Global sports betting data consumption saw a significant 32% year-over-year surge in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest LSports Quarterly Data Report. Based on analysis from over 450 sportsbooks worldwide, the report highlights a notable trend of bettors increasingly exploring new verticals, most notably table tennis and esports, with Asia leading the charge in the latter’s explosive growth.

Table tennis has emerged as the second most consumed sport globally for betting, surpassing traditional favourites such as basketball and tennis. Over 4.2 million table tennis fixtures were ordered in Q1 2025, representing a 27% year-over-year increase. The sport’s high-frequency matches and strong in-play turnover potential have been key drivers behind this surge in popularity.

Meanwhile, the esports industry continues its record-breaking growth within sportsbooks. Demand for esports content skyrocketed by an impressive 75% in Q1, firmly cementing its position as one of the fastest-growing segments in the betting space. Simulated sports alone surpassed 3 million fixtures ordered, while popular titles such as E-Football and E-Basketball saw engagement climb by 79% and 122% respectively.

Asia Drives Esports Betting Boom

Asia is at the forefront of this esports betting growth, with several key markets-including China, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam-propelling the industry towards new heights. The region’s overall esports market is on a remarkable growth path, with revenue projected to reach $1.3 billion in 2025. Recent market forecasts anticipate the region’s esports industry will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.10% between 2025 and 2029, reaching an estimated $1.6 billion by 2029. The esports betting segment in Asia alone is projected to generate $481.3 million in 2025, solidifying the region’s status as the world’s largest market for esports betting. Core esports titles like Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) and Dota 2 also significantly contributed to this surge. The report indicates that Asia not only dominates in betting volume but also continues to see rapid growth in both user numbers and commercial value.

The region also boasts a rapidly expanding esports audience. User numbers are projected to surpass 505 million by 2029, with user penetration rising from 11.2% in 2025 to 12.5% by 2029. Average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to hit $2.94 this year, underscoring the market’s strong commercial potential.

Major esports tournaments continue to drive fan engagement and betting activity across Asia. Global events such as the League of Legends World Championship, The International (Dota 2), and popular mobile esports leagues are expanding their presence in the region. In March, Shanghai hosted the HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League (ACL), reflecting the region’s ongoing commitment to esports development and competition. Further solidifying the sport’s growing legitimacy, esports is set to debut as a medal event at the third Asian Youth Games, scheduled to take place in Bahrain from October 22-31, 2025. This marks the first time esports will feature as a medal discipline at the event, with young athletes aged 14 to 17 competing alongside peers from 20 other sports disciplines, representing 45 member nations.

Greater Consumer Willingness to Spend in Malaysia and Vietnam

Southeast Asia, in particular, continues to lead in esports engagement and audience reach. A 2024 Deloitte survey covering 14,250 respondents across 20 global markets found that the region boasts one of the largest esports audiences globally. Vietnam and Malaysia notably rank among the top countries for esports viewership in the region, with consumers demonstrating a higher willingness to spend on esports-related experiences, including event attendance and digital subscriptions.

In Malaysia, the government is investing heavily in esports development. Earlier this year, Malaysia’s Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Adam Adli Abd Halim, unveiled the country’s esports strategy for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. To ensure a strong presence at the Asian Games, organisations such as the Malaysia Esports League (MEL), Esports Integrated (ESI), and the Malaysian Esports Federation (MESF) have united. They are actively training players in non-mainstream and lesser-played game titles to enhance Malaysia’s chances of winning medals.

Vietnam is also making significant strides in esports development. According to the Vietnam eSports White Paper 2022-2023, the country has secured a major spot among the top five Southeast Asian countries with the highest number of eSports followers. The report, jointly produced by the Vietnam Recreational eSports Association (VIRESA) and OTA Network, focuses on the nation’s growing prominence in the eSports landscape. Vietnam’s eSports industry generated $5.78 million in revenue in 2023, marking an 11.15% increase from the previous year. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.95%, the market size is expected to reach $8.73 million by 2027.

These latest trends underscore how global sports betting is evolving at a rapid pace. Industry stakeholders continue to explore innovative ways to tap into this growing market, leveraging live betting markets, exclusive content, and major tournament tie-ins. With Asia leading the charge in driving esports betting growth, the global sports betting industry is entering a new era of opportunity.