Esports Betting NZ 2025

Esports betting can be done at many esports betting sites in New Zealand, with most online bookmakers having some form of betting on professional video games.

Some of the top esports games Kiwis bet on include League of Legends, Dota 2 and Fortnite, although there are many more games with esports betting available on them.

Our top esports betting sites for New Zealand in 2025 are:

---

Esports betting in 2025

Esports betting is largely done on the top-flight leagues and tournaments surrounding professional video gaming. For instance you might find betting on the final stages of a League of Legends tournament, but you won’t find any markets on the online qualifying.

This is because esports handicapping is still a relatively young game, and the depth of the player pools means new esports stars are emerging all the time. Our esports betting section will highlight the top five esports in May, 2025.

Dota 2 betting

• Dota 2
• How to watch Dota 2

CS:GO betting

• CS:GO betting
• How to watch CS:GO

League of Legends betting

• League of Legends
• Stream LoL

VALORANT betting

• VALORANT betting

PUBG betting

• PUBG

All esports games

---

Major eSports events in 2025

The esports calendar is growing all the time, with new leagues and tournaments springing up. Some of the most anticipated esports events for 2025 are:

League of Legends World Championship

Game: League of Legends
Dates: November, 2025 (TBC)
Prize Money: USD$5 million
Qualification: Online/Ranking

The League of Legends World Championship is the no.1 event on the LoL calendar. Played between October and November each year, the 2024 Championship finals were played in London, where T1 won their fourth World Championship. The LoL World Cup is also one of the biggest betting events in esports, with betting sites all over the world offering markets on it.

---

The International

Game: Dota 2
Dates: September 11-14
Prize Money: $25 million +
Qualification: Online/Ranking

Held every year, The International is the most coveted prize for Dota 2 players, and features all the best players from around the world. The International also draws a huge viewership on streaming sites like Twitch, with this meaning betting on The International is also common. The 2025 edition of The International will be held in Hamburg’s Barclays Arena in Germany.

---

Call of Duty League

Game: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Start date: December, 2025
End date: July, 2025
Prize Money: $6 million

The Call of Duty League bears an uncanny resemblance to how Blizzard’s star game, Overwatch, launched its league. While the Call of Duty World League has been ditched, this new COD esports competition is set to take the world by storm. Like the Overwatch League, COD League will have teams in 12 US cities, with some franchises already existing, while others are entering into COD competition for the first time. We can’t wait for this one!

---

Top esports betting sites in New Zealand

For New Zealanders keen on eSports betting, there are numerous reputable sites offering a range of options to suit all kinds of players. These platforms provide extensive coverage of eSports tournaments, competitive odds, and a secure betting environment, ensuring an enjoyable experience for punters.

Wide Range of Games: Leading eSports betting sites in New Zealand cover all the popular games, including CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, and Call of Duty. This allows bettors to place wagers on their favorite teams and players across a variety of tournaments and leagues, from local competitions to global events.

Live Betting Options: Many top sites offer live betting, enabling users to place bets during matches. This dynamic feature adds an extra layer of excitement, allowing bettors to capitalize on in-game events and changing odds.

Competitive Odds & Promotions: With numerous eSports-focused betting platforms, players can enjoy competitive odds and a wide range of betting markets. Additionally, many sites offer generous promotions, bonuses, and loyalty programs to enhance the betting experience.

New Zealand eSports fans have plenty of options when it comes to betting, with a variety of sites that offer secure, exciting, and rewarding opportunities to wager on their favorite games.

Our pick of the best esports bookmakers accepting NZD include:

Betway

Betway is a Europe-based sports betting company but is also operational in other continents. Betway has been in operation since 2006 and has over the years managed to secure licenses from UK, Malta, Denmark, South Africa and Belgium. It goes without saying that this is one of New Zealand’s top esports betting sites. With competitive odds over the years, excellent customer service, and reliability, it is difficult to argue against Betway being one of the industry leaders. Betway offers some great bonuses to new and existing users across the world. However, it has a special welcome bonus that is obtainable only in New Zealand. If you are worried about the legality of Betway in New Zealand, do not be, as they are licensed for sports betting in the country.

Bet365

Bet365 has been in the sports betting scene for over 20 years, with headquarters being in England, United Kingdom. Its transition to being an online sportsbook was fairly easy as the owners already ran a betting shop, which was later sold off after the development of Bet365. It is one of the UK’s biggest online betting sites, if not the biggest. Now, residents of New Zealand can also enjoy the great odds that Bet365 offers. In sports betting, reputation is important, and Bet365 has that in abundance. We cannot end this review without commenting on the 100 percent bonus you get when you sign up on the site.

