Esports betting sites are hugely popular in the UK, allowing you to turn your gaming knowledge into smart bets. They also offer generous bonuses, a wide range of markets, and live in-play wagering with Twitch streams built in—so you can watch and bet in the same place.
We’ll also highlight how to get the most out of live betting with practical tips on CS2, LoL, Valorant, and more. But first, check out the top UK esports gambling sites below.
- Bet on LoL, Dota 2, CS:GO, VALORANT and More Titles
- Pre-Game and Live Esports Odds Available
- Huge Choice of Bet Types - Map Winner to Handicap Betting
- Bet on 6 Major Esports Titles Inc. LoL and CS:GO
- Easy In-Play Interface to Bet on Live Esports Matches
- Heaps of Prop Bets for LoL In-Play Betting
Best Esports Betting Sites in the UK: Parimatch vs Midnite
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- Parimatch
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- Midnite
- Welcome Bonus: The Parimatch bonus (bet £10, get £30) is slightly larger than Midnite’s offer (bet £5, get £25).
- Esports Covered: Midnite covers 7–10 esports and offers deep markets for betting on Dota 2, Counter Strike 2, Valorant, and more.
- Live Esports Betting: We like Midnite’s live section a bit better because it has more markets and a great layout.
- Odds & Markets: Midnite is easily among the best esports betting sites in the odds category, often outdoing competitors’ prices.
- Payments & Speed: Parimatch wins this category hands down, delivering payouts in as little as 30 minutes through Visa Direct.
Pick Parimatch… if you’re looking for a larger bonus and faster withdrawals.
Pick Midnite… if you want the most esports markets and competitive odds.
Esports Betting Bonuses & Promotions
Bonuses are like a power-ups for your bankroll, especially if you know how to use it. Our experts have some tips and other info on using popular bonuses below.
Welcome Bonus
A welcome offer is like your first loot drop at a new esports betting site. You’ll typically get a matched deposit bonus or free bet after placing your initial deposit.
- Tip: Common welcome bonus terms include wagering requirements (e.g. 8x) and minimum odds (e.g. 1/2). Try betting as close to the minimum odds as possible until you clear rollover so you’re taking less risk.
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5) Many UK sites make this easy with a “bet X, get X” offer. The only tricky part is that several terms and conditions are involved.
Reload Bonus
This deposit bonus is available once you’ve joined an esports sportsbook and made your opening deposit. Although not as big as welcome offers, reload bonuses are still worth chasing especially during big esports events.
- Tip: Scout sites beforehand to make sure they offer at least one weekly reload bonus.
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5) Basically the same as a welcome bonus as far as terms and usability go.
Free Bets
An opportunity to bet on esports with the house’s money. Most free bets are worth £10–£30 and pay winnings minus the stake when you win.
- Tip: We like using free bets on underdogs since potential payouts are bigger, and you’re rolling with the bookie’s money anyways.
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐(3/5) The terms are light compared to deposit bonuses, but expiry dates are often just 3–7 days.
Cashback Offers
You get a portion of any weekly or monthly losses back with a rebate, generally in the 1–3% range.
- Tip: If possible, find daily or weekly cashback deals because monthly cashback feels painfully slow.
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5) As long as the bookie offers cashback, you usually qualify just by betting.
Enhanced Odds
An esports bookmaker boosts the odds on one side of a matchup, normally the underdog (e.g. 200+ enhanced to 250+).
- Our Tip: Check other betting sites before jumping in because sometimes “enhanced” is only a little better.
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐(3/5) You might have to scan the esports section area for enhanced odds if there’s no dedicated section.
Parlay Insurance
The one’s like getting an extra life—the bookie returns the stake if your parlay loses by one leg.
- Tip: Keep your parlays to the minimum number of required legs (usually four). Winning 3-of-4 legs to get your refund is easier than winning 4+ outcomes.
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐(3/5) Terms are usually strict on the minimum odds and number of legs, but nothing you can’t handle as an experienced parlay punter.
VIP Rewards
The best esports betting sites will give you loyalty perks like free bets, special deposit bonuses, and tournament invites.
- Tip: Make sure a VIP program gives you consistent benefits before signing up—not just the occasional monthly or level-up bonus.
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5) You’ll normally get VIP rewards right away without waiting for an invite or passing some other annoying obstacle.
© Blizzard Entertainment
Top Games for Esports Betting
Esports gambling covers well over 100 games, so where do you start? Here’s what dominates the UK esports scene, plus a few insights to help you out with each game.
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)
The sequel to CS:GO keeps the same tactical intensity and engaging gameplay while cleaning up the graphics and latency a bit. If you enjoy betting on Counter-Strike, CS2’s round-based format gives you fresh chances to make smart bets with every map.
