Esports betting has surged in popularity, shattering the $2.8 billion revenue mark in 2025. Experts say this record growth is only the beginning, as the betting market is expanding faster than expected. This is a big milestone in the digital betting industry.
The expanding global audiences, innovative platforms, and massive tournament prize pools drive this growth. The betting scene sees an enormous change in the numbers representing participation, revenue, and engagement. The following breakdown of statistics, trends, and market dynamics explains what caused this record.
What the Numbers Say
According to the latest reports by industry analysts and experts, like those at iGaming.com, the year-on-year increase of 12% isn’t by accident. Esports betting has officially broken the $2.8 billion mark ($2.5 billion in 2024). That sets the stage for a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 5.43% heading into 2026.
The global gaming ecosystem has come together to supercharge the market. The main agents on the field are Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, and Valorant. They become the leading contenders in the betting ring, attracting esports betting lovers year-round.
The rise in mobile gaming and crypto-based wagering has also allowed for smoother execution. That draws in a younger, tech-oriented generation ready to make high-stakes predictions on their favorite esports teams and players.
74 Million Bettors – Who Is Getting In on the Action?
There are over 74 million active esports bettors, a dramatic increase from previous years. That number is expected to keep rising as esports draws a younger audience with a keen interest in betting, fueled by their passion for the games. The Gen Z demographic leads, representing 44% of all bettors, with Millennials not far behind with 43%.
Regionally, Asia-Pacific users rule the market, making up over 50% of the global esports betting audience. However, North America is rapidly catching up, particularly after regulatory reforms in states where such wagers have been officially legalized. Europe also represents a notable portion of the global market.
Skyrocketing Average Revenue per User
The Average Revenue per User (ARPU) in esports betting is expected to hit $34.90 this year, which also shows an increase from 2024. Users are spending more money on each bet, even if they place fewer wagers than traditional sports fans.
Compared to traditional betting markets, where the average stake might be as low as $5-$6 for football, esports bettors are placing high-value wagers, reaching $30 or more. Fans bet large sums on the outcome of individual rounds, specific player performances, or in-game events. Those can be total kills or match time in games like Counter-Strike 2 and LoL.
Bigger Bets, Fewer Rounds
Esports bettors are placing larger, more calculated bets based on game knowledge and the level of competition. The number of bets is lower, but the wagered amounts are larger.
It is estimated that esports fans place about 1.5-2 times fewer bets than those who wager on traditional sports. The focus is on specific games or tournaments, resulting in more focused betting with high confidence. Good game knowledge plays a huge role in these high-value bets.
Live and Prop Bets on the Rise
The evolution of esports betting is one of the most exciting developments in recent years. As the market matures, bettors are increasingly drawn to in-play betting and prop bets. To make it clearer, 46% of all bets placed on Counter-Strike 2 in 2024 were live bets. That indicates a strong preference for betting during live events.
Prop bets are mostly used for games like League of Legends. They involve predicting specific actions or in-game events. Such dynamic formats boost engagement, helping players create specific wagers based on various in-game scenarios.
What Fuels the Growth?
Several factors are involved, with technological innovation being the top one. Mobile-first platforms, cryptocurrency payments, and AR/VR betting tools make esports betting more accessible and engaging. All that is especially attractive among younger audiences who prefer digital-first sessions. Year-round events are another way to keep the audience engaged and provide consistent betting opportunities.
What Is Next?
As technological innovation continues and more regulated markets appear, the potential for this sector is massive. Analysts predict continuing growth, reaching $3.5 billionin revenueby 2029.
Global esports events and competitions will also expand. The next few years will bring more dynamic betting opportunities, interactive features, and competitive real-time odds that will continue to excite bettors.
Conclusion
Esports betting has entered a new era, getting out of the niche market. With more than $2.8 billion in revenue for 2025, it is now a mainstream powerhouse. This achievement is fueled by a unique blend of high-stakes wagers, international events and tournaments, live betting opportunities, and an intensely loyal fan base.
As technologies advance and regulations adapt, the market is poised for even greater growth, solidifying its place as a major force in the global online gambling industry.