William Hill

You may not know it, but William Hill is one of the oldest and biggest names in sports betting history. The question of the security and reliability of William Hill should never cross your mind as they have been in operation since 1934 and are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Finding a sportsbook that is publicly traded is difficult, which goes to show you how much trust you can place in William Hill. The UK-based sportsbook has a license to offer its services in New Zealand. However, it is disappointing that New Zealand customers are not privy to welcome bonuses and refunds for in-play losses. These bonuses are available to UK and Ireland bettors, but for some reason, New Zealand bettors are exempt from the offer.

GG.Bet

GG.Bet is a unique betting operator, as it offers only eSports betting. The eSports betting site has been active since 2016 and is licensed by Invicta Networks. The betting platform is relatively new compared to other platforms that are available in New Zealand. However, it is difficult to see one that is operating solely in the same niche. There are a lot of mixed reviews about the site as customers have been satisfied, while some others have had challenges navigating the site. However, they can be forgiven, seeing as they are new in the industry. New Zealand eSports bettors are offered a 150 percent initial deposit bonus by the sportsbook. Also, they have a long list of withdrawal and deposit options to make things a lot easier for their customers.

888Sport

888Sports was launched in 1997 and has since operated with its head office in Gibraltar. Over the years, 888sports has continued to grow and is now among the leading sportsbooks in Europe. The company has also established operations in different countries, with New Zealand being one of such countries. In the area of bonuses, you might not get jaw-dropping offers like other sportsbooks in New Zealand. However, with a deposit as low as $10, you get $30 in free bets. Also, you will get access to competitive odds and a wide array of safe deposit and withdrawal options.

PlayUp

PlayUp is an Australian-licensed wagering company that was formed from TopBetta, MadBookie and ClassicBet. With a state-of-the-art website and functional betting apps, PlayUp sits comfortably among the best bookmakers for esports betting in New Zealand. A lack of sign up offers is one downfall of this young betting site, with this brought about because of the strict gambling laws surrounding new account incentives in Australia. PlayUp’s partner site DraftStars specialises in Fantasy betting and gives this company another nice point of difference to its competitors.

---

Is it legal to bet on esports in NZ?

Esport is taking off all over the globe, and New Zealand is no exception. Although the country’s professional gaming scene is still in its infancy, gamblers in the Land of the Long White Cloud can bet on all the biggest esports leagues in Oceania and around the world.

New Zealand has a well-defined gambling industry with clear guidelines for both punters and operators. All of the country’s mainstream gaming and wagering operations are regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs. Most common forms of gambling are legal to residents aged 18 years and over, including casino games, poker machines, horse racing, greyhounds, live sport and e-sports.

Having said this online betting is a murky area in New Zealand, with no ban on offshore online bookmakers. This means Kiwis can legally bet with any betting site, that will accept their custom, including many of the best esports betting sites in the United Kingdom and Malta, which are two of the leading jurisdictions in world gambling.

While most types of betting and gaming are perfectly legal in New Zealand, the Gambling Act 2003 forbids local operators from offering “remote interactive gambling” services – that is, any product that may allow punters to place bets off-site using communication devices such as computers and smartphones. However, this law only applies to businesses licensed in NZ, meaning punters are free to bet online at reputable overseas bookies – of which there are many.

---

Betting on esports leagues and tournaments

Betting on eSports leagues and tournaments has become increasingly popular, offering thrilling opportunities for both seasoned bettors and newcomers to the scene. With the rapid growth of competitive gaming, numerous eSports events are now covered by top betting sites, allowing players to wager on a wide range of games across various platforms. Here’s what you need to know about betting on eSports leagues and tournaments:

1. Popular eSports Games: The most popular eSports games for betting include League of Legends, Dota 2, CS2, Valorant, Overwatch, EA Sports FC, and Rocket League. These games have massive followings, and tournaments for each of them offer numerous betting markets, including match winner, map winner, total rounds, first blood, and player performance.
2. Major Leagues & Tournaments: eSports betting sites cover numerous high-profile leagues and tournaments. These include annual events like The International (Dota 2), World Championship (League of Legends), CS2 Major Championships, and Valorant Champions Tour, among many others. These events feature top-tier teams and players, making them ideal for betting enthusiasts.
3. Types of Bets: eSports betting offers several types of bets, including:
   • Match winner: Predicting which team will win a specific match.
   • Map winner: Betting on which team will win a specific map within a match.
   • Over/Under: Betting on the total number of rounds or kills in a match.
   • Handicap betting: Giving a team a virtual advantage or disadvantage to even the playing field.
4. Live Betting: Many betting platforms offer live betting for eSports, allowing you to place wagers during a match. Live betting adds an extra level of excitement and allows for more dynamic betting options, such as predicting the outcome of a specific round or event.
5. Odds and Market Variety: The odds and betting markets can vary depending on the game, the event, and the bookmaker. However, major eSports tournaments often come with competitive odds and a wide range of betting options, giving bettors more ways to get involved.
6. In-Depth Analysis: Successful eSports betting often requires a solid understanding of the game, teams, and players involved. Many bettors follow team performance, player statistics, and previous tournament outcomes to make informed decisions.

