Betting on esports seems to be the flavor of the month in the US, especially after the recent legalization of sports betting in two additional states. However, it can be challenging to track down esports sportsbooks that will suit you.
Here at TheGruelingTruth.com we also know that the US laws concerning esports can be especially tricky to navigate. So, we’ve put together this guide to unravel the legal knots, show you how to find safe and reliable esports sportsbooks, and to give you an insight into our own recommendation.
Who should make use of the comparison? – Anyone who wants to bet on esports in the US
If you’re a fan of esports, then the chances are that at some stage you’ll want to place a bet on your favorite player or team. Perhaps you’d like to take that further and wager on the outcome of a tournament or have some fun with an esports prop bet or two. Whatever your motivation, you’ll need to know how to choose legal esports sportsbooks, with plenty of options to keep you entertained.
The legal stuff
Yes, we know that sounds boring, but is really super-important that you understand esports licensing and regulation before you start betting. Across the US there are just four states where esports sportsbooks are fully legal. Those are New Jersey, West Virginia, Nevada and Tennessee. In those four states, there are no restrictions for online esports betting, providing that you do it at licensed esports sportsbooks.
In addition, there are a further twelve US states where esports sportsbooks are
regulated
which means there are more rules or restrictions applied for this type of betting than for standard sports betting:
Arkansas
Iowa
Mississippi
Illinois
New York
Delaware
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Washington DC
Oregon
Montana
New Mexico
To add a further level of confusion, different regulations are applied on an individual state basis. One of the reasons that most states are reticent to fully legalize esports sportsbooks is because it’s often the case that esports competitors are often below the legal age for gambling, which is 21 years in most states.
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Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat – CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). “Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support. 21+ and present in MA. Connect with a PlayWell Advisor at PlayWell.org. Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook
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Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Operator checklist: 5 things we look for when rating operators – The really vital stuff
Whether we are reviewing online casinos,
top betting sites
or in this case, esports sportsbooks, there are certain aspects that simply must not be overlooked. All five are a crucial part of having a safe and enjoyable gambling experience.
Legitimate licensing
We touched on this subject briefly in an earlier section, but it’s something that we cannot emphasize enough to you. The only gambling sites we recommend that you use will hold a current license issued by a US state where esports sportsbooks are permitted to operate.
Online security
This part of our reviews covers all aspects of the security measures that an operator has in place on a website or a mobile app. We look for browser encryption with certified https:// applied to every web page. We also expect enhanced SSL encryption to be available whenever you are completing a financial transaction and ideally, 2FA authentication in place for every login.
Customer support
It is a fact of life that things do not always go according to plan. And when that happens, it’s essential to know that someone has your back, so to speak. Our reviews will look for helpful and easily accessible information on the website first. Then we’ll move on to checking the availability of the support team. We’ll check out how they can be contacted and when, then we’ll test them. We’ll be looking for fast response times and knowledgeable staff to give high ratings here.
Bonuses and promos
The ratings we give in this section usually reflect the operator’s welcome or sign-up offer. Let’s face it, there aren’t many betting sites that don’t advertise one to catch your attention. We don’t automatically give ratings according to the value of a bonus, that’s just one part of it. We look at all of those tedious T&Cs, to assess if they’re reasonable and give you a fair chance of using the bonus to your advantage.
Quality of the platform
You won’t have a great deal of fun trying to place bets using a sub-standard website or mobile app. You’ll want to be paying attention to the action, not searching for the Cashier section or trying to work out how to place a wager on your app. High ratings will only be given to platforms that enable you to have an enjoyable all-round experience while using them.
Editor’s recommendation – The best of the esports sportsbooks is…
Here at TheGruelingTruth.com, we review hundreds of different operators who offer sports betting, casino games, and poker. We always have a favorite site, one that ticks all of the right boxes and when it comes down to esports sportsbooks, our number one choice is DraftKings.
DraftKings is legit
Better still, DraftKings is already legal in 17 US states. It’s always one of the first operators to launch whenever another US state opts to legalize gambling and it’s held in high regard throughout the industry. As well as having a vast array of sports to bet on, DraftKings is also one of only a handful of licensed esports sportsbooks in the states where esports betting is permitted. You’ll also find a cracking welcome promo for every state where DraftKings has launched.
Plenty of benefits for bettors
The benefits go well beyond a sign-up bonus too. The DraftKings site is safe, reliable, and easy to navigate. Everything is backed by a fantastic customer support team available 24/7. You’ll also find ongoing promotions and betting offers are available for loyal customers, but in addition, every bet you place at DraftKings will earn you Dynasty reward points too.
