Before you discover a whole list of criteria for choosing a bookmaker, check out the best eSports betting sites for UK players. All of them have a local licence and operate legally.
Frank Clark
Fact Checked by
Danny Willett
eSports Betting Sites & Apps - January 2026
eSports betting fans who currently have a residence in the UK can legally enjoy their favourite entertainment. UK legislation strictly controls bookmakers. All sites must be UKGC-licensed and connected to the GamStop system. It makes betting in the UK safe but somewhat limited. Find the best bookie to wager on eSports events and learn a few tips along the way!
Top eSports Betting Sites in the UK
Best eSports Betting Sites in the UK
Paddy Power
Paddy Power is a well-established UK bookmaker with a UKGC licence. Even though it primarily focuses on traditional sports, the platform offers good coverage of the main eSports tournaments. eSports like LoL, Valorant, and CS2 are available on the platform for betting. New customers can get £30 in free bets when making their first £5 bet.
| Licence Provider | UKGC |
| Accessibility in the UK | Yes |
| Available Services | LoL, Valorant, Overwatch, FIFA, CS2, Starcraft II, etc. |
BetFred
Betfred is a modern bookmaker with a UKGC licence, so you’re free to use it in the UK, as long as you’re of age. It offers to bet on LoL, CS2, and Dota 2, which is not crazy coverage, but it compensates with good bonuses. Plus, there is a good choice of Virtual sports.
| Licence Provider | UKGC |
| Accessibility in the UK | Yes |
| Available eSports | LoL, CS2, and Dota 2 |
Coral
Coral is a well-established British bookmaker founded in 1926, now owned by Entain plc. It offers betting on a solid range of eSports titles, including League of Legends, Dota 2, CS2, Overwatch, and a separate tab for virtual sports.
In-play betting is a strong focus on the platform. It supports a variety of dynamic in-play markets, such as predicting the next tower destroyed in LoL or match developments in CS2. It also offers £30 in free bets for newcomers for making their first £5 bet.
| Licence Provider | UKGC |
| Accessibility in the UK | Yes |
| Available eSports | League of Legends, Dota 2, CS2, Overwatch, etc. |
Bet365
Bet365 is a leading British online gambling operator founded in 2000. It has offices in Malta, Gibraltar, and other locations across the globe, as well as several gambling licences. You can bet via a dedicated mobile app.
It offers a wide range of eSports titles, including CS2, League of Legends, Dota 2, FIFA, Call of Duty, StarCraft II, Overwatch, Rainbow Six Siege, VALORANT, Rocket League, NBA2K, Age of Empires, and others.
| Licence Provider | UKGC |
| Accessibility in the UK | Yes |
| Available eSports | CS2, League of Legends, Dota 2, FIFA, Call of Duty, StarCraft II, Overwatch, Rainbow Six Siege, VALORANT, Rocket League, etc. |
William Hill
William Hill is one of the UK’s most longstanding and respected bookmakers. It was founded in 1934, and now it not only exists online but also offers eSports markets. It has a wide coverage for more than 12 eSports disciplines. The platform allows in-game betting and even provides educational content and tips for new eSports bettors.
| Licence Provider | UKGC |
| Accessibility in the UK | Yes |
| Available eSports | CS2, League of Legends, Dota 2, Overwatch, StarCraft II, Call of Duty, Rocket League, Heroes of the Storm, Hearthstone, etc. |
Popular eSports Betting Markets
eSports is also interesting because of its unusual markets, which you won’t find in traditional sports. First of all, these are prop bets, which will be very specific to each game type. However, you can also come across more familiar types of markets, for example, futures markets for eSports.
Futures odds are typically higher because the result is uncertain and influenced by many variables. Plus, they can change with time. Here are a few more examples of the most popular markets that you can find on UK platforms.
Match Winner
Match winner bets are the most straightforward market and the most common one, as you simply bet on which team you think will win the match. The odds here often reflect team strength, form, and past head-to-head results.
