Esports betting in the USA is on the rise and gaining popularity faster than a speeding bullet. From legal to not-so-legal sportsbooks, people all over the country are placing bets on professional video gaming. But hold on to your controllers, because not all US states have embraced this just yet. Some are still warming up to the idea of esports betting, while others have already joined the league.
USA Esports Betting Review
The United States is a hotbed for all things esports, with major global tournaments like The International gracing its lands. The gaming market is booming, with annual game sales hitting record-breaking numbers. If you’re itching to bet on your favourite Call of Duty, Dota 2, League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, and other pro gaming events, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve compiled all you need to know on esports betting for American punters. Worried about safe deposits? No worries! We’ve got the best and safest deposit options lined up for you. So, whether you’re rooting for local or international esports tournaments, we’re here to ensure you find the best info.
Regulated Sports Betting in the USA
The USA is in the midst of a sports betting revolution after successfully tackling the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). Some states have jumped into action and legalised sports betting, while others are still on the fence, taking their time.
DELAWARE
NO!
Delaware, the pioneer of sports betting in the US, has been a bit slow on the uptake when it comes to online wagering. Currently, the only legal options to bet on sports are at retail sportsbooks located at gambling venues. Esports betting is even more restricted, with no esports betting sites or wagers legally allowed. But keep an eye on the horizon, as things might change.
COLORADO
YES!
Esports betting is legal in Colorado, and some of the biggest names in the industry are taking notice. FanDuel and DraftKings are already making waves in this gambling market. While options for esports betting may be limited, Colorado is set to become a major player in the US sports betting scene. More betting opportunities might be just around the corner.
NEW JERSEY
YES!
Hey, New Jersey! If you’re into esports, we’ve got some good news for you. Esports betting is legal in the Garden State, and a number of sportsbooks are already licensed to operate here. While esports betting is still in its early stages at regulated sites, the future looks promising. As regulations evolve, you can expect to see more esports betting markets and options available.
NEW MEXICO
NO!
New Mexico has dipped its toes into sports betting, but the waters are still shallow for esports betting. Only four retail gambling venues host sports betting, and online betting is still not mainstream. New Mexico esports betting will require special permission from the New Mexico Gambling Control Board to take off. Patience, esports fans, we’re getting there.
IOWA
NO!
Iowa recently joined the sports betting bandwagon, and we’re excited about it! However, esports betting is likely to take some time before it becomes mainstream. But don’t worry, esports betting operators are pushing for its legalisation, and we’re keeping a close eye on developments.
NORTH DAKOTA
NO!
North Dakota has yet to legalise sports betting, including esports betting. But fear not! It’s not illegal to wager with offshore gambling sites here. Once esports betting becomes fully regulated, expect more betting options to hit the scene.
PENNSYLVANIA
NO!
Pennsylvania has embraced regulated sports betting, but esports betting is still on the fence. Lawmakers have concerns, but we’re hopeful they’ll warm up to the idea soon. As esports continue to gain popularity, we believe esports betting will find its place in Pennsylvania.
ARKANSAS
NO!
Arkansas is among the US states with regulated sports betting, but it’s still restricted to retail wagering. However, there’s hope on the horizon, as lawmakers are considering launching betting apps. With further legislation, esports betting might join the fray.
RHODE ISLAND
YES!
Rhode Island has taken the leap into sports betting, but it’s currently limited to retail locations and the RI Sportsbook app. While esports betting options are still limited, we’re optimistic that things will evolve in the future.
KANSAS
NO!
Kansas has yet to legalise esports betting, but change might be just around the corner. Existing betting apps in the state could soon include esports markets. So, Kansas gamers, stay tuned!
LOUISIANA
YES!
Esports betting in Louisiana comes with certain restrictions due to the age of some professional players being under 18. Sports betting regulators handle esports gambling with care, and sportsbooks must seek permission to take bets on specific events. The regulators then have the authority to either approve or deny these requests. This cautious approach aims to ensure the protection of younger players involved in esports while still allowing legal betting opportunities for interested enthusiasts.
CALIFORNIA
NO!
Bad news, folks. Sports betting, including esports betting, is currently illegal in California. Efforts to change regulations in 2022 failed, and the earliest estimated timeframe for legal sports betting is 2024. To make it happen, California might need a constitutional amendment that requires a public vote.
NEVADA
YES!
Las Vegas, the gambling capital, has a rich gaming history and hosts numerous championships. Esports betting has been reviewed by The Nevada Gaming Control Board, but there are some caveats. Only head-to-head and outright bets are fully approved, and all wagers must be made before the match begins. In-game or live betting is not allowed.
TENNESSEE
YES!
Tennessee legalised online-only sports betting in 2019 and included reference to esports betting, making it explicitly legal for residents.
Remember, betting regulations are evolving rapidly in every state. Always stay informed about the most recent regulatory news for your state. Game on!