Tip: Some teams strongly prefer certain maps and have glaring weaknesses on others. You can cash in by knowing the stats on relevant teams’ map performances.
Did You Know? Squads that take the pistol round in both halves win the map 62% of the time.
League of Legends (LoL)
LoL is the king of MOBAs and quite possibly esports in general. The LoL World Championship routinely draws millions of viewers and boasts a $5 million prize pool. Besides its sheer popularity, LoL betting offers punters unique bets like Baron and Dragon kills.
Tip: Aggressive teams are great picks for First Tower and First Blood bets, especially when they’re playing scaling teams.
Did You Know? The team that destroys the first tower wins the map around 70% of the time.
Dota 2
The Dota franchise has enjoyed a long run in esports thanks to its deep strategy and high skill requirements. It also features The International, one of the biggest annual esports events.
Tip: It really pays to play Dota 2 and understand the meta, especially how drafting and team composition impact matches.
Did You Know? Teams drafting Wraith King have over a 55% win rate based on the latest stats.
Valorant
This tactical shooter blends Overwatch-style agent abilities with CS2-style gameplay. This combo creates more unique strategy than what’s seen in the average FPS.
Tip: Riot often tweaks maps and agents, so stay updated on these patches and how they affect the betting side.
Did You Know? The attacking side has a leg up on certain maps, like Lotus, for example, where attackers win over 53% of the time.
Call of Duty
CoD is fast-paced, explosive, and full of momentum changes, making for some exciting livestreams. You’ll also have an easier time following trends season after season because the Call of Duty League (CDL) keeps things pretty standardized.
Tip: Most teams specialise in a certain mode (Control, Hardpoint, Search & Destroy). Study team performances to find out the modes where they excel and struggle.
Did You Know? Atlanta FaZe had the highest Search & Destroy win percentage at 65.5% in the most recent CDL season.
FIFA
FIFA already has a built-in advantage as the digital version of the world’s most popular sport. It woos esports crowds thanks to its short matches, intense action, and emphasis on highly skilled play.
Tip: Pay close attention to head-to-head records. Player styles (e.g. aggressive vs. possession heavy) often decide matches more than lucky goals and other random events.
Did You Know? A 4-2-3-1 formation (a.k.a. Wide) is most often used by top FIFA players. It offers a nice balance between good attacking, solid midfield control, and decent defence.
Source: EA
Popular Markets for Betting on Esports
Different esports bring different thrills, but some markets are universal across all games. Here’s our quick take on popular wagers you’ll find when betting on esports.
- Match Winner: Bet on which team takes the series overall, whether it’s a best-of-3 or best-of-5.
- Map Winner: Put your focus on the winner of a single map. These bets favour strong knowledge of how teams perform historically on specific maps.
- Handicaps: Pick the favourite to crush harder or give the underdog a head start on map victories. A Bo3 match will have handicaps of -1.5 and +1.5 maps.
- Total Maps (Over/Under): Predict whether the match will last longer or wrap up faster than expected. A Bo5 match, for example, could have an over/under of 3.5 or 4.5 maps.
- First Blood: A simple esports bet on which side lands the first killing blow.
- Most Kills: This one’s also easy—which team or player will rack up the most kills in a game or match.
Live Esports Betting in the UK
Betting on esports is already exciting, but live wagering cranks everything up to 110%. It lets you place wagers as the game unfolds while reacting to clutch plays, big mistakes, and momentum swings in real time.
For example, you could notice that the favourite’s attack just isn’t working against a team they’re supposed to walk all over. Live betting means you can capitalise on these insights and hopefully score a winning bet.
Many games work well for live in-play wagering, like CS2, where a single economy round can turn the tide and create interesting betting opportunities. LoL is another example since one Baron steal can flip the odds and lead to interesting live wagers.
Live betting also has features that spice up the action, such as:
- Dynamic Odds: Prices adjust instantly to reflect the live action.
- Live Streaming: Watch the match and place live wagers in one place.
- Rapid Markets: Short-term bets on immediate outcomes, like next round winner or next tower destroyed.
- Cash Out: Lock in profits or cut losses before the outcome is officially decided.
© Blizzard Entertainment
Payment Options for Esports Online Betting
Payment methods at UK betting sites should be like live wagering—fast, reliable, and stress-free. Let’s go over several common banking options so you can see which ones meet these criteria.
Debit & Credit Cards
You can use debit cards at regulated UK esports betting sites, while credit and debit cards are available at international sportsbooks.
In either case, you merely have to enter your card details to enjoy instant deposits. Withdrawals are a different story because they typically take 2–5 days to come through.
