Leading UK eSports betting sites 2023

If you thought that sports betting required a pitch or a field of some sort, then think again. Computer games are the very latest type of sport to grab the attention of those who like a flutter. 

There are many great titles involved in the genre and some incredibly talented players taking part. It's possible to place a wide range of bets and watching the action unfold is super entertaining. Let’s see what this niche has to offer. 

List of the best esports bookmakers

To get in on the esports betting UK action, you don’t need to look any further. Our team of experts has been busy reviewing the latest sites where you can find this top form of gambling entertainment. Their process is thorough and they leave no stone unturned.

We ensure that everything is legal and above board. Moreover, we guarantee that the user experience is second to none. Take a look at the sites listed here on this page and you will discover exactly what they have to offer. Check out the bonus deals for new customers and the range of bets to get you started.

Brand Details & Bonus Data
1xbet Logo AdvanceBet No Bonus
PinnacleSports Logo No Bonus No Bonus
Betway Logo Welcome Bonus Welcome Bonus worth up to $1,000!
188BET Sportsbook Logo First Deposit Bonus 100% up to 50 GBP
BOTB Sports Logo Deposit Bonus 100% Deposit Bonus up to £100

Esports betting explained

Esport betting may seem like a strange concept to the uninitiated. There was a time when playing computer games was only done in the obscurity of your bedroom. But now they have become a fully-fledged spectator sport.

There are national arenas hosting some of the top competitions in the world. And the greatest players from every corner of the globe come together to compete for various titles. There is an incredible range of games on offer for you to enjoy so there is certainly something for everybody.

You can bet on various outcomes during the game. And it's not just the overall winner that gets the betting focus. Kill count and achievements, for example, are two very popular side bets that can see some fantastic returns for those prepared to put their money where their mouth is.

Biggest esports for betting

Esports betting takes place on a fantastic variety of games. A lot of these games have millions of followers so it is understandable that there is plenty of interest in these titles. A lot of them you may have played yourself so you will know just how difficult it can be to become a skilled expert. A good deal of them also come in team format, which only adds to the excitement.

Let's take a look at some of the very best games that this industry has to offer. And see how you can get involved by having a wager on some of the outcomes.

Counter Strike Global Offensive (CS:GO)

This incredible first-person shooter has been around for nearly a decade. And it shows no signs of losing popularity just yet. The concept of the game is very simple but sometimes these are the best. You and your team need to track down and neutralise a terrorist squad. There are various quests to fulfil and that usually involves blasting something to pieces or destroying a bomb etc.

And you will be pleased to know that placing a csgo bet is just as simple as the game's concept.  There are several things that you can wager on. And as the game is usually played between two teams you can bet which one of the sides will prevail; the terrorists or the good guys.

Betting markets for CS:GO

Let's take a look at some of the most popular csgo bets. Some of them may take a little longer to complete than others. But there are also some incredible in-play options as well.

  • League winner: the most popular bet that you’ll find at all good csgo betting sites is the league winner. There are a ton of leagues to choose from with some amazing teams competing. A nice simple wager is who will finish first in one of those leagues
  • Match winner: another easy wager that you can place is on the individual matches during a league season. Getting to know the teams can really help in this scenario
  • Skin betting: if you don’t want to wager cash, then you can wager some of the skins in your inventory. This is limited to people who actually play the game
  • csgo roulette: similar to the casino classic but players can use their skins as collateral as well

Fortnite

Another top esports game is Fortnite. This title whisks you off to another world where there are so many varied things to do. It’s not all about the shooting and destroying although there is an element of that involved. There are 4 main game modes and these also form the basis of most of the betting action too. These are Battle Royale, Party Royale, Creative, and Save the World.

Betting markets for Fortnite

  • Battle Royale: this is a last man standing mode. Up to 100 people fight it out to be the last one on their feet at the end of the round. There are loads of weapons, vehicles and tactical manoeuvres to help you get ahead. Place your bets on who you think will win
  • Party Royale: this is a mode within battle royale that focuses on fun rather than carnage. You can enjoy aerial obstacle courses and even boat races. You can place bets on the outcome of these activities too
  • Creative: this area lets you create your own worlds and games as well as enjoy those of other players. These games can have some intense wagering action
  • Save the world: take a bet on who will save the world from the monsters on the island

League of Legends (LoL)

If you like your battles with more of a fantasy feel, then this could be the game for you. The idea is simple but don’t let that take anything away from how difficult it can be. Your character or team of characters need to locate and destroy the enemy’s nexus, or base.

