In 2025, esports betting is booming, with global annual revenue expected to hit $2.8 billion, marking a 12% increase from the previous year and more than doubling since 2021. Projections indicate this figure will exceed $3 billion next year, underscoring the rapid growth of this emerging market. This surge has inevitably led to increased regulatory attention, yet many regulators are still trying to catch up with the quickly evolving scene.
In many parts of the world, the regulatory framework for esports betting is still underdeveloped, often due to a fundamental lack of understanding of the industry. The United States exemplifies this challenge. Despite esports’ rising popularity, traditional sports betting remains legal in more than twice as many states as esports betting. A total of 19 states fall into the “grey area,” lacking specific legal guidelines for this sector.
Oddin.gg, a leading supplier of esports betting solutions, is stepping in to bridge this gap by educating regulators globally. “Our goal is to clarify what esports is all about,” says Marek Suchar, co-founder and managing director of Oddin.gg. He emphasizes the importance of being on the ground in diverse markets to address concerns in native languages.
The company’s approach focuses on dispelling misconceptions, particularly the notion that esports betting primarily involves underage participants. Despite its appeal to younger demographics, the average esports bettor is in their late twenties to early thirties. In popular games such as League of Legends and Counter-Strike, the typical bettor age is 29 and 31, respectively.
Oddin.gg leverages its worldwide presence to share insights and best practices with regulators. “Each region has its own perception, but the concerns are often similar,” Suchar notes. With licenses in multiple jurisdictions, including Arizona, New Jersey, and Ontario, Oddin.gg presents itself as a credible voice in conversations with regulators.
The esports sector lacks a universally recognized governing body, setting it apart from traditional sports. This absence necessitates quick, informed decision-making by regulators to keep pace with the growing industry. Oddin.gg’s Esports 2024 report reveals substantial year-on-year growth in betting volume, with some titles experiencing increases of up to 175% in wagered amounts.
Understanding the distinctions between different esports offerings is essential for both operators and regulators. Titles like Dota 2 and League of Legends have dedicated audiences, while electronic simulators such as e-football offer a different betting experience. Suchar points out, “The core audience for traditional esports titles is deeply invested, whereas e-simulator bettors may differ in their engagement.”
Educating both fans and regulators remains crucial. Oddin.gg is aware that many potential bettors are unsure of how esports betting works, highlighting the need for continued education. Examining the consumption habits of millennials and Gen Z, who are accustomed to on-demand content, reveals opportunities for the esports betting industry to align its offerings with these preferences.
Esports’ always-on nature is a competitive advantage, offering numerous betting opportunities throughout the day. “With esports, there’s the option to bet almost anytime, with over 15 live markets available for the titles we cover,” Suchar explains. The growing interest in prop bets, which accounted for 13% of wagers in recent months, reflects a heightened focus on individual players.
Integrity is a cornerstone of Oddin.gg’s strategy, necessitating collaboration with organizations like the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA). Suchar stresses the importance of robust risk management systems to detect suspicious activities in real-time. He explains, “We analyze data to identify anomalies, ensuring that we can alert our partners and maintain confidence in the betting ecosystem.”
Oddin.gg advocates for a tripartite partnership involving regulators, bookmakers, and providers. Suchar underscores the value of educating regulators to prevent the underground proliferation of esports betting. “Especially in regulated markets, such collaboration is key to success,” he states, highlighting their work in Brazil as a case in point.
Ultimately, Oddin.gg aims to do more than just ensure compliance. By combining technological innovation with advocacy, the company is helping to forge a secure and sustainable future for esports betting. This mission reflects a commitment to shaping the industry’s trajectory through education and partnership, paving the way for continued growth and acceptance.
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