eSports Betting Sites 2025: Find the Best Bookmakers to Bet on eSports in Kenya

In a relatively short period of time, the world of eSports has become a popular option for betting online in many African countries, including Kenya. Of course, sports still remain in the top positions, but the demand for betting on eSports events is growing rapidly every year. There are a large number of bookmakers on the African betting market offering both sports and eSports betting, but while the first category is more straightforward, as it attracts the majority of the target audience, finding an online bookmaker for esports betting is not so easy.

In this article, we will discuss the best online esports betting sites, criteria to consider when choosing a platform, general information about this type of gambling, and focus on esports games, events, and types of bets.

Top eSports Betting Sites for 2025

To make it easier for you to choose the best sites for esports online betting, we have compiled a rating of high-quality platforms that offer a comfortable and diverse experience. In the first part of the article, we talked about the aspects that you should definitely take into account when choosing a bookmaker in order to get the most positive experience. We have compiled a list of the following esports betting sites based on all the key points we described above.

1. 1xBet

1xBet has been the leader in the African betting market for over a year. It also ranks first in eSports. This is due to high odds, a good selection of popular games, and more than 150 pre-match and live events every day. In addition, the bookmaker meets all security requirements, supports the national currency KES, and offers payments through popular local payment systems such as M-Pesa and Airtel Money.

1xBet eSports Betting Info

Point	Explanation
License	Curacao iGaming, BCLB of the Republic of Kenya
Games Range	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow Six, PUBG, Mobile Legends, Magic, FIFA, Dead or Alive, Angre Birds, etc
In-Play Betting	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Rainbow Six, King of Glory, Mobile Legends, etc
Odds	≈ 2,5
App	Yes, for Android and iOS
Payment Options	M-Pesa, Airtel Money, AstroPay, Skrill, MoneyGo, Neteller, BinancePay, Crypto
Customer Support Chanels	Live-Chat, email, form on the website, hotline

For current payment methods and current esports markets, please visit the official 1xBet website.

2. 888Starz

888Starz is also considered one of the best esports betting sites. Although the odds remain average, players choose the platform for its wide range of in-play sections and the ability to watch HD broadcasts of most events. As with 1xBet, 888Starz has both licenses and provides the safest betting experience possible.

888Starz eSports Betting Info

Point	Explanation
License	Curacao iGaming, BCLB of the Republic of Kenya
Games Range	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow Six, PUBG, Mobile Legends, Magic, etc
In-Play Betting	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Rainbow Six, King of Glory, Overwatch, Mobile Legends, etc
Odds	≈ 2,2
App	Yes, for Android
Payment Options	M-Pesa, Airtel, MasterCard, Skrill, MoneyGo, JetonBank, BinancePay, Crypto, etc
Customer Support Chanels	Live-Chat, email, form on the website, Telegram

For current information, please visit the official 888Starz website.

3. 22bet

22bet focuses primarily on sports betting and eSports, so both sections offer a high-quality range of coverage of important and popular industry events. The bookmaker also operates legally, offers additional financial security measures (such as setting betting limits) and accepts transactions via mobile payments popular in Kenya.

22bet eSports Betting Info

Point	Explanation
License	Curacao iGaming, BCLB of the Republic of Kenya
Games Range	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow Six, PUBG, Mobile Legends, Magic, etc
In-Play Betting	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Rainbow Six, King of Glory, Overwatch 2, Mobile Legends, etc
Odds	≈ 2,2
App	Yes, for Android and iOS
Payment Options	M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Cards, E-Wallets, Crypto, Bank Transfers
Customer Support Chanels	Live-Chat, email, form on the website, hotline

Keep up to date with the latest information on the 22bet website.

4. Betwinner

Betwinner offers some of the high odds compared to other eSport betting sites. The platform also offers a full range of different eSports games, both pre-match and in-play. Like the platforms listed above, the website has international and local licenses, ensuring a high level of betting comfort and user data security.

Betwinner eSports Betting Info

Point	Explanation
License	Curacao iGaming, BCLB of the Republic of Kenya
Games Range	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow Six, PUBG, Mobile Legends, Magic, etc
In-Play Betting	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Rainbow Six, Overwatch, Mobile Legends, etc
Odds	≈ 2,6
App	Yes, for Android and iOS
Payment Options	VISA / MasterCard, Perfect Money, GG Bank, Sticpay, Jetonbank, ecoPayz, WebMoney
Customer Support Chanels	Live-Chat, email, form on the website, hotline

Information may become outdated over time, so please double-check the data on the website.

