Regional Esports and Betting in Emerging Markets: The Boom in Brazil, Vietnam, and India

As global esports expands its reach beyond traditional Western powerhouses, emerging markets like Brazil, Vietnam, and India are becoming key players in the competitive gaming landscape. These regions are not only developing strong grassroots esports ecosystems but are also seeing rapid growth in esports betting. In this article, we explore how these three countries are transforming their digital entertainment scenes, the unique challenges they face, and what this means for the global betting industry.

Brazil: From Football Fields to Digital Arenas

Brazil’s esports growth has been nothing short of explosive. With a large youth population, high mobile penetration, and an intense passion for competitive sports, Brazil naturally embraced esports. League of Legends (LoL), CS:GO, and Free Fire dominate the Brazilian scene, with Free Fire especially resonating with players from lower-income backgrounds due to its low hardware requirements.

Esports tournaments like CBLOL (Campeonato Brasileiro de League of Legends) and the Free Fire League have cultivated massive followings. These competitions are often broadcast on YouTube and Twitch, where millions of fans tune in live. Betting markets now regularly include match odds and live betting options for these tournaments, supported by local and international platforms.

While gambling remains tightly regulated in Brazil, recent legislative changes signal a shift. In 2023, the Brazilian government approved measures to legalise and tax online sports betting, and a framework for esports wagering is under development. This transition could unlock significant revenue streams and create a legal betting environment for fans.

Betting Engagement and Local Audience Trends

Brazilian esports bettors tend to favour live bets, particularly during Free Fire matches. The younger demographic is tech-savvy, using mobile-first platforms to place wagers. Local operators often compete with global brands by offering localised promotions and accepting payments in Brazilian real.

Interestingly, the audience is highly engaged on social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, where influencers play a major role in shaping betting behaviours. This creates an ecosystem where content, competition, and commerce are closely intertwined, making Brazil one of the most dynamic esports betting markets in Latin America.

Betting volumes in Brazil surged by over 40% between 2022 and 2024, with esports accounting for an increasing share. As regulation matures, these numbers are expected to rise even further, bringing legitimacy and investment to the scene.

Vietnam: Mobile Gaming and Esports on the Rise

Vietnam’s esports culture has grown rapidly, fuelled by affordable smartphones and a strong national interest in mobile gaming. Titles like Arena of Valor, PUBG Mobile, and League of Legends: Wild Rift are extremely popular, often surpassing PC-based games in player count and viewership.

Vietnamese teams are now regular contenders in regional competitions like the SEA Games and the Arena of Valor World Cup. Betting on these events is increasing in popularity, especially via crypto-friendly and offshore platforms due to local gambling restrictions.

Despite legal limitations, informal betting persists and is partially tolerated, particularly around international events. Government bodies have shown interest in regulating this space, especially given esports’ role in youth engagement and national branding.

Challenges and Opportunities in Regulation

Vietnam still prohibits most forms of sports betting, but there have been pilot programmes for legal wagering on traditional sports. A similar initiative for esports could offer both regulatory oversight and consumer protection.

The opportunity is significant. Vietnam’s digital economy is growing rapidly, and the government is investing in technological innovation. A well-regulated betting industry could align with broader goals of economic digitalisation and safe gambling practices.

With the right legislative framework, Vietnam could become a leader in mobile esports betting across Southeast Asia, balancing innovation with regulation.

India: Esports and the Fantasy Betting Revolution

India is experiencing a digital renaissance in gaming and betting. The country’s massive mobile user base and the widespread use of affordable data packages have made esports accessible to millions. Titles like BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), Valorant, and Dota 2 have strong communities and are regularly featured in domestic tournaments like Skyesports and Nodwin Gaming events.

Unlike Brazil and Vietnam, India’s betting boom has been driven by fantasy platforms like Dream11 and MPL, where users “bet” using skill-based team selection. These apps exist in a legal grey area but are widely used and extremely profitable. Esports fantasy betting is a fast-growing niche within this sector.

In 2023, the Indian government introduced a framework to regulate online gaming, distinguishing between games of skill and chance. This created a legal basis for skill-based betting, opening doors for more structured esports betting platforms.

Audience Behaviour and Market Dynamics

Indian esports audiences are young, urban, and increasingly interested in real-money engagement. Unlike traditional bettors, they are more likely to engage with fantasy-based formats, especially where cash prizes are involved.

The market is highly fragmented, with regional languages and cultural preferences shaping game and betting preferences. Local operators that offer support in Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali often outperform generic international platforms.

Esports betting in India remains at an early stage, but the potential is enormous. The combination of regulatory clarity, massive population, and digital infrastructure makes India one of the most promising growth markets globally.