Bitcoin eSports Betting: Top Sportsbooks, Bonuses and More
Imagine the thrill of your favorite eSports teams battling it out while you watch, your heart pounding as your virtual currency wagers hang in the balance.
As a rapidly growing niche in online gambling, Bitcoin eSports betting offers numerous benefits and a few challenges.
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This is your one-stop destination for everything you need to know about Bitcoin eSports betting.
In this guide:
- We’ll show you the best Bitcoin bookie to bet on eSports in 2023.
- We’ll take an in-depth look into each provider, comparing the top-rated options on the market.
- We will also discuss the most popular eSports you will find on Bitcoin sportsbooks and how to bet on them.
Ready? Let’s go!
Best Bitcoin eSports Betting Sites: Quick Picks
In a time crunch? Here are our favorite Bitcoin sportsbooks for eSports betting:
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these Bitcoin sportsbooks and see what sets them apart from the competition.
Psst! If you’re looking to bet on eSports with other coins besides BTC, then check out our Dogecoin eSports betting guide!
Why These Sportsbooks?
When it comes to eSports betting with Bitcoin, there are plenty of options out there. So, what makes these three Bitcoin sportsbooks the best of the best?
Well, for starters, all of these sportsbooks offer a wide range of eSports markets. From Rocket League to Valorant, you’ll find all of your favorite games covered.
What’s more, they also have some of the most competitive odds in the industry.
Just like crypto casinos can afford super low house edges, Bitcoin sportsbooks also enjoy lower overhead costs – translating into better odds for you. Whether you’re betting on the outcome of a match or trying to predict the next map, you can be sure that you’re getting a fair price.
Finally, these sportsbooks also offer a variety of bonuses and promotions to help you get started. Do you prefer a deposit bonus, free bets, or a unique VIP experience? Good news – crypto bookies can offer all of these and then some more.
Now, let’s break down each of our top picks and explore what it has to offer:
🥇 Stake: The Best Overall eSports Bitcoin Sportsbook
First on our list, Stake is a stellar crypto bookie with a knack for eSports betting. Not only is Stake one of our favorite casinos, but it’s also one of the best Bitcoin sportsbooks in general.
We are happy to report that Stake offers frequent promos on both sports bets and the casino. Their daily races can earn you a share of $100,000 prize pools, while the special events keep you excited about upcoming matches. Keep an eye on their players’ forum for the latest offers.
What’s more, the odds are competitive, and the user interface is top-tier.
Finally, Stake is also one of the most reputable sportsbooks in the industry. They are licensed by the Curaçao eGaming Authority and have a solid reputation online.
Currently available eSports games:
- League of Legends
- CS:GO
- Arena of Valor
- Dota 2
- Valorant
- Overwatch
- NBA2K
- Rocket League
- FIFA
- Halo
- Mobile Legends
- Wild Rift
Pros:
✔️ Various promotions
✔️ 10+ eSports
✔️ Fully licensed
Cons:
❌ No welcome bonus
So, if you’re looking for a safe and reliable place to bet on eSports with Bitcoin, Stake is your best bet.
🥈 BC.Game: Bonuses Galore
Coming in hot in second place, BC.Game is an eSports force to be reckoned with. Although it doesn’t have as many eSports categories as Stake, BC.Game makes up for this with a fantastic array of bonuses for new and existing players alike.
Add crystal-clear live streaming of your favorite matches and leagues to the mix, and you’ve got a pretty sweet deal.
BC.Game’s intuitive bet slip makes the entire experience more user-friendly, and you can quickly hop on the lively player chat to celebrate your wins (and mourn your losses).
This sportsbook also holds a solid Curaçao license and enjoys a fantastic standing in the community.
Currently available eSports games:
- League of Legends
- Dota 2
- CS:GO
- Valorant
- StarCraft
- Rainbow Six
- King of Glory
- Rocket League
- Arena of Valor
- Halo
- Pokemon
- Wild Rift
Pros:
✔️ Generous welcome bonus
✔️ NFT betting option
✔️ Fun website design
Cons:
❌ KYC may be required
Can’t wait to start betting? Don’t let us stop you:
🥉 Cloudbet – Great for Live eSports Betting
As one of the industry’s oldest and most trusted names, Cloudbet offers an extensive range of options for crypto eSports enthusiasts.
For new players, Cloudbet sweetens the deal with a 100% deposit bonus up to 5 BTC, although this only applies to their casino games.
But fret not, as you can also benefit from numerous ongoing promotions, making your experience all the more rewarding.
