Where Is Esports Betting Legal in 2025? A state-by-state look at esports wagering laws — and how platforms like 1v1Me offer a safer, skill-based alternative

Esports continues to grow into one of the biggest competitive industries in the world, and with that rise comes one major question: where exactly is esports betting legal? Regulations differ wildly depending on the region, and many players are surprised to learn that esports isn’t treated the same as traditional sports under most wagering laws.

If you’re curious about where you can legally bet on esports — and why platforms like 1v1Me fall into a completely different, safer category — this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

🌎 Understanding Esports Betting Laws

Esports betting includes wagering on professional matches across games such as:

League of Legends
Counter-Strike 2
Dota 2
Valorant
Call of Duty
EA FC

Most countries now regulate esports under their sports wagering laws, but many regions still treat esports differently due to:

Age concerns
Match integrity risks
Unclear classification
Rapid industry growth

This creates a patchwork of laws where some places allow full esports betting, others allow only partial wagering, and some prohibit it entirely.

🇺🇸 Where Is Esports Betting Legal in the United States?

In 2025, only select U.S. states allow esports wagering — and some only permit it under special conditions. States that have legalized or authorized esports betting in some form include:

Nevada
New Jersey
Tennessee
West Virginia
Colorado
Virginia
Maryland
Arizona
Iowa

Even within these states, regulators may limit:

Which esports titles can be wagered on
Events involving minors
The types of bets allowed

Other states have introduced legislation but have not yet finalized esports betting frameworks, making the legal landscape constantly evolving.

🌍 International Regions Where Esports Betting Is Legal

Globally, esports betting is legal in many regions that have regulated sports wagering systems. These include:

United Kingdom
Australia
Canada (province-regulated)
European Union countries with sports betting markets
Parts of South America and Southeast Asia

Some countries treat esports exactly like traditional sports, while others may restrict youth-involved competitions or require additional licensing.

⚖️ Why the Laws Are So Complicated

Esports is still a new competitive field compared to traditional sports. Regulators are cautious because:

Many pro players are under 18
Match-fixing concerns have existed historically
Games differ in genre, publisher rules, and event hosting
Betting integrity tools are still evolving

This is why most regions require strict oversight before allowing esports wagering.

🎮 How 1v1Me Fits Into the Landscape (No Betting Required)

Here’s where things change.

1v1Me is not an esports betting platform.

Instead, 1v1Me operates under skill-based competition, a completely different legal category.

On 1v1Me:

Verified pro gamers compete
Fans stake on the pro gamer, not on random or chance-based outcomes
Everything is based on skill, not gambling
No casino mechanics, no odds, no house edge

This distinction is why 1v1Me is legally available in the US and Canada in areas where esports betting is not.

🧠 Skill-Based Staking vs. Gambling

Gambling includes chance-based outcomes.

Skill-based staking rewards correct predictions based on player performance — similar to fantasy sports or peer-to-peer contests.

1v1Me falls firmly in the skill-based category, offering a safer, regulated way for fans to engage with competitive gaming without crossing into prohibited wagering.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Esports betting laws in 2025 depend heavily on where you live. Some states and countries fully embrace esports wagering, while others heavily restrict it or are still developing regulatory frameworks. As the esports ecosystem matures, more regions will likely adopt clearer rules.

In the meantime, 1v1Me provides a modern, skill-based alternative for fans who want to participate in competitive gaming without navigating complicated betting laws. By focusing on verified pros, skill-driven outcomes, and transparent match formats, 1v1Me creates a safer, more innovative way to engage with esports.