The market thrives on esports’ competitive spirit and its dedicated fan following. UK’s esports betting revenue should hit US$250.7 million. British punters can now choose from many betting platforms that offer esports markets. User adoption rates paint an encouraging picture – UK’s esports user base should reach 29.8% by 2025 and climb to 34.5% by 2029. These numbers explain why top betting sites continue to invest heavily in this sector.
This piece will help you pick trustworthy esports betting sites and review the UK’s leading platforms. You’ll learn about the most popular games to bet on. We’ll also cover everything about bonuses and payment options to boost your betting experience.
How to choose the best esports betting site
Your esports betting success starts with picking the right platform. Hundreds of betting sites exist today, and knowing what to look for is significant for everyone – from newcomers to seasoned bettors.
Check for UKGC licensing
The first step is verifying that your chosen esports betting site has a United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) license. This regulatory body makes sure platforms follow strict standards for fairness, security, and responsible gambling practices. The UKGC currently regulates 696 active remote licensees. You should easily spot the license information at the bottom of the homepage—if it’s missing, that’s a major warning sign. Note that UK customers can only use properly licensed and regulated gambling services, which makes this requirement non-negotiable for legitimate betting.
If you’re interested in exploring other regulated markets, you can also check out also Kenya online betting sites for reviews and comparisons of licensed platforms in Kenya.
Compare odds and markets
Your potential returns depend on the quality of odds. Bookmakers rarely offer perfect 2.00-2.00 odds for balanced matchups – you’ll usually see 1.85-1.85 odds. Some generous platforms might go up to 1.90-1.90 odds. Bet365, Paddy Power, and Betfair lead the pack as top odds providers. Market depth matters too – the best sites cover major tournaments in popular games like League of Legends, CS:GO, Dota 2, Call of Duty, and Valorant. You’ll want various betting options including match winners, map winners, first kill statistics, and specialized in-play markets.
Look for esports-specific bonuses
Standard sportsbooks offer general promotions, but specialized esports platforms provide targeted bonuses that work better for esports bettors. These include:
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- Cashback offers on esports wagers
- Free bets specifically for esports tournaments
- Enhanced odds on major competition matches
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Sites typically boost odds by 10-25%, and some promotions can double your potential profits without extra risk.
Review user interface and mobile access
Mobile betting leads the market today, so platform accessibility is key. The best esports betting sites offer dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. Test the user experience by checking how easily you can find markets, place bets, and track your wagers. You need an easy-to-use interface with features like built-in Twitch viewers, in-play betting options, and simple navigation. Mobile-optimized sites should use HTML5 technology to work smoothly across all devices.
These four key factors will substantially boost your chances of finding an esports betting site that offers a secure, rewarding, and enjoyable experience.
Best esports betting sites in the UK
UK bookmakers have created impressive esports betting platforms at bookmakers.biz. These betting sites cater to casual fans and dedicated enthusiasts with specialized features.
1. Coral
Coral leads the pack with complete esports coverage of popular titles like Counter-Strike, Dota 2, Rainbow 6, Overwatch, League of Legends, and VALORANT. Their in-play markets match the high standards of traditional sports betting. The platform’s livestreaming options give it an advantage over competitors that face restrictions on traditional sports broadcasts.
2. Bet365
This 29-year-old bookmaker covers major esports titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS:GO. The platform’s “cash-out” feature lets bettors withdraw during events if their wager isn’t going well, which helps limit losses. Players can place game-specific bets for Dota 2 and CS:GO, along with proposition bets on first blood or first team to reach 10 kills.
3. SBK
SBK launched in 2019 as a mobile-only betting platform. The platform’s esports section features CS:GO, League of Legends, and Call of Duty with detailed sub-markets. New UK customers can claim “Bet £10 Get £40 In Free Bets” after signing up. SBK’s community page lets users follow friends and see their active bets.
4. 888Sport
888Sport covers four of the most popular leagues and tournaments worldwide. The platform stands out as one of the few offering Age of Empires II betting. Players benefit from competitive odds and regular esports odds boosts that make high-payout wagers accessible.
5. William Hill
This 89-year-old bookmaker uses an accessible interface that makes esports betting straightforward. Fast and efficient mobile apps help users track live action and place quick bets. William Hill’s WHTV streaming platform lets customers watch matches while betting.
6. Betway
Betway sets itself apart with a custom-branded esports betting section and exclusive promotions. The platform’s weekly esports bet club gives players a £10 free bet for wagering £25+ on esports multiples. Major tournaments come with boosted odds on specific markets to maximize players’ potential winnings.