To top it all off, their Loyalty Program stands out as one of the best, allowing you to win luxurious prizes such as Rolex watches and even a Lambo.
Currently available eSports games:
- Arena of Valor
- CS:GO
- Crossfire
- Dota 2
- FIFA
- League of Legends
- NBA2K
- Rainbow Six
- Starcraft
- Valorant
Plus, you can place wagers on virtual sports, including:
- Baseball
- Cricket
- Football
- Tennis
Pros:
✔️ Attractive marketplace
✔️ Competitive odds
✔️ Great selection of virtual sports
Cons:
❌ Welcome bonus applies only to casino games
Check out Cloudbet’s eSports games and odds:
Special Mentions
Besides our top five BTC eSports betting sites, a few more deserve special mention.
Let’s start with Vave.
Vave
Introducing Vave Casino, the new contender that stepped into the spotlight in 2022.
For all you sports betting enthusiasts out there, Vave has something special in store: an impressive 100% deposit match, capping at 1 BTC.
What’s even better? Once you create your account, you’re automatically enrolled in their Sports Program, just like their Casino VIP setup.
Currently, they’re offering betting options for:
- CS:GO
- LoL
- Dota 2
- King of Glory
Besides eSports, you can also try your luck at virtual sports like eSoccer and eBasketball.
Pros:
✔️ Dedicated sports welcome bonus
✔️ Sports VIP program
✔️ Crypto Gambling Foundation certified
Cons:
❌ Minimum deposit limits
Stay ahead of the game and check out what Vave Casino has to offer.
Duelbits
Duelbits is another top player on our list.
They’re rolling out the red carpet for new bettors with their First Deposit Bonus, dishing out up to 100 USD in free bets once you meet certain wagering criteria.
The perks don’t stop there – ongoing bonuses are up for grabs (mostly for regular sports, though), especially for Premier League, MLB, and MMA events.
Plus, Duelbits is all about crypto convenience, accepting over 10 cryptocurrencies like DOGE, ETH, and LTC.
What about their eSports selection?
Duelbits has enough options for everyone, including:
- StarCraft 2
- Overwatch
- Mobile Legends
- League of Legends
- Kings of Glory
- Halo
- Dota 2
- CS:GO
- Arena of Valor
Pros:
✔️ No KYC
✔️ Free bets
✔️ Provably fair
Cons:
❌ Withdrawal fees
Get in on the action and make the most of Duelbits’ exciting offerings!
Thunderpick
Thunderpick stands out as a pioneering crypto and online casino betting hub, crafted by passionate gamers for fellow eSports and betting aficionados.
Dive into the action with an array of promos, live game streaming, player challenges, and, of course, bets on your favorite titles.
Plus, there’s a warm welcome waiting for you – upon registering, enjoy a 5% extra boost on your first deposit, with a generous 500 EUR maximum deposit and a low rollover requirement. The beauty is that you don’t need to scramble for the right code; it’s automatically applied on the page once you sign up.
Safety’s a sure thing here, backed by the security of the Curacao Gambling License. And when it comes to funding your journey, Thunderpick’s got your back with an extensive lineup of cryptocurrency options, including BTC Cash, BTC, LTC, Binance Coin, ETH, XRP, DOGE, and Tether for seamless deposits and withdrawals.
So what eSports you can bet on? Take a look:
- Valorant
- CS:GO
- League of Legends
- Dota 2
- Fortnite
- Heroes of The Storm
- Overwatch
- StarCraft 2
- Call of Duty
- Rocket League
- Rainbow Six
- King of Glory
- Hearthstone
- LoL Wild Rift
Pros:
✔️ Dedicated to eSports betting
✔️ Unique eSports promotions and bonuses
✔️ Mobile-friendly
Cons:
❌ Not anonymous
Sounds good? Try out Thunderpick yourself:
Sportsbook Comparison
Need a quick recap? Here’s a comparison table of our top 5 bookies:
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Cryptocurrencies | eSports Games | Gambling License |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsbook Stake | Welcome Bonus No, but plenty of promos | Cryptocurrencies 20+ | eSports Games 10+ | Gambling License Yes |
| Sportsbook BC.Game | Welcome Bonus Up to 360% match deposit | Cryptocurrencies 80+ | eSports Games 8+ | Gambling License Yes |
| Sportsbook Cloudbet | Welcome Bonus Up to 5 BTC | Cryptocurrencies 30+ | eSports Games 11+ | Gambling License Yes |
| Sportsbook JustBit | Welcome Bonus 45% Cashback | Cryptocurrencies 15+ | eSports Games 5+ | Gambling License Yes |
| Sportsbook Vave | Welcome Bonus 1 BTC Cashback | Cryptocurrencies 8+ | eSports Games 6+ | Gambling License Yes |
How to Get Started With BTC eSports Betting?
