The explosive growth of competitive video gaming has created a booming new frontier for UK punters. eSports betting is rapidly approaching the popularity of traditional sports wagering, prompting British bookmakers to expand their coverage significantly. This guide details the top platforms for UK bettors looking to wager on titles like Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Call of Duty in January 2026.
Leading eSports Bookmakers for UK Punters
Our analysis, current for January 2026, identifies the premier destinations for eSports betting. The following operators have been evaluated on licensing, market depth, odds value, and user experience. All recommended sites hold a valid licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring regulated and secure betting environments.
The standout platforms include:
- Bet365 (UKGC License 55148): Praised for outstanding eSports odds and a superior live streaming feature.
- BoyleSports (39469): Notable for its dedicated eSports promotions and accumulator boosts.
- Ladbrokes (1611): Offers a vast catalogue of eSports games and consistent promotional offers.
- NetBet (1611): Excels with extensive betting markets across multiple titles.
- BetVictor (39576): Features a great user interface tailored for eSports betting.
What Makes a Top eSports Betting Site?
Our rating criteria are stringent, focusing on several key pillars essential for a quality betting experience. Licensing and security are non-negotiable, with only UKGC-licensed sites making the cut. We also scrutinise the value of welcome offers and ongoing promotions, though specialist eSports sign-up bonuses remain rare.
The breadth of betting markets is crucial. The best sites provide diverse options, from simple match winners to more complex handicaps, over/unders, and specials like 'Most Kills' or 'MVP'. Usability across desktop and native mobile apps is vital, as is support for modern payment methods like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, alongside traditional debit cards.
A Guide to eSports Betting Markets and Games
Bettors can explore a variety of markets similar to traditional sports. These include straightforward Match Betting on the winner, Over/Under wagers on round totals or kills, and Handicap betting to level the playing field. Outright bets on tournament winners and Specials on individual player performances are also widely available.
The most popular games covered by UK bookmakers are Call of Duty, League of Legends, DOTA 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Markets for eSports simulations of football and basketball are also growing in availability. It's important to note that these competitions follow seasonal schedules, much like physical sports.
Prioritising Safe and Responsible Gambling
As with all forms of gambling, maintaining control is paramount. Reputable eSports betting sites provide tools such as deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options. Bettors are advised to use these features and never chase losses or be overly influenced by promotional offers like free bets.
If gambling becomes a concern, free support is available from organisations like GambleAware, GamCare, and the NHS. Remember, the primary rule is to only wager what you can afford to lose. All odds and offers are subject to change, and terms and conditions always apply.