Esports Betting Regulations and Licensing
Understanding the betting laws in the USA can be challenging as sports betting, and especially esports betting, is not uniformly legal across the country. State laws play a significant role in determining the legality of betting activities, which means that even well-known bookmakers may have limited operations based on the state’s regulations.
At present, sports betting and esports betting in the USA are not as widely regulated as in many other parts of the world. However, some positive developments are taking place, with state politicians working to pass laws that may loosen restrictions on esports betting. New Jersey is one such state that has made esports betting legal.
The legality of esports betting varies from state to state. Some states have fully legalized it, while others have certain regulations in place, making it partially legal but with specific rules and restrictions.
If you are interested in esports betting, it is crucial to research your state’s betting laws beforehand. This will help you avoid any potential complications and ensure that you are engaging in legal betting activities with bookmakers. Staying informed about the legal landscape will help you make responsible and compliant betting decisions.
The states where esports betting is completely legal are:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Esports betting in the USA is subject to regulations in certain states, which means that specific rules and restrictions apply to such activities. While esports betting may not be completely illegal in these states, it is essential to be aware of the legal framework governing betting in your particular state.
To ensure a smooth and legal betting experience, it is crucial to research and understand your state’s betting laws. By doing so, you can avoid potential complications with bookmakers and ensure that you are engaging in betting activities within the bounds of the law.
Payment Methods
When engaging in esports betting in the USA, it is crucial to choose a safe, secure, and reputable payment method to process your transactions. Due to the past focus on stopping online betting related to money laundering and organised crime, ensuring the safety of your payments is of utmost importance.
There are three main categories of payment methods to consider for safe and secure transactions:
- Credit and Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most online bookmakers. They are considered one of the safest and most convenient payment methods. Both Visa and Mastercard have robust security systems in place to ensure swift and accurate processing of payments.
- E-wallets: E-wallets are electronic payment methods designed for use specifically online. Popular e-wallets include Paypal, Skrill, and Neteller. While e-wallets offer convenience, it’s essential to note that using them might sometimes exclude you from receiving welcome bonuses on certain esports betting sites in the USA.
- Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, have gained popularity as a funding method for betting accounts in recent years. Many bookmakers now accept cryptocurrencies, offering a growing consistency in their usage.
By selecting a secure payment method from these options, you can ensure that your esports betting experience in the USA is not only enjoyable but also safe and protected from potential risks associated with online transactions.
Types of Esports Betting Wagers in the USA
To increase your chances of success in esports betting, it’s essential to understand the different types of wagers and betting odds commonly seen on betting platforms. Here are the most common types of wagers offered:
- Match-winners/Moneyline: This type of wager simply involves betting on the team or player you believe will win a specific match or game.
- Outrights (futures): Outright winner bets are placed on the team or player expected to win an entire tournament or event, not just a single match.
- Over/under bets: In over/under bets, you predict whether a specific statistic or outcome in the game will be higher or lower than the bookmaker’s set threshold.
- Odd/even bets: This wager is based on the total score or other statistics of a match, and you predict whether the sum will be an odd or even number.
- Correct score: Correct score bets involve predicting the exact final score of a match or game.
Certain wagers are specific to individual games, adding even more diversity to betting options. For example, in League of Legends (LoL), you may see bets like “Team to destroy first tower,” while in CS:GO, you might find “Total maps played” bets.
Some esports betting sites offer “alternative bets,” providing even more variety in betting options for users.
Keep in mind that USA betting sites may use different terminologies for these wager types, but the concepts remain the same across most platforms.
Betting Odds
Understanding how to convert and calculate betting odds is crucial for making informed betting decisions. There are three main types of esports betting odds you should familiarise yourself with:
- Decimal odds: Popular in many parts of the world, decimal odds represent the total return on a winning bet, including the original stake. For example, a decimal odd of 2.50 means you would receive $2.50 for every $1 wagered.
- Fractional odds: Fractional odds are commonly used in the UK. They show the potential profit relative to the original stake. For instance, fractional odds of 4/1 mean you would win $4 for every $1 bet.
- American odds: Predominantly used in the USA, American odds can be displayed as positive or negative numbers. Positive odds indicate potential profit for every $100 wagered, while negative odds represent the amount you need to bet to win $100.
By familiarising yourself with these different types of wagers and betting odds, you can make more informed choices and increase your chances of success in esports betting. It also means, that with the betting site you choose, it is more likely you can capitalise on your esports betting bonus to the fullest extent.
FAQ
There are incredibly popular platforms such as DraftKings where you can find esports. However, there are a number of platforms that do esports betting more effectively. We recommend you look at our esports betting bonus page for news on who does the best deals for the USA.
EsportsCompare.net is loaded with information on this. Once you have learned all the different manners of betting then you can create a more targeted approach. Make sure you know the game, make sure you know the language and then check out our various betting guides to take it to the next level.
This depends on what state you are from. Winning from gambling are fully subject to federal and state taxes. Make sure you look at what your state’s guidance is on this and don’t forget to file your taxes accordingly.
