Popular international platforms for Filipino bettors

Among the international esports betting sites accepting Filipino players, several have gained particular popularity:

# BetOnline

BetOnline has established itself as a trusted option for Filipino esports bettors, offering a wide range of markets and competitive odds.

# Betsson

Known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive esports coverage, Betsson has attracted a significant number of Filipino users.

# Pinnacle

More experienced bettors favour Pinnacle due to its high limits and sharp odds, although it may offer fewer promotions than other sites. 

Current legal status

As of 2024, the legal status of esports betting in the Philippines can be summarised as follows:

# Offshore betting sites

It is generally considered legal for Filipinos over 18 to bet on esports through licensed offshore betting sites. This interpretation stems from the need for more specific legislation prohibiting such activities.

PAGCOR’s role in gambling oversight

PAGCOR plays a crucial role in regulating gambling activities in the Philippines:

# Traditional sports betting

PAGCOR has licensed MegaSportsWorld (MSW) to operate sports betting services within the country. However, MSW primarily focuses on traditional sports and may not offer esports betting options.

# Online gambling

While PAGCOR regulates online gambling, its focus has been primarily on casino games and poker. The regulatory framework for online esports betting remains to be determined.

Esport betting Games.

Legal considerations for Filipino esports bettors

Filipino players interested in esports betting should keep the following legal aspects in mind:

# Age restrictions

The legal gambling age in the Philippines is 18. This applies to all forms of gambling, including esports betting.

# Tax implications

Winnings from gambling activities, including esports betting, may be subject to taxation. However, enforcing such taxes on winnings from offshore sites can take time and effort.

# Responsible gambling

While not strictly a legal issue, responsible gambling practices are encouraged to prevent addiction and financial problems associated with betting. 

Deposit and withdrawal payment techniques at Filipino esports betting sites

Filipino esports bettors can access various payment techniques for depositing and withdrawing funds from betting sites. The availability of these methods can vary between platforms, and some options may be more suitable for Filipino users than others.

Credit and debit cards

Credit and debit cards remain a famous choice for many Filipino bettors due to their convenience and widespread acceptance.

# Visa and Mastercard

Most esports betting sites accept Visa and Mastercard for both deposits and withdrawals. These transactions are typically processed quickly, especially for deposits.

# Local bank cards

Some sites may also accept cards issued by local Filipino banks, which can be more convenient for users who prefer to transact in Philippine Pesos (PHP).

E-wallets

E-wallets have gained significant popularity among Filipino esports bettors due to their ease of use and usually lower fees than traditional banking techniques.

# Neteller

Neteller is highly recommended for Filipino users, as it offers relatively low PHP-USD conversion fees and is widely accepted by esports betting sites.

# Skrill

Another popular e-wallet option, Skrill, provides benefits similar to Neteller and is supported by many betting platforms that cater to Filipino users.

# GCash

As a local Filipino e-wallet, GCash is gaining traction among betting sites targeting the Philippine market, offering convenient PHP transactions.

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies for esports betting have increased, offering benefits such as faster transactions and increased privacy.

# Bitcoin

Bitcoin is the most widely acknowledged cryptocurrency on esports betting sites, providing Filipino users with a decentralised payment option.

# Ethereum and other altcoins

Some platforms also accept other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Litecoin, or Tether, giving users more options for crypto transactions.

Bank transfers

Direct bank transfers remain a viable option for Filipino bettors, although they may involve longer processing times than other methods.

# Local bank transfers

Some betting sites offer direct transfers to and from Filipino banks, which can be convenient for users who prefer traditional banking methods.

# International wire transfers

International wire transfers may be available for sites that don’t support local Filipino banks directly, although these can incur higher fees.

# Paysafecard

While less widely available in the Philippines than in other countries, Paysafecard can be used on some betting sites for deposits.

How famous are esports and video games in the Philippines?

The Philippines has encountered a significant surge in esports and video game popularity in recent years, establishing itself as an essential player in the Southeast Asian gaming market. Various factors have driven this growth, including improved internet infrastructure, increased smartphone penetration, and a young, tech-savvy population.  

Esports enthusiasts and market size

The Filipino esports community has seen remarkable growth, with the number of enthusiasts and casual viewers increasing steadily.

# Esports audience

As of 2017, the Philippines boasted over 1.4 million esports enthusiasts, which has likely grown substantially since then.

# Gaming market ranking

The Philippines ranks 29th globally in game revenue, indicating its significant presence in the international gaming landscape.

# Total gamers

With over 29.9 million gamers, the Philippines has a substantial base of potential esports fans and participants.

Mobile gaming dominance

Mobile gaming has emerged as the primary driver of growth in the Philippine gaming market, thanks to the widespread adoption of smartphones and enhanced mobile internet connectivity.

