Best Esports Betting Sites UK 2024

Best esports betting sites compared 2024

Top esports betting sites reviewed

Read about the best online esports betting sites currently operating in the UK right here, and what they can offer you, and your gambling needs...

1. bet365 – Overall best esports betting site UK 2024

bet365 stands out as the best esports betting site in the UK due to its vast selection of games and esports betting markets.

It covers major titles like FIFA, Call of Duty, League of Legends, CS: GO, and Dota 2, appealing to a wide range of bettors.

UK esports events are extensively covered, offering competitive odds and numerous betting options that are hard to match elsewhere.

bet365 enhances the experience with live streaming, providing users an alternative to Twitch for following live events closely.

Their in-depth esports news section provides valuable tips and insights, enriching the betting community’s knowledge.

New users benefit from a generous welcome offer, complemented by fast bet settlement and in-play betting options.

With a user-friendly mobile app and 24/7 customer service, bet365 ensures a seamless and reliable betting experience.

Read our complete bet365 review.

I was immediately impressed by bet365’s in-play markets during a live football match. Placing a bet just before a corner kick and watching the odds shift in real-time added a level of excitement that few platforms offer.

bet365’s near-instantaneous withdrawal process is a major advantage, setting it apart from other betting sites where delays are common. This reliability, along with their consistently competitive odds, makes them a top choice for serious bettors.

While bet365 is a leader in sports betting, their online casino offerings don’t quite match the high standard of their sports markets. For those who prioritise sports, bet365 is excellent, but casino enthusiasts might find the selection less compelling.

Bradley Gibbs

2. Unibet – Best for esports betting guides

Unibet is a leading esports betting platform in the UK, known for its easy-to-navigate interface and extensive game coverage.

It offers a broad selection of titles like League of Legends, CS: GO, and Call of Duty, along with numerous betting markets.

A standout feature is its detailed esports betting guides, including a FIFA guide, which benefits both beginners and experienced bettors.

Unibet TV’s live streaming feature allows users to watch live matches while accessing a wide range of in-play betting options.

The platform regularly provides exclusive esports promotions, demonstrating its strong commitment to the esports community.

Though it lacks coverage for some niche games found elsewhere, Unibet still offers a highly competitive and engaging experience.

With a UK Gambling Commission license, it ensures safety and fairness, making it a trustworthy choice for esports betting.

Read our complete Unibet review.

I’ve used a range of platforms, but my first experience with Unibet stood out when I placed a horse racing bet using their odds boost feature. The speed of their payout was remarkable—by the time I opened my banking app, the funds were already there, which is rare even among top-tier bookmakers.

Unibet’s customer service and rapid payout times set them apart in a highly competitive market. Their odds are consistently competitive, and it’s refreshing to find a bookmaker that rarely imposes restrictions on the bets I want to place, allowing for a more dynamic betting experience.

While Unibet excels in many critical areas, their requirement to process withdrawals through e-wallets like Skrill rather than directly to a bank account could be a drawback for some. However, the speed and reliability of these transactions, coupled with Unibet’s overall performance, make this a minor inconvenience for serious punters.

Bradley Gibbs

3. BetVictor – Best for trending bets section

BetVictor is a top choice for esports betting in the UK, featuring an impressive selection of betting options for popular games such as CS: GO, League of Legends, and FIFA.

This platform is celebrated for its user-friendly layout, ensuring that both new and experienced bettors can navigate through in-play markets and upcoming matches with ease.

The inclusion of a “Trending Bet” section further enhances the betting experience by highlighting popular bets within the community, encouraging engagement, and providing insights into current trends.

While BetVictor excels in providing competitive odds that stand toe-to-toe with industry standards, it also offers a solid in-play betting experience that caters to the dynamic nature of esports.

However, the absence of live streaming capabilities might deter some users who seek a more immersive betting experience.

Additionally, the platform could further appeal to its audience by introducing specific esports promotions, adding value and incentives for bettors to engage with the wide range of markets available.

Read our complete BetVictor review.

As someone who’s thoroughly tested various betting platforms, my initial experience with BetVictor was seamless, especially during the sign-up process. I quickly dove into Premier League markets, and the variety on offer was impressive, even prompting me to explore cycling bets, which I typically avoid.

One of BetVictor’s standout features is its rapid withdrawal process, easily outpacing other sites I’ve used. Their consistently competitive odds across both major and niche sports are another reason they’re a go-to for me.

However, BetVictor’s live streaming options are limited, mainly confined to horse racing, which might be a drawback for those who value real-time viewing. Despite this, the platform’s strong odds and extensive market selection more than make up for it.