As eSports grow in importance and viewership, eSports betting becomes more and more mainstream. Whether you’re a recreational Dota2 player looking to wager on their favorite team or a sports betting fan, exploring new markets, here is how you get started with Bitcoin eSports betting:
- Create a cryptocurrency wallet.
Your crypto wallet is like a physical one – this is where your money goes. We have a guide on choosing the best Bitcoin wallet for online gambling with tips to help you pick out the best option. - Buy Bitcoin.
Next, go to an exchange like Binance or Kraken and deposit some fiat money. Then, use the fiat to buy BTC. Or you also have an option to buy crypto directly at a sportsbook, as many bookies like BC.Game and Stake, have an in-house crypto exchange. - Transfer your Bitcoin to the wallet.
Your BTC wallet has a unique address that you can use for transactions. Go to the withdrawals section of the exchange to transfer the Bitcoin from the platform to your wallet. - Pick out a crypto eSports bookie.
You already know our top bookies, so why not test them out? - Deposit Bitcoin into the eSports gambling site.
Again, you’ll get a wallet address (for the bookie’s wallet). Use that to transfer funds into your profile. - Place your bets.
And now time for the most fun part! Find your favorite eSports match, select the betting markets, and start wagering. P.S. Make sure to take advantage of the bonuses! - Withdraw back to your wallet.
When it’s time to cash out, the withdrawal goes to your original wallet.
And there you have it – it really is as easy as 1-2-3 (…4-5-6)!
Betting on Specific Games: Dota 2, CS:GO, and LoL
Now, let’s talk about betting on specific eSports and what makes a good sportsbook for each of them:
🎮 Dota 2
Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game developed and published by Valve Corporation.
The game is a sequel to Defense of the Ancients (DotA) – hence the two – and it’s one of the most popular MOBAs in the world. It’s also among the eSports receiving the largest number of bets in the world.
Dota 2 matches are typically played between two teams of five players, with each player controlling a “Hero” character with unique abilities.
The objective of the game is to destroy the enemy team’s “Ancient” – a large structure located in their base.
Dota 2 betting works in a similar way to traditional sports betting. You can bet on the outcome of matches, and also on props such as which team will get the first blood, or which player will get the most kills.
Dota 2 Betting Markets
The most popular betting markets for Dota 2 include:
- Moneyline where you bet on who wins the game.
- Total Maps, referring to the number of rounds.
- Exact Score, tends to have juicier odds than Moneyline (but you’re also risking far more).
- Map Handicap, in which the “advantage” that the bookie offers is giving an extra map (or more than one map) to a specific team.
With some bookmakers, you can also bet on specific events within each map – for example, which team will take down the first Roshan, or which team will destroy the first tower.
Check out the range of Dota 2 markets on Stake:
P.S. We have an in-depth Dota 2 crypto betting guide. Check it out!
🎮 CS:GO
Another one of the top three most popular games to bet on is CS:GO. The Counter-Strike franchise was initially launched in 1999 and has only grown in popularity over the years.
CS:GO betting can be pretty profitable if you know what you are doing. Here is what you need to know about gambling on the game:
CS:GO Betting Markets
The major betting markets for CS:GO include:
- Match-Up Winner – pick the team that you think will win the match and keep your fingers crossed.
- Correct Score – since matches are best-of-two, best-of-three, or best-of-five, you can use this option to bet on the specific score; you can also wager on the number of rounds overall.
- Handicaps – CS:GO’s rules give ample space for handicaps. Use them to add bonus rounds to a team, shifting the odds in the direction you choose.
- Draw No Bet – this option protects you from losing your bet if a tie happens in a best-of-two series. If there is no winner, you get your money back.
- Pistol Round Winner – the first and second rounds are “pistol rounds” where teams have a very limited budget, which makes them an exciting period of the game to bet on.
Check out CS:GO markets at Cloudbet, one of our favorite eSports betting providers:
P.S. Check out our detailed CS:GO Bitcoin betting guide together with tips and strategies. Also, if you’re looking for an alternative FPS game, then you might want to have a look at our Call of Duty betting article.
🎮 League of Legends
Last but oh-so-not-least, LoL is another incredibly popular eSport with a massive global following.
