Best esports betting sites for the Netherlands

eSport Betting Sites Holland

Esports betting in the Netherlands is growing constantly with the world of professional video games a great medium for wagering. The Netherlands has a fully-regulated sports betting industry and several big name esports betting sites have got licenses to operate here.

These Dutch betting sites cater extensively to the Euro and feature odds on esports like League of Legends, Dota 2, EA Sports FC, NBA2K and Counter-Strike 2. Basically, if there is a professional esports league surrounding the game, there will be betting available at online bookies.

Public interest in esports is growing all over the world, and the Netherlands is no exception. However, there are a few things you should know before dropping any money on your favourite leagues and tournaments. Let us walk you through Holland’s esports gambling landscape and everything you need to know about betting laws and online bookmakers.


How to find the best esports bookies

There are now hundreds of online betting operators that run markets for the world’s biggest esports competitions. The trick is figuring out which ones are worth your time and money, and which are best avoided altogether.

First and foremost, you need to find a bookmaker that holds an active online gambling licence in a recognised regulatory jurisdiction. If you bet with an unlicensed bookie, you might as well toss your money down a drain. Trusted regulators include Curacao eGaming, the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission.

It is also important to pick a gambling site that accepts players from the Netherlands. You can dodge this issue with the use of a VPN, but any hint of fraud – such as misquoting your country of residence – could put you in a spot of bother when you try to cash out your winnings.

That leads us to privacy and security, both of which are absolutely essential when gambling online. Make sure your bookie of choice has a clear anti-fraud policy, uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) digital encryption technology and supports only the safest, most reliable online payment methods.

We at eSportBet.com only feature online gambling operators that tick all those boxes while offering great odds, exclusive promotions and superior customer service. For maximum value, sign up at all of our recommended sites so you can claim multiple sign-up bonuses and ensure the best price on all esport betting markets.


Dutch online gambling laws

The Netherlands has strict gambling laws, and the Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit – KSA) regulates all forms of online gambling. As of April 2021, the Netherlands legalized online gambling with the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), which allows licensed operators to offer their services to Dutch residents.

  1. Licensed Operators: Only gambling websites that are licensed by the Dutch Gambling Authority can legally accept bets from residents of the Netherlands. These licensed platforms offer a wide range of esports betting markets, including popular titles like CS2, Dota 2, and League of Legends.
  2. Esports Betting Availability: Many of the top global esports betting platforms, such as Bet365, Betway, 1xBet, and Pinnacle, are licensed to operate in the Netherlands, allowing Dutch players to place bets on esports events legally.
  3. Payment Methods: These licensed platforms typically support payment options that are accessible to Dutch residents, including bank transfers, credit cards, and digital wallets.
  4. Age Restriction: As with all gambling, you must be 18 years or older to bet on esports in the Netherlands.

So, as long as you are using a licensed and regulated platform, gambling on esports is legal in the Netherlands. Always ensure that the operator you choose holds a valid license from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) to ensure a safe and legal betting experience.


Esports leagues and tournaments

As esports continues to surge in popularity, so too does the landscape of online betting. The rapid growth of esports has led to a wider range of betting markets, attracting both seasoned gamblers and newcomers alike. Leading sportsbooks and esports betting sites are capitalizing on this trend by offering competitive odds on major tournaments, league competitions, and special events.

These platforms cater to a diverse range of games, from first-person shooters to multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) and battle royales. The most popular titles are consistently featured, providing opportunities to bet on esports such as:


How to bet on esports

As with popular live sports such as football, tennis and hockey, the best online bookmakers offer myriad betting options for all matches in the top esports leagues. Below we outline some of the more popular bets.

  • Match winner:
    There is no great mystery to this one. All you have to do is pick which team will win. The side with the shorter odds is the favourite, while the one offering the bigger payout is the outsider.
  • Map advantage:
    Much like a football handicap bet, one team is given a virtual head start on maps won in a best-of contest. For example: if a team’s map advantage is +1.5, the bet wins with any result better than a two-map defeat.
  • Correct score:
    Attractive odds make this a very popular bet, but it is one of the hardest to get right. In order to win, you need to pick both the winner of the match and the exact final score.
  • Total maps played:
    This is a classic over/under bet, not unlike the total goals market for a football match. For example: if you bet under 2.5 in a best-of-three contest, you win if the match is decided after two maps played.
  • Map betting props:
    Esports bookmakers run heaps of markets for various outcomes within each map. Popular options include map winner, first blood, first to 10 kills, total kills and total time.

Best banking options for Dutch gamblers

Secure, easy-to-use payment methods are essential when betting online. Otherwise, getting money in and out of your account becomes a real chore. The very best esport bookies support a number of convenient banking options for instant deposits and fast withdrawals in Euros, US dollars and other major currencies.

  • Credit and debit cards:
    Debit and credit cards, primarily Visa and Mastercard, are popular payment methods for esports betting due to their accessibility and security. Debit cards are linked directly to your bank account, allowing you to use available funds for transactions. They offer fast deposits and withdrawals with no risk of debt, as you can only spend what you have. Credit cards, however, let you borrow money up to a set limit, offering more flexibility but potentially leading to interest and debt. Both methods are widely accepted, making them convenient choices for funding betting accounts. They provide fast, secure transactions, but some platforms may charge withdrawal fees, and certain banks may block gambling transactions.
  • Web wallets:
    Web wallets, also known as e-wallets, are digital platforms that allow users to store, send, and receive funds online. They are a popular payment option for esports gamblers due to their speed, security, and ease of use. Some of the most common web wallets include Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and ecoPayz. These services act as intermediaries between your bank account or card and the betting site, offering a secure environment for transactions. E-wallets also offer benefits like instant deposits, minimal fees, and the ability to manage multiple currencies. They can be linked to various payment methods such as credit cards or bank accounts. Additionally, many esports betting platforms prefer web wallets due to their fast processing times and enhanced security protocols, making them a preferred choice for many bettors.
  • Prepaid cash cards:
    Prepaid cash cards, like PaySafeCard, are popular among esports bettors due to their anonymity and ease of use. These cards are preloaded with a specific amount of funds and are not linked to a bank account, offering a secure way to make deposits without revealing financial details. They are accepted by many esports betting sites, allowing users to deposit money quickly and safely. Prepaid cards are ideal for those who want to manage their gambling budget or prefer not to share bank or card information online. While they are convenient and secure, some sites may charge fees for use, and they typically cannot be used for withdrawals, limiting their functionality to deposits.
  • Bank transfers:
    Bank transfers are a reliable and secure payment method for esports betting, allowing users to transfer funds directly from their bank account to a betting site. This method is widely accepted, especially for larger transactions, and offers a high level of security, as it involves direct communication between your bank and the betting platform. Bank transfers typically take longer to process than e-wallets or cards, with processing times ranging from a few hours to several days, depending on the method used. While they usually don’t involve fees for deposits, withdrawals may incur charges. Bank transfers are ideal for players who prefer not to use third-party services but are less convenient for quick transactions compared to other options.
  • Cryptocurrencies:
    Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are increasingly popular for esports betting due to their speed, security, and anonymity. These digital currencies enable instant deposits and withdrawals, often with lower fees compared to traditional payment methods. Cryptos offer enhanced privacy, as transactions don’t require personal banking details, making them ideal for users seeking discretion. Many esports betting sites accept cryptocurrencies, and they provide a decentralized option that avoids traditional banking systems. However, crypto volatility can affect the value of deposits and withdrawals. While some sites offer bonuses for using cryptos, it’s important to note that not all betting platforms support every cryptocurrency, so checking the available options is essential.