Esports betting in the US operates within the same patchwork of state-by-state sports betting regulation that governs traditional sports wagering. Since a 2018 Supreme Court decision struck down the federal ban on sports betting, individual states have set their own rules - meaning esports betting legality and availability varies significantly depending on where you’re located.
How state regulation shapes esports betting access
Some states have fully legalized and regulated online sports betting, including esports markets, through licensed operators. Others permit only retail (in-person) betting, some restrict betting to specific licensed apps tied to local casinos or tribal gaming compacts, and some states haven’t legalized sports betting in any form. Esports specifically isn’t always explicitly named in state legislation, which occasionally creates ambiguity about whether it’s treated the same as traditional sports betting under a given state’s rules - worth checking directly if you’re in a state with newer or narrower legislation.
Licensed operators bettors typically consider
DraftKings and PointsBet operate as licensed mobile sportsbooks across a number of regulated states, with esports markets available on major tournaments as part of their broader sportsbook product. BetOnline and Bovada are offshore operators commonly used by US bettors specifically because they’ve operated in that market for years, including states where domestic regulated betting isn’t yet available - though their offshore status means they exist outside the same regulatory framework as state-licensed sportsbooks. Thunderpick and GG.Bet, as dedicated esports-first sportsbooks, are also used by some US bettors, though their availability and legal standing can differ from domestically licensed operators.
What to check for your state
Confirm whether your state has legalized online sports betting and, if so, which operators hold an active license there. Separately, check whether esports markets specifically are included in what’s offered - a licensed sportsbook in your state doesn’t automatically guarantee deep or any esports coverage. If considering an offshore operator, understand that this exists in a different legal category than a state-licensed sportsbook, and that carries its own considerations.
Our recommendation
Because this varies so much by state and continues to evolve, checking your specific state’s gaming commission or regulatory body for current, authoritative information is the most reliable approach, rather than relying on general national-level content.
This page is independent educational content, not legal advice, and this site does not operate a sportsbook or process bets or payments. Confirm your state’s current legal status directly before betting.