Rapid Expansion of Virtual Sports Markets
Virtual sports are quickly becoming a focal point in the wagering ecosystem. The market is projected to grow from USD 19.8 billion in 2024 to USD 141.4 billion by 2037, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.8% beginning in 2025. Similarly, the virtual sports betting market, valued at USD 10.81 billion in 2023, is expected to reach USD 45.1 billion by 2032, steadily growing at 17.3% annually. This upward trajectory reflects increasing adoption across multiple regions and segments.
A Look at Regional Growth Trends
The U.S. remains the standout market, largely due to its robust gaming infrastructure and an ever-growing sports betting culture. Meanwhile, Canada’s relaxed regulations and legalization of single-game sports betting back in 2021 have fueled its upward momentum. The Asia Pacific region also shines, driven by growing internet adoption and some of the world’s most populated esports hubs, such as India and China. 
In India alone, platforms like Dream 11 and Rooter have benefited from the esports boom, while China, already home to millions of gamers, continues to dominate global revenue rankings. Brazil has jumped on board, legalizing esports betting in January 2025, officially launching its regulated online betting sphere with 14 operators.
Finding Value in Virtual Sports Betting Platforms
Virtual sports betting has surged in appeal thanks to its accessibility and consistent scheduling, offering users the chance to place bets around the clock. Major platforms such as Bet365 and FanDuel have capitalized on this by incorporating virtual options like horse racing and soccer simulations. Similarly, options like this DraftKings Casino promo code have become tools savvy bettors use to explore savings and promotions while trying out these expanding markets.
These platforms thrive by complementing traditional betting offerings with virtual events. This diversification not only enhances variety but allows sportsbooks to attract users whose interest spans esports, traditional sports, and virtual betting alike.
Technological Enhancements Fueling Growth
Technology is bringing a new level of realism to virtual sports. Improved graphics, animations, and AI-driven gameplay have drastically improved the quality of virtual events. These upgraded systems remove real-world constraints like scheduling conflicts or weather disturbances, offering bettors year-round opportunities on simulated football games, horse races, basketball matchups, and more.
Abios, a leading esports service provider, introduced Counter-Strike 2 Bet Builders and an interactive ebasketball suite recently, giving users customizable betting opportunities. Such innovations are increasing engagement for both traditional bettors and those familiar with esports betting formats.
Why Esports & Virtual Sports Are Converging
Virtual sports bridge a known gap: esports audiences often differ demographically from traditional sports bettors. However, virtual events and esports crossover through shared similarities—digital simulations, betting markets, and high viewer engagement. Popular esports titles like League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, and Dota 2 lead the way with player-prop bets and bet builder utilities driving activity. Riot Games’ 2XKO, a new fighting game, will further expand the esports betting catalog by 2025.
The growing market for esports viewership reflects its impact. Events like the League of Legends World Championship peaked with over 6 million live viewers. This form of fan engagement, coupled with rising betting trends, continues to demonstrate the monetization potential available through integrated wagering systems in esports and virtual sports alike.
Audience Engagement Tied to Wagering
A growing pool of sports fans is now actively multitasking during game time, with 77% of fans browsing stats, social media, and betting platforms while watching live events. A Deloitte study highlights that 80% of bettors agree that it enhances their entertainment value. Fan behavior trends show that Millennials and Gen Z audiences are particularly enthusiastic about betting, with 30% of them participating annually compared to 22% for general fans over the age of 21.
Platforms integrating virtual sports betting are cashing in on around-the-clock accessibility. Sportsbooks offering hyper-tailored options like virtual soccer or digital basketball matches allow deeper fan immersion and engagement beyond peak live event hours.
Betting Preferences and Changes
Esports betting isn’t limited to high-profile titles anymore. Counter-Strike 2, for instance, is rolling out advanced player-prop betting markets, mimicking what traditional sportsbooks offer for football or basketball. Other titles, like fighting games from Tekken’s tournament tours, are also positioned to cater to the competitive betting audience by 2025. 
Virtual sports betting extends consistency not found in traditional games affected by player injury or poor weather. Game simulations proceed uninterrupted, granting bettors a more reliable format. Add-ons like bet builders ensure near-limitless customization.
With data-backed forecasts and technology continually enhancing realism, virtual sports betting and esports are uniting two emerging groups of engaged fans. Whether it’s simulated football matches or high-stakes Dota 2 props, the gap is narrowing with every wager.
