eSports Betting in Canada: How Popular Is It Compared to Other Markets?

Competitive gaming or eSports is taking the planet by the storm, and the events featuring the best players in the world are attracting millions of fans who know how the games work and eagerly anticipate every move. Some of these fans are betting on the outcomes of matches, which is why numerous Alberta sports betting websites now list major eSports disciplines among the offered markets. This phenomenon is getting widespread among the young adults in Canada, to the point that its popularity is approaching the level typically associated with traditional sports betting.

Of course, eSports betting is not limited to Canada and is practiced all over the world. Let’s examine the current status of this gambling activity in the country and try to see how it fits into global trends.

How Does eSports Betting Work?

In essence, eSports betting means predicting who will win at a certain video game. There are specific games that are played competitively by individuals or organised teams, with Counter Strike, League of Legends, DOTA 2, and Starcraft among the most popular ones. There are leagues and tournaments where high-end players challenge each other, and the matches are live streamed on YouTube, Twitch, and other online platforms. Scoring rules and other limitations apply to each tournament, so it’s necessary to be at least vaguely familiar with the scene in order to enjoy watching.

Fans are able to make predictions about the winners or each match or event, as well as a number of other in-game statistics. Much like with betting on football or baseball, odds are given for every possible outcome and bettors can put their money at risk for a chance to win a larger sum. Some websites allow live betting, where wagers are made while the match is ongoing, which lets fans who are watching in real time to make predictions based on their observations.

Is eSports Betting Legal in Canada?

Canadian authorities treat eSports betting similarly to any other wagers made on random events, and allow it in a controlled form. One additional wrinkle is that in Canada, provinces have the power to regulate gambling on their own territory, while the federal government merely sets the overriding laws. At the moment betting on sports as well as eSports is allowed in every part of the country since all the provinces decided to grant access to some online betting services. Thus, no matter where you live you can still take part in eSports betting and cash in on your knowledge of the gaming circuit.

It’s common for Canadian sports betting websites to list several highly popular video games and cover all the major international events featuring them. However, there might be some variation in terms of which websites are legal in specific provinces and how old you need to be in order to join. That’s why it’s best to research the regulations in your exact location before you try making bets on your favorite eSport players and teams.

Popularity of eSports in Canada

As a technologically developed nation with high computer literacy of the population, Canada is deeply involved in the global eSports scene. There are numerous local players and teams competing at the highest level, while the public interest is slowly gaining momentum. In 2024, this market was worth nearly $US 140 million – with more than $US 100 million of it generated through eSports betting. Based on some predictions, more than a third of all Canadians will be introduced to it within the next five years.

Despite strong enthusiasm for eSports in Canada, the nation still can’t compare with real powerhouses such as the United States (the largest market in the world), China, or South Korea. It would be fair to place Canada along European countries and Japan as a second-tier force with lots of potential. Legal access to betting is one of the factors driving up the number of eSports fans, so it will be interesting to see how this number changes as the locals become more accustomed to recently amended betting laws.

Do Canadians Prefer Betting on Traditional Sports or eSports?

Despite all the buzz surrounding eSports right now, it will be a while before this innovative form of entertainment comes close to hockey, Canadian football, or basketball. Canada has a long and illustrious sports tradition and fandom is a matter of national pride for many of its citizens. Understandably, this level of interest for a variety of traditional sports also impacts the betting market, which is very dynamic and continues to grow. It shows no signs of being threatened by the rise of eSports.

If we take a long-term look, it’s possible that eSports betting might approach a similar level of acceptance among Canadians that classic sportsbooks enjoy now. Young people are crazy about video games, and each new generation might be driven further towards virtual activities. However ludicrous it may sound that Fortnight might one day overtake hockey for the top spot in the hearts and minds of Canadians, but you can never know how things will develop over the next couple of decades.