eSports, which stands for Electronic Sports, is a type of video game where players compete against one another in virtual competitions. The rise of streaming services like Twitch has helped eSports gain popularity and reach a wider audience than ever before. With the popularity of eSports growing, you can now bet on your favorite eSport games with online betting sites that are dedicated solely to eSports betting. There are many online betting sites that offer bets on both professional and amateur tournaments and games. This guide explains all you need to know about getting started with eSports betting in the US, from finding trustworthy sites to selecting odds wisely.
Top 10 eSports Betting sites in US
Is esports betting in the USA legal?
All of the online sportsbooks that we recommend on this site are 100% legal and reputable. The laws surrounding eSports betting are mostly the same as those for traditional sports betting. States such as New Jersey, Delaware, and New York have legalized sports betting and are therefore open to eSports betting as well. In other states, it is considered illegal gambling. Some states, such as Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii, have some restrictions on online gambling. Make sure to check the regulations in your state before you start betting on eSports.
How to Bet on Esports in the US
The process of betting on esports is very similar to traditional sports betting. First, you will decide on the match or tournament you want to bet on. Then, you will select an online sportsbook to use for your esports betting. You will have to open an account with the sportsbook, deposit money, and then place your bet. Finally, you will receive your winnings. There are many factors to consider when you are choosing an esports betting site. The siteâs user interface is important, as you want an easy-to-use site that isnât overloaded with too many features. You should also look for a site that accepts players from your country. Finally, youâll want to find a site with fair odds and a good selection of bets for your desired match.
Esports Betting Bonus Offers
Some online sportsbooks offer signup bonuses and other promotions for new customers who sign up to bet on eSports. For example, you might receive a free bet reward or a percentage off your first deposit.
Be sure to read the terms and conditions of any bonus you are offered to make sure you understand how to use it. You may also have to meet certain betting requirements before you can withdraw a bonus.
eSports sportsbook deposit options
Online betting sites that specialize in eSports will likely have a selection of acceptable deposit methods. Most sites will accept both credit and debit card deposits. You may also be able to deposit cash at certain ATMs or use money transfer services such as MoneyGram or Western Union. To make a deposit, select âDepositâ or âCreditâ on the siteâs navigation bar. On the next page, youâll be able to select the payment method you want to use. Make sure to read the siteâs deposit and withdrawal policies before you select a payment method. Many sportsbooks will have a minimum deposit amount, and you may have to wait several days for a payment to clear.
Esports Live Betting & Streamin
You can also watch eSports events unfold and bet on the outcome in real time. When you choose to live bet, you select a team or individual to win a game before it begins. As the game progresses, you can also place bet-in-play wagers on events such as first blood or the first team to get five kills. You can also watch eSports games as they are being streamed and place bets on the outcome of games that arenât being played in a regulated eSports setting. There are a few different ways to watch and bet on eSports events. You can find detailed instructions in this guide for each of the following methods.
- Navigate to the siteâs live betting section - You can also click on the âLiveâ button on a siteâs main menu.
- Select the game or tournament you want to bet on - You may need to click on the âEventsâ tab to see a list of upcoming matches.
- Choose your bet type - Most sites offer a variety of bets for live and streaming matches.
- Place your bet - Make sure to review your bet details before confirming your wager.
Popular Esports Games and Events in the USA
Electronic sports are played around the world, with different games and tournaments taking place throughout the year. Below, weâve listed some of the most popular eSports and their associated tournaments. Stay tuned, as this list is sure to grow as eSports continue to gain popularity in the United States.
- LoL - League of Legends is one of the most popular games in the esports world, and itâs also one of the most popular events for e-sports bettors. From major tournaments hosted by Riot Games that draw thousands of spectators to smaller events hosted by third-party organizers, thereâs never a shortage of LoL action.
- CS:GO - Almost every esports betting site will offer odds on competitive Counter-Strike matches. CS:GO is one of the biggest competitive games in the world, and Valve has put $1 million up for grabs at every major tournament since 2016.
- Dota 2 - Dota 2 has been a major tournament draw for years, and itâs only getting more popular as time goes on. With The International hosting ever-growing prize pools and Twitch hosting a major tournament every year, there are plenty of opportunities for e-sports bettors to cash in.
- SC2 - Starcraft 2 is another game that has been hosting massive tournaments since its inception. From the likes of the GSL and WCS to smaller, more grassroots events, thereâs never a dull moment in the SC2 world.
- Fortnite - World Cup - The worldâs biggest Fortnite tournament, the $30 million âFortnite World Cup,â took place in New York City in July. The event was streamed to fans around the world and attracted over 40 million viewers.
- Overwatch - Overwatch League - The Overwatch League is an annual event featuring the worldâs best Overwatch teams. Fans can buy tickets to attend matches in person or watch them on Twitch.
- Hearthstone Grand Prix - The Grand Prix is a tournament open to all Hearthstone players. This yearâs Grand Prix is being held in Vancouver, Canada, and will feature a $100,000 prize pool.
FAQs
What is the difference between eSports and sports?
eSports are types of video games that have become so popular, they have their own leagues and tournaments. Sports-based games, like FIFA or NBA2K, are played on a professional level, whereas other games, like Fortnite or Overwatch, are played by casual players as well.
What are some common betting options for eSports?
The most common types of eSports bets are Over/Under, First Blood, and Moneyline. Over/Under bets are game totals and are similar to totals youâd find in baseball. First Blood is a wager on which team will get their first kill first. Moneyline bets are similar to baseball, hockey, or basketball betting, where youâre deciding which team will win the game.
What is the best way to get started with eSports betting?
The best way to get started with eSports betting is to find a sportsbook that offers a wide selection of betting options. You can then read through each betting type to learn more about the different bets available. You can also read reviews and comparisons of the most popular eSports betting sites.
Conclusion
Thereâs no denying that e-sports are growing in popularity. From streaming giants such as Twitch to dedicated e-sports sites like Dota 2 and CSGO Lounge, there are plenty of places for fans to follow the action. However, thereâs one thing that most e-sports betting sites donât have: Americans. As weâve outlined previously in our article about the state of online gambling and esports, laws regarding digital betting are very restrictive in the United States. Thanks to legal loopholes, several offshore betting sites operating from jurisdictions such as Antigua and Barbuda accept American customers. And with so many e-sports enthusiasts living in the country, it makes sense that so many online betting sites cater primarily to American users.
