Esports Betting in Singapore: Market Growth, Regulation, and Site Selection

Esports has transformed from a niche pastime into a global phenomenon. Competitive video games now fill stadiums, attract sponsorships from major brands, and broadcast live on mainstream media. As viewership has surged, so too has the appetite for wagering on the outcomes of matches, tournaments, and player performances. This guide examines the esports betting sites in Singapore, including market trends, legal considerations, payment innovations, and practical tips for selecting reputable sites. We draw upon global statistics and local developments to provide balanced insights, referencing data on worldwide esports viewership and cross‑border payment innovations.

Global and regional growth of esports

The esports audience has grown rapidly over the past decade. A 2025 viewership report estimates that over 640 million people will watch esports globally by 2025, consisting of roughly 318 million dedicated fans and 322 million casual viewers. To put this in perspective, there were about 435 million viewers in 2020; by 2022, the number had jumped to 532 million, and growth is expected to continue.

Asia–Pacific leads the world in esports viewership, accounting for more than 57 % of global esports fans, with China and the Philippines alone representing about 40 % of the total audience. This regional dominance is fueled by large gaming communities, affordable high‑speed internet, and smartphone penetration. Although the statistics reference the broader region, they illustrate why bettors in Singapore, situated at the heart of Asia, are keenly interested in esports events across the region and worldwide.

The financial side is growing too: the global esports betting market was valued at US $12.67 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed US $20 billion by 2027. Investors see esports wagering as a natural extension of traditional sports betting, with younger audiences driving growth. This surge presents opportunities and challenges for regulators, operators, and bettors alike.

Legal and regulatory landscape in Singapore

Singapore has one of the most tightly controlled gambling environments in the world. The Gambling Control Act (2022) and associated regulations mandate that all gambling activities require a licence issued by the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). Two integrated casino resorts, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, are licensed to operate until 2030. Sports betting and lotteries are conducted exclusively by Singapore Pools, a state‑owned operator, with strict age limits (18 for Pools products and 21 for casinos). Advertising for gambling is heavily restricted, and the government actively blocks unlicensed websites.

Under these rules, esports betting remains illegal for local operators. The National Council on Problem Gambling has stated that wagers on video game competitions are treated like other forms of betting, and without a licence, they are prohibited. As such, no Singapore‑based company is authorised to offer esports markets. Offshore bookmakers sometimes target Singapore residents with esports odds, but placing bets through such sites is technically against the law and exposes consumers to risks like fraud and legal penalties.

For the foreseeable future, Singaporeans looking to engage in esports wagering must either travel to jurisdictions where it is legal or accept the legal uncertainties of using offshore platforms. The GRA periodically reviews the regulatory framework, and there is a chance that esports betting could be addressed in future reforms, especially as esports becomes more mainstream and potential revenue from taxation becomes attractive.

Digital payments and cross‑border innovation

One of the reasons offshore esports betting sites appeal to Singapore residents is the seamless integration of digital payments. The city‑state’s payment infrastructure is among the most advanced globally. Consumers widely adopt mobile wallets (PayNow, GrabPay, Singtel Dash) for everyday purchases, and bank transfers via FAST/PayNow facilitate near‑instant payments. However, cross‑border transfers remain complex due to currency conversion and settlement times.

In April 2025, Singapore’s FOMO Pay, a licensed major payment institution, announced that it was one of the first design partners in the Circle Payments Network (CPN). CPN, created by Circle (the company behind the USDC stablecoin), aims to enable real‑time cross‑border payments using regulated stablecoins. As a founding partner, FOMO Pay will play a key role in facilitating cross‑border settlement for businesses and institutions, making transactions between fiat and stablecoins near‑instant.

Stablecoin‑powered payment networks such as CPN highlight how Singapore’s fintech sector is positioning itself at the forefront of digital asset innovation. For bettors, these developments signal a future where moving funds to and from gaming platforms, especially those regulated abroad, could become faster, cheaper, and more transparent. However, until local regulations catch up, there remains a gap between technological capability and legal permissibility.

Choosing an esports betting site: key factors.

If you decide to explore offshore esports betting sites despite the legal constraints, it’s crucial to select a platform responsibly. Consider the following factors:

• Licensing and credibility – Opt for bookmakers licensed by reputable regulators, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, or the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. Verify licences via official registers and avoid sites with unclear or expired credentials.
  
• Esports coverage – Good sites offer comprehensive markets across games and tournaments. Look for offerings in popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter‑Strike: Global Offensive (C S:GO), Valorant and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Markets should include match winner, map winner, total kills, handicaps, player props and outright tournament winners.
  
• Odds and margins – Compare odds across multiple platforms to ensure competitive pricing. Lower margins mean higher potential returns. Some sites provide boosted odds or price specials during marquee events.
  
• Live betting and streaming – In‑play betting allows you to wager while matches are ongoing. Platforms that integrate live streams or detailed visualisations offer a more immersive experience. Real‑time data is essential for informed bets.
  
• Payment options – Choose platforms that support payment methods available in Singapore: e‑wallets (where accepted), credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies. Confirm deposit and withdrawal fees, processing times, and minimum/maximum limits.
  
• Bonuses and promotions – Welcome bonuses, free bets, and cashback are common, but terms vary. Check wagering requirements, eligible games, and expiry periods. Avoid offers with unrealistic rollover conditions.
  
• Security and privacy – Ensure the site uses SSL encryption, two‑factor authentication, and segregated customer funds. Read privacy policies to understand how your data will be used and stored.
  
