Top Esports Bookmakers – The Denver Post

Have you ever considered placing a first-blood wager on League of Legends or a last-second bet on the underdog to come back into the game and achieve a dramatic victory?

Well, we found the best esports betting sites that’ll allow you to do all of that and more — on any competitive game you can think of.

Not only are we going to rank the top-rated esports betting sites out there, but we’re also going to break down why they’re as good as we say they are. Just raw, honest analysis from our team of experts with first-hand experience at esports betting websites.

Not to spoil it for you, but Sportsbetting.ag topped our list with its comprehensive esports coverage, special LoL, CS:GO, and Dota 2 bets, alongside a 60% odds booster on your esports parlay ticket.

Let’s check out all the rest as well.

Best Esports Betting Sites

1. SportsBetting.ag — Best Esports Betting Site Overall

Pros:

• Esports power parlay
• 50% welcome bonus up to $1,000
• Twitch Live Streaming
• Great selection of esports

Cons:

At number one is Sportsbetting.ag, providing a top selection of esports to bet on and a power parlay bonus of up to 60%.

Esports Features: 4.8/5

If you’re the type of esports bettor that likes racking up the parlay bets, then Sportsbetting.ag should be your number one choice for all your esports betting needs. Using Sportsbetting’s esports power parlay bonus, you can add an extra 60% to your parlay winnings based on how many legs are in your bet.

Whether you want to make a bet on Dota 2, League of Legends, Starcraft 2, or even CS:GO — all the heavy hitters are ready and available here at Sportsbetting.ag, complete with futures markets and live betting functionality.

With the help of the live system, you can bet in-game as the action unfolds, which is great if you’re an experienced player that can sense the jungler’s movement and predict first blood about to happen (or maybe a double-kill fail under the tower). Yes, you can bet on first blood, as well as other special bets like the first tower, map winner, first-round pistol winner, etc.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.7/5

When you register at Sportsbetting.ag for the first time, you’ll be given the option of redeeming a welcome bonus of up to $1,000. The wagering requirements are only 10x and are eligible to be used on any esports market.

Beyond the parlay power up and the first deposit bonus, there’s also a dedicated 20% weekly esports rebate that allows you to get back into the game after a week of utterly wrong “gut feels.”

Design and Functionality: 3.9/5

Unfortunately, this isn’t Sportsbetting’s strong point. The overall design is in dire need of an upgrade or even just some slight modernizing.

As of now, it looks like a Windows 98 app but without the good nostalgic feelings. (If you’re too young to know what Windows 98 is, you probably shouldn’t be reading this article.)

On the bright side, the actual betting platform software isn’t as old as it looks, so the website actually works okay most of the time.

Banking Tools: 4.8/5

Deposit Methods:

• Bitcoin + 14 altcoins
• MasterCard
• AMEX
• Discover
• Visa
• Person to Person
• eChecks
• Money Order
• Wire Transfer

Withdrawal Methods:

• Bitcoin + 13 altcoins
• Person to Person
• Bank Wire
• Check by Courier

Sportsbetting.AG has some of the widest selections of payment methods in the industry. If you use cryptocurrency, you’d certainly want to consider making an account here for your esports betting desires rather than anywhere else.

That’s not to say there’s nothing for regular currency users, as you can still use debit and credit cards to deposit and other traditional methods to withdraw. It just doesn’t match the selection of altcoins on offer.

Sign-up at Sportsbetting.ag using our link above to claim your $1,000 welcome bonus and benefit from the Parlay Power Up.

2. Bovada — Best Esports Betting Site for Call of Duty

Pros:

• Top Call of Duty markets
• $750 Bitcoin welcome bonus
• Low wagering requirements
• Modern design

Cons:

At number two is Bovada, offering the best esports odds on Call of Duty and a top welcome bonus of up to $750 for BTC, and up to $250 for regular deposits.

Esports Features: 4.5/5

For all the latest Call of Duty esports action, Bovada should be your number one stop. You’re able to make spread bets or moneyline wagers on some of the esports’ most prominent clans, including FaZe, Optic, and the London Royal Ravens.

If there are no current markets available that take your interest, you can check the futures section for upcoming competitions such as Starcraft’s World Team League and other major tournaments from the likes of Dota 2 and Rainbow Six.

Bovada also features a decent lineup of game props, allowing you to bet on a single map rather than the whole game, or whether the total number of kills will be over or under the predefined amount. Sensing how aggressive the teams can get might help you successfully predict the latter.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.5/5

When you register a new account at Bovada, you can unlock a welcome bonus worth up to $250. The wagering requirements are very low, with only a 5x playthrough required before you can cash out any winnings. It’s also eligible to be used on any esports markets available on Bovada, so we recommend you check it out.