Map Winner
For the map winner betting market, instead of the whole match, you’re betting on who wins a specific map. It’s highly popular for bettors who know teams’ map pools, as some squads are strong on certain maps and weak on others.
Handicap Betting
Handicap betting in eSports is the way to balance odds by giving one team an advantage or disadvantage in maps or rounds. It’s useful when one team is a heavy favorite, so instead of betting them at very low odds, you can bet they’ll win convincingly. However, you can back the underdogs to at least keep things competitive.
Over/Under
With over/under rounds or kills markets, you bet on whether a number will be higher or lower than the bookmaker’s line. It’s good for bettors focusing on game dynamics instead of outright results. In fast-paced shooters like CS2 and Valorant, round totals are very popular, while in MOBAs like LoL and Dota 2, you can see more map totals and kill totals.
Outright Winner
The outright tournament winner market is a long-term bet on the overall champion of a tournament or league. During the event, odds are adjusted as teams progress, so it’s up to you when to take a risk and how certain you are in your winner.
Prop Bets
The prop bets (first blood, pistol round, most kills) are bets on specific in-game events, often unrelated to the overall result. They will differ for every type of eSports. For example, a prop bet for CS2 can be “Who will win the pistol round?”, while for LoL it can be “First team to take Baron Nashor”.
Live / In-play eSports Betting
Many bettors choose platforms that offer live in-play eSports betting, as it allows you to bet as the match unfolds, with constantly updating odds. Many UK bookmakers allow cash-out during live bets, letting you secure profit or limit losses before the match ends. It would be optimal if the platform offered live streams or at least a visualisation of matches.
Biggest eSports Tournaments to Bet on
If you follow any type of eSport closely, you will understand that the biggest excitement happens at the major international tournaments. They attract the best teams and offer the highest prize pools. The more interesting the game, the more markets for it can be presented on the platform, and the more excitement there is in betting.
Make sure that the platform you choose will be able to broadcast and cover important events of your favorite eSports. Recently, not only have Dota 2 and LoL been gaining popularity, but also FIFA eSports betting, as well as new leagues and tournaments.
The International (Dota 2)
The International is the most prestigious Dota 2 event, organised by Valve. Prize pools are massive and largely crowdfunded via Battle Pass sales. The best teams earn points throughout the year to qualify for The International.
In 2024, the prize pool was about $2.78 million, with Team Liquid crowned champions. In 2025, the prize pool reached $2,009,599, and this time it was built from a $1.6M base plus community crowdfunding via Supporter Bundles.
League of Legends World Championship
Any LoL eSports betting fan knows that the LoL World Championship is the pinnacle tournament, run by Riot Games. The 2024 Worlds offered a base prize pool of $2.25 million; T1 from Korea took home roughly $450,000 for first place. However, the 2025 edition is projected to feature an even larger pool of $5 million USD.
CS2 Majors
If you prefer CS2 eSports betting, then CS2 Majors are the events you’re waiting for. These include the most elite tournaments in CS2, hosted by Valve across platforms like BLAST, PGL, and Perfect World. The prize pools are huge, and the majors happen several times a year. For example, Austin Major in 2025 offered $1.25 million for a winner. Team Vitality claimed the title.
Valorant Champions Tour
It was launched in 2021 and unfolds across four primary regions: EMEA (Europe, the Middle East & Africa), the Americas, the Pacific, and China. Top teams then qualify for Masters events, with points at stake. At season’s end, the highest-performing teams across all regions earn spots in Valorant Champions, the global finale. In 2025, the main event is scheduled for September 12 – October 5, in Paris. The prize pool is USD 2,250,000.
Call of Duty League
As a fan of CoD eSports betting, you must carefully monitor the Call of Duty League. The 2025 season features 12 city-based teams competing in a structured format that includes four Majors, Online Qualifiers, and Championship Points that must be accumulated during the season. The CDL Championship is the main event for fans and players. It was held in Canada with a prize pool of $2,000,000.
