Korea may get esports betting soon as industry soars

Esports News

July 23, 2025

Kenneth Williams

As the betting market in Korea continues to ramp up, there’s a real chance that esports will soon be on the table.

South Korea is widely recognized as the cradle of esports. Competitive gaming is effectively normalized, with the country dominating several major titles and showcasing events on television since 2000. However, the country’s heavily-regulated betting industry has never allowed gambling on esports matches. Traditional sports and racing events have been the only option, but that could soon change. Recent statistical analysis and lobbying efforts mean that Koreans may soon be able to legally place bets on esports as early as 2026.

Gambling is on the rise in Korea

A statistical analysis from iGaming Today shows that the Korean gambling market hit $9 billion in 2024, and it’s expected to rise to $10.5 billion by 2030.

Blackjack, baccarat, and Asian games like tai sai and pai gow make up the majority of Korea’s gambling market. Almost all gambling is online, as 17 of Korea’s 18 casinos are designated only for foreigners. The state-operated sportsbook Sports Toto is the only way to conduct legal sports betting. Sports Toto is heavily regulated, and it sets limits on how much money players can gamble.

Is esports betting legal in Korea?

Esports betting is not legal in Korea, and players can only bet on traditional sports and racing through a government sportsbook. However, there’s reason to suspect that Korea will soon legalize esports betting.

The speculation comes from Korean publication Inven, which reported that the Korean e-Sports Association submitted a policy suggestion to Lee Jae-Myung, the Democratic Party of Korea’s presidential candidate, requesting the creation of an esports betting platform. The state-backed “Esports Toto” would create moneylines for esports match betting. KeSPA stated that opening up esports betting would further support the industry and help grow Korea’s digital economy.

Photo Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

This isn’t the first time Korea’s government has flirted with esports betting. In 2024, Korean publication Naver reported that representatives from Sports Toto spoke with LCK operators and KeSPA about adding League of Legends to the sportsbooks. That conversation centered on the 2024 LCK Spring season, which was ultimately unsuccessful. Still, this proves that competitive gaming is on the bookie’s radar.

Developer Riot Games has also announced that it will allow betting sponsors for Valorant and League of Legends teams. While Esports Toto wouldn’t appear on any jerseys, the coincidental timing could bring a wave of investment to many Korean esports organizations.