Best eSports Betting Sites in Ireland 2025

Esports Betting: What You Need To Know 

Esports are video games played in a competitive environment. These events are played by teams or individuals. eSports have recently become popular due to their competitive tournaments. Sports betting sites now offer punters the chance to bet on these events. Like other sporting events, eSports requires you to go through the betting markets and compare odds before placing your bets. 

Brief History of Esports Betting in Ireland 

eSports in Ireland has grown from a small group of friends playing games to massive tournaments and professional leagues. Ireland now has a dynamic eSports scene, from online battle arenas to first-person shooters. Naturally, with the growing popularity of eSports, online sportsbooks became interested in offering eSports as another event for bettors. eSports gives bettors an immersive experience with the thrill of competition. Online sportsbooks even offer tailored eSports promotions during major events. 

Different Types of eSports Bets 

There are different eSports to place bets on and many ways to make bets. Here is a look at the various eSports bets possible. 

Live Esports Betting 

Live betting in eSports is where you can place your bets as the match happens. This type of bet has become increasingly popular. The odds for live betting are continuously updated as the event takes place. 

In-Play Markets 

In-play betting occurs as the event happens and can include basic and complex betting options. You can make bets such as map winner, total maps played, first kill, and total number of rounds. 

Match Winner 

A match winner bet requires you to predict which team will win the eSports event. 

Handicap Betting 

A handicap bet gives the favourite team a disadvantage, and you have better odds that the team goes on to win despite the handicap. This type of bet puts conditions on a stronger looking team to win. 

Map/Map Winner 

Map winner is a standard bet event like CS: GO and Dota 2. It requires you to predict which team will win a specified map. 

Over/Under 

An over/under bet requires you to bet whether an eSports team will score more or less than a specific amount. With this type of bet, you are betting on a range. 

Total Rounds/Kills/Points 

These types of bets require you to predict the number of rounds, kills, or points accumulated by an eSports team. 

Outright Winner 

The outright winner is an eSports market where you must predict the winner of an eSports tournament. 

First Blood

A popular eSports bet is the first kill, where you must predict which eSports team will draw first blood or make the first kill. 

Futures/Props 

Futures are bets placed on events that will occur in the future. These types of bets often involve predicting the winner of a tournament. These bets usually have big payouts, but they are hard to predict. 

Prop bets focus on specific outcomes of a team within a game and allow bettors to place bets on events like total goals scored, total points, how many towers are destroyed, first blood, and so on. 

Live/In-Play Betting 

This type of bet can be made as a match, tournament, or competition is taking place. Many online eSports betting sites stream the eSports events and give bettors the chance to place bets as the match happens. 

Special Bets 

There are also special bets in eSports, such as which team will destroy the first dragon. These are special bets and add to the thrill of betting on eSports. 

Traditional Sportsbook vs eSports Betting 

Traditional sportsbooks and eSports betting are similar in how you bet when using an online sportsbook. However, there are a few key differences between the two.

Different Genres of eSports 

There are different ways that you can wager on the outcome of eSports competitions, which can be divided into different categories, each offering something unique. 

Fantasy eSports 

You may have heard of fantasy eSports, where players create line-ups for major events, with the winning line-up performing the best over the predetermined event or series. 

Advantage: Fantasy eSports is readily available and offers extensive coverage of eSports, including League of Legends fantasy and Rocket League.

Disadvantage: Placing bets on fantasy eSports is not the same as placing bets on the actual outcome of an eSports match, and there are fewer options for playing fantasy eSports. 

Betting on Streamers 

Betting on streamers is a new trend in the eSports scene. An eSports betting site can have live streams embedded on their websites, providing changing odds on which you can place bets.

Advantage: Betting on streamers isn’t limited to big eSports events or big team-based eSports, giving you more eSports options.

Disadvantage: Streamers may engage in deception or fraud that can impact bettors negatively. 

Item and Skin eSports Bets 

Item betting is a general term for betting that occurs for in-game items. Generally, this form of betting doesn’t involve money, but rather a virtual currency. Players can place wagers or receive prizes for in-game items like weapons or graphics. These items, though, can be exchanged for cash in third-party destinations.

Advantage: Marketplace betting is simple, and you can get some value from items you don’t use.

Disadvantage: There is very little regulation, so you can’t be sure that the games are fair or that your winnings will be honoured. 

Social eSports Betting 

This refers to bets placed between friends on the outcome of a match or event. It is a more informal type of betting for casual players.

Advantage: Adds extra excitement to a social experience.

Disadvantage: The market is limited as you may not find a friend willing to take the action. 

Popular Tournaments and Events for eSports Betting 

Throughout the year, there are large eSports tournaments where hundreds of players take part to become the winner. Some of these tournaments are more popular than others, so here is a look at some of the most popular tournaments. 

League of Legends World Championship 

League of Legends World Championship is hosted once a year, and the world’s best teams are invited to compete in Riot Games’ juggernaut. A massive prize of around €921,600 (US$1 million) is up for grabs, and the winners receive the Summoner’s Cup trophy. 

The International (Dota 2) 

The biggest event for Dota 2 is The International, where the best Dota 2 talent is on show. The International also features the largest prize pool for a single eSports tournament. This year’s event is expected to have a prize pool of €27,648,000 up for grabs. 

Overwatch League 

Overwatch is one of the newest eSports for bettors to enjoy. The Overwatch League is played with 20 professional teams worldwide and offers betting opportunities. The Overwatch League has a prize pool in the millions. In 2023, the Overwatch League’s prize pool was around €1,658,850. 

Call of Duty League 

Call of Duty is one of the most popular video games, so it should be no surprise that it is now one of the most popular eSports betting options. The Call of Duty World League offers a prize pool of €2,764,800 through the qualifying and championship stages. 

Fortnite World Cup 

The Fortnite World Cup has an estimated prize pool this year of €7,073,280, and three majors will result in an in-person showdown at the FNCS Global Championship. Betting sites will host numerous betting options from head-to-head, results, most kills, and map betting. 

Rainbow Six Siege Invitational 

The Rainbow Six Siege Invitational is an annual tournament where the best teams worldwide compete to become the champions. The prize pool for teams is a massive €2,764,800, with the 1st place winner receiving around €921,600 (US$1 million). 

FIFA eWorld Cup 

The FIFA eWorld Cup offers the ultimate prize for virtual football. Players go head to head to become the World Cup champion and walk away with a prize of around €921,600 (US$1 million). 

Valorant Champions Tour 

The Valorant Champions Tour ends every year with the Valorant Champions Tournament, where the best teams meet for the final event and battle for 3 weeks to become the champions. In 2023, the tour winners won a massive €921,600 (US$1 million). 

Our Verdict On eSports Betting Sites 

We think that eSports offers a new and exciting way for Irish players to make bets. eSports has grown tremendously in popularity, with many reputable betting sites with eSports as a betting option. There are tournaments and leagues throughout the year for the best teams in specific games, which can all be streamed live for in-play betting, one of the most popular eSports betting types. It is always a good idea to become familiar with the game you plan on betting on, as there are various betting opportunities.