Oddin.gg Reports Sharp Rise in Esports Betting Activity

Esports betting solutions provider Oddin.gg has released industry analysis showing substantial growth in the vertical, with betting volumes on major titles increasing significantly year-over-year. The data underscores the sector's appeal to younger demographics and its rising prominence among sportsbook operators worldwide.

The report highlights a 106% rise in betting handle for key esports disciplines such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and VALORANT. User activity from the same cohort grew by 70%, indicating both higher engagement from existing bettors and an influx of new participants.

This expansion has elevated esports to one of the top three betting categories by handle in several regulated markets, trailing only football and basketball.

Key Takeaways

• Esports betting volumes surged 106% year-over-year, reflecting accelerated operator investment and younger bettor preferences.
• Titles like Counter-Strike 2 and League of Legends dominate, with bettors typically in their 20s and early 30s placing higher-value wagers.
• Regional variations emphasise the need for tailored approaches, as esports ranks among the leading verticals in Europe, Asia, and other key markets.

Oddin.gg's findings illustrate how esports differ fundamentally from traditional sports betting. Younger audiences, often in their mid-20s, drive the vertical with deliberate, higher-stakes wagers compared to mainstream sports. This demographic shift encourages operators to prioritise esports for customer acquisition and retention in competitive global markets.

The analysis also reveals regional nuances: while football remains dominant universally, esports consistently secures top-tier status in betting portfolios across Europe and Asia. Operators adapting infrastructure for high-uptime live odds and extensive market coverage stand to capture greater margins, as sharp bettors exploit inefficiencies in underdeveloped products.

For the broader esports betting ecosystem, these trends signal sustained momentum into 2026 and beyond. Increased investment in official data feeds and specialised trading tools has enabled more reliable offerings, boosting confidence among licensed operators. As publishers and tournament organisers continue to align with regulated betting, the vertical's integration into mainstream sportsbooks deepens, opening new revenue streams in established jurisdictions such as the UK, Europe, and Australia.

Industry stakeholders note that esports' round-the-clock scheduling and digital-native appeal provide year-round engagement, complementing seasonal traditional sports. This complementarity positions esports as a vital diversification tool for operators navigating mature markets.

Oddin.gg stresses that success hinges on esports-specific expertise, from data partnerships to risk management tailored for fast-paced titles. As betting handle continues to climb, the vertical's role in global sportsbook strategies is increasingly central.

Sources: Esports Insider, SBC News