.

Accessibility

The accessibility of any esports betting site in the UK should be smooth via any device. This includes mobile, PC, or tablets. The site should also be easy to navigate without any lags. The betting sites in this review have user-friendly interface accessible from any device.

Customer Support  

Customer support is essential for the success of any bookie. All the betting sites listed in this review have multiple contact options, such as live chat, email, and phone support, and we considered their availability and response times.

Range of Payment Methods 

We reviewed betting sites offering convenient and secure payment options in the UK. This includes options for depositing and withdrawing funds and any applicable fees or limits. Some of the most common payment methods to consider include Paypal, debit and credit cards, Neteller, Skrill and bank transfer.

Most Popular Esports to Bet On

In this section, we look at the most popular esports games to bet on 

Dota 2 

Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game developed and published by Valve Corporation. It is the sequel to Defense of the Ancients (DotA), a community-created mod for Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and its expansion pack, The Frozen Throne.

In Dota 2, two teams of five players compete to destroy the other team's ancient — a large structure within their base. Each player controls a hero character with unique abilities and plays a role in the team's strategy. The game is played in matches, lasting anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour.

Dota 2 is one of the most popular games in esports, with a large and active competitive community and numerous professional teams and leagues. Major Dota 2 tournaments like The International can have prize pools worth millions of dollars.

Players and teams in the Dota 2 often stream their gameplay on streaming platforms and some esports betting sites. In some instances, they can interact with their fans and provide commentary on their matches. Some professional casters and analysts provide live commentary on Dota 2 tournaments. Some esports betting sites in the UK, like Bet365 and PaddyPower, also have streaming options for some esports tournaments and games. 

FIFA 

FIFA esports, also known as competitive FIFA, is a form of competitive video game play using the FIFA series of football simulation video games. In FIFA esports, players compete against each other in matches using teams and players from the real-world leagues and clubs in the FIFA video game series.

Competitive FIFA can be played in various formats, including one-on-one matches, online tournaments, and offline events. Many professional esports organisations have teams that compete in FIFA tournaments. There are also professional FIFA leagues and tournaments organised by game publisher Electronic Arts (EA) and other organisations. 

Some tournaments may have specific requirements for the game version that must be used, and players may need to use specific controllers or other gaming equipment.

Several factors can impact a player's success in FIFA esports, including their skill at the game, their understanding of real-world football tactics, and their ability to adapt to different opponents and strategies. Players may also need to have good teamwork skills if they are competing in team-based tournaments.

FIFA esports has grown in popularity recently, with significant tournaments offering large cash prizes and attracting large audiences. It is also a popular spectator sport, with many fans watching matches online or in person at live events.

CS: GO 

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is a first-person shooter video game developed by Valve Corporation and Hidden Path Entertainment. It is the fourth game in the Counter-Strike series released in 2012 for Windows, OS X, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.

In CS:GO, two teams compete against each other: the Terrorists and the Counter-Terrorists. The game's objective is for one team to eliminate the other or complete a specific mission, such as planting a bomb or rescuing hostages. Each player on a team has a particular role and can choose from various weapons and equipment to complete their objectives.

CS:GO has an intense competitive scene, with professional teams and players worldwide participating in tournaments and leagues for large prize pools.

There are several professional leagues and tournaments for CS:GO, including the Intel Extreme Masters, the Electronic Sports World Cup, and the FACEIT London Major. These events feature top teams worldwide competing for large prize pools and the world champion title.

In addition to professional competitions, there are many amateur and casual tournaments for players of all skill levels. The popularity of CS:GO betting and the growth of esports has led to the creation of many online resources and communities for players to learn, share strategies, and compete against each other.

Rocket League 

Rocket League is a sports-action game that combines football with high-speed action and physics-based gameplay. The game is developed and published by Psyonix and was first released in 2015.

In the game, players control a rocket-powered car and try to score goals by hitting a giant ball into their opponent's goal. The game can be played by a single player or in teams of up to four.