You achieve this by working together and making use of the powers and weapons available. You can earn gold coins and buy more, of course! The game has been going since 2009 and has millions of users across the planet. It’s another massive title that enjoys arena-sized audiences for live events. Betting on these tournaments is also very popular.

Betting markets for LoL

  • Winner: the first team to destroy the other's nexus. It’s a popular but simple bet choice
  • Achievements: you can bet on the first player to achieve a certain objective during the game

Defence of the Ancients (DotA)

This game is one of the most famous MOBA games on the net. You and your teammates each choose a hero from 1 of the 100 available. Each one has a specific set of skills that can add to the overall success of the mission. And the mission is to attack and destroy the opposition’s ancient, which is the source of all their power.

The game has a battle map presenting 3 lines of attack. You can go straight through the middle or round the outside in 2 different directions.

The original game was released in 2003 and became an instant hit. So much so that they produced a sequel 10 years later that is now one of the most played games on the internet.

Betting markets for DotA

  • Moneyline: a straightforward bet on which team will be the first to destroy the other's ancient
  • Spread: DotA matches are usually decided on a best of 3 basis. So a spread allows you to bet on how many games a team will win during the match
  • Map: each game is played on a separate map. It’s possible to bet on who will win each individual map

Our review process for esports betting sites

Getting in on the betting action with this genre isn't always the easiest thing to do. If you don't know where to look, then it can be hard to find a trustworthy site to place your bets. Luckily for you, we have a team of expert reviewers who have done all the hard work for you. Finding the best places to play is a long and arduous task but they don't mind! Hours are spent going through everything that needs to be scrutinised. And the final result is a top list that we can present to you here with only the very best names in the business.

Extensive choice of various eSports

One of the first things that we look out for is a great choice of esports. You don't want to search loads of different sites that all offer individual bets. What you need is a great place where you can get hold of all the action right there.

You may be familiar with some of the amazing esports titles. However, choosing a site that has a great selection of games can open your mind to loads of new and exciting opportunities. There are thousands of great titles out there that you may not have even heard of. So this is always a great way to keep up-to-date with all the latest trends.

Esports bonuses and welcome offers

Competition in this genre isn't as tough as some other gambling arenas. But there are some big names out there getting involved so it can be hard for a brand to stand out from the rest. One way they can do this is with bonus deals to entice new customers.

We keep an eye on these offers and promotions and pass on all the details to you. It's an incredible way to try out a new site and you may even get some free bets on the side. If you are prepared to part with a little cash, then you may be rewarded with some quite handsome sums of money.

Options to live stream events

There are top gaming events taking place all over the world. But it is not always easy to find the action online. Sometimes a stream is shown on YouTube or one of the other Big brand streaming companies. But it is often only possible to see some of these events via the streaming service of a betting website.

Once you have placed a bet on your favourite esport, then it is fantastic if you can watch all the action unfold. Live streaming allows you to see everything happening in real-time and this is essential if you want to keep an eye on how your bet is doing.

In-play betting

Many of the top esports have a good range of betting opportunities before the match starts. But sometimes you might want to change your mind or even place an entirely different bet when you see how each of the players are doing. In-game betting allows you to make decisions during the game based on what you can see and how you feel the contest is going to end up.

It has become an incredibly popular form of betting. And regular bookies are now offering this service as standard. It's great to see that it is now entering the esports realm as well.

Free bets & promotions for esports

Everybody loves the chance to place a bet without risking their own cash. And some of these fantastic sites shown here on this page can do exactly that for you when you sign up as a new customer. There are a few different types of free bets available along with various other promos that can be potentially quite valuable. Let's take a look at the most popular ones on the market today.