Just like with CS:GO and Dota 2, there are plenty of tournaments and leagues to bet on when it comes to LoL – including the LCS (League of Legends Championship Series) in North America, the League of Legends European Championship (LEC), and the rest of the regional leagues supported by Riot Games.
But League of Legends is also unique in that it has the World Championship, which is the pinnacle event for the game and takes place once a year (and has a prize pool of over $2 million).
LoL Betting Markets
As with the other games on this list, you can bet on who you think will win outright, but there are tons of other options, too.
Here are the major markets to know about:
- Map Winner – the most popular (if a little basic) market is where you try to predict which team wins which map.
- Correct Match Score – this is where you usually find the best odds, but predicting the results can be tricky business. We usually only use Correct Match Score bets if we’re very well-informed about the teams playing, as performance tracking plays a major role in correctly predicting these scores.
- Total Maps Played Over/Under – for this market, you bet on the total number of maps played in the match. For Bo5 games, you can bet up to 4.5, whereas Bo3 are limited to 2.5.
- Number of Kills is where you bet on how many kills the teams get on each map.
- First to Reach 5 Kills is another self-explanatory market where you guess which team will get to five kills first.
There are a number of other specials markets to try out with League of Legends. For example, you can bet on Quadrakills (will one of the teams have a player achieving four kills), Dragon Type (where you bet on which type of dragon appears in the match), First Blood, First Baron (the first team to eliminate Baron Nashor after he spawns), etc.
You can bet on all the standard and special League of Legends markets at Thunderpick:
P.S. Check out our LoL crypto betting guide for more information.
Tips for Bitcoin eSports Betting
Variety is the best thing about eSports betting. With a range of special markets and an ever-growing list of games to bet on, you can always find a market that interests you.
In this section, we’re looking at the most important tips to help you get the most out of your eSports betting efforts:
1. Understand Main and Specials Markets
There are four main markets you can usually bet on with eSports. Beyond that, specials markets allow you to wager on unique, game-specific events like First Kill or Map Winner.
If you’re still new to eSports betting, we suggest you start out with the traditional markets. They are:
- Moneyline
This is the simplest option out there – you bet on who will win the game. Much like with other sports, the odds reflect how likely the bookmaker thinks it is that the competitor or team will win the race.
With eSports, you’ll often see major differences between odds. This is especially common in smaller events, where some teams or individual players are much better than their opponents. - Handicap
This market is designed to even the playing field and make betting more interesting. With a handicap, the bookmaker will give one team or player a virtual head start.
For example, if Team A is playing Team B and Team A is the clear favorite, the bookmaker might give Team B a +1.5 handicap. This means that for you to win your bet, Team B must not only win, but they must win by two or more goals.
The specific way in which handicap bets work in eSports depends on the game. In FIFA, for example, it’s very similar to a regular game of soccer. With Dota 2, on the other hand, it usually relates to how many maps the teams have conquered. - Total
With this market, you bet on a total number of goals (FIFA), kills (League of Legends or Dota 2), rounds (CS:GO), etc. You’re essentially predicting whether the overall number will be over or under the line set by the bookmaker. Not all bookies offer this type of eSports betting, though, so shop around to find the best one for you. - Proposition Bets
With proposition (or prop) bets, you’re betting on whether a certain event happens during the game. You can bet on anything from the first team to get a kill to how many maps will be played.
Proposition bets are usually available for bigger tournaments, and they add an extra layer of excitement to watching the game.
What about special markets?
Special markets are special because they’re specific to the game you’re gambling on. For example, if you’re betting on Dota 2, you can try to predict:
- Which team will get the first kill?
- Who will kill the first Roshan?
- How many Roshans will be defeated?
- Which team takes the first tower?
The number of special markets available varies from bookmaker to bookmaker and from game to game. If you’re looking for something specific, your best bet (no pun intended) is to go to Thunderpick, which has an amazing selection of special markets for all the popular games.
2. Keep Up With the Game You’re Playing
Gambling is about trying to predict the outcome of a game. Whether it’s FIFA, CS:GO or Dota 2, the better you know the eSport, the better your chances of developing a winning Bitcoin eSports betting strategy.
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eSports is a young industry and is constantly growing.
New tournaments, teams, and players seem to appear out of nowhere all the time. If you’re not keeping up with the scene, you’re at a disadvantage.
Gaming streamers are a great place to start – people like Admiral Bulldog for Dota 2 or Faker for League of Legends. Of course, nothing can replace being a fan and playing the game yourself – this is how you truly get to know the eSport through and through.