Top esports titles for UK bettors
The esports betting scene has transformed into a bettor’s paradise. Several games have become favorites among UK punters, each game gives unique chances to bet based on tournament structures and gameplay mechanics.
League of Legends
The world’s biggest esport is this multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) that launched in 2009. Major tournaments draw over 100 million viewers. Teams of five players compete to destroy their opponent’s Nexus while protecting their map section. Bettors can wager on map winners and first kill options. Sky Bet has become the go-to platform for League of Legends bets, especially when you have younger bettors aged 18-25.
CS:GO and CS2
Counter-Strike is the life-blood of esports betting and controls 64% of the market share by 2024’s end. This first-person tactical shooter pits terrorists against counter-terrorists in 5v5 matches. The standard format uses best-of-three maps. Highbet gives great odds coverage. Markets range from match winners to specific player stats.
Dota 2
Dota 2 launched in 2013 and represents the peak of strategy games. The International tournament breaks records with prize pools reaching £31.77 million in 2021. Sky Bet gives complete coverage of Dota 2 events. Players can choose from pre-match and live betting options. All but one of these top 21 highest-earning esports players compete in Dota 2.
Valorant
Riot Games created this first-person tactical hero shooter that blends Counter-Strike elements with ability-based gameplay. The Valorant Champions Tour pulls in over 1.5 million viewers. This is a chance for smart betting. 888Sport leads in Valorant markets with competitive odds on tournament matches and special game promotions.
Overwatch 2
This team-based 5v5 shooter showcases unique heroes with special abilities. The Overwatch Championship Series (OWCS) shows the highest level of competition. Regional stages lead to major finals. Virgin Bet stands out for Overwatch betting. They cover markets like match winner, handicaps, and maps played.
Rocket League
Rocket League mixes arcade-style football with rocket-powered vehicles and brings a fresh alternative to combat games. The 2025 Rocket League World Championship offers a huge £3.97 million prize pool. BoyleSports delivers excellent coverage. Their markets span from match winners to individual round results.
Esports betting bonuses and payment options
Bonuses and payment options are the foundations of the esports betting ecosystem. These features help determine a bettor’s original platform choice and build long-term customer loyalty.
Types of bonuses: cashback, free bets, odds boosts
Bookmakers attract esports enthusiasts with various promotional offerings. Cashback bonuses protect bettors by returning a percentage of losses on esports events. Free bet promotions work on a “bet and get” model – players place qualifying wagers to receive bonus betting funds. To name just one example, some platforms give £30 in free bets when players deposit and bet just £10 on esports markets.
Odds boosts rank among the most popular promotions because they boost potential payouts without extra risk. Daily boosts typically increase odds by 10-25%, and special promotions can double potential profits. Acca boosts and acca insurance add value for multi-selection bettors. Insurance options refund stakes if a single leg fails.
Popular payment methods: PayPal, Skrill, debit cards
E-wallets lead the digital world because of their security and speed. PayPal stands out as the top choice with low fees, instant transactions, and strong security protocols. Skrill delivers similar advantages with global coverage and support for multiple currencies.
Traditional debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) remain popular because they work directly without intermediaries. Other options include Apple Pay for mobile users, Google Pay, and Trustly for direct bank transfers. These methods usually need £5 minimum deposits and skip processing fees. If you’re looking for a platform supporting these payment methods, you can also check out also All Jackpots casino for a detailed review of its features and offerings.
Crypto betting: is it available in the UK?
Cryptocurrency betting sits in a regulatory gray area in the UK. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have existed since 2009, but gambling with crypto represents a newer trend. The legal status remains unclear. The UK Gambling Commission has fined operators who accept funds from crypto exchanges, yet states that licensees can accept funds from crypto-assets. Most offshore platforms accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin payments, but UKGC-licensed esports betting sites rarely offer this option.
Conclusion
The UK’s esports betting scene has changed dramatically from a small niche to a major player in mainstream betting. The numbers tell an impressive story – worldwide revenue should reach £2 billion by 2025. The UK market alone will generate US$250.7 million. This growth has pushed both old and new betting companies to add more esports options to their platforms.
Picking the right betting platform makes all the difference. A UKGC license is a must-have – it keeps players safe through strict rules. Smart bettors know to compare odds between sites. Even small differences like 1.85 versus 1.90 add up over time. The best platforms offer special esports perks too. These include cashback deals and free bets for specific tournaments, which beat regular sports betting bonuses.
Several top platforms now cater to esports fans. Traditional bookmakers have stepped up their game nicely. Bet365 leads with smart cash-out features. Betway has built a dedicated esports section. William Hill’s WHTV lets you stream matches live. New players like SBK bring something different – they’ve added social features that make betting more fun.
✅ Yeah!