5. Melbet

Melbet rounds out the top 5 eSports platforms and is also one of the best betting platforms for CS2, Dota 2, Valorant, and other popular games. The bookmaker also frequently offers for eSports with great conditions, which enhances the user experience and interest in this betting category.

Melbet eSports Betting Info

Point	Explanation
License	Curacao iGaming, BCLB of the Republic of Kenya
Games Range	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow Six, PUBG, Mobile Legends, Magic, etc
In-Play Betting	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Rainbow Six, Overwatch, Mobile Legends, etc
Odds	≈ 2,2
App	Yes, for Android and iOS
Payment Options	Credit / Debit Cards, Mobile Payments, E-Wallets, Crypto, Payment Systems
Customer Support Chanels	Live-Chat, email, form on the website, hotline

Please verify that the information is up to date.

6. Linebet

As of 2025, Linebet has an international license from Curacao iGaming, which makes it legal in Kenya despite not having a license from the BCLB. The odds on the platform for eSports matches and tournaments are high, and the bookmaker also offers popular types of bets and high-quality streaming for most events in the live section.

Linebet eSports Betting Info

Point	Explanation
License	Curacao iGaming
Games Range	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow Six, PUBG, Mobile Legends, Magic, etc
In-Play Betting	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Rainbow Six, Overwatch, Mobile Legends, etc
Odds	≈ 2,5
App	Yes, for Android and iOS
Payment Options	Mobile Money, E-wallets, Bank Transfers, Crypto
Customer Support Chanels	Live-Chat, email, form on the website, hotline

Before playing, make sure that the information is still up to date.

7. Paripesa

Paripesa is also a high-quality platform that we recommend considering as an option for betting on eSports disciplines. The site offers eSports odds of the solid median level, a various eSports games for betting with live options, and a fast customer support team.

Paripesa eSports Betting Info

Point	Explanation
License	Curacao iGaming
Games Range	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow Six, PUBG, Mobile Legends, Magic, etc
In-Play Betting	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Rainbow Six, King of Glory, Overwatch, Mobile Legends, etc
Odds	≈ 2,4
App	Yes, for Android and iOS
Payment Options	Mobile Money, Cards, E-wallets, Crypto
Customer Support Chanels	Live-Chat, email, form on the website

Check the information on the website.

8. 1win

1win places greater emphasis on casino and live casino gambling, but the bookmaker also offers a high-quality range for sports and eSports fans. It is also worth noting the comfortable and intuitive website, one of the best mobile apps on the market, and regular themed promotions for all available betting categories.

1win eSports Betting Info

Point	Explanation
License	Curacao iGaming
Games Range	CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends, PUBG, Rainbow Six, Standoff 2, etc
In-Play Betting	CS2, Dota 2, Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends, Rainbow Six, etc
Odds	≈ 2,4
App	Yes, for Android and iOS
Payment Options	Crypto, E-Wallets
Customer Support Chanels	Live-Chat, email

Check out the available games and payment methods on the 1win website.

How to Find the Best eSports Betting Site: Key Factors

When looking for the best online betting platform, it is worth paying attention to several important factors that significantly affect the user experience. In general, the criteria listed below also apply to casino and sports betting sites. However, we have highlighted aspects that are particularly important if you want to choose the best eSports betting website.

Licensing and Security

When it comes to betting, the main thing to consider is the security level of the site. Since every betting operator requires you to enter both personal and payment details, you first need to make sure that the eSports betting platform you have chosen is reliable. Be sure to pay attention to the following aspects:

• License: A betting company must have at least one of the following licenses: local (BCLB) or international (e.g., Curacao eGaming), which is valid in Nigeria. Ideally, the platform should have both licenses, as this indicates greater security and full compliance with all requirements for such types of platforms;
• Security Measures: The website must not only comply with minimum security requirements, but also conduct additional checks and audits on its own to strengthen user data protection. Mandatory conditions for obtaining an international and local license:
  • SSL or TLS encryption to protect data from interception;
  • Two-factor authentication (FA) using SMS codes or OTP to reduce the possibility of account hacking;
  • KYC verification to confirm identity based on official documents to prevent fraud;
  • Use of secure payment gateways through integration with certified processes and additional transaction protection through 3D Secure bank confirmation for cards, etc.

If the platform you have chosen meets the above requirements, it can be considered reliable.

eSports to Bet & Live Betting on eSports

Of course, when it comes to niche betting, you need to study the range of eSports section. The offers should meet your requirements. Also, if you prefer in-play eSports betting, it is worth paying attention to which disciplines are included in the live betting options section. If the number of eSports is severely limited, this may affect your betting experience and interest in the events held in this field.

