Best Esports Betting Sites USA

Esports betting in the United States has gone from “niche curiosity” to a fast‑maturing market with real scale. But with growth comes confusion—especially because what’s legal and what’s available depends on your state and on the sportsbooks themselves. This guide cuts through the noise: we’ll explain the legal landscape in plain English, highlight the best esports betting sites in the USA, and show you exactly what to look for—odds, markets, apps, live streams, and responsible‑gaming protections—so you can bet smarter and safer.

Quick reality check: Sports betting is legal in most U.S. jurisdictions, but esports is sometimes treated differently or more narrowly (e.g., only certain events, age restrictions on competitors, or pre‑match bets only in some places). Always check your local rules in the app you’re using.

Top Esports Betting Sites in the USA

Below are the books most consistently recommended by industry trackers and comparison sites for Americans who want to bet on esports. Your exact menu of esports markets will vary by state, but these brands are the safest starting points thanks to licensing, product depth, and strong apps.

• DraftKings — Massive U.S. footprint, user‑friendly app, and esports markets available in select regulated states. Frequently highlighted as a top choice for new bettors.
• bet365 — Often praised for deep esports coverage and robust live betting/streaming where allowed; availability has expanded across multiple U.S. states.
• BetMGM — Big brand with polished mobile experience; offers esports in some jurisdictions and appears in most “best esports books” roundups.
• FanDuel — Widely available and extremely slick app; esports offering varies by state but included among top picks by several analysts.
• Caesars Sportsbook — Trusted legacy operator; esports support differs by market but routinely recommended in curated lists.
• BetRivers — Solid live‑betting tools and state coverage; esports is supported in some markets, subject to local approvals. Check your state’s offering.
• Betway — A global esports stalwart that operates in select U.S. states; U.S. esports menus depend on state rules and licensing arrangements.

Why does the list differ across websites? Because operators roll out esports at different speeds and with state‑specific constraints. Some comparison sites say “everyone has esports,” others say the big brands are cautious. Both can be true depending on the state and week. Cross‑check in your app before you sign up.

Is Esports Betting Legal in the U.S.?

There’s no federal esports betting law. After the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, each state began building its own sports‑betting framework. Many states now have legal sports betting, and a subset of those explicitly allow esports, often with conditions such as pre‑approval of events, age limits on competitors, or restrictions on live props.

• National picture (sports betting overall): ~38 states (plus D.C. and Puerto Rico) offer legal sports betting in some form; ~30 have online betting. That’s the sports layer. Esports sits beneath it—and is sometimes treated differently.
• Esports‑specific status: Guides tracking esports laws estimate that, as of mid‑to‑late 2025, roughly 19 states explicitly allow esports bets, some prohibit them, and many remain gray/conditional. Always check the rules in your state before wagering.

Notable state updates & examples

• Nevada – Regulators amended rules so sportsbooks can take esports bets without pre‑approving each event, moving esports closer to traditional sports booking. (This removed a burdensome “event‑by‑event” approval step and a proposed doping rule.)
• New Jersey – Lawmakers advanced a bill to expand esports wagering, including new esports‑specific “skins” and clearer authorization to approve out‑of‑state events; NJ has allowed esports on a limited basis and is exploring expansion to keep pace with demand.
• Tennessee – Online‑only sports betting market with strengthened 2025 rules around KYC/MFA and enforcement against illegal offshore books; esports availability is regulator‑driven and operators must comply with strict integrity and responsible‑gaming standards.
• Wyoming – Digital‑only market; 18+ is allowed for sports betting (unusual among states). Esports availability depends on operator approvals; always verify in‑app.
• Colorado – Mature, competitive sports‑betting market where books may offer esports subject to state rules; the Division of Gaming maintains the rule set.

Bottom line: If your sportsbook app doesn’t show esports in your state, it’s usually because the regulator or operator hasn’t approved it there yet. Don’t use VPNs or offshore websites to “work around” rules—states actively warn against and crack down on illegal operators.