If you’re going to use Bitcoin to fund your account, make sure to redeem the code BTCSWB750 to net up to $750 in bonus funds on your first deposit.

Design and Functionality: 4/5

Bovada’s design philosophy is sleek and modern if a little uninspired. Although the home pages can come across as a little cluttered at times, it’s a simple website to navigate, and we never felt too overwhelmed at any point, despite the vast amount of options on display.

The website itself is extremely quick and responsive, which certainly made live wagering a less stressful experience. We encountered no major bugs while making bets and everything worked as expected.

Banking Tools: 4.1/5

Deposit Methods:

• Bitcoin
• Bitcoin Cash
• Visa
• MasterCard
• AMEX
• Zelle
• Voucher

Withdrawal Methods:

• Bitcoin
• Bitcoin Cash
• Bitcoin SV
• Litecoin
• Ethereum
• Check by Courier
• Vouchers
• Bank Wire

There’s a healthy selection of banking tools available at Bovada, including three variations of Bitcoin if crypto’s your thing. They also include the ability to deposit via the Zelle app, which isn’t a payment method you’ll see very often at other esports betting sites.

Register with Bovada using our link above to claim the $750 welcome bonus.

3. BetOnline — Best Cashback Bonus of all Esports Betting Sites

Pros:

• Weekly esports rebate of 20%
• 25+ years online
• Live twitch streaming
• Welcome bonus up to $1,000

Cons:

• Fees for fiat currency users

Number three on the list is BetOnline, with an established reputation of 25 years in the business and a super-valuable weekly esports rebate of 20%.

Esports Features: 4.6/5

If you’re looking for an esports betting site to call home, then you should definitely consider BetOnline.

Every week esports bettors are given a rebate of 20% on any losses incurred on their previous week’s esports bets. You won’t find perks like that at other safe esports betting sites — unless, of course, you go with our top-pick Sportsbetting.ag.

Furthermore, you can also tune into their live twitch stream channel for all the latest FIFA esports matchups across the globe. You can even make bets on the action as it unfolds using their live betting feature. Beyond FIFA, you can also bet on all the popular LoL, Dota 2, CS:GO, Starcraft II, and more.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.5/5

BetOnline’s welcome bonus of up to $1,000 has a rollover requirement of 10x, which is around the industry standard. You can use any bonus funds for all your esports bets, with the exception of live wagering.

If you’re a cryptocurrency user, you’ll want to take advantage of all the extra boosts available on any deposits you make. The first time you deposit crypto, BetOnline will match it by 100% up to $1,000.

Design and Functionality: 4.2/5

BetOnline has had a relatively recent redesign and modernization. The result is a more user-friendly platform and a better quality mobile client for those that enjoy making their esports bet on the go.

We did encounter some technical difficulties while browsing, including certain images not loading and longer expected loading times, but it was nothing a few quick refreshes couldn’t fix.

Banking Tools: 4.6/5

Deposit Methods:

• Bitcoin +14 altcoins
• MasterCard
• AMEX
• Discover
• Visa
• Person to Person
• eChecks

Withdrawal Methods:

• Bitcoin
• Bitcoin Cash
• Ethereum
• Litecoin
• Ripple
• USD Coin
• Bank Wire
• Check by Courier
• Person to Person

Similar to Sportsbetting.AG, BetOnline offers a huge variety of cryptocurrency methods to fund your account with. The withdrawal methods are a little more modest, but there’s still enough variety here to please most esports bettors.

Register at BetOnline by clicking on the link above to claim your sign-up bonus of up to $1,000.

4. BetUS — Best Esports Betting Site for Madden

Pros:

• Well established and trustworthy brand
• $2,500 welcome bonus
• BetUS TV
• Up to $100 esports risk-free bet

Cons:

• Certain payouts can take a while

BetUS makes our list at number four as a well-established brand that has operated in the online gambling industry for over 25 years, boasting a lucrative welcome bonus and a dedicated esports risk-free bet of up to $100.

Esports Features: 4.2/5

While not strictly esports in the most traditional sense, BetUS does offer the unique option of wagering on live simulated Madden NFL games. You can watch the action via their BetOnMadden twitch stream and bet to your heart’s content on virtual football.

We especially recommend this to fans of the Cleveland Browns, as this may be the only way you’ll ever witness your team win a Super Bowl — and make money from it too!

