Esports betting has moved far beyond its niche roots. What started as a fringe market for gamers has become a rapidly expanding global industry – one that’s attracting attention from tech entrepreneurs, digital marketers, and investors alike.
While legacy bookmakers try to adapt, a new generation of agile, esports-first betting platforms is already ahead of the curve.
In this article, we look at why esports betting is gaining traction, where the growth opportunities lie, and which platforms are leading the charge — particularly in markets where local regulation (like Sweden’s) is pushing users toward international options.
The Growth Drivers Behind Esports Betting
The esports ecosystem has matured into a multi-billion-dollar global phenomenon. Competitive titles like CS:GO, League of Legends, Dota 2 and Valorant regularly draw stadium audiences and millions of live-stream viewers. Unsurprisingly, betting has followed — and flourished.
Several factors are accelerating this growth:
A digitally native audience aged 18–35 who are comfortable with mobile, crypto, and instant transactions.
Constant engagement via platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, creating fertile ground for live betting.
User experiences that mirror gaming culture — think XP levels, loyalty systems, and gamified rewards.
The rise of cryptocurrency betting on sites not bound by restrictive national regulations.
From Niche to Opportunity: A Market for Digital Entrepreneurs
For those in affiliate marketing, iGaming, or digital content, esports betting represents an underexploited growth vertical. It’s less crowded than traditional sports betting but increasingly lucrative.
Business models gaining traction include:
Niche publishing around esports odds, predictions, and match data.
International affiliate brands targeting non-restricted regions such as Scandinavia, LATAM and Southeast Asia.
Partnerships between esports influencers and betting platforms.
Startup sportsbooks launching with a pure esports focus.
Especially in regions like Sweden, where national regulation limits marketing, bonuses and platform flexibility, affiliates and players alike are looking abroad — often toward EU-licensed or crypto-friendly operators.
Sweden’s Regulatory Pushback — and the Loopholes Others Are Using
The 2019 Swedish Gambling Act mandates that all gambling operators targeting Swedish users must hold a local license. While the intention was consumer protection, the result has been a fragmented user base — with many turning to international alternatives.
Enter Malta (MGA) and Estonia (EMTA) — two EU jurisdictions offering robust licensing frameworks with tax-free winnings inside the EU. These platforms attract a significant Swedish audience despite lacking local licences.
Beyond the EU, operators licensed in Curaçao, Kahnawake or Anjouan offer broader functionality, looser restrictions, and wide crypto integration — but winnings may be taxable, and consumer protection varies.
5 Esports Betting Platforms to Watch in 2025
(The following gambling sites are accessible to Swedish players but operate without a local license and can be found on bästabettingsidorna.se)
Thunderpick
A crypto-native sportsbook built for esports fans. Clean UX, instant withdrawals, and strong coverage of titles like CS:GO and Valorant.
Loot.bet
One of the earliest dedicated esports betting sites. Well-known for its in-depth match markets and seasonal promotions.
GG.Bet
Mainstream exposure through tournament sponsorships. Offers live stats, streams and wide market depth across top games.
BC.Game
An integrated crypto casino and sportsbook with a growing reputation. Combines esports markets with provably fair games.
Betinia
MGA-licensed platform with sharp branding and tax-free status in Sweden. Solid esports and virtual sports offering.
Where the Industry is Headed
Looking forward, several trends stand out as key to the next evolution of esports betting:
AI-powered trading tools are setting increasingly accurate live odds.
Stream-betting integration is emerging, allowing bets to be placed inside Twitch or YouTube interfaces.
Wallet-based onboarding is reducing friction, particularly in crypto-first markets.
Hybrid models are blurring the line between fantasy esports and fixed-odds betting.
Final Thoughts
Esports betting is no longer just a novelty — it’s a dynamic, fast-evolving market with real commercial upside. For businesses operating in the iGaming, digital marketing, fintech or affiliate space, this is a vertical worth watching closely.
That said, navigating the licensing landscape is key. EU-licensed operators offer a good balance of compliance and flexibility, while non-EU platforms offer reach and innovation — albeit with added risk.
Read more:
Esports Betting in 2025: A fast-growing market with serious business potential