Cryptocurrencies
Some international esports betting sites accept cryptocurrency, and it’s become much easier to use in recent years. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other coins offer fast transactions, low fees, and a dose of anonymity.
One drawback is bankroll volatility, since crypto coins are less stable than the pound, euro, or dollar.
E-Wallets
Neteller, PayPal, Skrill, and other e-wallets store your payment info so you can make hassle-free deposits and withdrawals. They’re also the second-fastest way to withdraw funds behind crypto, letting you cash out in under 24 hours.
The downsides include roughly 2-3% withdrawal fees, and the fact that some e-wallets are excluded from bonus offers.
Bank Transfers
A bank transfer gives you a highly secure way to deposit and withdraw funds when betting on esports. It’s also a simple method since you’re probably already familiar with the process.
The trade-off is speed and cost: transfers can take 3–7 business days to arrive and often carry relatively high fees compared to cards or e-wallets.
You can use the following table as a quick reference for all payment methods covered here:
| Payment Type | Withdrawal Speed | Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Cards | 2–5 days | 0–10% | Familiarity, instant deposits |
| Crypto | 1–20 minutes | Under £1 | Fastest withdrawals |
| E-Wallets | Up to 24 hours | 2-3% | Ease of use |
| Bank Transfer | 3–7 days | Approx £5 to £25+ | High rollers moving large amounts |
Mobile Apps for Betting on Esports
Esports betting apps are widely available to UK punters who want the most convenient way to bet. You can find regulated iOS and Android apps, or bet straight through your mobile browser.
We found that many of the best sites fall into the second category. They offer slick browser-based interfaces, fast deposits, quick bets, and even push notifications so you never miss important bonuses. And our favourite part—no download is involved.
Is Esports Gambling Legal in the UK?
Yes, esports wagering is 100% legal in the UK through the Gambling Act of 2005. In fact, you can find lots of regulated esports sportsbooks with UKGC licences.
You can also bet at non-UK esports betting sites that hold international licensing. Many of these bookmakers welcome UK residents and are trustworthy, long-running operators.
Esports Betting Tips & Strategy
Esports betting online isn’t just about luck but also how you read the teams, pros, and specific game meta. Here are some esports betting tips to help you level up your wagering skills.
- Know the Game: Each esport has its own quirks, like LoL’s objectives and scaling champs or CS2’s eco swings and pistol rounds. Stick to games you actually play and watch so you have a fundamental understanding of them.
- Watch the Meta: Patches can flip a game’s optimal strategy upside down overnight. A sudden nerfed weapon or hero buff should be accounted for when you bet on esports.
- Track Team Form & Rosters: A star player suffering from an RSI or a new signing can tilt the odds drastically one way or the other. Make sure you’re updated on team form, player injuries, and new additions.
- Mind the Map/Side Preferences: Every team has their preferences on specific maps, whether it’s a Valorant squad dominating on Abyss or a CoD team struggling on Skyline. Check team win percentages on different maps.
- Spot Momentum in Live Bets: Live betting revolves around feeling momentum shifts before bookies catch up. For example, destroying an inhibitor spawn in LoL puts the opposing team in defensive mode.
- Specialise, Don’t Divide: Maybe you have an interest in several games, but betting across everything spreads you too thin. We recommend starting with one game and possibly building to 2–3 esports, but no more than that.
FAQs
What is esports betting?
Esports betting lets you wager on the professional gaming scene. You can place bets like match winner, first blood, and map winner on games such as Fortnite, LoL, and Mobile Legends. Some bets must be placed before a match begins, while live betting lets you wager on live matches.
Is esports betting legal in the UK?
Yes, you can legally bet on esports from anywhere in the UK. The Gambling Act of 2005 permits any type of approved remote gambling, which includes esports online betting. One catch is that you can’t use credit cards on UK-licensed sites, but plenty of other payment options are available such as debit cards and e-wallets. Some international operators also accept crypto.
Is esports betting safe?
Yes, betting on esports is safe as long as you use trusted, licensed bookmakers. In fact, many locally licenced sites operate in the UK. We’ve also found plenty of safe international sites that serve UK residents from licensing jurisdictions like Malta, Anjouan, and Curaçao.
What esports games can you bet on?
The top UK esports betting sites cover many games, like CS2, Dota 2, FIFA, Fortnite, LoL, Mobile Legends, Rainbow Six, and Valorant. It’s a good idea to check the site before signing up to make sure your favourites are covered.
How do you bet on esports online?
The first step is to find a quality site that’s safe and trustworthy, like the ones recommended on this page. Then sign up and make your first deposit. Once you’ve funded your account, you’re ready to visit the esports section and start placing some bets.
References
- Stats on Dota 2 hero win rates (Statistica.com)
- Gambling Act of 2005 (Legislation.gov.uk)
