How to Quit Esports Betting
Esports betting and skin gambling target young gamers with addictive mechanics. Here's how to recognize the problem and break free.
Need immediate support?
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7, free & confidential - they understand gaming/esports)
Targets Young People
Esports betting specifically targets 16-25 year olds through gaming culture, Twitch streams, and social media influencers.
24/7 Global Matches
Unlike traditional sports, esports tournaments happen around the clock globally, enabling non-stop betting opportunities.
Skin Gambling Loophole
Betting with game skins bypasses age verification and gambling regulations, exposing minors to unregulated gambling.
False Sense of Knowledge
Playing a game makes you feel like an expert bettor, but watching/playing skill doesn't translate to betting edge.
Research shows esports bettors are significantly younger than traditional sports bettors, with many starting before age 18 through skin gambling sites.
Traditional Esports Betting
High RiskExamples: DraftKings, bet365, Betway Esports
Standard sportsbook betting on esports matches. Regulated but still addictive.
Skin Gambling
Extreme RiskExamples: CSGOEmpire, Gamdom, skin jackpots
Betting with in-game skins. Often unregulated, targets minors, massive scam risk.
Crypto Esports Betting
Extreme RiskExamples: Thunderpick, Stake esports
Combines crypto volatility with esports betting. Unregulated, no protections.
Fantasy Esports
High RiskExamples: Sleeper, DraftKings esports DFS
Daily fantasy for esports. Same addiction mechanics as traditional DFS.
Match Fixing Gambling
Extreme RiskExamples: Underground Discord betting rings
Illegal betting on potentially fixed matches. Total scam, legal consequences.
Skin gambling uses in-game cosmetic items (skins) as currency for gambling. It's especially dangerous because:
- No age verification - children as young as 13 can participate
- Completely unregulated - no consumer protections whatsoever
- Skins feel like "just game items" but can be worth hundreds/thousands of dollars
- Sites often rigged or operated by scammers
- Promoted by influencers with undisclosed ownership stakes
If you've lost skins gambling, that was real money lost. A $200 knife bet and lost is no different than $200 cash bet and lost.
CS2 / CSGO
Huge pro scene, skin gambling ecosystem, 24/7 matches globally
League of Legends
Multiple leagues worldwide, year-round events, massive audience
Valorant
Growing competitive scene, young demographic, streaming culture
Dota 2
High-stakes tournaments, complex betting markets, passionate fanbase
FIFA / EA FC
Traditional sports crossover appeal, frequent matches
Call of Duty
CDL league, large casual audience, live betting opportunities
- Betting on matches for games you don't even play
- Staying up late to bet on overseas tournaments
- Using skin gambling sites to circumvent age restrictions
- Losing money meant for games, subscriptions, or rent
- Feeling more excited about your bets than the actual matches
- Hiding esports betting from parents, partners, or friends
- Chasing losses with bigger bets on underdog teams
- Watching streams primarily to track your bets
Acknowledge the addiction
Recognize that esports betting has become a problem affecting your life, finances, or wellbeing
Calculate total losses
Add up everything: cash bets, skins lost, subscription costs, time wasted
Self-exclude from betting sites
Use responsible gambling tools on legitimate sites; abandon accounts on unregulated sites
Delete betting apps and bookmarks
Remove all esports betting apps, browser bookmarks, and saved passwords
Cash out or lock away skins
Sell gambling skins for real money, or give inventory access to someone you trust
Leave betting communities
Exit Discord servers, unfollow betting tipsters, mute gambling-related content
Block gambling websites
Use Gamban, BetBlocker, or browser extensions to block access to betting sites
Tell someone you trust
Share your struggle with a friend, family member, or counselor who can support you
Watch for the Competition
Pro esports is genuinely exciting to watch. Pick favorite teams and players to root for without money on the line. The games are entertaining on their own.
Focus on Playing
Instead of watching and betting, spend that time actually playing games. Improve your own skills, play with friends, join communities around gameplay not gambling.
Free Prediction Games
If you want the prediction aspect, use free pick'em challenges with no money involved. Many tournament organizers offer these during major events.