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Finding the right operator for you – How TheGruelingTruth.com can help
We’ll start here by saying that not all esports sportsbooks are equal. Most are average, some are little more than mediocre and then there’s the select few that are exceptional. Trying to sort the wheat from the chaff is a very tedious and time-consuming task. At this point, we’ll jump in and tell you that there’s a very easy way to avoid doing a lot of hard work – simply visit our website and explore.
Reviews
Here you’ll find a whole library of gambling site reviews, we cover everything from bingo to poker, not just casinos and betting sites for sports. You’ll find they all follow the same easy-to-read format and see our ratings for each section. We also compile bonus reviews for all of the top operators, app reviews for all of the popular sports, and much more.
News
News is just news, right? Well, here that’s not quite the case! Our team of expert writers don’t just know a lot about sports and gambling, they are real-life fans and bettors themselves. So, when you read the news at TheGruelingTruth.com you can be assured it’s original and has been written by people who really care. We won’t just give you a rehashed version of news from other sites.
5 ultimate tips for using the best operators – Food for thought
Make sure your mobile device is up to scratch
You’re almost certain to want to use one of the apps that are available at most esports sportsbooks. For an app to work at optimum performance, your phone or tablet will need to have sufficient free space to install the app and an operating system that’s compatible. Make sure that you check in advance to avoid disappointment later.
Live streaming from esports sportsbooks
The ability to watch esports matches, as well as wager on them, is a huge part of the experience. Your PC or mobile device will need a reliable connection to the Internet to maintain a live stream, so make sure you have that availability.
Stats at the ready?
To bet successfully on esports, you need to be armed with a library of historical stats. Some of the best esports sportsbooks will have them on-site but don’t rely on it. Make sure you know where to go to find all of the accurate information you’ll need to be in with a chance of beating the bookie.
You need some prop bets in your life
There’s much more to esports betting than picking a winner! You’ll have much more fun at esports sportsbooks if there are plenty of betting markets you can choose from. It will depend on your choice of game, but if you can wager on some unique aspects of your favorite esports game, we promise it will add a whole new dimension to your experience.
Do you like it here?
We can tell you all about esports sportsbooks, the good and the not so good. We can also tell you which is our favorite and why. However, there is one thing we can’t help you with and that’s deciding if you like the site. That’s why we always recommend that you visit for yourself, take a good look around and make sure it suits your style.
Conclusion – A few final words…
It’s been huge fun taking a look at the ever-growing number of US esports sportsbooks, but now we’re at the end of our guide. We’ve shown you what to look for to ensure your esports betting is done in a safe environment and told you a bit about one of our favorite esports sportsbooks.
Now it’s time for you to decide which one is right for you. Be sure to take a good look through our reviews at The GruelingTruth.com for help with making your selection and then try a few out for size before you sign up. We hope you’ll visit us again very soon, but in the meantime – have fun out there!
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GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings Sportsbook customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 5/3/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 4/26/26 at 11:59 PM ET.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat – CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). “Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support. 21+ and present in MA. Connect with a PlayWell Advisor at PlayWell.org. Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook
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New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Must toggle on this promotion in your bet slip and wager $5+ cash on any market (min. odds -500) within 7 days of account opening to receive $200 in FanCash. Promotional FanCash expires 7 days from issuance (at 11:59pm ET). Terms, including FanCash terms apply-see Fanatics Sportsbook app.
The US laws concerning esports betting are complex, to say the least, and every US state applies its own decision. Here at TheGruelingTruth.com, we’ve compiled guides for every state that permits esports sportsbooks to operate, so head over for the lowdown! We also cover various topics around traditional sports betting, such as our guides on
CFL sportsbooks
and
NCAAF sportsbooks.
💵 Which esports games can I bet on?
There are some extremely popular games that you’ll see listed in all esports sportsbooks. Some sites only offer betting on those, others have more games but limited betting markets, while the best esports sportsbooks give you the full package. We’ll tell you how to head for the best here at TheGruelingTruth.com.
💻 Can I bet on esports from a mobile app?
Many esports sportsbooks have apps available for you to download. However, there’s a lot more to consider when using an app than simply installing it. Head over to TheGruelingTruth.com to find out more about apps, bookmakers, and the best
low deposit betting sites
around.
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GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings Sportsbook customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 5/3/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 4/26/26 at 11:59 PM ET.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat – CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). "Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support. 21+ and present in MA. Connect with a PlayWell Advisor at PlayWell.org. Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook
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Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Must toggle on this promotion in your bet slip and wager $5+ cash on any market (min. odds -500) within 7 days of account opening to receive $200 in FanCash. Promotional FanCash expires 7 days from issuance (at 11:59pm ET). Terms, including FanCash terms apply-see Fanatics Sportsbook app.
21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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