Free bets with no deposit required

A free bet is essentially the site's way of thanking you for becoming a customer. Sometimes you are required to part with a little cash. But getting your hands on some free bonus money without putting your hand in your pocket is a fantastic feeling. There may be some limitations as to how you can use your free bet. And it is also possible that any winnings that come as a result of your free bet may be limited in some way. So it is always best to check the terms and conditions before you accept any deal or promotion.

Free bets with deposit

The above bets that you can get your hands on without spending a penny may be quite small. You won't see huge sums of cash being given away for free if you aren’t prepared to commit to making a deposit yourself.

So the best way to get your hands on the large bonus cash amounts is to transfer some playing money of your own into your account. By doing this, your chosen brand may well release some free bets. And the size of those bets can sometimes be truly worth your while. So check out the offers available at the moment and see what you could land.

Offers tailored for esports betting

Some free bets can be quite generic. You can receive some bonus cash to spend across that site as long as you follow any of the requirements that are outlined. But a tailored deal is very specific to that niche. So even if you place your bet through a general sportsbook, you may be able to land a deal that is specifically aimed at an esports event. It’s always great if you have a keen interest in a certain genre and are able to enjoy some freebies on those games. It just adds an extra layer of excitement to proceedings and we think this is a great thing for a site to offer.

Bonus terms & conditions

Whatever type of bonus you decide to pick up you will always need to be careful with the small print. Most operators try their best to be open and transparent about the deals. But even when they are, they can sometimes still be confusing. Slightly convoluted promotional terms can have even a seasoned pro wondering how to spend their bonus cash.

There are a few things that you want to look out for and these include:

  • Wagering requirements for any cash you win or receive as a bonus
  • The events you can bet on with a free bet
  • Max cashout on any winnings
  • Wagering requirements on your own deposit
  • Promo expiry date

Esports betting sites: how to get started

Getting started with this form of betting should be nice and simple. It is similar to all other forms of online gambling. In the beginning, it may seem a little difficult but you will soon be playing like a pro and enjoying all the action with no trouble at all. Below, you will find a few of the most important steps that you should follow to ensure a successful introduction.

Research esports betting websites

One of the best ways to guarantee that you get off to a great start is to know everything possible about the choice of brands. There are several companies available where you can place bets of this type and some people prefer one over another. But as long as the operator has a valid licence for where you live and they appear on our list of trusted providers, then you will have a great time at any one of them.

Find a good bonus and welcome offer

While doing your research, you will notice that the vast majority of sites have a welcome offer for new customers. But it is not always the biggest offer that gives you the best chances of winning. Most promos will require you to follow certain rules while playing with bonus cash. So you want to make sure that there are reasonable requirements on any offers that you accept. Keep an eye out for the wagering requirements as these will determine how many times you need to gamble with any bonus money that you receive. And there may also be some maximum cashout limits as well. Becoming familiar with the terms and conditions of any deal is super important.

Make sure you know the esports you bet on

Being a fan of the games that you are betting on or at least knowing them very well is also an integral part of getting started with this type of gambling. If you have a keen interest in a niche such as CS:GO, for example, then you will find it easier to understand the markets that are offered on the game. Moreover, it also keeps things more interesting as you will be happy to follow the action and see how your bet is getting on. It adds a personal touch to proceedings which is always a good idea for a newbie.

Look for value bets

Spotting a good value bet is always a great skill to have. And this is another reason to bet on markets that you are interested in. When you know the game and the players involved, it is easier for you to make an educated prediction on the outcome.

Sometimes a bookmaker may be slightly off with their odds. And if you can see it, then there’s value in that bet. For example, 2 teams are going up against each other on DotA. Team 1 is the favourite and the bookie gives odds of 3/1. But you’ve watched these guys play each other several times and you’re sure that team 1 will easily win this game. Perhaps the odds should have been 2/1 or closer to evens. This could be worth a flutter and may grab you some decent returns.

Mobile esports betting sites

Every few years, we see big technological advances in the online gambling niche. And one of the biggest that has ever taken place was the introduction of mobile betting. In the past, it was only possible to connect to the action with a PC or laptop. But now it can all be done with a push of a couple of buttons right from your mobile phone.