Rocket League has become popular as an esports title, with professional players competing in tournaments for cash prizes. Various organisations, such as Psyonix, the game's developer, and other esports organisations, facilitate these tournaments.

There are several different leagues and tournaments in the Rocket League esports scene, with the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) being one of the most prestigious. The RLCS is an annual tournament that features teams from all over the world. The tournament has a large prize pool and attracts top teams and players.

In addition to the RLCS, several other leagues and tournaments feature Rocket League competitions, including the Rocket League European Championship (RLEC) and the Rocket League Rival Series (RLRS).

Players must control their cars accurately and make quick decisions in fast-paced matches. They also need to work effectively and communicate with their teammates.

Call of Duty 

Call of Duty is a popular first-person shooter video game franchise developed by Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games. The games are set in various fictional locations and feature a range of weapons and gameplay modes.

Call of Duty has a strong presence in the esports scene, with professional players and teams competing in various leagues and tournaments. The Call of Duty World League (CWL) is the main professional league for Call of Duty esports, featuring teams from all over the world competing against each other in a series of matches and tournaments.

In the CWL, teams compete in various game modes, including Capture the Flag, Control, and Hardpoint. The league features a regular season followed by playoffs and a championship event, with a large prize pool for the top teams.

Players must aim accurately and make quick decisions in fast-paced matches. They also need to work effectively and communicate with their teammates. 

In addition to the CWL, several other leagues and tournaments feature Call of Duty competitions, including the Call of Duty League (CDL) and the Call of Duty Challengers. These leagues and tournaments offer opportunities for esports fans in the UK and worldwide to bet on their favourite teams. 

League of Legends 

League of Legends is a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game with a thriving esports scene. In esports, professional teams compete against each other in organised tournaments and leagues. 

In the case of League of Legends, the game is played by two teams of five players. Each player controls a champion character with unique abilities, and the goal is to destroy the enemy team's nexus in their base. Players earn gold and experience by defeating minions, monsters, and enemy champions, which they can use to buy items and level up their champion.

There are several professional leagues and tournaments for League of Legends, including the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) in North America, the European Championship (LEC), and the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) in South Korea. These leagues feature the best teams from each region and culminate in the World Championship, which is held annually featuring teams worldwide.

Esports tournaments for League of Legends are typically held in large venues and can have millions of dollars in prize money. They are also broadcast online and can attract a large number of viewers. The World Championship for League of Legends has consistently been one of the most watched esports events, with the 2020 World Championship reaching a peak of 44 million concurrent viewers.

The esports scene for League of Legends is an exciting and growing part of the gaming industry, with professional players and teams competing at the highest level.

StarCraft

StarCraft is a military science fiction real-time strategy game in which players control one of three different species: the Terrans, the Protoss, or the Zerg. Each species has unique characteristics and abilities, and players must choose suitable units and strategies to outmanoeuvre their opponents.

• The Terrans are a group of human exiles who have adapted to life on the galaxy's fringe. They are known for their versatility and resourcefulness, and their units tend to be highly mobile and adaptable. 
• The Protoss are a technologically advanced species with access to powerful psionic abilities. Their units are generally more expensive and powerful than the other races, but they are also slower and more vulnerable to specific attacks. 
• The Zerg are a race of alien insects that can rapidly evolve and adapt to new situations. Their units are generally cheaper and more numerous than the other races, but they also tend to be weaker individually.

The original StarCraft game was released in 1998 and has since become a classic in the real-time strategy genre. It is set in a distant future where the three species are locked in a perpetual war for survival.

The multiplayer mode is prevalent and has been played professionally in tournaments worldwide. In addition to the original game, two expansions, StarCraft: Brood War and StarCraft II, have been released, and several other related games and media.

Players must gather resources, build bases, and produce units to defeat their opponents in the game. They must also make strategic decisions about how to allocate their resources and which units to build to gain an advantage over their opponents. The multiplayer mode is prevalent and has been played professionally in tournaments worldwide.

