Esports Betting Sector Eyes Strong Growth in 2026

The global esports betting industry heads into 2026 poised for continued expansion, with market projections indicating revenue surpassing $3 billion amid maturing regulations and evolving publisher policies in key regions. Analysts anticipate sustained momentum from 2025's developments, including Riot Games' vetted betting sponsorships for League of Legends and VALORANT teams, as well as proactive integrity enhancements across Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific.

This forward momentum builds on a foundation of increasing betting volumes on core titles, supported by official data feeds and innovative live features that dominate turnover in licensed environments.

Key Takeaways

• Revenue forecasts exceed $3 billion globally, driven by live betting dominance and regional market maturation.
• Riot's sponsorship framework enables regulated partnerships, boosting team finances while maintaining broadcast safeguards.
• Integrity collaborations, including ESIC's expanded operator alliances, prioritise monitoring in high-growth jurisdictions.

Market forecasts from sources like Statista and industry reports project esports betting revenue climbing past $3 billion in 2026, reflecting compounded growth from $2.8 billion in 2025. This trajectory stems from heightened engagement in flagship disciplines such as Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, and VALORANT, where live and in-play wagering continues to capture the majority of handle.

Riot Games' policy shift—permitting approved betting sponsors for tier-one teams in EMEA and Americas leagues—enters full effect, offering diversified revenue without jersey logos or promotions on official channels. This regulated integration aims to channel activity toward compliant operators, enhancing transparency in monetisable markets.

In Europe, established oversight from the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority supports innovative offerings, while Brazil's formalised framework drives localised growth. Asia-Pacific jurisdictions, including Australia, benefit from robust licensing, fostering diverse markets amid rising smartphone penetration.

Integrity remains a cornerstone, with ESIC's partnerships facilitating real-time data sharing for threat detection. These efforts align with educational initiatives, ensuring sustainable practices as volumes rise.

For operators in these regions, 2026 presents opportunities in advanced bet types and responsible tools mandated by progressive regulations. Bettors gain access to secure, data-rich platforms, which underpin confidence in an ecosystem balancing commercial advancement with ethical standards critical to long-term viability.

Sources: Esports Insider, Statista