How We Ranked the Best Esports Betting Sites

To identify the best U.S. esports books, we looked for:

1. Licensing & Safety – Legal, regulated operators with clear house rules, KYC, and recognized responsible‑gaming tools. (Many states have stepped up standards in 2024–2025.)
2. Esports Market Depth – Breadth across major titles (CS2, League of Legends, Dota 2, VALORANT, Rocket League, CoD), plus specials like map handicaps, totals, and player props—when permitted.
3. Live Betting & Streaming – In‑play speed, match trackers, and streams where allowed (note: some states limit certain live esports bets).
4. App Experience & Stability – Clean UI, quick bet placement (crucial during esports “spike” moments), and dependable cashiering.
5. Promos With Fair Terms – Welcome offers you can realistically use on esports markets in your state; terms vary widely by jurisdiction.

The Best Esports Betting Sites in the USA

Important: Esports offerings change frequently and can be state‑specific. Use these reviews as a feature/fit guide, then confirm in app.

1) DraftKings

Why it stands out: A leading U.S. sportsbook with a smooth app, broad state footprint, and esports markets available in selected jurisdictions. Consistently appears in “best esports” roundups for Americans, particularly for ease of use and market variety.

Best for: New bettors who value a clean interface, frequent odds boosts, and reliable payment flows. DraftKings’ menus typically include top esports titles when permitted by state regulators.

Watch‑outs: Promos can exclude some markets in certain states; always check promo T&Cs and in‑market availability of live props.

2) bet365

Why it stands out: Repeatedly praised for deep esports coverage, especially for live betting and streaming (where authorized). Multiple analysts argue it’s the most comprehensive esports book operating in the U.S. right now.

Best for: Bettors who want the widest market selection—from outrights to niche props—and a strong in‑play experience with slick match data.

Watch‑outs: Not available in every state; esports streams and live markets vary by jurisdiction.

3) BetMGM

Why it stands out: High‑polish app and broad coverage; widely cited among top esports betting options in U.S. roundups. Market depth can be strong during majors (e.g., Worlds, The International, top CS2 events).

Best for: Bettors who want a big‑brand app with helpful features (parlay builders, cash‑out, robust same‑game tools) and who live in a state where BetMGM supports esports.

Watch‑outs: Esports menus may be lighter in some states. Check ahead of time for your title(s).

4) FanDuel

Why it stands out: Arguably the most user‑friendly U.S. sportsbook with super‑fast bet placement and excellent live interface. Several curators include FanDuel in their top esports picks for qualifying states.

Best for: Bettors who value speed and simplicity—especially in live betting windows when esports odds can swing quickly.

Watch‑outs: Esports availability varies; some states limit markets or don’t list esports at all.

5) Caesars Sportsbook

Why it stands out: Trusted brand with a large U.S. footprint, strong rewards program, and periodic esports coverage noted by several comparison sites.

Best for: Bettors who care about loyalty/rewards (Caesars Rewards) and steady app performance.

Watch‑outs: As with other legacy books, some markets/states may offer limited esports slates.

6) BetRivers

Why it stands out: Solid live‑betting features and competitive pricing in many states; widely available where Rush Street Interactive has access. Esports support is market‑dependent—check the CO/NJ/PA/MI hubs first.

Best for: Value hunters who like in‑play tools and clear house rules; also good for mid‑tier parlays and frequent promos.

Watch‑outs: Esports menus can be modest in certain states; verify before depositing.

7) Betway

Why it stands out: Globally, Betway has deep esports DNA (team/event sponsorships, robust markets). In the U.S., Betway operates in multiple states; esports availability follows state licensing and regulatory permissions.

Best for: Bettors who want a brand steeped in esports and who live in one of Betway’s supported U.S. states.

Watch‑outs: State lists update over time; confirm current availability and esports menus in your app.

What Can You Bet On?

Across legal U.S. books that offer esports, you’ll most commonly find:

• CS2 (Counter‑Strike 2), League of Legends, Dota 2, VALORANT, Rocket League, and Call of Duty. Markets include match winner (moneyline), map handicaps (spreads), totals (maps/rounds), futures, and props (e.g., first dragon/baron in LoL), subject to your state’s rules.
• Event‑driven spikes: Esports betting volume clumps around top events. In late 2024, for example, just a handful of tournaments drove the majority of esports betting handle; LoL Worlds and major CS events consistently dominate. That means you’ll often see the best promos, markets, and liquidity around marquee tournaments.
• Live betting nuance: Some states limit in‑game betting or certain proposition bets, and a few still restrict esports live markets altogether. Nevada’s 2023 rule change made it easier to book esports like traditional sports—an important signpost for the rest of the country.