Overwatch 

Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter video game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. It was first released in May 2016 for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. In the game, players form six teams and choose from a roster of over 30 characters, each with unique abilities and roles. The game is played in various modes, including Quick Play, Competitive Play, and Arcade.

Each mode has its own rules and objectives, and players can choose to play as attacking or defending teams. The game strongly emphasises teamwork, as players must work together to achieve goals and defeat the enemy team.

Teams of players compete against each other in matches featuring a variety of game modes and objectives. These matches are typically organised into leagues and tournaments, with teams competing for prize pools and the chance to be crowned the best team in the world.

Several professional Overwatch leagues and tournaments worldwide, including the Overwatch League (OWL) and the Overwatch World Cup. The OWL is the top professional league for Overwatch, featuring teams from North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. The Overwatch World Cup is a global tournament featuring national teams worldwide.

You can follow news and coverage from various esports media outlets to stay updated on the latest developments in the Overwatch esports scene. 

Hearthstone 

Hearthstone is a digital collectable card game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. It was released for Microsoft Windows and macOS in 2014 and iOS and Android in 2015.

In Hearthstone, players build decks using cards they collect from various "card packs" or purchase with in-game currency. Players can then use their decks to battle against each other in online matches or against computer-controlled opponents. The game features a variety of game modes, including ranked play, casual play, and arena play.

Hearthstone is free to play, with players able to purchase in-game currency or card packs to gain new cards and other in-game items. The game has a large and highly competitive player base, with players regularly participating in tournaments and other events.

There are several different ways to bet on Hearthstone, including:

• Real money betting involves placing a wager using real money on the outcome of a Hearthstone match or tournament. This type of betting is generally only available through licensed and regulated esports betting platforms like the ones listed in this review. 
• Skin betting: This involves using in-game items or "skins" as a currency to place bets on the outcome of a Hearthstone match or tournament. Skin betting is generally not regulated and can be risky, as it can be difficult to verify the legitimacy of the skins used as currency.
• Social betting involves placing a bet with a friend or group of friends on the outcome of a Hearthstone match or tournament. This type of betting is generally considered low risk, as it does not involve real money and is typically done for fun.

Rainbow 6 

Tom Clancy's Rainbow 6 is a series of first-person shooter video games focusing on tactical gameplay and teamwork. The games are based on Tom Clancy's Rainbow 6 novel series and follow the adventures of an international counter-terrorist unit called "Rainbow."

In Rainbow 6 games, players assume the role of a leader of a counter-terrorist team. They must complete objectives, such as rescuing hostages or defusing bombs, while fighting against enemy terrorists. The games often feature destructible environments, and players can use various weapons and gadgets to accomplish their objectives.

The Rainbow 6 series has been praised for its realistic depiction of counter-terrorism operations and its emphasis on teamwork and strategy. The series has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, including Rainbow 6 Siege, which has become one of the most popular games in the series.

Rainbow 6 is one of the games with a professional esports setting, with leagues and tournaments held worldwide. The Rainbow 6 professional stage is organised by Ubisoft and consists of several leagues and tournaments, including the Rainbow 6 Siege Pro League and the Rainbow 6 Siege Major tournaments. 

Rainbow 6 esports matches are typically played in a 5v5 format, with each team trying to outmanoeuvre and outshoot the other. The game's tactical gameplay and emphasis on teamwork make it well-suited for a professional competition. Spectators in the UK can watch Rainbow 6 esports matches live at events or online through esports betting sites.

Valorant 

Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter video game developed and published by Riot Games. It has gained a significant esports following, with professional teams and organised leagues competing in various tournaments and competitions.

In esports, Valorant is centred around the First Strike series, a series of tournaments held by Riot Games in various regions worldwide. These tournaments determine which teams will qualify for the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT), the game's global esports league. The VCT is divided into three stages: 

• the Challengers stage, 
• the Masters stage, and 
• the Champions stage. 