Overwatch League
Overwatch 2 fans only recently got the premier eSports circuit for their favourite game. In 2024, the Overwatch Champions Series was presented by Blizzard Entertainment. Each of the four primary regions conducts its own league, teams from which can later compete globally. OWCS World Finals are held in September and offer 5 days of competition for wagering.
Fortnite World Cup
The Fortnite World Cup was the most high-profile event for all fans of this game. Unfortunately, there were none after 2019. The total pool of Solo Finals was $15.29M, and Bugha won $3M. Overall, the event had a combined total pool of over $33M.
eSports Betting Tips & Strategies
Unlike casinos, where everything depends on your luck, in betting, you can gain more control over the outcome due to your experience and understanding of eSports. Here are some useful betting tips that can help you:
- Know your game. For instance, in CS2, knowing how teams perform on maps like Mirage vs. Dust2 can inform map winner and handicap bets. In LoL or Dota 2, understanding champion or hero picks, drafting strategies, and win conditions is essential. If you know the game and the teams, it will be easy for you.
- Focus on teams and players, not just odds. Examine recent form, head-to-head records, roster changes, and how teams handle pressure. Star players can heavily influence outcomes in games like Valorant or Overwatch.
- Use different betting markets wisely. Match winners are simple, but other markets like map winners, handicaps, and over/under totals can offer better value. For example, prop bets like first blood, pistol round winners, or first turret kills in LoL can be riskier but offer higher potential returns.
- Stay informed about the tournament context. Depending on the stage of the tournaments, the risk can vary. For example, early-stage group matches can be unpredictable, especially with new teams in view. Always contextualise odds with tournament stakes.
Lastly, one of the main rules for betting is managing your real money bankroll. So, use anything that the platform has to offer, and increase your chances by using bonus credits and benefits.
eSports Betting Bonuses & Promotions
A good eSports betting bonus can give you many opportunities to bet more or to prolong your time betting. As eSports become more and more popular, many UK platforms start to offer dedicated bonuses and promotions. For example:
- Welcome offer. Commonly, if the platform has a general Welcome offer like a deposit match bonus or a Sports Welcome offer, it will apply for eSports as well. However, some platforms have a dedicated eSports sign-up bonus with a deposit match or free bets you can spend on your favorite markets. They are usually limited to the first deposit or first bet, and must be claimed within a set period (often 7-30 days).
- Deposit bonus. Such a bonus can be tied, for example, to a day of the week. It can require a minimum deposit (£10-£20), and sometimes is usable on selected eSports markets only.
- Free bets. A free bet lets you place a wager without using your own money. Only the profit from the free bet is usually withdrawable. They can come as a part of a bigger bonus or as a separate bonus. Free bets can have minimum odds requirements (e.g., 1.50+).
- Enhanced Odds. Bookmakers occasionally boost odds on popular eSports events, giving higher potential returns. You can see such offers for specific events chosen by a sportsbook. Some also offer bigger odds for Bet Accumulator, that is, when you make several bets at the same time in one slip.
Some platforms provide exclusive promos tied to specific events, as well as promo codes for newcomers and regulars.
Mobile eSports Betting Apps
Sports betting, including eSports, is exactly the type of entertainment that is extremely convenient on your mobile device. You don’t need good graphics or device power to display markets or fill a bet slip. However, it’s from a mobile device that it’s convenient to manage payments, including crypto for Bitcoin eSports betting, or monitor several bets using push notifications.
Almost all bookmakers in the UK offer their website in a mobile version. This means that when you open it from a mobile device, you will see an already optimised page with a lightweight design but the same content. Having an application will be a plus in any case, since it often makes it easier for you to access the platform and allows you to customise push notifications for yourself.
How to Choose the Best eSports Betting Site for You
When you’re trying to choose the best eSports betting site to bet on, you can use several criteria to determine whether it’s actually worth your attention. Many make the choice based on available promotions or the number of markets. However, here are the platform features that should interest you first and foremost.
