How can you bet on e-sport competitions in 2024?

The world of e-sports, or esports, has exploded in popularity and influence on a global scale in recent years. With this increasing popularity, the phenomenon of betting on these competitions has also developed, offering fans and punters a new dimension of entertainment and engagement.

We're going to dive into the world of esports betting to discover the best platforms in March 2024, understand the mechanics of betting, examine the bonuses available and answer the questions most frequently asked by communities.

Esports Betting: Complete Guide

Esports betting offers an exciting experience by allowing fans to support their favourite teams or players while having the opportunity to win money. Before you start, it's essential to understand the basics of betting types, specific terms and how odds are determined. Not all games are available to punters, you will find a non-exhaustive list of games where it is possible to bet on the competitive scene.

Best e-sport betting sites in March 2024

While there are many sites offering esport betting, not all are equal in terms of security, game variety, promotions and customer support. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most recommended platforms in March 2024:

  1. Thunderpick
  2. FortuneJack
  3. Gamdom
  4. Stake.com
  5. CSGOEmpire

Each of these sites offers a unique experience with different strengths, from better odds to more varied betting options.

Which sports games can you bet on?

From Overwatch to League of Legends, Dota 2 and CS:GO, the options are vast. Each game has its own competitions and leagues, offering a multitude of betting opportunities.

COUNTER-STRIKE: GLOBAL OFFENSIVE (CS:GO)

Launched on 21 August 2012, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, commonly known as CS:GO, represents the most recent edition of the Counter-Strike games. For those who don't know, CS:GO is categorised as a first-person shooter, abbreviated to FPS, meaning the game is played between two teams of five players each, battling each other.

On one side, we have the Terrorists (T) and on the other, the Counter-Terrorists (CT). The T players' missions are either to eliminate all the members of the CT team or to plant a bomb. As for the CTs, they have to eliminate the members of the opposing team or defuse the bomb.

Internationally, Counter-Strike has revealed a wealth of talent across the globe, with iconic teams such as Ninja in Pajamas and fnatic standing out, as well as AAA and GG in France. Some of the most notable players include Olofmeister, JW, flusha, GeT_RiGhT, f0rest and KRIMZ, all of whom have won the most prestigious awards in the game's competitions.

LEAGUE OF LEGENDS (LOL)

Another game that has left its mark on the world of e-sports is League of Legends, commonly known as 'League' or simply 'LoL'. The game, developed by Riot Games, belongs to the moba (multiplayer online battle arena) genre and was launched on 27 October 2009. Now in its 10th year, League of Legends is one of the most established e-sports, with millions of registered players worldwide.

The biggest star is undoubtedly Martin "Rekkles" Larsson, who at just 22 is already considered one of Europe's top AD Carry players. He has been playing for the big fnatic club for four years now, and is the longest-serving member of the current team.

OVERWATCH (OW)

Launched in 2016, Overwatch marks Blizzard's foray into the e-sports world, presenting itself as an alternative to CS:GO-style FTP gaming. But that's where the similarities end, as Overwatch skilfully blends first-person shooters with typical MOBA elements. Battles take place between two teams of six, with each player able to choose from thirty different 'heroes', each with unique characteristics.

Although the game is still relatively new and a significant professional scene has yet to be fully established in Sweden, it is enjoying international recognition, particularly in North America and East Asia, where the most professional players and clubs reside.

These include San Francisco Shock, Vancouver Titans and Guangzhou Charge.

ROCKET LEAGUE (RL)

Since entering the eSports arena in 2015, Rocket League has set itself apart from other games with its unique concept. Put simply, it's a football game where players manipulate cars capable of propelling giant metal balls towards opposing goals. The game is available on multiple platforms, including PC, as well as Playstation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch.

Unlike major e-sports titles, Rocket League does not rank among the games offering the largest prize purses. Nonetheless, the game regularly hosts tournaments with prize money generally in excess of $150,000. The most prestigious tournaments are the DreamHack Pro Circuit and the RLCS, where competitors compete either in teams of two or in duels.

FORTNITE

Fortnite tops the battle royale rankings and has been the dominant topic of conversation for the past two years. It is both admired by many players and criticised. It is also the game that, according to experts, has brought e-sports to the forefront of the mainstream scene.

Mentioned several times in the mainstream media, Fortnite has seen the famous "Ninja" figure make appearances on TV shows such as "The Ellen Show" and "The Tonight Show". In addition, the 2019 Fortnite World Champion was interviewed by Jimmy Fallon on "The Tonight Show".However, betting on the game is not yet widespread, unlike League of Legends, Dota 2 and CS:GO, which dominate this field. Perhaps betting sites will open their eyes to Fortnite competitions in the near future.

STARCRAFT 2 (SC2)

In the summer of 2010, Blizzard launched StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, a highly anticipated sequel twelve years after the launch of its predecessor, StarCraft. StarCraft is regarded as a precursor to competitive computer games. SC2 falls into the real-time strategy genre and, at its peak, dominated the global e-sports scene.

In South Korea, the game was even seen as a national sport. Although there are still competitions with big prizes up for grabs, the buzz around the game is not what it used to be. Among the former Swedish professionals, Johan 'NaNiwa' Lucchesi stands out in particular, attracting both praise and criticism. Despite his reputation as a controversial player, he was one of the most accomplished non-Korean players of his time.

France does not yet have an operator specifically approved by the ARJEL (Autorité de Régulation des Jeux en Ligne). However, the situation could soon change, as several countries with dedicated online gambling regulations, such as Belgium, Spain, Italy and the UK, have already legalised betting on eSports.

This means that it is impossible to place bets as a French resident for the time being, although it is possible to place bets on the French e-sports scene in Belgium, for example on several leagues such as the LFL (Ligue Française de League of Legends) or the ESL Challenger League EU on Counter Strike 2.

How does esports betting work?

Similar to other forms of sports betting, esports betting has several options: single win, correct score bets, over/under, and many others. Understanding the game and the professional scene can greatly increase your chances of success.

Mobile e-sports betting

With the rise of smartphones, betting on esports has never been so accessible. Almost all of the recommended sites have apps or mobile sites optimised for betting anywhere, anytime.

Bonuses and promotions for e-sports

New users can often benefit from welcome bonuses, while regular punters can take advantage of promotions such as free bets, odds boosts and more. These offers vary by site and time of year.

Is it safe to bet on eSports?

Safety depends on the platform you choose. The sites recommended above are renowned for their reliability and compliance with the legal regulations governing online betting.

Do I have to pay tax on profits in France?

In France, winnings from betting are taxable. It is advisable to consult a tax expert to understand your obligations in relation to your winnings. Taxation is assessed on the basis of the amount of winnings, as well as the stakes you can play.

How can I follow the professional esports scene?

Platforms such as Twitch and YouTube host live competitions, while esports news sites provide the latest information on tournaments, teams and players.

Is there an age limit for betting on e-sports?

Yes, the majority of countries require punters to be at least 18 years of age. This limit may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

FAQ

Q: Is esports betting legal everywhere? A : No, the legality of betting varies from country to country. It is crucial to check the laws of your country before betting.

Q: How can I deposit money on an esports betting site? A : Methods vary, including credit cards, e-wallets, and sometimes cryptocurrencies.

Q: Is it possible to make a living from sports betting? A : Although possible, making a living from sports betting is very risky and not suitable for most people.

Esports betting offers an exciting way to engage with your favourite games and competitions. Always bet responsibly and enjoy being part of the growing esports community.