In the realm of esports betting in 2024, Counter-Strike has maintained its dominance according to the latest data from the Global Esports Betting Monitor, a report jointly produced by Abios and Sharpr. The report reveals that Counter-Strike stood out as the most favored title for betting activities, commanding a substantial 64% share of the total betting market on Kambi’s network of operators during the fourth quarter of 2024.
Amidst this landscape, Dota 2 experienced a slight downturn with a 4% decrease in betting handle, while League of Legends witnessed a 2% growth, representing 26% of the overall betting handle for the year. However, the most notable surge was observed in VALORANT, which saw a rise from 3% in 2023 to 5% in 2024, signaling its increasing popularity among bettors.
A significant demographic shift was also noted, with Generation Z surpassing Millennials in the realm of esports betting, constituting 44% of the total sample size in 2024 compared to 36% in the previous year. This shift underscores the evolving preferences and behaviors of the betting audience.
In terms of specific events, the CS2 Shanghai Major emerged as the most wagered-on event, attracting 28% of total bets in Q4 2024 across Kambi’s network. Following closely behind was the League of Legends World Championship, which garnered 19% of the total bets during the same period.
Noteworthy trends also surfaced in live betting preferences, with 46% of Counter-Strike bets in Q4 2024 being placed through live betting channels, showcasing a proactive engagement from fans. In contrast, VALORANT live betting accounted for 28%, indicating a growing interest in real-time wagering within the VALORANT community.
While the decline in Dota 2’s betting share may raise eyebrows, the upward trajectories of VALORANT and League of Legends align with broader industry shifts. Particularly, Riot Games’ decision to allow betting sponsorships for partnered teams in these titles has likely contributed to the surges in betting activity around them.
Beyond the realm of esports betting, Abios has made significant strides in 2024, forging key partnerships with prominent entities like the North American gaming media platform Apollo and gambling company Svenska Spel. These collaborations underscore the growing significance of data analytics and insights within the esports ecosystem, shaping the landscape for both industry stakeholders and enthusiasts alike.