The global esports betting market is projected to soar from USD 16.21 billion in 2025 to USD 54.03 billion by 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. Driven by increased global interest in video game competitions and digital innovation, esports betting is emerging as a major force in the online gambling industry.
Rapid Growth Driven by Competitive Gaming
Esports have grown in recent years and now rival traditional sports in audience size, sponsorship, and betting interest. Games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS:GO dominate the betting landscape, accounting for a combined 95% of market share. League of Legends alone contributes 70%, followed by Dota 2 at 15% and CS:GO at 10%.
Key growth factors include expanding esports viewership, a surge in tournament participation (up nearly 45% over the past five years), and growing demand for mobile betting. Roughly 60% of esports wagers are now placed via smartphones, reflecting a shift toward mobile-first consumer behavior.
Regional Leaders and Market Dynamics
Europe leads the global market, accounting for more than 40% of esports betting activity, with high adoption in countries like the U.K. and Germany. Asia Pacific also shows strong growth potential, particularly in China, which holds the world’s largest gaming population and rapidly evolving tech infrastructure.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 92% of American households had broadband access in 2024, supporting widespread online gaming and betting. Meanwhile, global interest in esports betting continues to climb, reinforced by events like the International Olympic Committee’s 2021 Olympic Virtual Series, which drew over 500,000 participants.
Post-COVID Acceleration
Though the pandemic initially slowed supply chains, it ultimately accelerated esports betting. With live sports suspended, viewership shifted toward digital gaming competitions. This boost in awareness and engagement led to rapid growth in esports betting by 2021 and beyond.
Regulatory Hurdles Remain
Despite growth, the market faces notable restrictions. Government regulations affect around 30% of global esports betting activity. In the U.S., 25 states still impose limitations on esports betting, reducing access for licensed operators. Additionally, government bans in countries like India restrict access to some esports titles, impacting up to 15% of the global player base.
Nonetheless, over 80% of online gambling revenue now comes from regulated platforms, according to Statista and the European Gaming and Betting Association, highlighting strong institutional trust in esports betting.
Industry Players and Investment Trends
The sector is moderately concentrated, with the top 10 betting operators accounting for more than 35% of revenue. Key players include William Hill, GVC Holdings (Entain), Bet365, and 888 Holdings. William Hill alone processed over 3 million bets weekly in 2023 across 100+ countries.
Continued investment in R&D, immersive technologies like VR, and digital streaming platforms are expected to further propel the market. Sponsorships and esports broadcasting rights are also growing revenue streams, with companies capitalizing on the expanding fanbase.
With increasing accessibility, technological advancement, and shifting consumer preferences, esports betting is positioned to become a key component of the global gambling landscape over the next decade.
Source:
“eSports Betting Market Share & Trends”, businessresearchinsights.com, August 19, 2025
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