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In an industry defined by razor-thin margins and a constant demand for engagement, tapping into a high-volume, high-growth market segment can be a game-changer. For sportsbooks navigating an increasingly competitive landscape, that hidden MVP has been sitting on the bench for quite some time: esports.
Far from a niche vertical, esports has been steadily growing in popularity among bettors and gaining traction with sportsbooks for years. Traditionally among the top five sports by volume globally, it is now LSports’ third most in-demand offering, accounting for nearly 15 million fixtures ordered annually by clients—trailing only football and table tennis.
But beyond volume, rapid growth has become an equally important part of the story. According to data from our Q1 2025 report, esports saw a staggering 70% year-over-year (YoY) increase, proving it’s much more than just a pandemic-era spike.
And the momentum isn’t limited to traditional esports markets. While Asia, long considered the epicenter of competitive gaming, continued its upward trajectory with 102.54% YoY growth in fixture consumption, Europe quietly broke barriers, surpassing the 2 million fixture mark for only the second time ever.
This shouldn’t come as a big surprise, as esports delivers value to sportsbooks through two dominant verticals, each with distinct betting behaviors, audience profiles, and scheduling rhythms.
On one side, Simulated Sports, such as eFootball and eBasketball, offer unparalleled volume and consistency. With over 3 million fixtures ordered and YoY growth rates of 78.6% and 121.8%, respectively, these titles function as frictionless extensions to traditional sports betting. Their constant gameplay and real-sport feel make them ideal for covering off-peak hours and keeping bets flowing.
On the other side, Core Esports Titles like CS2, Dota 2, and League of Legends attract a different kind of audience—deeply loyal and highly engaged. These games aren’t just competitions—they’re full ecosystems. In Q1 2025, the segment grew 59.2% YoY, with CS2 and Dota 2 leading the way. While fewer in number, these fixtures often drive higher bettor engagement and turnover, especially during major tournaments.
For sportsbook executives and trading teams, the strategic value of esports is clear. It doesn’t just supplement existing offerings—it fills scheduling gaps, appeals to younger, digital-first bettors, and helps smooth out the impact of unpredictable events.
Too often, esports is viewed as either a novelty or a black box. But the data paints a different picture. Esports isn’t coming—it’s here. And for those ready to embrace it, the upside is more than just incremental. It’s exponential.
