Esports betting reached a turning point in 2025, new Oddin.gg report reveals

Summary

Oddin.gg’s 2025 esports betting review shows the vertical entering a maturity phase where growth continues but the drivers differ sharply by title. Using billions of bets processed through its network, the report finds that Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, VALORANT and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang all saw double-digit volume growth, yet each game now behaves like its own market rather than part of a single category.

Key themes include rising average stakes, a shift from tournament-centric wagering to team and player loyalties, the dominance of live/in-play betting, and strong regional dynamics — notably Mobile Legends’ regional-league-led growth in Southeast Asia.

Key Points

Betting volume rose across major titles: Counter-Strike 2 +30%, Dota 2 +31%, League of Legends +46%, VALORANT +18%, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang +62%.
Bet count growth: CS2 +23%, Dota 2 +12%, LoL +32%, VALORANT +10%, MLBB +41%; median volume growth 31%, bet count growth 23% across titles.
Average stakes increased — e.g. League of Legends Worlds saw stakes jump 166% year-on-year to €77.
Engagement has shifted from tournaments to teams and player-focused markets, especially in Counter-Strike 2 where team loyalty drives consistent volume.
Live (in-play) betting now accounts for the majority of activity (roughly 70%–85% depending on the title).
Player- and utility-based markets grew strongly (player markets in CS2 rose by up to ~80% between majors).
Regional-first competition models, exemplified by Mobile Legends in SEA, can sustain year-round betting activity without reliance on global events.
Operators should treat esports as a portfolio of distinct titles — tailor market depth, promotions and infrastructure to each game.

Why should I read this

Quick version: don’t treat esports like one big lump anymore — it’s a bunch of different gigs that need different playbooks. If you run markets, product or ops for a sportsbook, this report tells you where to double-down (player markets, live tech, regional coverage) and where one-size-fits-all will cost you. We’ve read it so you don’t have to — and it actually flags clear, practical shifts you can act on now.