Most Popular eSports Bookies in United States

The US eSports industry is a billion-dollar industry. Esports betting is not just like any other trend; it is a fast-growing industry that is here to stay. A standout feature of this industry is that things change fast, which makes this industry exciting and lucrative at the same time.

The history of eSports goes back to the 70s following the release of two popular videos, Asteroids and Invaders. This marked the start of Arcade gaming in eSports’ history. At the time, the gaming industry was quite dynamic.

As gaming consoles became more accessible in the 80s, local area network parties became the norm. Multiplayer video games soon followed and then became a hit in the 90s. This saw the release of two ‘popular titles’ at the time, Quake and Counter-Strike.

Video gamers did not have to gather at designated areas to play multiplayer games with improved internet connectivity in the US. This attracted many players and viewers who could connect in a completely new way. This saw tournaments attract an enormous viewership, not just in the United States but also worldwide.

As the prize pools for eSports tournaments soared to new heights, eSports fans did not want to be left out and soon started placing wagers on their favorite teams. This, in turn, led to the popularization of online eSports betting, where punters could bet on skins or real money.

The US eSports industry is yet to reach its potential. However, there is still some light at the end of the tunnel. Initially, the target audience seemed to be more interested in sports betting, but the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors have forced bettors to consider eSports betting.

The unprecedented growth of the eSports industry offers every reason to remain positive about what the future holds. The potential for eSports betting explains why the best bookmakers in the industry have been quick to grab the opportunity offered by eSports betting.

It is no doubt that online eSports betting is bound to be more accessible to punters. This means that it will also welcome some competition between the best eSports betting sites US. Esports bettors can thus expect more opportunities on a broader scale. Undoubtedly, the future of eSports betting in the US has a bright future!

Can one bet on eSports in the United States? Most eSports bettors would undoubtedly want to have this question answered. It is possible to bet on eSports online, only that players are required to do some due diligence. To say that betting laws in the US are complicated would be an understatement. Why? Understanding the legality of online sports betting, including eSports, requires an in-depth understanding of federal, state, and local laws.

States with esports legislation

As of 2021, only four US states had specific laws catered to eSports betting. They include New Jersey, Nevada, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Other states have been keen to regulate eSports betting, meaning that eSports betting is subject to some rules and regulations but not completely legalized. Examples of the states where eSports is regulated include New York, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas, Delaware, Michigan, Rhode Island, Montana, Oregon, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania.

As it stands, the other states, especially those that have legalized sports betting, have not made the position known when it comes to wagering on eSports events. Lawmakers in many states are expected to shift their attention to eSports events and how they will be classified.

Regardless of the state a player lives in, they must pay attention to their state’s eSports laws before they start placing wagers.

Just as the NFL has always been ahead of the curve in the sports betting industry, certain eSports titles are much popular in the United States. As the eSports industry grows, players will have to deal with thousands of options. While newer titles always stand a chance of rising to the top, here are some of the most popular titles among US eSports bettors.

League of Legends (LoL)

LoL is one of the most admired eSports globally, not just in the United States. This game is undoubtedly a phenomenon in the US, largely because of its availability as a free-to-play game and the fact it has the most lucrative prize money.

CS:GO

Also known as the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, CS:GO enjoys massive popularity in the US. This game is incredibly easy to watch and follow, even for someone without prior experience in eSports, which explains why this game is synonymous with popularity spikes every other year.

DOTA 2

DOTA 2 bears close similarities to LoL. These two eSports titles are inspired by the same game, Defense of the Ancients. However, gaming enthusiasts usually believe that DOTA 2 is the most flexible and complex variant of the two. The main reason why DOTA is not as popular as Lol is its relatively high skill ceiling.

Is eSports betting legal in the US?

The legality of eSports betting in the US is a complex matter. While countless bookmakers cover eSports betting markets, it is yet to receive a definitive stance from a legal standpoint. It is now to each state to develop its stance on the activity.

Is eSports betting different from traditional sports betting?

Both eSports and sports betting share many similarities, including the bet systems and the wagering process. The standout difference between these two betting markets is that minors participate in eSports events. This casts doubt on the legality of eSports betting in most states.

Can US eSports bettors wager in international events?

Yes. Esports punters in the US can always wager on international eSports events. It is worth noting that most of the major eSports events, including LoL and CS:GO are primarily international. However, players should be able to place wagers on most eSports tournaments.

Is there an age restriction for betting in the US?

Fundamentally, punters have attained the age of majority (at least 18 or 21 years or older, depending on the state) to place wagers at a real money site in the US.