Competitive Odds and Range of Betting Markets

If you are satisfied with the range offered by the platform, evaluate its eSports odds. It will be most effective not only to calculate the average level of one platform, but also to compare it with other alternative websites that you are also considering for betting. When it comes to live betting, odds should be considered separately, and you should also watch for variations during the event.

The selection of eSports betting markets is also important. At a minimum, the platform should offer basic types of bets, but if the site offers more complex options, this is a definite advantage, as players will have the opportunity to diversify their experience and try a more advanced level of betting.

eSports Betting Apps and User Experience

If you want to bet on eSports on the go, you need to make sure that the betting site offers a high-quality app for Android and iOS. Begore start to enjoy eSports betting via your mobile device, we also recommend paying attention to the following aspects:

1. Your smartphone's compatibility with the app's technical requirements.
2. The level of convenience and intuitiveness of the interface.
3. Additional features, such as push notifications about betting results or the ability to log into your account using biometrics.
4. Stability of operation and download speed.
5. Amount of traffic consumed.

User-friendly online bookmakers for eSports often offer high-quality apps that work well and are easy to download, but you can also check them to see if they meet your individual preferences.

Fast Withdrawal Options and Customer Support

The eSports sportsbooks in question should provide the ability to conduct transactions through popular local and international payment systems. It is also worth paying attention to the time frame within which funds are withdrawn. This can be quite an important aspect if you are not prepared to wait 24 hours or more for the money to be credited to your account.

In addition, best sites for esports betting should provide several channels of communication with customer support (e.g., live chat, email, hotline, etc.) in case you have questions or problems during transactions or other interactions with the site.

Bonuses and Promotions of Best Betting Sites for eSports

So, now that you've familiarized yourself with what the best eSports betting sites cover and the basic information about each platform, you may have noticed that we haven't touched on the topic of bonuses. We decided to put this information in a separate section so that we could take a closer look at each offer that can be used to bet on eSports online and determine which bookmaker's bonuses offer the best value.

In the following sections, we will provide only a few examples of permanent and temporary offers, as not all recommended esports betting sites currently offer permanent bonuses. However, to give you an idea of what you can expect, we will provide examples of popular themed promotions that are valid for a limited period of time.

1XBET

Esports Era (permanent bonus)

This bonus offers you a refund of up to $10 (1,291.40 KES) on your bet if you lose. To receive it, you need to fully activate your account, go to the bonuses page, click the “Participate” button, and place one bet on any pre-match or live event listed (e.g., Dota 2 European Pro League, League of Legends, LCK, etc.).

BETWINNER

The Hand of Midas (note that this promotion is time-limited)

This limited-time eSports tournament also includes a prize draw. Place bets worth at least 306 KES on The International 2025 events and receive promo tickets that you can use to participate. The more tickets you have, the higher your chances of winning.

MELBET

Cyberback (the promotion will run from 03.04.2024 until canceled by the organizer)

Participate in the promotion by placing single Correct Score bets on pre-match or in-play eSports matches featured on the bonus page. If your bet loses, the bookmaker will refund you with free bets up to 1,291 KES.

Popular eSports Games Covered: League of Legends, CS2, Dota 2 and More

Betting platforms offer different eSports games (e.g., CS2, Dota 2, LoL, etc.) and tournaments (e.g., eSports World Cup). However, to choose the option that will be more exciting and profitable, you need to determine the range of games and events you will focus on.

If you are reading this article, you are most likely already familiar with both the games and the competitions in this field, but nevertheless, we decided to briefly break down the top eSports games.

League of Legends (LoL)

LoL is a MOBA-type game where the main goal is to destroy the enemy base (Nexus). This goal is achieved by advancing along the lines of players or minions. The game dynamics are based on developing strategies and mechanics, taking into account hero peaks and team synergy. This option will be most successful for analysts and strategists, as various aspects must be considered in order to win and place a successful bet: for example, peaks, meta, and regional characteristics.

League of Legends betting tournaments examples:

• League of Legends World Championship (Worlds);
• LCS (USA);
• LEC (Europe);
• LCK (Corea);
• LPL (China).

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)

CS2 is a 5x5 tactical shooter where one team plants a bomb and the other defends or must defuse it. The game is divided into several rounds, each of which can have a different winner. This game is more suitable for those who prefer dynamic events and quick outcomes, and is also very suitable for live betting, as you can follow each round.

CS2 betting tournaments examples:

• PGM Major;
• IEM Katowice;
• ESL Pro League.

