Esports and Sports Betting: Comparing Growth Trends and Industry Drivers

The betting industry is rapidly growing and evolving. Traditional sports such as football and basketball still dominate the market. Esports, which refers to competitive video gaming, is now becoming a strong new player.

Esports betting has evolved from a small online community into a fast-rising global industry. At the same time, traditional sports betting continues to expand, supported by new laws, advanced technology, and the popularity of major sporting events.

But how do they compare in scale, growth potential, and industry drivers? Let’s dive into the numbers and underlying forces behind both trends.

Market Overview and Growth Trends

Both esports and online sports betting are experiencing strong global growth. This section examines the numbers behind their expansion and the trends driving each market forward.

Esports Betting

Esports betting has transformed from a niche pastime into a multibillion-dollar global industry. Valued at $2.6 billion in 2024, the market is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2031, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8%.

This steady rise is fueled by the explosive popularity of competitive gaming titles, such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, as well as the increasing integration of betting features on streaming and mobile platforms.

The Asia-Pacific region continues to dominate esports betting, led by China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, where gaming culture is deeply ingrained and mobile gaming adoption is high. North America and Europe are rapidly catching up, driven by improved regulatory frameworks and high-speed internet access.

Traditional Sports Betting

In contrast, traditional sports betting remains the heavyweight of the gambling sector. The global sports betting market recorded a valuation of $175.51 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to reach $354.89 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 9.2% between 2025 and 2032. Some forecasts even suggest it could reach $265.5 billion by 2034, with growth of approximately 11% between 2025 and 2030.

Europe remains the most mature market, while North America’s post-legalization boom (following the repeal of PASPA in 2018) has made it one of the fastest-growing regions globally. Meanwhile, Africa and Latin America are emerging as new frontiers due to increasing smartphone penetration and supportive regulation.

Esports Betting: Key Industry Drivers

Here are the key factors driving the rapid growth of esports betting worldwide.

• Rising Popularity and Accessibility - Esports viewership continues to soar, with events like the League of Legends World Championship drawing over 73 million concurrent viewers in 2021.
• Technological Innovations - Faster internet, improved streaming quality, and cloud gaming have opened esports to a global audience.
• Tournament Expansion - The number of global and regional tournaments is increasing, offering new betting markets and engaging millions of fans.
• Mobile Gaming and Emerging Markets - Mobile titles like PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang have made esports accessible to a broader audience.
• Streaming and Influencer Ecosystem - Platforms such as Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Kick connect fans directly to players and teams.
• Mainstream Recognition and Partnerships - Esports is now widely recognized as a legitimate form of entertainment and competition.

Sports Betting: Key Industry Drivers

Here are the key factors that continue to drive the strong growth and dominance of the global sports betting industry.

Legalization and Regulation

Legalization has been one of the biggest drivers of growth in sports betting. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, it allowed states to establish their own betting laws, leading to a surge in licensed sportsbooks and billions of dollars in revenue. This shift made betting more accessible and built greater trust among players through regulated platforms.

Other regions are now following this path. Countries across Africa and Latin America are introducing new laws to regulate and tax sports betting, recognizing its potential to create jobs and generate revenue. As more markets open, legal betting continues to expand globally, helping to shape a safer and more transparent industry.

Global Sports Popularity

Traditional sports continue to command an unparalleled cultural and emotional appeal. Events like the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and Super Bowl attract massive betting volumes globally. These major tournaments consistently drive spikes in both online and retail betting activity.

Technological and Data-Driven Advancements

AI and machine learning are transforming how odds are set, how users interact, and how risks are managed. Modern sportsbooks utilize real-time analytics to provide live odds, personalized betting recommendations, and robust fraud detection systems, thereby enhancing both engagement and security.

Online and Mobile Dominance

With the ubiquity of smartphones, betting is now a mobile-first experience. Mobile apps with intuitive interfaces, in-play betting options, and instant payouts have made wagering more accessible than ever. Convenience and speed are now critical growth drivers.

Integration with Media and Entertainment

Sportsbooks increasingly collaborate with broadcasters and streaming platforms to integrate betting features directly into live sports content. This convergence of media, sports, and wagering turns viewing into an interactive experience, blurring the line between spectator and participant.

Conclusion

Esports and traditional sports betting are both transforming the way people engage with games and competition. Traditional sports betting remains the market leader, but esports betting is experiencing rapid growth, thanks to technological advancements and a younger audience. As both continue to evolve, betting is becoming increasingly digital, interactive, and global, opening up new ways for fans to connect and participate responsibly.