In 2025, eSports betting continues to carve out its place in the U.S. sports and gaming ecosystem, with billions in wagers circulating nationwide each year.
The booming online gaming scene and the growing fanbase around competitive video games have opened new doors for bettors and operators alike, turning eSports betting into a rapidly expanding sector.
Team up with Jackpot Sounds which is committed to analyzing the American gambling space, to get a clearer picture of the legal framework surrounding eSports wagering in the U.S.
This initiative shines a spotlight on regulatory trends and legal nuances. Jackpot Sounds also aims to compile and showcase major win data, offering a dynamic snapshot of gambling activity across different U.S. states.
How eSports Betting Took Off in the U.S.
eSports wagering has evolved from the long-standing tradition of sports betting in America, drawing on a deeply rooted gambling culture that dates back decades.
Thanks to rapid advances in digital platforms and the explosive growth of competitive gaming, a new market for wagering emerged—built directly on the shoulders of traditional sports betting.
The Early Days of eSports Wagering
It all began in 2010 when the first recorded eSports bet was made on a StarCraft 2 match.
That moment marked the start of what would become a thriving niche. Then in 2018, the repeal of PASPA (the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) kicked off a wave of regulation, opening the floodgates for legal eSports betting across multiple states.
eSports Betting Gains Momentum
As eSports viewership skyrocketed, the betting side gained serious traction—especially with the rise of loyal fanbases rallying around teams and players. By late 2014, Pinnacle surpassed one million eSports bets placed on its platform. Soon after, big-name sportsbooks outside the eSports world—like
- Unibet,
- Bet365,
- William Hill, and
- Dafabet—
jumped into the mix, drawn by the growing buzz and booming betting action.
eSports Betting in the USA: Legal Roadblocks and Open Doors
Even with its rising popularity, eSports betting in the U.S. still faces a number of legal hurdles. One major sticking point is the Wire Act of 1961—originally enacted to combat illegal sports betting over telephone lines—which continues to create complications for modern digital platforms offering eSports wagers.
That said, the future isn’t all red tape. With proper oversight and tailored regulation, eSports betting could create a major space within the broader U.S. sports wagering ecosystem. The potential is there to give fans an exciting, interactive way to follow their favorite games—and boost tax revenues for states that get it right.
Where the Action Is: eSports Betting Gains Traction
Interest in betting on competitive titles has exploded. Popular games like:
- Dota 2
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- League of Legends
- Fortnite
- Valorant
- FIFA
have become go-to options for bettors. And the betting industry has taken notice. Today, household names like:
- DraftKings
- Betway
- FanDuel
- bet365
- William Hill
are offering markets on these digital showdowns.
State-by-State Snapshot: Who’s Legal and Who’s Regulated
In the U.S., full legality for eSports betting has been secured in a few trailblazing states:
Nevada, New Jersey, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Meanwhile, several others have rolled out regulated frameworks—allowing eSports wagering with specific guidelines in place. These include:
Arkansas, Delaware, New York, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Rhode Island, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
In regulated states, players can bet legally—but there might be game-specific limitations, age restrictions, or platform requirements that vary by jurisdiction.
Breaking Down State Rules: Where eSports Betting Stands
Some U.S. states have made specific moves to embrace eSports betting, offering clear guidelines on what’s allowed—and what isn’t.
States with Defined eSports Betting Rules
Nevada has taken a leading role, authorizing wagers on a wide range of events such as:
- League of Legends European Championship (LEC)
- League of Legends Championship Series (LCS)
- Overwatch League (OWL)
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO)
- eNASCAR competitions
New Jersey has followed suit, permitting bets on major titles including:
- LEC and LCS matches
- CS: GO tournaments
- Call of Duty showdowns
- Rocket League events
- eNASCAR races
West Virginia has gone even further, allowing bettors to place wagers on a lengthy list of games:
- CS: GO
- Dota 2
- League of Legends
- Overwatch
- Rocket League
- Street Fighter
- PUBG
- Fortnite
- Call of Duty
- Valorant
- FIFA
- NBA 2K20
- Hearthstone
- Apex Legends
- Rainbow Six Siege.
