Esports betting in the UK is completely legal as long as the betting sites in question are correctly licensed and adherent to legislation. On this page we will highlight more of the nuances of placing esports bets in the UK and how you can do it. If you’re a UK gamer looking to get in on the action, our list of esports betting sites will help you find the bookmakers with the best esports odds.
In recent years, the UK esports betting scene has experienced tremendous growth. The nation has produced some of the most prominent esports teams globally. The UK is also home to a large number of globally recognised commentators in major games.
The UK has a lot of esports betting sites available, many of which are incredibly famous brands such as Betway, Bet365 and William Hill. All of these platforms are competing to be the best, so you will have plenty of options to choose from. Especially when it comes to securing any welcome bonuses.
This thriving environment means there has never been a more perfect time to dive into the world of esports betting UK-style. Whether your passion lies in games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), or Dota 2, we’ve got the information covered for you.
What Esport Games Can you Bet on in UK?
Esports has undoubtedly taken the world by storm, and the UK is no exception. The competitive gaming scene has birthed several massive titles that have become the center of attention for esports enthusiasts and bettors alike. Here are some of the biggest esports titles you can bet on in the UK:
- League of Legends: Widely regarded as the biggest esport globally, this Riot Games creation has revolutionized the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre. The League of Legends World Championships is a must-watch event in the esports calendar. Check out our guide to LoL betting to enhance your experience.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO): As a first-person shooter, CSGO has garnered an impressive reputation as one of the leading esports in the world. The CSGO Majors attract significant attention from the top esports betting sites in the UK. Our CSGO betting guide can provide valuable insights for your wagers.
- Dota 2: Another prominent MOBA game, Dota 2, has experienced a resurgence in popularity due to the esports phenomenon. The International tournament, known for its record-breaking prize pools, is a focal point for Dota 2 betting.
- Overwatch: This Blizzard Entertainment title is a relatively new addition to the esports world, but it has quickly become a sensation. The fast-paced, team-based gameplay and the popular Overwatch League make it a hit for both players and bettors alike.
Furthermore, by choosing any of our recommended esports betting sites, UK gamers can explore a ton of other exciting games to bet on. You can be on such games as: Rocket League, Valorant, StarCraft II, and much more. Get ready to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of esports betting and enjoy the endless possibilities it offers!
What Are The Best Markets for Esports Betting?
Top bookmakers offer a wide range of betting markets to cater to every bettor’s preferences. Here are some of the most common esports bets you’ll come across:
- Match winner: This is the most popular esports bet. It’s similar to betting on the winner of a football game, but for an esports match.
- Outright bets: Another popular choice, where you bet on the outright winner of major events like LoL Worlds or CSGO Majors at ESL One.
- Map winner: Bet on the winner of each individual map in an esports match. Wager on the total number of maps won or whether there will be an odd or even number of maps played.
- Over/Under: These markets are great for betting on how many maps will be played in a full series. Or as detailed as how many rounds will be played in a CSGO map.
- First blood: Bet on which team will draw the first blood in an esports match, or even bet on the first to five kills or the total number of kills.
- Esport-specific bets: Some esports have unique bets, such as betting on the most headshots in CSGO,the first dragon slain in League of Legends or the first Roshan killed in Dota 2.
Don’t forget that many top esports betting sites in the UK offer live betting options. This allows you to place bets while the game is in progress, making the experience even more thrilling. Most of the betting markets mentioned above should also be available for live betting. So, whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the world of esports betting, there’s something for everyone in the diverse and exciting landscape of esports wagers!
Is It Legal to Bet on Esports in the UK?
Yes, it is legal to bet on esports in the United Kingdom. Many bookmakers offer markets for esports betting that UK customers can enjoy. However, it’s essential to check the license of the bookmaker you choose. Only bookmakers licensed by the UK Gambling Commission are allowed to offer their services to UK customers legally. Be cautious of using bookmakers based outside the UK that are not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, as betting with them may not be legal. To ensure a safe and legal betting experience, always choose licensed and regulated bookmakers in the UK.
Payment Methods for Esports Betting
Funding your account is easy and convenient, as licensed esports betting sites in the UK offer a broad variety of real money payment methods. Here are the most common ways to make deposits and withdrawals:
- Debit cards: Most esports betting sites in the UK accept debit card payments, such as Visa. Please note that credit card deposits were recently outlawed in the UK.
- E-wallets: Popular e-wallet brands like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and EcoPayz are commonly accepted by many online bookmakers. E-wallets offer speedy withdrawals.
- Prepaid cards: Some gamers prefer using prepaid cards for added convenience and security. Many UK esports betting sites accept prepaid card brands like Paysafecard for deposits, but withdrawals are not possible with these cards.
- Bank transfers: Traditional bank transfers are also widely used by UK esports betting fans for deposits and withdrawals, although they may have longer processing times.
With such diverse and safe payment options available, you can enjoy the excitement of UK esports betting hassle-free. Be sure to check back at Esports.net regularly to discover the top UK esports betting sites and stay informed about the latest developments in the esports betting world.
FAQ
Major bookmakers such as PaddyPower and William Hill are nationally recognised in the UK. However, these bookmakers do not display esports markets optimally for esports fans. You will likely have a much better experience with sites like Betway and Bet365. EsportsCompare.net has a comprehensive list of the top esports betting sites.
The more you are in tune with esports and your over all betting strategy, the more likely you will be able to make some money. However, if you are too profitable then several betting operators might place limits on your account. This could range from limiting the size of your bets or providing alternative odds, all the way to banning your account. So be careful with your approach!
This depends entirely on what you enjoy and what you know about! The top 3 games – CSGO, League of Legends and Dota 2 are by far the most popular. So if you know any of these games then there is generally a lot of betting activity available. However, Valorant is starting to become more popular too.
In simple terms, yes! Thanks to the emergence of esports betting, many bookmakers are starting to simplify processes on their platform. The language is becoming clearer since there are a lot of new customers who have never bet before.