Trustworthy
Make sure the site is trustworthy. The site should be licensed and regulated by a respected authority, like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). If you prefer offshore websites, you can use them as well, but look for the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or at least a Curaçao licence. The platform also must show commitment to responsible gambling. This means age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and partnerships with organisations like BeGambleAware or GamCare in the UK. If a site ignores problem gambling or makes it hard to set limits, that’s a warning sign.
Reliable
A good eSports betting site is a partner you can be sure of. For example, in terms of secure payments and data protection. A reliable site will use encryption (like SSL) to safeguard your personal and banking info. It will also only support established payment methods, such as Visa, PayPal, Skrill, Apple Pay, etc.
Low Risk
There is no such thing as risk-free betting, but you can lower the risk by choosing the right platform. Fairness and transparency reduce risk for your wagers. Look for the site with clear terms. Odds must be consistent with the wider betting market, and casino-style eSports games must be verified by independent testing agencies (like eCOGRA or iTech Labs).
Reputable
A platform may advertise itself as the best place to bet, but the real indicator will be its reputation. It’s the reviews of players who have already spent their time and money on the platform that can honestly tell you whether it’s worth doing. Pay attention to review sites that you can trust.
Player-Friendly Terms and Conditions
Terms & Conditions are the first thing you need to pay attention to before registering on the platform. Make sure that, in addition to a nice sign-up bonus, you will receive the payment and withdrawal limits you need, and that you have maximum control over your data.
eSports Bookmaker Deposit Methods
UK bettors have access to a wide range of payment methods. Which one you will have to use will depend on the bookmaker, because each of them has its own list. Modern eSports betting websites commonly offer at least 3-5 methods, including debit cards and e-wallets.
Crypto eSports betting is gaining momentum, so many sites allow BTC, ETH, and other cryptocurrencies. Each platform will have its own deposit and withdrawal limits, which are partly limited by the UKGC rules.
Visa Debit Card
Visa is almost universally accepted at UK sites. The minimum deposit is usually around £10, with maximum deposits ranging from £5,000 on average. Some operators (like Betfred) allow up to £20,000 or more. A big minus is that Visa, like MasterCard, is rarely allowed by sites as a means of withdrawing funds. Only for deposits.
PayPal
PayPal offers instant deposits, and withdrawals are also very fast. Commonly, within 24 hours or a few hours after approval. Typical deposit minimums start at £5 or £10, and maximums often cap around £5,000. Withdrawal minimums are usually £5-£10, with maximum withdrawal limits ranging from £5,000 to £10,000.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay deposits are instant, with minimums usually around £10 and maximums up to £5,000. Withdrawals vary by operator but typically process within a few hours to a few days. Apple Pay is not the most popular payment method on UK platforms, so choose one with a wide choice of payment methods.
Skrill
Skrill deposits are instant, with minimums starting around £10 and maximums often up to £5,000, though verified/VIP users may see much higher caps. There will be a fast payout, but some operators allow up to £10,000 max. Skrill may charge small fees (typically 1-5%), which aren’t related to your bookmaker, so make sure to check your T&C.
PaySafeCard
Paysafecard is a prepaid voucher method that’s deposit-only. So, you won’t be able to use it for withdrawals. Deposit minimums are often around £5 and maximums ranging from £100 to £770, depending on the operator. Unused vouchers may incur maintenance fees if not used within a month.
Responsible Gambling
In the UK, responsible gambling is a central part of how all betting, including eSports, is regulated and monitored. It’s precisely to comply with the rules of responsible gaming, such as self-exclusion and limiting access, that GamStop exists. And as you know, a sportsbook cannot obtain a licence without participating in this system.
The eSports betting sites must comply with the rules very strictly. So, when you plan to make bets on your favourite team, be ready for age and ID verification. Also, bookmakers are limited in their marketing. It must not use images, streamers, or themes that could be seen as “youth-oriented.”
However, you’re responsible for your safety while playing. So make sure you’re familiar with and follow the rules of responsible gaming. If you play in the UK, you can at least seek help from organisations such as GamCare, BeGambleAware, or Ygam.