States in Legal Limbo or With Restrictions
Across much of the country, eSports betting still sits in murky legal waters. A majority of states haven’t directly addressed it in legislation, leaving operators in limbo. Some jurisdictions, like Indiana, have taken a firm stance against it.
In those states, even if a sportsbook wants to offer eSports lines, they’re legally barred from doing so.
Age Limits and Access: Who Can Bet on eSports?
When it comes to eSports betting, most U.S. states stick to the standard gambling age of 21. But there are exceptions—West Virginia, for example, allows individuals aged 18 and up to participate in legal eSports wagering.
This age variance is one of many factors that differ by jurisdiction.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for eSports Betting in the U.S.?
The future looks bright for eSports betting, as more states appear ready to embrace it through legislation and regulatory frameworks. Growth will hinge on the industry’s ability to maintain competitive integrity and protect the ecosystem.
That’s where the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) comes in—tasked with monitoring fairness, transparency, and anti-corruption efforts within competitive gaming.
Comparing eSports Betting to Traditional Sports Wagering
Though similar in format, eSports and traditional sports betting each have distinct traits. eSports appeals to a younger, tech-savvy crowd and often involves different types of wagers.
Unlike conventional sports, it also raises unique concerns—especially around protecting younger participants and fans from gambling harm.
These differences make tailored regulation essential as the two betting markets continue to evolve side by side.
Top eSports Titles for Betting in the USA
The rise of competitive gaming has turned esports into a global phenomenon, and the U.S. is right at the heart of this surge—especially when it comes to betting. With high-stakes tournaments, passionate fanbases, and nonstop action, esports betting gives players a new way to connect with their favorite titles.
From strategy-packed MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2 to pulse-pounding shooters like CS:GO and Fortnite, the betting market around these games continues to grow. Here’s a look at the standout games that dominate the U.S. esports betting scene.
NBA 2K: Bridging Sports and Esports
NBA 2K blends traditional sports and digital competition. As a sports simulation game with an official esports league, it has seen growing betting interest across the U.S.
The game has become beautiful to younger audiences—an essential factor for traditional leagues looking to engage the next generation. With more than 250 million people tuning into esports globally, NBA 2K’s competitive scene has earned its place in the betting world.
Dota 2: A Betting Powerhouse
One of the most bet-on esports titles in the U.S., Dota 2 is a strategic MOBA developed by Valve Corporation. Its rich gameplay and intense competitive scene make it a favorite among bettors.
At the center of the action is The International—the game’s massive annual championship. In 2021, its prize pool soared past $25 million, reflecting its global appeal and the level of betting interest it attracts.
U.S. sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting markets for Dota 2, including:
- Match winner
- Spread betting
- Prop bets
- Totals
- Parlays
- Futures.
Most of the action involves real money wagering, handled through licensed operators offering extensive coverage of both regional and global tournaments.
Fortnite: High-Speed Action Meets High-Stakes Wagering
Fortnite, Epic Games’ wildly popular battle royale, has made a strong impact on the esports scene—and it’s gaining serious momentum in the betting world. With its fast-paced gameplay, ever-changing maps, and unpredictable twists, Fortnite delivers an exciting experience for bettors looking for variety and edge-of-your-seat action.
Esportsbooks in the U.S. now offer a range of betting options for Fortnite, including:
- Spread bets
- Moneyline wagers
- Totals (over/under)
- Player-specific prop bets.
Fans can place bets on outcomes such as:
- Match winners
- Point spreads
- Tournament champions
- In-game prop markets tied to player performance.
As the global esports betting industry continues its upward trajectory, projections show a growth rate of 7.27% over the next four years—eventually hitting $3.3 billion by 2028.
League of Legends: A Global Giant
League of Legends (LoL) is another heavyweight in the esports world. Developed by Riot Games, LoL pits two teams of five champions against each other in a battle for dominance on a battlefield known as Summoner’s Rift.
The League of Legends World Championship is a global sensation that draws millions of viewers—and tons of betting interest. Like Dota 2, LoL offers robust betting options and is available on most major esports betting platforms.
References
- The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA)
- Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC)
- The Wire Act of 1961
- US Esport Industry Statistics