The top teams from each region's First Strike tournament will qualify for the Challengers stage, while the top teams from the Challengers stage will move on to the Masters stage. The top teams from the Masters stage will then compete in the Champions stage, which is the final event of the VCT.

Valorant's esports scene is still relatively new, but it has already gained a large following and has the potential to grow even larger in the future. 

Fortnite 

Fortnite is a multiplayer online video game that was first released in 2017. It is available on various platforms, including PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.

The game's main mode is called "Battle Royale," in which up to 100 players are dropped onto an island and must fight to be the last person or team standing. Players start the game with no weapons or resources and must scavenge for them on the island. The island is constantly shrinking due to a storm surrounding it, forcing players to move closer together and increasing their chances of encountering other players.

To win the game, players must eliminate all other players or be the last team standing. Players can use various weapons — from guns and explosives to melee weapons and bows and arrows. Players can also build structures, such as walls and ramps, to protect themselves from enemy attacks or to gain an advantage in combat.

In addition to the Battle Royale mode, Fortnite also features other game modes such as Creative mode, where players can build and create their worlds, and Save the World mode, where players team up to complete missions and defend against enemy attacks.

Fortnite has gained a large following since its release and has become popular in the esports community due to its fast-paced gameplay, creative building mechanics, and regular updates and events. 

PUBG

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) is a popular battle royale video game developed and published by PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of South Korean video game company Bluehole. The game has a large esports community, with various professional tournaments and leagues worldwide.

Teams of players compete against each other in matches of the game's battle royale mode to be the last team standing. PUBG tournaments can be played in various formats, such as solo, duos, or squads.

The PUBG Corporation and third-party organisations host various PUBG esports events, including the PUBG Global Championship and the PUBG Continental Series.

In addition to professional tournaments, PUBG has a strong amateur scene, with many players participating in local and online tournaments and leagues. The game has a large player base and a dedicated esports community, making it a popular choice for competitive gaming. 

Esports Betting Options

In this section, we explore the most popular betting options in esports betting sites in the UK. 

Skin Betting

It refers to using virtual in-game items, known as "skins," as a form of currency to place bets on the outcome of matches. This type of betting is popular in games with a system for trading and collecting skins, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. 

Fantasy Betting

It involves creating a virtual team of players or teams and competing against other fantasy teams based on the real-life performance of those players or teams in actual matches. This type of betting is similar to traditional fantasy sports leagues. 

Map Winner

It is a type of bet in which the bettor predicts which team will win a specific map within a match.

For example, in a best-of-three match in a first-person shooter game, there may be three different maps played. A bettor could place a map winner bet on which team they think will win each map.

Map-winner betting is a popular option in esports because it allows bettors to focus on a specific match aspect and provides more betting opportunities. It is essential to know the specific rules and format of the match you are betting on, as different games and tournaments may have different rules for map play.

First Blood

It’s a term in some esports to refer to the first kill in a match. In some games, "first blood" may refer to the first team or player to destroy a specific objective or structure.

In esports, first blood is often a pivotal moment in a match and can significantly impact the outcome. For example, in a first-person shooter game, getting the first kill may give a team an advantage in map control and positioning. In a real-time strategy game, getting the first objective may give a team an economic advantage that they can use to build up their forces.

In esports tournaments, "first blood" can also be a critical moment for fans and spectators, as it can be an exciting and dramatic moment in a match. Some esports leagues and tournaments may even award special prizes or bonuses for achieving first blood.

Winning Team

It refers to the team that emerges victorious in a match or tournament. In most esports competitions, the winning team is determined by a best-of-series format, in which one team must win a predetermined number of maps or games to be declared the winner.

In a single-elimination tournament, the winning team may be the one that advances through a series of rounds and defeats all other teams. In some cases, the winning team may be determined by a point system, in which teams earn points based on their performance in each game or match. The team with the most points at the end of the competition is declared the winner.

Regardless of the specific rules and format, the winning team is typically the one that performs the best overall and defeats its opponents.