Esports betting is carving out an increasingly prominent space within the global sports wagering landscape, attracting a dedicated audience and driving rapid innovation among sportsbook operators. According to data from Oddin.gg’s latest State of Esports Betting Report, the sector is experiencing significant year-on-year growth, with notable shifts in bettor behavior and market preferences.
Higher Average Stakes Among Esports Bettors
One of the standout findings from Oddin.gg’s 2025 report is the size of average stakes placed by esports bettors. On average, first-time esports wagers are around seven times higher than those placed on traditional sports. This trend may be attributed to the younger, well-educated, and more affluent demographic that esports attracts, resulting in greater confidence and engagement within this vertical.
Substantial Year-on-Year Growth in Betting Volume
The report highlights that overall esports betting volume across Oddin.gg’s network grew by a median of 31% year-on-year. This follows a previous year of exceptional growth, indicating sustained momentum in the sector. Every major esports title—including Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2, VALORANT, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang—posted double-digit increases in both betting volume and bet count for 2025.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang led the growth, recording a 62% increase in betting volume, while League of Legends followed with 46%. Established titles like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike 2 also saw notable gains, proving that even mature esports can drive substantial engagement.
Major Esports Events Set New Betting Benchmarks
The League of Legends World Championship, a highlight on the global esports calendar, posted an average stake of €77 for 2025—up 166% compared to the previous year. For comparison, VALORANT Champions averaged €47 per bet, and Dota 2’s The International saw €28. These figures underscore the increasing willingness of esports fans to place significant bets on leading tournaments.
Live Betting Now Dominates Esports Wagering
The Oddin.gg report identifies live (in-play) betting as the primary driver of esports betting activity, comprising between 72% and 86% of all bets placed across major titles. Dota 2 topped the chart with 86% of activity in live markets, followed by League of Legends at 79%. The interactive and fast-paced nature of esports makes live betting particularly attractive, offering bettors continuous opportunities throughout lengthy matches.
According to iGamingBusiness, this trend also benefits operators, as live betting typically yields higher engagement and improved margins.
Growth in Sophisticated Betting Markets
Beyond simple match outcomes, the esports betting market is seeing increased interest in advanced markets such as player props, utility-based bets, and combination wagers. In Counter-Strike 2, markets focused on player performance and in-game item usage grew by up to 80% between major events. Combination markets in Dota 2 quadrupled in volume year-on-year, while player-focused bets expanded notably in both VALORANT and League of Legends.
This evolution toward sophisticated betting options indicates a more engaged and informed bettor base, challenging the notion that esports betting remains in its infancy. For operators, these markets represent not only increased volume but new opportunities for player retention and margin improvement.
Looking Ahead for Esports Betting
As esports continues to attract a global and tech-savvy audience, the betting sector is poised for further innovation and expansion. Operators that adapt to these emerging trends—particularly the demand for live and advanced betting markets—are likely to see continued growth and engagement.
For a deeper dive into the data and key takeaways, refer to Oddin.gg’s official report and market analysis available through industry news outlets.