Betting on eSports leagues and tournaments offers exciting opportunities to engage with the world of competitive gaming, with the added thrill of wagering on your favourite games and players.

Available games include:

• Call of Duty
• CS2
• Dota 2
• EA Sports FC
• Fortnite: Battle Royale
• H1Z1
• Halo
• Hearthstone
• Heroes of the Storm
• League of Legends
• Overwatch
• PUBG
• Rocket League
• StarCraft II
• VALORANT
• World of Tanks
• World of Warcraft

---

Best New Zealand eSports betting apps

New Zealanders looking to engage in eSports betting have a variety of top-notch options when it comes to betting apps. These platforms offer comprehensive coverage of global tournaments, intuitive interfaces, and attractive promotional offers. Here are some of the best eSports betting apps available in New Zealand in 2025:

These apps are tailored to meet the needs of eSports enthusiasts in New Zealand, providing a secure and enjoyable platform to wager on their favorite games with confidence. Whether you’re new to eSports betting or a seasoned punter, these apps offer everything needed for a thrilling and rewarding betting experience.

Deposit options at NZ esports betting sites

When it comes to depositing funds for eSports betting on New Zealand sites, players have several convenient, secure, and efficient options to choose from. The best deposit methods cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring smooth transactions for both casual and regular bettors. Here are some of the top deposit options for NZ eSports betting sites:

1. Credit and Debit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted across most eSports betting sites. They offer fast and secure transactions, making them one of the most popular deposit methods. Many bettors prefer credit and debit cards for their ease of use and immediate processing.
2. Bank Transfers: While bank transfers can take longer than other options, they are still a reliable and secure choice for larger deposits. Sites often support both domestic New Zealand bank transfers and international wire transfers, offering added flexibility for players.
3. E-Wallets: Services like Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal are popular for eSports betting due to their quick processing times and added layer of security. E-wallets allow bettors to make deposits and withdrawals with ease, often without having to share banking details directly with the betting site.
4. Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are gaining popularity on NZ eSports betting platforms. They offer fast transactions, low fees, and enhanced privacy. Many bettors prefer using crypto due to its secure, decentralized nature and the ability to make instant deposits.
5. Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards like Paysafecard are another option that offers both security and convenience. These cards allow players to deposit funds without linking them to their bank accounts, making them a great choice for those who prioritize privacy.
6. POLi Payments: POLi is a popular real-time online payment system in New Zealand that allows players to make instant deposits directly from their bank account. It’s a secure and widely accepted method for NZ bettors who prefer not to use credit or debit cards.

These deposit options ensure that NZ players can easily fund their eSports betting accounts while enjoying fast, secure transactions. Each method offers its own set of advantages, allowing bettors to choose the one that best fits their preferences.

---

Commonly asked questions about esports betting in New Zealand

The team at eSportBet.com is often asked questions about esports betting NZ, with these some of the common things that crop up about professional video gaming.

• Who is the richest Kiwi eSports player? As of May 2025, 461 New Zealand esports players have collectively earned a total of $2,627,794.63 USD in prize money across 1,355 tournaments. The game that has generated the highest earnings for Kiwi players is Fortnite, with a total of $767,591.10 USD, accounting for 29.21% of all prize money won. The highest-earning New Zealand player is Cameron “Kamii” Ingram, who has accumulated $146,112.49 USD in prize money, all of which has been earned through his success in Rocket League tournaments.
• How do you watch esports online? Twitch is the biggest streamer of live esports events in the world, although other streaming services like Youtube have also staged exclusive esport events. The accessibility of esports live streams is probably the best out of any professional sports, with these usually free. Streamers are celebrities in their own right in the esports world, with it not uncommon for the best to have millions of followers.
• Can you bet on esports with bitcoin? It’s surprising how often this question comes up, we guess it’s something to do with the age demographic of esports fans. The short answer, yes you can bet on esports with bitcoin. New Zealand has got no restrictions surrounding bitcoin, unlike some other countries.
• Can anyone bet on esports? New Zealand has its own laws surrounding online betting, which includes a minimum age of 18 to place a bet. EsportBet.com always recommends abiding by the local laws when betting on esports.
• Why aren’t games like Grand Theft Auto considered eSports? It remains to be seen what will happen with GTA 6 when it’s released on the next-gen consoles in May, 2026. It’s possible that there might be an esports element to it, given the game’s popularity as an online medium. As a general rule for a video game to be considered an esports betting medium it needs to have a professional scene attached to it.