Dota 2 Betting

Like LoL, Dota 2 is a MOBA, but with more complex mechanics. There are more heroes, deeper strategy, and more complex balance. The goal for victory is the same in both cases, but here, instead of the Nexus, it is the opponent's throne. Dota 2 is more suitable for experienced bettors who are ready to delve into more complex strategies and team play styles.

Dota 2 betting tournaments examples:

• The International (TI);
• ESL One;
• DreamLeague.

Valorant, Overwatch and Emerging eSports Markets

eSports betting is expanding its presence in the market, so in addition to classic games such as LoL, CS2, and Dota 2, new alternatives are constantly emerging and gradually increasing their fan base.

Valorant is a tactical shooter that combines strategy, unique player mechanics, and elements of CS2. This option is also the most successful for bettors who prefer to analyze team tactics and playing style.

Overwatch is a team-based shooter with highly dynamic gameplay that depends on the heroes selected. Betting on this game is more suitable for experienced players, as many factors need to be taken into account for successful predictions, including tactical team changes.

The following emerging eSports markets offer a very high chance of finding favorable odds, as bookmakers' lines for these options are less accurate than for more popular games:

• Rainbow Six;
• Magic;
• Apex Legends;
• PUBG.

Popular eSports Betting Markets

One of the advantages of eSports is also the variety of different betting markets, including both classic types of bets typical for sporting events and narrowly focused ones that are only available for this type of betting. Therefore, before you start making eSports bets, you need to understand the available options in more detail. In the table below, we have highlighted the most popular betting markets from plenty of eSports betting options:

Popular eSports Bet Types

Bet Type	Definition	Example (hypothetical)
Moneyline	A bet on the winner of a match, outcome of an eSports match without taking into account additional conditions.	In the match Team Liquid vs. G2 Esports (CS:GO), you bet on Team Liquid to win. If they win the match, your bet wins.
Spread	Handicap betting: the favorite loses cards/rounds, and the underdog gains them.	In the match T1 vs. Evil Geniuses (Dota 2), the spread is set at -1.5 on T1. For the bet to be successful, T1 must win 2:0 (in BO3). A 2:1 victory is no longer sufficient.
Over/Under	A bet on whether the number of cards, rounds, or kills in a match will be higher or lower than a certain number.	In the match Natus Vincere vs. FaZe Clan (CS:GO), the bookmaker sets the total at 26.5 rounds. You bet on Over, and the match ends 16:14 (30 rounds) → the bet wins.
Map Winners	A bet on the winner of a specific map (often in CS:GO, Valorant, Dota 2, LoL).	In the match Fnatic vs. Cloud9 (Valorant), you bet that Cloud9 will win the Ascent map, even if they lose the entire match.
First Blood	A bet on the team or player who will make the first kill on the map/match.	In the match OG vs. PSG.LGD (Dota 2), you bet that OG will get First Blood. If OG gets the first kill in the game, the bet wins.
Player Stats	Betting on individual player statistics: number of kills, deaths, assists, K/D, etc.	In the match Astralis vs. Heroic (CS:GO), the bookmaker offers a line of Device over 20.5 kills on the map. If Device scores 22 kills, the bet wins.

Payment Methods for Online eSports Betting: Crypto, Cards and E-Wallets

Many of the best esports platforms offer several types of transactions: credit and debit cards, e-wallets, payment systems, mobile payments, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers. M-Pesa and Airtel are the most popular among Kenyan players, so more and more bookmakers are trying to integrate these options.

In this section, we will discuss the most convenient ways to deposit funds and withdraw winnings. For your convenience, we have compiled tables for each option, listing the advantages, disadvantages, and information about which payment method is most suitable for whom.

Cryptocurrency Betting: BTC, ETH, and USDT Advantages

Crypto is one of the most popular payment options on betting platforms, as it allows users to remain anonymous and maintains fast deposit and withdrawal speeds despite local restrictions.

Crypto Betting

Pros	Complete anonymity, fast transactions (up to 1 minute), low or no fees, ability to bypass regional restrictions
Cons	Knowledge is required to use crypto wallets, exchange rate volatility, not all platforms accept payments in cryptocurrency
Who is it for	Suitable for those who prioritize anonymity and speed of payment crediting, as well as for bettors from countries with limited payment systems.
Crypto eSports betting sites	1xBet, 22bet, Linebet, Paripesa, 888Starz, 1win

Before playing, make sure that the payment methods described are available.

Credit/Debit Cards and E-Wallets (PayPal, Skrill)

Cards and e1-wallets remain the most classic option for conducting transactions on bookmaker websites. Sometimes they are inferior to other methods in terms of payment processing speed, but additional security measures make them one of the most reliable options.

