Esports betting in China is big business, with online betting sites accepting wagers on all of the professional video games that take place around the world. Because esports betting sites are banned in China, the top esports betting operators are based overseas. Often, Chinese esports bettors will also place their bets in USD, with the wagering operators that cater specifically to the CYN currency. Our guide to Chinese esports betting includes information about the top CNY betting sites, esports betting promotions and bonus offers.
The top esports betting sites for China in 2024 are:
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China is at the very forefront at the global esports boom. It is also a nation with a rich gambling tradition, so combining the two pursuits is a no-brainer. If you want to learn about China’s gambling laws and find out which online bookmakers lead the pack for esport betting, you are in the right place.
Top esports betting sites in China 2024
The best esports betting sites in China will feature betting on all of the major esports, which include games like Dota 2, League of Legends, Fortnite, Call of Duty and many, many more. Although esports betting is illegal in China, there are numerous online betting sites that accept punters from China and do extensive business in this country, including catering to Chinese Yuan, and finding ways to accept deposit and withdrawals from this country.
At the best esports betting sites in China, you will find 1000s of daily markets on various competitions taking place around the world. Map betting, outright winner betting, futures betting for both winner and place bets are also common-place at betting sites accepting Chinese players.
The top online esports betting sites will also allow you to access them via mobile, including downloadable apps. Downloadable apps are small software installs that give you instant access to the betting site.
Payments are always an issue for Chinese esports betting sites, with it imperative that you do your homework before making a deposit. How does the bookie intend on getting your money back to you? bank transfer? cheque? Do they have customer service that replies is also a question that needs to be answered before betting real money. Use our esports betting site reviews, which are accessible from the betting table above.
List of approved Chinese esports betting sites
- Pinnacle888: Part of the renowned Pinnacle stable, Pinnacle888 is the Asian-facing brand from the same company. Pinnacle888 excels when it comes to esports, with an awesome array of odds available, including on popular games like Dota 2, Fortnite, League of Legends and Call of Duty. Pinnacle888 has a lucrative welcome offer and many esports betting promotions, depending on what events are on at any given moment. Pinnacle888’s technology is also flawless and we have no hesitation saying this is one of the top CN esports betting sites available. Pinnacle888 esports review.
CN mobile esports betting
One of the most common ways to bet on esports from China is via handheld devices, with mobile betting sites exceptionally popular.
Chinese esports betting fans have limited access to downloadable apps from China, although we have heard reports of some Android smartphones having success with downloads in 2024.
The top CN esports betting sites include some well-known brands like Betway and GG.Bet and BetOnline. Many of these esports online wagering options have got downloadable betting apps available to their customers.
Wagering on esports via mobile smartphones and tablets is much like on desktop computer, just via a smaller screen. You will find all the same esports betting markets on mobile as you will on bigger screen and it is undoubtedly the top way to bet in China.
Chinese online gambling laws
With the exception of two state-run lotteries, all forms of gaming and wagering are illegal in China. The offshore Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau are havens for sports betting, horse racing, slot machines, casino games and poker, but attempts to establish legitimate gambling venues on the mainland have amounted to nothing.
What about online betting? China is notoriously strict when it comes to what its residents can and cannot do on the internet. A nationwide ban on all poker apps came into effect in June 2018, serving as a clear indicator of Beijing’s position on online gambling and wagering.
However, we are talking about a country that boasts one of the world’s oldest and richest gambling cultures. That is not something that vanishes overnight because of a few legislative changes, which is why millions of Chinese punters have found ways to circumvent local laws and bet at licensed offshore bookmakers.
Betting on esports in China
If you decide to gamble online, you need to find the right esports betting site for you. Not all online gambling operators are equal, and separating the good from the bad can be difficult when you are limited to overseas companies.
We only recommend esport betting sites that:
- Accept gamblers from China
- Hold an online gambling licence with a recognised regulator
- Support convenient payment methods for deposits and withdrawals
- Protect all transactions with SSL digital encryptions
- Offer competitive odds on a wide range of esports
Once you pick a bookie, signing up and getting started takes only a minute. We suggest joining multiple betting sites so you always enjoy the best odds when you bet on esports.
Best esports leagues for online betting
China’s esports scene is among the best in the world. Gamblers can bet on all the biggest leagues and tournaments, including:
- Call of Duty World League
- FIFA Interactive World Cup
- Global Starcraft II League
- Halo Championship Series
- Intel Extreme Masters
- League of Legends World Championships
- Overwatch League
- The International
Secure banking at Chinese bookmakers
Quick and easy online banking options make betting on esports online a breeze.
Popular deposit and withdrawal methods include:
- Credit and debit cards – All online bookmakers accept instant deposits with Visa and MasterCard.
- Web wallets – Keep your personal details secure with trusted brands such as Neteller and Skrill.
- Instant banking – Services like Citadel Direct allow you to make instant payments from your bank account.
- Wire transfer – If you want to move large sums and don’t mind waiting a few days, standard banking is the way to go.
- Cryptocurrency – More and more online bookies are coming around to Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies.
Online betting licensing in China
China has got a very strict stance on online betting and there is no legal online bookmakers on the mainland. You can bet on horse racing on-track at the one racecourse on mainland China and there is some state-backed lotto draws, however esports betting is not available.
This means those looking to bet on esports in China will need to do it with an offshore betting site. These esports betting sites are generally licensed in places like Malta, the United Kingdom and Costa Rica.
While technically there is no licensing for online betting in China, many companies skirt the laws and operate with their overseas based regulator. We would not be surprised if regulated sports betting hits China in the future, with their government generally making pragmatic decisions.