Esport betting apps

Some sites will offer an application that you can download to your mobile. The benefits of connecting in this way are mainly for speed and convenience. Having an icon on your mobile phone makes it super easy to click and access the entertainment in just a few seconds. And this is possible thanks to the application holding your data locally on your phone. It's a great way to play and you may also find specific incentives to download an app with certain betting sites.

Betting on esports in your mobile browser

The alternative method is to connect through your mobile phone's browser application. This adds an extra step to the procedure but it is not the worst thing in the world. And you can even save the bookies web address in your favourites so you do not need to type it out in full every time you want to play.

Some players prefer to have all of their details such as address and banking, for example, on an application as they feel it’s safer to keep it on their mobile. But the reality is that connecting to a betting site through your internet browser is just as safe and secure. So whether you choose one over the other is completely up to you. Everything works just the same and you won't lose any quality by connecting via your browser.

New esports betting sites in 2023

Betting in the esports genre is a relatively new idea. Therefore, many of the sites that host this type of action are bookies that usually work with more traditional sports bets. But the landscape is starting to change and more dedicated esports sites are making their way into the marketplace slowly but surely.

Esportsbooks

Having a site that concentrates specifically on this form of betting is fantastic for many reasons. You will find that the range of markets is often greater. And this gives you more options when deciding what games you would like to bet on. You will also discover promos on bonuses that are tailor-made for fans of this genre.

Traditional sportsbooks offering esports

A traditional sportsbook is able to offer you a much greater variety of bets than those dedicated solely to the esports market. Many fans of esports are also keen followers of other games as well. And having a one-stop shop for all your betting needs can be a great solution. Some of the top sports betting sites will have esports markets available as well as casino games and slots too. So if you are looking for a place where you can access every type of gambling imaginable then one of the larger bookmakers online could be the best solution for you.

Payment methods for esports gambling

Getting your cash to and from your betting account needs to be fast and secure. There are many different payment platforms available but they do not function in the same way. There are pros and cons with each option but in general, it comes down to the speed of the transaction that most players are concerned with. Here’s a quick look at 3 methods that you’ll find available at most betting sites.

VISA/Mastercard

These two companies are responsible for providing payment services for a range of different brands. They come in the form of credit and debit which makes them incredibly versatile products. In your wallet right now, you probably have several cards featuring the company logo of Visa or MasterCard.

You can get your cash moving from your bank account directly to your betting account almost instantly and it doesn't usually cost anything to use this payment method. In some countries, it is also possible to use the credit facilities that these firms offer but in the UK this is not an option.  Changes to the law in 2020, mean that you can no longer use any form of credit card to pay for gambling activity in that area.

E-wallets

Companies such as PayPal, Skrill and Neteller are some of the best-known e-wallet services in the world. It is incredibly simple to get your hands on one of these products. It requires little more than visiting the website and filling out a few personal details. When your account is open, you can top it up with funds or connect a debit card to allow access directly to your bank. It is fast and secure and one of the most private forms of money transfer available.

Bank transfers

Bank transfers are one of the most traditional payment methods. However, it’s not the most popular these days, especially not with gambling enthusiasts. Transferring money from your bank to someone else's can take a few days due to the security protocols.

FAQ

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions that we receive on the subject of betting on esports.

Yes! All forms of online betting and csgo gambling sites are perfectly legal in the UK. There are tough laws controlling the online gambling industry and they all fall under the jurisdiction of the UKGC.

Esports betting UK has loads of top titles to choose from. But some of the most popular are definitely DOTA, CSGO, League of Legends and Fortnite. On the whole, multiplayer battle arena games draw in the biggest crowds and attract most of the betting activity. 

Can I make money betting on esports?

Having a flutter on e sports betting sites should be fun and entertaining first and foremost. It is possible to win some money while doing so. And obviously, we hope that you do! But you should only be wagering money that you are happy to lose just in case it doesn’t go your way.

What's the best esports bookmaker?

There are plenty of esports betting sites to choose from. Some dedicate their services to the niche while others are more general bookmakers that happen to offer these markets. And the best bookmaker is one that puts their customers first. You’ll want to look out for a great welcome offer, good deposit methods, easy to use and navigate website, plenty of markets to bet on, great odds, and top customer service.


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