Royal Panda was once a top-tier online esports betting site known for combining a playful brand identity with a comprehensive sportsbook, standout esports betting options, and a full-featured online casino. The brand made waves in the UK market with its generous welcome bonus, esports-first focus, and dedicated mobile betting experience.
But as of 2025, Royal Panda’s sportsbook and esports betting operations have been fully discontinued for UK players. This review recaps what Royal Panda offered during its peak, why it exited the market, and where esports bettors can go now.
The top esports betting sites for July, 2025 are:
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BetOnline
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What Was Royal Panda Esports?
Royal Panda began as an online casino in 2014 and quickly expanded into sports betting and esports wagering by 2017. With full UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licensing and later regulation via the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), it became one of the most trusted gambling sites for UK players.
Key Esports Titles Offered:
Betting Features:
- Match winner, map winner, handicap, and totals markets
- In-play/live betting on major global tournaments
- Integrated promotions for esports matches
- Part of a broader platform including sports, casino, and live dealer
Royal Panda UK Sign-up Bonus (Historical)
At its peak, Royal Panda offered one of the more competitive UK esports betting promotions:
- 100% deposit bonus up to £200
- 10 free spins on Starburst
- 50% bonuses on second and third deposits
- 35x wagering within 7 days
This offer applied to both sportsbook and casino users, but esports fans often found the best value using the bonus within the casino section.
Esports Betting Experience
Royal Panda’s esports section stood out for:
- User-friendly interface with dedicated esports tabs
- Real-time odds and live streams for top tournaments
- Support for single bets, accumulators, and group betting
- Seamless switch between esports, traditional sports, and casino tabs
It also covered virtual sports and promoted select events with enhanced odds and daily specials.
Payment Methods
Royal Panda supported a variety of trusted UK banking options:
- Visa, Mastercard, Maestro
- Neteller, Skrill, PayPal
- Paysafecard
- Minimum deposit/withdrawal: £10
- Withdrawal times: Instant to 5 business days
These features helped Royal Panda develop a loyal UK customer base, especially among mobile bettors.
Mobile Betting & App Access
- iOS App: Available via the Apple App Store
- Android App: Downloadable via Royal Panda’s website (not on Google Play)
- Fully responsive mobile browser experience
- Optimized for in-play betting and live streaming on mobile
UK Market Exit: Why Royal Panda Closed Its Sportsbook
In January 2020, Royal Panda officially announced its withdrawal from the UK market, discontinuing both its sportsbook and esports betting services. The decision was driven by:
- Regulatory pressure in the UK gaming space
- Business strategy shifts by parent company LeoVegas Group
- Lower than expected revenue performance in UK markets
All affected customers were prompted to withdraw funds, and UK account registration was disabled.
Current Status in 2025
As of today, Royal Panda no longer operates in the UK in any gambling capacity. While the brand remains active in select international markets—such as Canada, India, Brazil, and New Zealand—it no longer offers:
- Sportsbook or esports betting to UK players
- Affiliate programs targeting the UK
- Access via UK IPs or UKGC regulation
2025 Snapshot
| Feature | Status (UK) |
|---|---|
| Esports Betting | ❌ Discontinued |
| Sportsbook Access | ❌ Closed (since 2020) |
| Casino Games | ❌ No longer in UK |
| Mobile App | ❌ App access disabled |
| Licensing | ❌ UKGC license surrendered |
| Available Globally | ✅ Still active in non-UK markets (MGA licensed) |
Alternatives for UK Esports Bettors
If you’re looking for licensed esports betting options in the UK in 2025, consider:
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Betway
#1 Sports, eSport & Casino Betting
New UK & Ireland customers only. Min Deposit: £10. First deposit matched up to £30. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. T&Cs Apply
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Casumo
Top-tier play, jam-packed with fun.
18+. Opt-in required. This offer is only available to new players who register a new account via sportsbook. Place a qualifying bet. Play Responsibly. Full terms
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1xBet
Let the game begin!
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Unibet
By Players, For Players
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Bet365
Never Ordinary
GETON is not a bonus code and does not grant access to additional offers. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. New customers only. #ad Full T's and C's.
Final Verdict
Royal Panda was one of the first major UK sportsbooks to take esports seriously, offering dedicated promotions, a strong UI, and coverage of all major pro titles. Its exit from the UK in 2020 left a notable gap, especially for players who appreciated its cross-platform ecosystem.
In 2025, it serves only international markets. For UK users, Royal Panda is no longer a viable option for esports or sportsbook betting—but its legacy helped shape today’s regulated esports offerings across the UK market.