3. Take Advantage of the Bonuses
Want to score big in eSports betting? Tune into promos!
Stake and Thunderpick sportsbooks are known to roll out exciting offers during various eSports events, including free bets and odds boosts. It’s like a power-up for your wagers, giving you an edge and more bang for your buck.
Check it out yourself:
Is Bitcoin eSports Betting Legal?
While it may seem like a tricky subject, the answer is quite simple; generally speaking, yes, crypto eSports betting is considered legal.
But it also depends on where you are physically located.
Meaning – different countries have different laws regarding cryptocurrency and gambling, so before you place any bets, it is crucial to check your local regulations.
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Before placing any bets, it is crucial to check your country’s gambling regulations
Can I Use VPN When Wagering on eSports?
The short answer is that, theoretically, using a VPN to bet on eSports in restricted countries is possible. But we strongly recommend you take a moment to consider whether using a VPN is a real option.
Why?
While using a VPN may provide privacy and security when betting, it’s important to note that many crypto sportsbooks will still require you to verify your identity through a process known as KYC (Know Your Customer).
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Crypto sportsbooks may require you to go through KYC process
This helps them ensure players are over the legal betting age and not betting from a restricted country and is mainly applied during deposits or withdrawals.
So while using a VPN for eSports crypto betting might sound like a good idea, it comes with many risks, and worst case scenario; you can lose all your winnings.
Traditional vs. Crypto eSports Betting: Pros & Cons
As with any venture, weighing the pros and cons before taking the plunge into eSports Bitcoin betting is essential.
Let’s have a closer look at the pros and cons:
Advantages of Bitcoin eSports Betting
You can enjoy a whole host of advantages:
✔️ Fast Transactions
Foremost among them is the sheer speed at which you can obtain winnings compared to traditional banking methods.
Rather than waiting days or even weeks to receive your money, you can typically withdraw funds almost instantly.
Transaction speed will vary depending on the cryptocurrency – for example, Bitcoin takes an average of 40 minutes to process a transaction, while Solana is near-instant.
✔️ Lower Fees
Crypto eSports betting is becoming increasingly popular due to its lower fees.
Instead of needing to pay transaction fees that come with traditional online banking, when you bet with cryptocurrency, you’re only paying processing fees, which are typically much smaller.
For example, Litecoin’s transaction fee is, on average, only 0.0070 USD.
✔️ Security and Privacy
Finally, employing such decentralized networks comes with all the added bonuses associated with cutting-edge technology – notably greater security and privacy due to robust cryptography.
As a result, crypto transactions aren’t associated with personal details like credit cards or bank accounts, so you can remain almost entirely anonymous when placing wagers.
And since all transactions are publicly recorded on the blockchain, they’re highly secure against fraud and corruption.
Disadvantages of eSports Crypto Betting
While crypto comes with many benefits, it also has its own set of cons.
❌ Volatile
One issue associated with using crypto in eSports betting is its volatility – the prices can fluctuate quite quickly and drastically over a short period of time.
For example, Bitcoin’s price swings increased dramatically in November 2022, recording a 10-day volatility of more than 100 percent.
This introduces risk to the transaction since what you may consider a good bet could suddenly become costly due to price movements.
By contrast, traditional types of betting that use fiat currency have more reasonably predictable prices overall, thereby removing this particular source of risk.
As such, it’s essential to be aware that if you’re using crypto for your eSports bets, there will always be an element of unpredictability regarding both the outcome and cost of each bet.
❌ Not as widely accepted as fiat currencies
Cryptocurrencies have been gaining in popularity over the years, but they still haven’t been widely adopted as fiat currency.
That means that even if you love using popular cryptos like Bitcoin or Ethereum, you’ll most likely find a bookie offering those coins.
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Lesser-known altcoins might not be accepted in crypto sportsbooks
However, if you’re more into betting with lesser-known altcoins, finding a sportsbook with those available may be difficult.
On a positive note, BC.Game currently has over 80 different cryptos available, so it’s likely you’ll find your preferred coin with them that you can spend on eSports:
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bitcoin eSports betting has revolutionized the way we participate in online wagering, making it more entertaining, secure, and accessible for enthusiasts worldwide.
It brings a breath of fresh air to the gaming community by leveraging the benefits of cryptocurrencies, like increased privacy, swift transactions, and lower costs.
At the moment, we can state that the future of crypto betting in eSports is bright and here to stay.
Happy betting!
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