Credit/Debit Cards & E-Wallets Betting

Pros	Supported by most betting platforms, high payment reliability, convenient to control expenses, track profits and losses
Cons	Possible fees charged by the bank/system, verification required, longer transaction processing time
Who is it for	Suitable for bettors who prioritize reliability, transaction transparency, and access to familiar payment methods.
Cards & E-Wallets eSports betting sites	1xBet, 22bet, Betwinner, Melbet, Linebet, Paripesa, 1win

Before playing, make sure that the payment methods described are available.

M-Pesa and Airtel for Kenyan eSports Bettors

M-Pesa and Airtel are mobile payment systems and are the most common choice for Kenyan bettors. It can be said that these systems combine the advantages of cryptocurrency, credit and debit cards, and e-wallets.

M-Pesa & Airtel Betting

Pros	Instant transactions, low payment limits, no need to have a bank account
Cons	Not all bookmakers offer payments through these systems.
Who is it for	Perfect for any Kenyan bettor
M-Pesa & Airtel eSports betting sites	1xBet, 888Starz, 22bet

Check the available payment methods on the website.

Is eSports Betting Legal? Regulations and Safety Tips

eSports betting online is often singled out as a separate type of gambling activity, which raises questions about its legal status in Kenya. However, it is worth noting that betting in general is legal in the country and is regulated by the relevant authorities. Therefore, if we were to give one general answer to the question of whether eSports betting is legal in Kenya, the answer would be yes.

However, as with any regulation of the gambling industry, each country has its own specific requirements and nuances. Below, we will discuss some important aspects in more detail.

Legal Status in Kenya

So, eSports betting is regulated in the same way as sports betting or online casino gambling. The Betting Control and Licensing Board supervises operators and is also the main licensing authority. Although platforms licensed by foreign companies (e.g., Curacao iGaming) that are recognized in the country are not prohibited, it is better to choose platforms that also have a Kenyan license.

How to Spot Scam Sites and Avoid Fraud

To avoid problems and not fall prey to scammers (for example, a copy of an official bookmaker's website), always pay attention to the following points:

• Presence of HTTPS;
• Presence of information about the BCLB license number on the website;
• Presence of the bookmaker in the lists of licensed operators on the official BCLB website;
• Transparency of payment terms;
• The need to KYC verification.

Responsible Gambling: Setting Limits and Self-Exclusion

Licensed and reliable bookmakers post information on their platforms about the importance of adhering to the principles of responsible gaming. Below are just a few of the practices that we strongly recommend you implement in your betting:

• Set limits on deposits in your account on the bookmaker's platform;
• Activate the “temporary self-exclusion” function;
• Set a betting bankroll;
• Keep track of your bets to understand the ratio of wins to losses;
• NEVER try to win back your losses;
• Only bet amounts that you can afford to lose without affecting your financial situation.

The Future of eSports Betting

The eSports and eSports betting industry is one of the newest and fastest growing in gambling. Currently, there is significant growth in “innovative” solutions and technologies that bookmakers are gradually introducing for this type of betting in order to promote it more actively.

Rise of AI-Powered Odds and Predictive Analytics

Some eSports events require analysis of many different aspects and careful attention to news not only about teams, but also about game updates. Against the backdrop of dynamic changes and a large number of factors to keep in mind, AI resources for predicting odds for upcoming events, as well as analytics on favorites and underdogs, are becoming popular among bettors.

Players can use both narrowly focused betting AI and conventional tools. Of course, at this stage, blindly relying on results is not the most effective solution, but if you use such resources as a supplement to your own analysis, it can significantly increase your chances of winning.

Expansion of Live Streaming and In-Play Betting

Major eSports tournaments are accompanied by spectacular special effects and high-speed gameplay. Therefore, with the growing interest in eSports betting, bookmakers have significantly increased the number of events available for in-play betting. In addition, the percentage of events that players can watch directly on betting platforms has recently reached 89%.

Integration of Virtual Reality (VR) Betting Experiences

At the moment, VR integration is not available on a regular basis on betting platforms. But this is a very likely prospect, as it has been mentioned not only by fans, but also by representatives of large betting companies. The ability to combine betting and VR will take eSports to a new level of popularity and make this type of betting a truly immersive experience. In addition, it is a very good investment for companies that want to attract a young audience.

Conclusion

eSports is certainly not yet widely represented on betting platforms, but the growth prospects for this area are more than promising. In this article, we have discussed the platforms that currently offer the most favorable conditions and a wide range of options. Looking ahead, it is highly likely that these platforms will integrate new technologies to improve the quality of the eSports betting experience and attract an even larger audience to both the tournaments themselves and their customers.