The esports betting industry registered substantial growth in 2024, according to data compiled from four leading competitive titles – League of Legends, Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, and Dota 2.
The sector recorded an average year-on-year increase of 106% in bet volume and 83% in overall betting count. With an average bet ticket of €29 ($32.89) — more than double that of traditional sports like football (€13 – $14.75) or cycling (€14 – $15.88) – esports betting is emerging as a high-stakes vertical, which explains the continuous interest of betting operators in the sector.
The preference for live betting continued to dominate, accounting for the majority of wagers placed across all games, according to Oddin.gg’s Esports Betting 2024 Review.
Another piece of data that stood out is the average bettor age. While it soars around the mid-30s for other sports, betting sees its esports clients averaging at 25 years old, a significant difference that showcases the sector’s importance for operators to keep its customer base for the long term.
League of Legends was a standout performer, experiencing a 61% year-on-year increase in betting volume. The LPL Spring 2024 recorded the highest average stake among all esports competitions at €69.60 ($78.95), followed closely by the €60.70 ($68.85) reached at the LCK Summer 2024. Along their seasons, both the LPL and the LCK averaged at €35.30 ($40.04).
Riot Games’s second major title, Valorant, recorded the highest growth rates across key metrics. Betting volume increased by 175% year-on-year, with a 131% rise in bet count and a 368% surge in live betting volumes. The average stake at Valorant Champions 2024 reached €42 ($47.64), marking a 29% increase from the previous year.
Counter-Strike 2 completed its first full competitive year in 2024, replacing the longstanding CS:GO. The transition was met with a 99% rise in betting volume and an 80% increase in bet count. The PGL Major Copenhagen recorded an average stake of €46 ($52.18).
Interest in player-driven betting markets also gained momentum, partly influenced by standout performances from players such as Danil “donk” Kryshkovets, who secured two Major MVP awards. Valve’s decision to open up the CS2 ecosystem to more third-party tournaments further increased the number of bettable events throughout the year.
Dota 2 also experienced structural changes following the removal of the Dota Pro Circuit, which was replaced by a calendar of third-party tournaments. This shift contributed to a 90% year-on-year increase in betting volume and a 56% rise in bet count. The International 2024 saw a 25% increase in average stake to €24 ($27.22).
Live and micro markets such as first kill and map winner remain central to bettor engagement, particularly as platforms evolve to offer more granular, data-driven options. With 85% of bets placed via mobile devices, mobile-first usability remains critical. Emerging markets including Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe were identified as areas with strong growth potential moving forward.
With such growth and promising numbers across many different perspectives, from betting volume to bettors’ age, it makes it easy to understand why esports attracts so much interest from betting companies. After the report on 2024 results and the regulation of different markets around the world, even bigger efforts from betting operators and betting-related services into making their brands known at the competitive gaming industry might be expected.