Josh Miller

4. Paddy Power – Best for competitive in-play odds

Paddy Power solidifies its position as one of the leading esports betting apps in the UK through its dedicated coverage of major leagues and games.

Unlike some competitors that relegate esports to a secondary status, Paddy Power embraces the growing market with competitive in-play odds and a variety of betting options.

Their commitment to providing value is evident in their regular promotions, including early payouts and a rewarding weekly club, enhancing the betting experience for existing users.

One of Paddy Power’s standout features is its in-play betting service, offering superior value with odds that are hard to beat.

Additionally, their accumulator insurance on esports, mirroring their approach to traditional sports like football and the NFL, underscores their effort to cater comprehensively to esports enthusiasts.

However, there’s room for improvement in market variety, particularly for pre-event betting where other bookmakers might offer more attractive odds.

Moreover, while the welcome offer and the ease of finding esports markets from the home page could be enhanced, Paddy Power’s bet builder for FIFA esports markets distinguishes them, allowing bettors to combine markets for boosted odds—a feature that sets them apart in a competitive field.

Read our complete Paddy Power review.

One of my early experiences with Paddy Power involved an antepost bet on a horse race. The speed at which they settled the bet was impressive—within minutes of the race result, my winnings were already in my account, something I don’t see often even with other top-tier bookmakers.

Paddy Power’s customer service is a cut above the rest, especially when compared to other bookies I’ve used. Their team handles queries and issues with a level of professionalism and fairness that’s rare in the industry, which is crucial for anyone betting regularly.

While Paddy Power’s odds and market depth, especially in horse racing, are among the best, their reliance on chat support might not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer direct, verbal communication. However, their commitment to fair play—like paying out on official race results rather than just podium finishes—demonstrates a customer-first approach that’s increasingly rare. For serious punters, Paddy Power offers a reliable and well-rounded betting experience.

Josh Miller

5. 888sport – Best for large selection of markets & betting options per event

888sport is a prominent esports betting platform in the UK, offering a well-rounded experience thanks to its expertise in online gaming.

Its user-friendly design, available via web and mobile app, ensures a seamless experience for a diverse range of bettors.

A key strength is its wide selection of in-play and pre-match betting options across popular esports titles like Dota 2, League of Legends, Call of Duty, FIFA, and CS: GO.

The platform offers a generous sign-up bonus for esports markets and provides numerous betting options for each event.888sport enriches the betting experience by offering esports news, guides for newcomers, and daily popular bet highlights.

While its live betting and customer service are excellent, the platform could improve its promotional offers specifically for esports.

Overall, 888sport’s extensive markets and engaging features make it a solid choice for esports bettors in the UK.

Read our complete 888sport review.

I decided to try 888sport during the Six Nations rugby tournament, and I was impressed by their competitive odds. The process of placing bets was smooth, and adding funds via PayPal was quick and hassle-free, which is a significant advantage for any serious punter.

888sport’s interface is well-designed for efficiency, making it easy to navigate through various markets, even during high-traffic events. The frequent free bet offers are a strong incentive, adding value for regular users like myself who appreciate consistent rewards.

While 888sport performs admirably in most areas, the absence of a ‘2 goal early payout’ feature, which is common among top competitors, could be a limitation for some. However, their rapid and straightforward withdrawal process compensates for this, making 888sport a reliable and well-rounded platform for both casual and seasoned bettors.

Josh Miller

6. William Hill – Best for educational content

William Hill combines its long-standing reputation with a comprehensive esports betting platform.

Offering a wide array of games including FIFA, Dota 2, League of Legends, and CS:GO, William Hill ensures that all major competitions are well-covered.

While the platform provides a robust selection of typical markets, it distinguishes itself through the depth of its live betting options, particularly for games like League of Legends, ensuring bettors have access to competitive in-play odds.

The platform’s solid, if not spectacular, welcome bonus is applicable across all gaming markets, including esports, although it’s noted that specific esports promotions are somewhat limited.

Despite this, William Hill’s commitment to security and trustworthiness makes it a favoured choice for punters prioritising safety over an extensive variety of wager types.

William Hill’s user-friendly website and app are praised for their educational content, effectively introducing punters to the esports betting scene with well-explained sections and helpful tips.

As someone who’s been involved in betting for years, my experience with William Hill has always been top-notch. I remember placing a Premier League bet and, months later, unexpectedly finding £500 credited to my account due to a correction on a bet I’d nearly forgotten about—a rare but very welcome surprise.