Beyond that, you can place an esports bet on over 10 competitive games, including less-popular options like Age of Empires IV, King of Glory, Valorant, and more.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.7/5

BetUS features an impressive range of bonuses of all different kinds. The most lucrative is its welcome offer, where you can bag up to $2,500 in bonus funds, ready and ripe to use across esports betting markets available on the website.

Furthermore, crypto users can also enjoy huge percentage bonuses such as 50% on reloads and 100% matches on any deposits made with a cryptocurrency.

Using our link above, you can claim an exclusive esports risk-free bet worth $100. Use the code ESPORTS100 when depositing to get it.

Design and Functionality: 4.4/5

BetUS features one of the more modern and user-friendly betting sites on this list, even if that does mean having to put up with Gary Payton’s mean mug staring you out as you browse the sportsbook.

There were no loading issues of note while we used the website, and live betting on esports was a fluid and straightforward process that went off without any significant hitches.

Banking Tools: 4.3/5

Deposit Methods:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• American Express
• Cash Transfer
• Via Phone
• Bitcoin
• Bitcoin Cash
• Litecoin
• Ethereum

Withdrawal Methods:

• Cash payouts
• Via Telephone
• Bitcoin
• Bitcoin Cash
• Litecoin
• Ethereum
• Bank Wire

BetUS offers a mix of traditional and cryptocurrency methods, some of which are unique to the industry. This includes being able to get paid out in cash on your doorstep or in local stores, as well as the ability to fund and payout via the telephone.

Sign-up at BetUS through our link above to claim your esports-exclusive risk-free bet.

5. XBet — Best CS:GO Market Variety of all Esports Betting Sites

Pros:

• CS:GO news and tips
• $500 welcome bonus
• Only 7x wagering requirements

Cons:

Last and, well, probably least is XBet — the top esports betting site online for fans of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

Esports Features: 4.4/5

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has long established itself as one of the most popular video games across the globe — ever since Counter-Strike 1.3. As a result, it’s become a hugely popular esport that takes plenty of action in the esports betting world.

So if you’re a CS:GO fan looking for a reliable and trustworthy place to make your wagers on upcoming tournaments, you’ll rarely do better than XBet. Featuring comprehensive write-ups and tips on the ESEA Premier Division and Dream Hack global tournaments, you’ll struggle to find a better CS:GO esports betting site online.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.2/5

Upon signing up to XBet, you’ll become eligible for a $500 welcome bonus which you can use on CS:GO esports tournaments. With generous wagering requirements of 7x, it shouldn’t be too difficult to cash your winnings out.

Longer-term users can also enjoy a $250 reload bonus every time they top up their accounts. Again, this has pretty fair wagering requirements of only 5x, so it is well worth your time and money.

Design and Functionality: 3.8/5

To put it kindly, XBet’s design looks like something out of the 90s, and not in a good way. The website is in desperate need of modernizing and an official update from its archaic wrestling fan-site chic.

Otherwise, the website works as well as you’d expect. We didn’t encounter any issues when browsing and placing esports bets, plus funding our account was a simple endeavor that could be enacted quickly and efficiently.

Banking Tools: 3.9/5

Deposit Methods:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• Bitcoin
• Bitcoin Cash
• Litecoin
• Ethereum
• Ripple
• MoneyGram

Withdrawal Methods:

Unfortunately, XBet has the least variety on our top 5 list and is quite stubborn when it comes to banking tools. If you do want to register at XBet, we recommend using Bitcoin as your means of funding and withdrawal to make life a little easier.

Use our link above to open XBet and unlock your welcome bonus of $500.

Our Ranking Methodology: What Makes a Good Esports Betting Site?

Esports Features:

Esports isn’t the most popular category you’ll find within an online sportsbook, so you won’t see as much time and care dedicated to any special features as you might with other more popular major sports.

That being said, if there are any particular offers tied with esports, then this is where we’ll highlight them. We’ll also take a look at what markets are being offered and the specific esports games on offer.

Bonuses and Promotions:

Unlocking a great bonus can make all the difference to your online gambling experience, especially when it comes to esports. We’ve examined what bonuses are made available to you at different websites and broken down their terms and wagering requirements.

Design and Functionality:

The best esports bookmakers should be easy to use with quick loading speeds and clearly signposted categories. The overall user experience should be intuitive and accessible.

We give out bonus points for any esports sites that happen to look good as well. This obviously isn’t a dealbreaker, but a fresh lick of paint can go a long way.

