Your go-to esports betting sites in Korea

Sports betting has been celebrated in Korea for years, with activities like football and baseball bets being big hits. In recent years, that enthusiasm extended to the rapidly growing world of esports. As viewership and participation in esports explode, so does the popularity of esports betting.

Now, fans can take their love for competitive gaming to the next level by betting on pro esports leagues. It makes watching games even more exciting! Here at Kcasino Review, we will give you all you need to get started, from knowing which popular esports games to bet on to picking the best betting site.

Korea has a long and vibrant video game culture. PC Bangs or gaming hubs are widespread, providing a social space for gamers to hone their skills and compete. This fosters a large and passionate esports community. 

Unlike many countries, the government officially endorses esports as a sporting event. The Korea Esports Association (KeSPA) was established in 2000 and is a member of the South Korean National Olympic Committee. 

Recognised as the birthplace of esports, South Korea has one of the biggest markets in the world. Moreover, Korean teams have a strong track record in esports, especially in games like League of Legends (LoL) and Overwatch. This national pride also fuels fan engagement and interest in online esports betting.

With a huge population deeply into competitive gaming, it’s no wonder esports betting is big here. Fans love supporting their favourite teams and players and betting on game tournaments that let them be part of the fun. Check here the popular titles of esports games in Korea:

League of Legends (LoL)

LoL is the biggest esports game in the country, with its league called the LoL Champions Korea. Here, the country’s ten best teams compete against each other. The winner will then join international competitions, including the LoL World Championships.

Koreans have been following LoL’s pro scene for a long time. Their familiarity with the game and the success of Korean LoL teams allow for a thriving market for esports betting. 

LoL common bets

Here are some common bets you might encounter in LoL esports betting:

As PUBG gained popularity globally, it found its place in Korea’s gaming community. Often labelled as the ‘Korean Fortnite’, PUBG’s intense gameplay resonated with Korean gamers, making it another major player in esports betting. The Korean gaming corporation even formed the PUBG Korea League to boost its popularity.

PUBG common bets

PUBG esports betting offers various wagers to place on professional PUBG matches, including:

Overwatch matches are shorter than other games, typically around 10 minutes. This is a major draw for Korean gamers who enjoy attending PC Bangs at hourly rates. You can bet more Overwatch games with faster matches, maximising your playtime and betting chances.

This convenience and the game’s established popularity make it a top pick for bettors. Like the previous titles, there’s also a dedicated Overwatch League.

Overwatch common bets

Check here the common bets you might encounter in Overwatch esports betting:

AOV is gaining popularity in the competitive Korean esports scene thanks to its multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) gameplay. Being available on mobile phones, it’s accessible to more Korean gamers for playing and watching. Although AoV tournaments aren’t as common as others, occasional events still entice fans and players.

This growth is a great chance for Korean gamers and potential bettors. You can learn and gain experience before the AOV esports craze becomes popular by jumping in now. 

AoV common bets

Here are the common bets you can place in AoV esports betting:

While there are no licensed online sportsbooks in Korea, you can use several offshore betting sites. As a beginner, finding a reliable platform you can trust is crucial. Focus on online bookmakers with a full gambling licence and top-notch security features to ensure your wagers are safe.

A reputable betting site with excellent customer service is also ideal. This ensures you have a competent support team to answer your questions and guide you through the process as you start betting on your favourite games. 

With esports betting, it’s crucial to choose a platform that offers a blend of top-notch features and offers while ensuring security. While there aren’t specific laws regulating esports betting yet, opting for licensed and legal websites is key to avoiding potential scams.

To help you get started, here are three of the leading esports betting sites in Korea:

Stake

Stake Casino is one of the world’s leading crypto casinos, offering over 20 crypto payment methods for added convenience and security. Beyond this, the site is also licensed by the Government of Curaçao and legally authorised to operate in numerous countries.

While it boasts a wide range of casino games, it also caters to esports fans by providing several markets for major esports events in titles, including:

Bets

The site offers various types of bets, including match winners, tournament winners, map winners, total bets, and parlays. It allows you to bet on multiple selections within a single betting slip.

Special features

Stake has a live stream feature that lets you watch esports matches in real-time while also placing bets. It also provides a dedicated section for sharing betting tips and strategies, catering to both new and seasoned bettors.

Promotions

The site generously rewards loyal players by giving away daily cash prizes in its daily races. In addition, players can wrap up the week by joining the weekly raffle for a chance to win even more cash rewards.

GG.Bet is one of the top betting sites for seasoned bettors and newcomers. Its Maltese gambling licence ensures high customer protection. In addition, the site holds a Curaçao Gaming Licence and uses McAfee security software. 

The site boasts one of the largest game selections on the market with great odds. They feature matches on the following titles:

Bets

The site boasts competitive esports odds, especially for top-rated titles like LoL. Odds are in a decimal format. This keeps things simple: you only need to multiply your stake by the odds to calculate your potential return.

Special features

The mobile site is sleek and easy to use, ensuring smooth navigation for users. It also has a dedicated section for live esports streaming on desktop and mobile versions.

Promotions

GG.Bet offers bonuses such as free bets, deposit bonuses, cashback rewards, and a welcome bonus of up to 350% for new users.

A pioneer in esports betting, Betway was among the first sportsbooks to offer dedicated betting markets on popular esports events. They are managed by the Betway Group/Betway Limited and licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority for users outside the UK.

The site offers betting markets on popular esports titles, including:

Bets

The site focuses more on major leagues and events. Moreover, it offers live markets or in-play betting, which lets you place wagers as the action unfolds.

Special features

They prioritise user security by employing Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption to protect all financial transactions and user data. Moreover, the site values convenience by offering a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android users.

Promotions

Betway offers exciting rewards, including weekly free bets for members of its Esports Club and enhanced odds on specific teams and events. New users can also get free bet bonuses.

Many esports betting sites offer bonuses to thank new users and incentivise existing ones. These are rewards that let users explore different bets and boost winnings. They’re a great way to try out esports betting without risking your money.

You can find the promotions that best suit your needs and preferences by comparing different sites' offerings. If you’re wondering what bonuses you can expect at betting sites, here are some examples:

Welcome bonus

These are rewards granted to new users after registering an account on the platform. It comes in various forms, including:

Free bets

These allow you to place a wager on a specific match or tournament without risking any of your money. Some betting sites match new users’ initial deposits with a corresponding free bet amount to use on a specific event.

Deposit matches

You can get this when you deposit into your account. The site will match your deposit amount to a certain percentage and maximum limit. For instance, a 100% deposit match means the site will double your deposited funds.

Risk-free bets

These act like a safety net, letting you place a bet without risking funds right away. After depositing funds and meeting requirements, the betting site credits your account with a risk-free bet. If you win, you keep the winnings. However, the platform refunds your wager as free bets or bonus funds.

Enhanced odds

Unlike other bonuses that give out extra funds, these aim to boost the potential bet payout. Betting sites can offer better odds for specific events to users who deposit a certain amount, increasing the potential rewards for betting on significant matches or important events.

Wager bonus

These bonuses require you to meet specific wagering requirements before withdrawing any winnings with the bonus. This means you must bet the bonus a certain amount before converting it to cash.

Have the best esports betting experience in Korea

Esports betting boasts many options, enticing bonuses, and a growing community of passionate fans. This combination sets the stage for its continued popularity, promising a bright future for this growing form of entertainment.

With the rise of esports betting sites, fans can now enjoy the thrill of betting at home. However, this convenience comes with a crucial reminder: choosing where to place your bets requires caution. Not all sites are created equal, so it’s vital to be selective and prioritise reputable operators to ensure a safe and secure betting experience.