What sets William Hill apart in the competitive betting market is their exceptional payout speed. Unlike many other platforms where withdrawals can be slow, William Hill typically processes my payouts within minutes, ensuring my funds are always readily accessible.

William Hill excels in sports betting, offering competitive odds, a broad range of markets, and regular personalised promotions. However, for those who dabble in casino games, it’s worth noting that the casino side may not meet the same high standards. Overall, for serious sports punters, William Hill remains a reliable and expertly managed platform.

Bradley Gibbs

7. Betfred – Best for comprehensive coverage of major esports games

Betfred sets itself apart with its dedicated esports hub, providing thorough coverage of top games such as CS: GO, Dota 2, League of Legends, Call of Duty and StarCraft.

The platform’s commitment to offering a wide array of matches and markets daily caters well to esports enthusiasts, although the absence of live streaming capabilities limits its ability to compete with the top-tier esports betting sites.

One of Betfred’s standout features is its user-friendly approach to newcomers in the esports betting scene.

The inclusion of a glossary section demystifies common esports terminology, making the platform accessible to those unfamiliar with esports jargon.

Additionally, a brief history section provides valuable context and enriches the overall user experience, showcasing Betfred’s effort to educate its users.

Moreover, Betfred’s welcome bonus, which applies to esports bets, is highlighted as being exceptionally generous compared to industry standards, offering added value to both new and existing bettors.

Read our complete Betfred review.

Having tested a wide range of betting platforms, my initial experience with Betfred stood out for its ease of use. Navigating through the Premier League markets was intuitive, though I found the political betting section a bit more challenging to locate, which could be streamlined for better user experience.

Betfred’s competitive odds and the frequent bonuses, especially during high-profile events like the Euros, are a major draw. It’s clear that Betfred prioritises rewarding its users, making it a strong contender for anyone serious about getting the best value from their bets.

Despite Betfred’s strengths, particularly in its user interface and customer service, the withdrawal times are a bit slower compared to other top-tier platforms, typically taking around five hours. However, this doesn’t significantly detract from the overall experience, which remains robust for dedicated sports bettors.

Josh Miller

8. Coral – Best for live-streaming esports calendar

Coral provides an extensive range of games and markets, along with crucial in-play betting features.

While Coral provides a solid foundation for the basic esports betting experience, it stops short of delivering the comprehensive features seen in industry leaders like bet365 or BetVictor, particularly in terms of market depth and the availability of additional content such as news, tips, or esports-focused promotions.

A notable shortfall in Coral’s esports offering is the absence of live streaming for events, a feature increasingly considered standard among top betting sites.

This gap may deter bettors looking for an immersive experience that allows them to watch the events they bet on live.

However, Coral shines with its welcome bonus, which stands out for its generosity, making it an attractive option for newcomers to esports betting.

The platform has seen significant improvements in its website and app, ensuring a user-friendly experience that competes with the best in the internet gambling space.

The inclusion of a live-streaming calendar within the esports section, despite the lack of direct streaming, aids punters in planning their betting activities around upcoming events, enhancing the overall usability of the platform.

Read our complete Coral review.

As someone who’s tested numerous betting platforms, I’ve found Coral to be a reliable go-to, particularly when it comes to horse racing. I recall placing a bet on an outsider during the Cheltenham Festival, and not only did the horse come through, but Coral settled the bet almost instantly, with the funds landing in my account within minutes.

Coral’s promotions, especially their Best Odds Guaranteed on horse and greyhound races, are among the most consistent and genuine in the industry. It’s rare to find a bookmaker that offers such tangible value to its customers on a regular basis.

While Coral’s sports betting service is top-notch, particularly in terms of odds and promotions, their casino offerings don’t quite match up. For serious bettors, the sports section is where Coral truly shines, but those seeking a well-rounded gaming experience might find the casino section a bit lacking in comparison to other platforms.

Bradley Gibbs

9. Betfair – Best esports exchange betting platform

Betfair, recognised for its pioneering exchange betting platform, presents a unique angle to esports betting in the UK, albeit with a more basic approach compared to some of its competitors.

The platform covers all major esports, offering a wide array of events for betting, including popular titles like CS: GO, Dota 2, League of Legends, Call of Duty and StarCraft.

Despite its broad coverage, Betfair’s esports betting experience lacks specific extras that could elevate it to the level of the leading sites in the industry, such as live streaming and targeted esports promotions.

However, Betfair’s strengths lie in its solid market offerings and the innovative exchange betting option, which allows punters to bet against each other rather than the house, offering potentially better odds and a different betting dynamic.

