Esports betting has seen a notable rise in engagement, with Oddin.gg’s latest State of Esports Betting report highlighting several key trends. The report, which outlines data up to 2025, reveals that esports bettors are placing stakes seven times higher on average than those in traditional sports. It also marks a 31% year-on-year increase in betting volume, signaling a continued ascent within this dynamic vertical.
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Stakes and Volume on the Rise
According to Oddin.gg, the esports sector is rapidly outpacing traditional sports in certain metrics. The average stake placed by esports bettors was approximately seven times higher than their traditional sports counterparts. This indicates a younger, affluent audience that’s more willing to invest higher amounts, contributing to a large rise in overall betting volume. Oddin.gg revealed a 31% increase in esports betting volume from the previous year, suggesting a sustained and strong growth pattern. But major esports titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, VALORANT, and Counter-Strike 2 all posted double-digit gains in betting volume. Notably, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang topped the charts with a 62% year-over-year increase. It’s impressive that more established games like League of Legends still saw 46% growth despite their maturity.
Event-Specific Betting Insights
The 2025 League of Legends World Championship, known for breaking viewership records, saw average stakes skyrocketing to €77. This figure marks a 166% jump from the previous year. Such high stakes suggest a deepening trust and engagement in esports events, translating into major financial stakes. Comparatively, other events like VALORANT Champions saw €47 average stakes, and The International for Dota 2 posted €28. For sportsbooks, these figures highlight key events where engagement is highest, presenting strategic opportunities for increasing market activity during these times.
Live Betting Takes the Lead
In-play betting has emerged as a dominant force, accounting for 72%-86% of all esports betting activity across major titles. Dota 2 leads with 86% of bets being placed live, reflecting the game’s dynamic and unpredictable nature. The fast pace and high volatility of esports are conducive to live betting, which offers bettors numerous opportunities to engage with the game as it unfolds. Still, oddin.gg attributes this trend to the minimal downtime and the constantly changing dynamics of esports matches, which keep bettors engaged and spur additional betting opportunities throughout events.
Sophistication in Betting Markets
The report highlights a growing sophistication in esports betting markets, moving beyond simple wagers. Player props, utility markets (focused on in-game item usage), and combination bets are gaining traction. In Counter-Strike 2, player and utility-based markets surged by 80% around major events, while Dota 2’s combination markets saw a fourfold increase. Still, this progression toward complex betting markets reflects a shift in bettor demographics—esports audiences are becoming more sophisticated and demanding depth in their betting options. This trend not only increases engagement but also opens avenues for improved margins and customer retention for operators.
What’s Next for Esports Betting?
The next major industry event, the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, will likely see these findings discussed in depth. While the growth in esports betting is undeniable, industry stakeholders will be keenly watching for regulatory responses and market stabilization efforts. The real test will be, as always, maintaining momentum while navigating the regulatory market.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