Banking Tools:

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to using their money online. Some people prefer to use cryptocurrency, while others will only use specific payment tools that they trust. That’s why we place a heavy emphasis on having a lot of options for esports bettors to use. The more, the merrier.

Top Esports Betting Sites — FAQ

Can you Win Real Money Betting on Esports?

Yes. Every esports betting site you see in this article takes real money wagers on esports events and pays out in cold, hard cash.

What Type of Bets Can I Place on Esports?

This depends mainly on the esports website you are betting on. In general, esports bettors should be able to place live bets, futures on specific tournaments, and regular moneyline bets for upcoming matches.

In addition to all the regulars, you also have top esports bookmakers like Sportsbetting.ag that’ll allow you to bet on game-specific outcomes like the first blood, the first team to kill Baron, Dragon, or Roshan (LoL and Dota 2), the first team to destroy a tower, first-round pistol winner (CS:GO), and more.

Is Betting on Esports Safe?

Yes. At least betting on esports at the websites featured in this article is safe. You can be sure that each esports betting website showcased here is 100% legitimate and trustworthy.

If you come across any websites you don’t recognize, our advice is to do your research first. You don’t want to end up coughing up money you’ll never see again due to nefarious scammers.

What are the Most Popular Esports Games?

We’ve made a non-exhaustive list of the most popular esports you are likely to encounter at various esports bookmakers. Check it out:

• Dota 2
• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
• League of Legends
• Rocket League
• Starcraft II
• Call of Duty
• Madden

Comparison of the Top 5 Esports Betting Sites

Here’s a quick recap of our top 5 esports online betting sites and their stand-out features:

Sportsbetting.ag: For the all-around top dog of esports betting, look no further than Sportsbetting.ag. With its excellent choice of esports to bet on and super-valuable welcome bonus, this should be your first stop in the esports betting world. Register today to earn your welcome bonus of up to $1,000 and get up to a 60% boost on your parlay betting slips.

Bovada: If you’re looking for the best Call of Duty esports odds and markets, make sure you’re signed up at Bovada. New users are eligible for a $750 BTC welcome bonus.

BetOnline: If it’s FIFA competitive gaming you’re after, then BetOnline’s the place for you. They’ve even got their own unique esports offer of a 20% rebate on all your losing esports bets. Register now to claim your welcome bonus of $1,000.

BetUS: BetUS’s live Madden simulation gaming is the closest some of you will come to winning actual money on your favorite football team. Don’t pass it up — sign up today to redeem a bonus of up to $2,500 or an esports-exclusive free bet of up to $100.

XBet: If you’re looking for both major and minor tournaments with awesome odds for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, then XBet should be your first choice. Sign up now to claim your welcome bonus of $500.

How to Register at a Top Esports Betting Site

Creating an account and making your very first esports bet is a simple process. Follow the steps below and you’ll start betting on your favorite game within three minutes:

Step 1 – Create an Account at Sportsbetting.ag

• Visit Sportsbetting.ag using our link at the beginning of the article
• Click the Join Now button
• Fill out the form with your personal information and click Create Account

Step 2 – Deposit and Bet

• Once automatically logged in, select a payment options
• If you’re not logged in automatically, click Cashier once you’re in
• Select a payment method
• Enter the amount you wish to deposit
• Enter the code SB1000 in the Promo Code box to opt-in for the welcome bonus
• Click Deposit Now
• Start betting on your favorite esports game!

Still Looking for the Best Esports Betting Sites?

Esports burst onto the gambling scene with fury in recent years, and all indications suggest that it’s here to stay. Yesterday’s twitch stream watchers are tomorrow’s esports gamblers (or professional players), and it almost seems like the growth of the industry is assured.

For now, we rank Sportsbetting.ag as the top destination for all your esports bets and gambling-related needs. Its high standard across our benchmarks makes it a clear cut above the competition.

Despite that, the other esports betting sites you see in this article are definitely worth your time. There’s no harm in trying each of them out and getting a feel for which one works best for you.

Just remember the golden rules — have fun and gamble responsibly.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks and it’s important to recognize that when using online gambling sites.

While we review different gambling sites, you should check with local laws in your area before gambling online. Also, all gambling sites and our guides are rated 18+ only. We may receive compensation from the sites we recommended in our guides, but our reviews remain independent and reader-supported.

If you have a gambling addiction problem or anyone you know does, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. In addition, the following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:

http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
http://www.ncpgambling.org/
http://www.gamblingtherapy.org/

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