• Customer support – Responsive customer service via live chat, email, or phone is vital, especially if you encounter payout delays or technical issues.
  
  

Popular esports titles and betting markets

Competitive gaming spans numerous genres, but a few titles dominate the betting landscape. Here’s a brief overview of the top games and common wager types:

League of Legends (LoL)

A multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where two teams of five champions battle to destroy the opponent’s nexus. Major tournaments include the League of Legends World Championship, regional leagues (LCK, LPL, LEC), and the Mid‑Season Invitational. Typical bets:

• Match winner – Which team wins the best‑of‑3 or best‑of‑5 series?
  
• Map winner – Which team wins a specific map?
  
• Handicap – Spreads on maps won (e.g., Team A -1.5 maps).
  
• Total kills – Over/under lines on the number of kills.
  
• First blood/first tower – Which team gets the first kill or tower?
  
  

Dota 2

Another MOBA with large prize pools, especially at The International. Betting markets resemble those of LoL, with options like match winner, map winner, total kills, and first Roshan (defeating the neutral boss). Live betting is intense as team fights and item timings can quickly swing momentum.

Counter‑Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO)

A tactical first‑person shooter with tournaments such as the BLAST Premier and the ESL Pro League. Popular bets include match winner, map winner, round handicaps, total rounds played, and pistol round winner. Valve’s release of Counter‑Strike 2 has rejuvenated interest and expanded viewership.

Valorant

Riot Games’ tactical shooter blends elements of CS :GO with hero abilities. The VCT (Valorant Champions Tour) features international circuits culminating in Masters events and Champions. Wagers focus on match winner, map winner, total rounds, and specific agent picks.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)

Mobile MOBA is popular in Southeast Asia. Tournaments like the MPL (Mobile Legends: Professional League) and the M World Championship draw massive regional audiences. Betting markets mirror those of other MOBAs.

Beyond these titles, games such as Overwatch 2, Rainbow Six Siege, PUBG Mobile, and Call of Duty also feature in betting markets, though coverage varies by operator.

Responsible betting and risk management

Esports betting can add excitement to watching your favourite games, but it carries risks. To ensure a safe experience:

• Stay informed – Follow teams, players, and meta changes. Understanding patch notes, roster changes, and current form helps you make better predictions.
  
• Bankroll management – Decide in advance how much money you are willing to risk and stick to that budget. Avoid chasing losses by increasing bet sizes.
  
• Set limits – Many betting sites allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit and loss limits. Use these tools to prevent overspending.
  
• Avoid insider information – Betting on outcomes where you have privileged information (e.g., knowledge of a player’s injury) can be illegal. Likewise, professional players and team staff are typically prohibited from betting on games.
  
• Watch for problem behaviour – Signs of problematic gambling include neglecting responsibilities, gambling with money you can’t afford to lose, and hiding betting activity. If you suspect you’re developing a problem, seek help from counselling services.
  
• Legal awareness – Remember that esports betting is unlicensed in Singapore. While enforcement historically targets operators, using offshore sites may expose you to legal consequences. Keep abreast of regulatory updates.
  
  

Emerging trends and the future of esports betting

Several trends are shaping the future of esports wagering:

1. Micro‑markets and real‑time data – As data feeds improve, bookmakers offer wagers on more granular events: who will win the next team fight, secure the next dragon, or achieve the highest kill streak. This increases engagement but requires quick decision‑making.
   
2. Integration with streaming platforms – Betting interfaces embedded within streaming services (e.g., Twitch) allow viewers to place wagers while watching matches live. Expect deeper integration of stats overlays and interactive features.
   
3. Gamification and social betting – Leaderboards, achievements, and peer challenges encourage friendly competition among bettors. Some platforms allow users to share tips and discuss strategies in real time.
   
4. Stablecoin and digital asset payments – As highlighted by FOMO Pay’s partnership with Circle Payments Network, stablecoin settlements promise near‑instant, low‑cost cross‑border transactions. This could lower barriers for international bettors and offer an alternative to traditional banking channels.
   
5. Regulatory evolution – As esports betting grows, more jurisdictions may legalise and regulate it, similar to the wave of sports betting legalisation seen in North America. Singapore may eventually revisit its prohibition if it sees a way to control the activity, protect consumers, and generate tax revenue.
   
6. Integrity measures – Match‑fixing and cheating are serious concerns. The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) and game publishers collaborate to detect anomalies, suspend offenders, and uphold competitive integrity. Licensed bookmakers often work with these bodies to share information about suspicious betting patterns.
   
   

Conclusion

Esports has captured the imagination of millions worldwide, and wagering on competitive gaming is a natural extension of fandom. For Singaporeans, the allure of esports betting is strong, yet the legal and regulatory landscape currently restricts it. Global viewership is surging, estimated at over 640 million viewers in 2025, with Asia–Pacific leading the pack, and the esports betting market is expected to continue expanding. Singapore’s advanced digital payment infrastructure, exemplified by initiatives like FOMO Pay’s participation in the Circle Payments Network, shows that the city is poised to support innovative financial services, including cross‑border gambling payments, should regulators ever permit them.

Until then, interested bettors must navigate offshore sites at their own risk. Choosing a reputable platform, understanding the games, managing your bankroll, and observing local laws are essential steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. As the industry matures, stay informed about changes in regulations and technological developments. Whether you are a dedicated esports fanatic or a curious newcomer, the fusion of competitive gaming and wagering offers a glimpse into the future of digital entertainment and commerce.