This feature, combined with a variety of markets and events, positions Betfair as a noteworthy option for esports bettors seeking a different experience.

The platform also stands out for its welcome bonuses, applicable to esports markets, providing new users with free bets that are more generous than many industry standards.

Read our complete Betfair review.

In my years of betting, Betfair’s platform has offered some of the most unique experiences, like when I placed a treble on a horse race only to find the app had cashed me out after the first leg, without my input. While this was unexpected, I was impressed by how quickly Betfair’s support team addressed the issue and even offered to re-stake the bet—a level of service you rarely see.

Betfair’s Exchange is a standout feature that sets it apart from traditional bookmakers. The ability to act as both the punter and the bookie by laying or backing bets against others provides far superior odds and a level of control that’s essential for serious bettors.

Despite the strengths of Betfair’s Exchange, there are limitations, such as the inability to place multiple bets on the Exchange itself and relatively standard odds on the sportsbook. However, the platform’s innovative approach and the depth of betting options make it a top choice for seasoned punters looking for more than just traditional betting.

Josh Miller

10. Ladbrokes – Best for pre-event markets

Ladbrokes extends its rich heritage into the esports betting realm, providing a solid yet traditional approach to the burgeoning market.

While it may not feature the depth or the innovative esports-specific offerings found in platforms like bet365 or Unibet, Ladbrokes holds its ground with a wide range of esports titles and events, including popular games such as CS: GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2.

The platform offers a mix of pre-event and in-play markets, supplemented by outright markets for future events, providing punters with a variety of betting options.

New players are welcomed with a standard sign-up offer, applicable to esports, enhancing the initial betting experience.

However, the absence of dedicated esports promotions, live streaming, and supplementary content like news or betting tips signifies a missed opportunity to fully engage the esports betting community.

Despite these shortcomings, Ladbrokes’ commitment to offering competitive odds and market depth for available games, coupled with the option to utilise bet boosts on esports, positions it as a viable choice for esports enthusiasts.

Read our complete Ladbrokes review.

Having navigated many betting sites over the years, I was cautious about Ladbrokes, but I was quickly impressed by how fast they verified my account, allowing me to place bets within minutes. I encountered a cap on my UFC bet, but the refund for the remaining balance was processed smoothly within 48 hours.

Ladbrokes’ customer service stands out in an industry where quick and reliable support is often lacking. Their ability to resolve issues promptly and process withdrawals within hours places them ahead of many competitors. It’s clear they prioritise customer satisfaction, which is crucial for anyone serious about their betting.

While their customer service and payout speed are excellent, Ladbrokes’ app could benefit from performance improvements and clearer communication on betting limits. Despite these areas, it remains a reliable platform for seasoned punters.

Bradley Gibbs

How we rate & rank esports bookmakers

Our goal is to provide you with objective, unbiased reviews of UK betting sites, making it easy to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

We use a consistent set of nine criteria to evaluate each platform, ensuring that you can compare them effectively.

1. Safety: We ensure each site has a UK license and assess its track record, highlighting any safety features that protect your funds and data.

2. Mobile betting app: We review the mobile app’s design, functionality, and user experience, including ease of placing bets and any standout features.

3. Web betting site: We test the desktop site for usability, customisation options, and how straightforward it is to place bets.

4. Deposits & withdrawals: We evaluate the variety of payment methods, the ease of transactions, any fees, and how quickly you can deposit and withdraw funds.

5. Markets: We explore the range and quality of sports markets available, comparing them to other UK betting sites.

6. Pre-match betting: We assess the user-friendliness and versatility of the pre-match betting options.

7. In-play betting: We analyse the live betting experience, including market availability and usability during live events.

8. Welcome incentive: We detail and compare the welcome bonuses offered to new users, as these can be key deciding factors.

9. Customer service: We test customer support channels, including response times and the quality of assistance provided.

Scoring & overall rating

Each criterion is scored on a points system, which is then converted into a star rating.

We average these scores to provide an overall rating for each betting site, making it easier for you to decide which one best meets your needs.

As this guide is specific to esports betting, we also focus on several esports-specific criteria to ensure a comprehensive review.

We prioritise aspects such as comprehensive coverage of popular games like League of Legends, CS and Dota 2, along with a wide range of betting markets, including live betting options.

We ensure competitive, esports-tailored odds, integrated live streaming and a user-friendly interface designed for seamless navigation.

Additionally, we value platforms with strong community features, esports-focused promotions, diverse payment methods, and knowledgeable 24/7 customer support, all underpinned by robust security and responsible gambling measures.

