Insights from Oddin.gg's recently published State of Esports Betting report highlight significant trends and changes within the esports betting landscape. One striking revelation is that esports bettors place stakes approximately seven times higher than their traditional sports counterparts. This points to a unique demographic that is not only younger but also more affluent and educated, contributing to their increased gambling confidence.
The report shows that betting volume has experienced a remarkable median increase of 31% year-on-year across Oddin.gg's client base of sportsbooks. Last year, the total esports betting volume surged by 103% compared to 2023. In 2025, all major esports titles, including Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2, VALORANT, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, have reported double-digit growth in both betting volume and number of bets.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang emerged as the fastest-growing title, showcasing a 62% growth year-on-year. League of Legends also performed well with a 46% increase, followed by Dota 2 at 31%, Counter-Strike 2 at 30%, and VALORANT at 18%. These figures indicate that even established titles like League of Legends and Dota 2 continue to see substantial growth.
In terms of stakes at major tournaments, the League of Legends World Championship, known as 'Worlds,' saw an average stake of €77 in 2025, which marks a 166% rise from the previous year. For comparison, VALORANT's main event, VALORANT Champions, had an average stake of €47, while Dota 2's The International averaged at €28.
Live betting has increasingly become the dominant form of wagering in esports, accounting for 72%-86% of all betting activity across prominent titles. Dota 2 leads with 86% of its bets placed live, followed closely by League of Legends at 79%, and other titles showing similar engagement levels. This trend indicates a notable maturation in the esports betting sector, where the fast-paced nature of these games lends itself well to in-play betting opportunities.
Finally, the report emphasizes the growth of sophisticated betting markets beyond basic wagers. Increased interest in player props and utility markets—such as betting on the use of in-game items—has been noted, with some markets surging by up to 80% in CS2 and quadrupling in Dota 2. As more complex options attract dedicated bettors, there is potential for higher engagement and revenue, dispelling earlier notions of esports betting being immature or simplistic. This shift not only boosts betting volume but also opens avenues for operators to enhance user retention and margins.
