Esports Odds Comparison: How to Choose the Most Profitable Bookmaker

In recent years, the popularity of esports betting has surged globally, attracting both seasoned punters and newcomers looking to capitalise on the dynamic odds offered by top bookmakers. Choosing the right platform is crucial, not just for user experience or bonuses, but for the very core of profitability — the odds themselves. Esports odds vary significantly across betting sites, and a slight difference can lead to a major shift in long-term gains. In this article, we will compare odds from leading bookmakers and explain how to select the one that offers you the best value for your bets.

Current Esports Odds Compared: Top Bookmakers in 2025

February 2025 data shows a clear difference in odds among top-tier bookmakers. GG.bet, Betway, Thunderpick, Loot.bet, and Pinnacle have emerged as the leaders in esports betting, particularly for markets like CS2, Dota 2, and League of Legends. A direct comparison of match odds highlights how these sites compete to offer competitive lines to attract informed bettors.

For example, in a recent CS2 match between NAVI and G2, GG.bet offered odds of 1.95 for NAVI, whereas Thunderpick posted 2.00 and Pinnacle 1.98. While these may seem like marginal differences, they significantly impact the potential return for high-stake or volume bettors over time. In a tight market like esports, every decimal counts.

Consistently, Pinnacle tends to offer sharper odds due to its low margin model, while Betway and GG.bet attract casual bettors with user-friendly interfaces and promotional odds boosts. For professional bettors focusing on profitability, Pinnacle and Thunderpick are often considered the go-to platforms.

Examples of Winning Differences from the Same Match

Let’s analyse a real case: a Dota 2 match between Team Liquid and OG. A bet of £100 on Team Liquid at GG.bet (1.90) would yield £190, while Thunderpick’s 2.05 odds return £205. That’s a £15 gain simply for choosing the right bookmaker. Over a month of daily betting, this difference can snowball into hundreds of pounds in extra profits.

Similarly, in League of Legends betting, a bet on T1 to beat Gen.G offered 2.10 odds on Betway but 2.20 on Loot.bet. A £200 stake would yield £20 more profit with Loot.bet — a 10% increase on the same prediction. Such examples prove why odds comparison is not just useful but essential.

Esports odds fluctuate based on market volume, expert predictions, and risk modelling. Bettors who regularly monitor odds across sites and act fast often find themselves locking in significantly better returns.

How Bookmaker Margin Impacts Profitability

Margin — or the “vig” — is the hidden fee bookmakers charge for offering odds. It’s built into the odds themselves and reduces your potential payout. Lower margin bookmakers provide better long-term value for frequent esports bettors, as they take a smaller slice from your winnings. Understanding margin can be a game-changer for your betting strategy.

To put it in perspective, if the true probability of an event is 50%, fair odds should be 2.00. However, most bookies offer 1.85–1.95, embedding their profit. Pinnacle often runs at margins as low as 2–3%, while GG.bet and Betway may range around 5–8%. That gap adds up fast, especially for high-frequency or high-stake bettors.

By betting with low-margin sites, your ROI (return on investment) improves. For instance, placing 100 bets of £50 with a 5% margin results in £250 lost to margin alone, compared to only £100 with a 2% margin. That’s a £150 difference based solely on bookmaker selection.

How to Calculate Margin and Detect Value

To identify value bets, it’s crucial to understand how to calculate margin. Add the implied probabilities of all outcomes (1/odds * 100) — if the total exceeds 100%, the excess is the margin. A match with odds 1.90 vs 1.90 has a total of 105.26%, meaning a 5.26% margin.

By comparing odds across several sites for the same match, you can spot discrepancies. If one bookmaker offers unusually high odds compared to the average, that might signal a value opportunity — either due to a pricing error or slower adjustment to market movement.

Professional esports punters often use odds aggregators or tracking software to automate this process, quickly identifying where the value lies. This approach is not only smart but necessary in a competitive betting environment.

Recommended Bookmakers for 2025 Esports Betting

In February 2025, the top three bookmakers offering the best esports odds and lowest margins are Pinnacle, Thunderpick, and Loot.bet. These platforms consistently outperform competitors when it comes to offering profitable odds, particularly in high-volume titles like CS2 and Dota 2.

Pinnacle remains the industry leader due to its razor-thin margins and market transparency. Thunderpick follows closely with generous odds on niche esports like Valorant and Rainbow Six. Loot.bet stands out for its aggressive promotional campaigns and competitive odds on underdog bets, often yielding the best value in unexpected outcomes.

On the other hand, mainstream platforms like Betway or GG.bet offer robust interfaces and event coverage but often compensate with higher margins. They’re suitable for casual bettors but may not offer long-term profitability for those seeking an edge in odds shopping.

What to Prioritise When Choosing a Bookmaker

When selecting a bookmaker, odds are the priority — but they’re not the only factor. You must also evaluate liquidity (bet limits), speed of payout, and market variety. Some platforms might offer great odds but lack the bet limits needed for serious staking.

Also, consider the sportsbook’s reliability and regulatory standing. Pinnacle, for instance, is licensed in multiple jurisdictions and has a long-standing reputation for fair play. Thunderpick is regulated and crypto-friendly, which may suit certain punters looking for faster, anonymous transactions.

Lastly, analyse historical performance. Has the bookmaker consistently offered competitive odds, or only during promotions? A consistent odds leader provides a better basis for long-term profitability, making your betting strategy more sustainable and effective.