We then weight this esports-specific criteria against the overall rating.

With our thorough and clear reviews, you can trust that you’re getting an honest assessment, free from personal bias.

You can view our dedicated page for more information on how we test and review bookmakers here.

Additionally, you can view all of our bookmaker reviews here.

Please note: All the betting sites/apps reviewed are available on iOS and Android devices and authorised by the UK Gambling Commission.

How do I choose an esports betting site?

• Licensing and security: Make sure the site is licensed by trusted authorities like the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority, which guarantees adherence to fair practices. The site should also use SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial data, ensuring a secure betting environment.

• Esports coverage: Look for platforms that offer a wide range of esports titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS: GO, covering both major international events and regional tournaments. A good site will also include coverage of niche games for more specialized betting options.

• Betting markets: Check if the site offers a variety of markets such as match winners, map winners, handicaps, and prop bets like first blood or objective victories. The availability of in-play betting is also crucial for bettors who prefer to make wagers as events unfold.

• Odds and promotions: Compare the odds on different platforms to ensure competitive rates. Look for esports-specific promotions like welcome bonuses, enhanced odds, or free bets that can boost your betting experience and value for money.

• User experience: A user-friendly interface and easy navigation are essential, both on desktop and mobile platforms. Many sites now offer dedicated mobile apps, making it simple to place bets, access markets, and manage your account while on the go.

• Payment options: Ensure the site supports a variety of payment methods such as credit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill), and even cryptocurrency on some platforms. Fast processing times for deposits and withdrawals are important for a smooth betting experience.

• Customer support: Look for 24/7 customer service through live chat, email, or phone. The support team should be knowledgeable, particularly about esports, to help resolve any issues or questions quickly and efficiently.

• Responsible gambling: Choose a platform that offers responsible gambling features like setting deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options. These tools are essential for ensuring you maintain control over your betting habits.

• Reviews and feedback: Check user reviews and expert opinions to get a sense of the site's reliability, reputation, and customer service quality. Consistent positive feedback on odds, market variety, and overall user experience is a good indicator of a trustworthy platform.

• Try the site: Take advantage of any free bets, demo modes, or trial bonuses offered by the site. This allows you to explore its features, interface, and betting options before fully committing.

Best esports betting apps for iPhone

1. bet365 – Ranked as the top free sports application in the iOS store for good reason

2. BetVictor – An impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on the App Store, ranked 18th in sports applications

3. Parimatch – Boasts a stellar 4.7 out of 5 rating, complemented by an equally impressive design

Best esports betting apps for Android

1. bet365 – Outstanding 4.5 out of 5 score, comprehensive bookmaker services

2. BetUK – A strong 4.5 out of 5 score on the Google Play Store

3. Coral – Surpassed 500,000 downloads on the Android platform

How to bet responsibly on betting sites for esports

Although knowing your sports helps, betting is primarily luck-based, so use these top tips to practice responsible gambling when placing a bet:

• Limits: Betting sites allow you to set betting limits, i.e. limit how much you can bet in one session, a week, or a month.

• Cashouts: You can withdraw your winnings quite easily from any betting site, preventing you from spending all of your winnings.

• Help & resources: Betting sites provide access to resources for problem gamblers and point them to organizations that can help with gambling addiction.

To help with gambling, we created a 'How To Bet On Sports' guide, that helps new gamblers understand the industry better - playing safer and more securely.

Problem gambling organisations and charities in the UK

The NHS Gambling Addiction page has detailed information on charities, trusts, and centres you can contact for help with gambling addiction. Plus, they have a lot of information on strategies for dealing with and preventing addiction in your day-to-day life. Click the link to access the page.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial policy

Our editorial policy ensures thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content through strict sourcing standards and diligent review by top betting experts and seasoned editors.

This process maintains the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

References

To test UK sports betting sites accurately, we dive into analytical research of the British gambling industry, to understand what features are best for you.

Below are the references we use when making these decisions:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-response-to-the-digital-culture-media-sport-select-committee-report-on-immersive-and-addictive-technologies/government-response-to-the-digital-culture-media-sport-select-committee-report-on-immersive-and-addictive-technologies

• https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/online-gaming-for-families-and-individuals

• https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/latest-trends-in-online-gambling

• https://www.accesscreative.ac.uk/blog/a-history-of-esports/

• https://oro.open.ac.uk/76327/1/Work%20play%20precariousness%20Johnson%20Woodcock.pdf

• https://www.chi.ac.uk/news/high-pressure-competitive-environment-impacts-performance-of-top-esport-players-new-study-shows/