State‑by‑State Snapshot

Note: This is a high‑level view. Always confirm in your sportsbook app—they geolocate and only display esports if it’s permitted for you.

*Availability and bet types can change; this table is for guidance only, not legal advice.

Bonuses & Promos: How to Use Them on Esports

Welcome offers are everywhere—but not all are esports‑friendly in your state. Before claiming, check:

• Eligible markets: Some promos exclude certain leagues or bet types (e.g., live props). Esports may be excluded in your jurisdiction even if it appears in another.
• Minimum odds and expiry: Typical terms include minimum odds and 7‑day expiry for bonus bets; read the fine print in‑app.
• Operator differences: Books rotate special boosts around major events—LoL Worlds, The International, CS2 Majors. Track your chosen book’s promo page near big tourneys for better value.

If you’re simply comparing offer quality and app polish, roundups consistently list DraftKings, bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, and (in many states) BetRivers among the best mainstream options. Esports eligibility still varies by state.

How to Start Betting on Esports (Step‑By‑Step)

1. Pick a licensed sportsbook that actually shows esports in your state’s menu (open the app and search “esports,” “League of Legends,” or “Counter‑Strike”). Use the brands above as a starting list.
2. Complete KYC & geolocation — upload ID if asked; states require verification and geolocation. (Tennessee, for example, tightened 2025 KYC/MFA rules.)
3. Deposit with a familiar method — cards, ACH, PayPal, or your book’s recommended options.
4. Start with a game you know — esports markets reward knowledge of metas, map pools, and team form.
5. Begin with simple markets (moneyline/totals) and scale into props/live as you get comfortable and as your state allows.
6. Track event calendars — most betting volume clusters around majors (you’ll see more markets/promos then).
7. Set limits in the app — deposit, time, or loss limits help you keep control (many states now mandate clearer RG tools).

Stay legal and safe: Avoid offshore websites. Regulators publicly warn against unlicensed operators and have stepped up enforcement. You’ll lack protections (dispute resolution, fund segregation) if you go offshore.

Pro Tips

• Follow the meta shifts: Patch changes can dramatically alter team strengths (e.g., agent or hero nerfs/buffs). Books need time to adjust.
• Specialize by title: Specialists who focus on one game (LoL, CS2, Dota 2, or VALORANT) tend to spot misprices faster than generalists.
• Understand “event‑driven” swings: Handle spikes at marquee events mean tighter lines but also more props; in smaller events, limits and liquidity can be thinner.
• Be careful with live props: In some states, certain in‑play esports props aren’t allowed. Know your local rules to avoid declined bets.

FAQs

Is esports betting legal where I live?
It depends. Most U.S. jurisdictions have legal sports betting, but esports can be specifically allowed, restricted, or unmentioned. Check your regulator’s resources and, most practically, your app’s available markets.

Which sportsbooks are the best for esports right now?
DraftKings, bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, BetRivers, and Betway appear most often in U.S. “best esports” lists—but the exact offering varies by state. Confirm your title/market in the app before depositing.

Can I bet live on esports?
In many places, yes—but some states limit in‑game esports or certain prop types. Nevada’s reforms are positive for live betting, but your mileage may vary elsewhere.

What’s the legal betting age?
Usually 21+, but a few jurisdictions (e.g., Wyoming) allow 18+ for online sports betting. Your sportsbook will enforce the correct standard via KYC.

Why doesn’t my sportsbook show esports?
Your state might not permit it yet, or the operator hasn’t enabled it there. Don’t try VPNs or offshore workarounds.

Responsible Gaming 

Esports is 24/7 globally—it’s easy to overdo it. Set deposit, time, and wager limits in your sportsbook app and take breaks. If gambling stops being fun, or you feel out of control, seek help. States and operators provide self‑exclusion and time‑out tools, and 24/7 help is available via 1‑800‑GAMBLER (or your state’s hotline). Recent rule updates in several states are designed to strengthen player protections—use them.

The Bottom Line

• Best overall U.S. choices for esports in 2025: DraftKings, bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, BetRivers, and Betway—subject to your state’s rules.
• Check before you deposit: Open the app, search for your game, and peek at live markets.
• Bet the big events: You’ll find the deepest markets and sharpest experience around majors—and the best operator promos then, too.
• Stay within the lines: Use only licensed books; regulators are actively tightening standards and policing illegal operators.