# Mobile gamer demographics

Interestingly, females make up over 48% of mobile gamers in the Philippines, showcasing the broad appeal of mobile gaming across genders.

# Popular mobile games

Titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and PUBG Mobile have gained massive followings in the Philippines, often serving as gateway games to the ecosystem.

# Mobile-first approach

Many game developers and esports organisations focus on mobile-first strategies to capture the growing Filipino mobile gaming audience.

# ESL One Manila

The ESL One Manila event 2016 was a milestone for Philippine esports, bringing a major international tournament to the country and showcasing local talent globally.

# Manila Major

Also held in 2016, the Manila Major Dota 2 tournament further cemented the Philippines’ position as a critical player in the Southeast Asian esports scene.

# Local and regional tournaments

Numerous local and regional tournaments across various games have helped foster a vibrant, competitive ecosystem and provide opportunities for Filipino players to showcase their skills.

Popular esports titles in the Philippines

While the Philippine esports scene encompasses many games, specific titles have become particularly popular among Filipino gamers and viewers.

# Dota 2

Dota 2 is the most popular esports game in the Philippines, with a dedicated fanbase and numerous professional teams.

# League of Legends

Although not as dominant as Dota 2, League of Legends maintains a strong following in the Philippines, with several successful local teams.

# Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

CS: GO has a dedicated community in the Philippines, with local tournaments and teams competing at various levels.

# Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

This mobile MOBA has taken the Philippines by storm, with massive player numbers and a rapidly growing professional scene.

Government support and regulation

The Philippine government has recognised the potential of esports and has taken steps to support and regulate the industry.

# Official recognition

In 2020, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) officially recognised esports as a legitimate sport, paving the way for better support and regulation of professional players and teams.

# Educational initiatives

Some educational institutions in the Philippines have begun offering esports-related courses and programs, reflecting the industry’s growing importance.

# Infrastructure development

Government efforts to improve internet infrastructure nationwide have indirectly benefited esports by providing better connectivity for players and viewers.

Join the EsportBet team.

As the esports betting field continues to grow in the Philippines, opportunities for involvement extend beyond just placing bets. EsportBet, a leading platform in the esports betting space, offers various ways for enthusiasts to engage with the industry more deeply.

Career opportunities in esports betting

The esports betting sector provides a range of career paths for those passionate about gaming and sports betting.

# Odds compilers and traders

These roles involve setting and adjusting odds for esports events, requiring a deep understanding of the games and betting markets.

# Customer support specialists

With the unique nature of esports betting, there’s a need for support staff who understand both betting mechanics and the intricacies of various esports titles.

# Content creators and analysts

Creating engaging content and expert analysis on esports events is crucial for attracting and retaining bettors.

Becoming an EsportBet affiliate

Becoming an affiliate for EsportBet can be an attractive option for those who prefer a more independent role.

# Promotional opportunities

Affiliates can earn commissions by promoting EsportBet to their audience, leveraging their existing networks in the gaming community.

# Content creation

Successful affiliates often create valuable content such as betting guides, match previews, and strategy articles to attract potential bettors.

# Performance-based earnings

Affiliate programs typically offer earnings based on the performance of referred users, providing potential for significant income for those who can attract active bettors.

Community engagement and social media

EsportBet recognises the importance of community in the esports world and offers ways for enthusiasts to engage with the platform beyond betting.

# Social media management

Opportunities for managing EsportBet’s social media presence, engaging with the community, and sharing updates about esports events and betting markets may exist.

# Community moderators

As the platform’s user base grows, moderators must maintain a positive and fair environment in forums and chat rooms.

# Event organisers

EsportBet may seek individuals to help organise online or offline events, tournaments, or viewing parties related to major esports competitions.

Technical roles in esports betting

The technology behind esports betting platforms is complex and constantly evolving, creating opportunities for those with technical skills.

# Software developers

Developers must improve and maintain betting platforms, create new features, and ensure smooth user experiences.

# Data analysts

Analysing betting patterns, user behaviour, and market trends is crucial for optimising the esports betting experience, making data analysts valuable assets in the industry.

# Cybersecurity specialists

With the increasing prevalence of online threats, cybersecurity experts play a vital role in safeguarding betting platforms and user data from malicious attacks.

Upcoming LOL Matches

As the esports scene in the Philippines continues to thrive, fans eagerly anticipate upcoming League of Legends (LoL) matches featuring top teams and players. Here are some of the highly anticipated matchups to look out for:

Team A vs. Team B

This clash between two powerhouse teams in the LoL competitive scene promises to be an intense battle of strategy and skill. Fans can expect high-level gameplay and thrilling moments as these teams vie for victory.

Player Spotlight: [Player Name]

Keep an eye on [Player Name] from Team C as they showcase their exceptional skills and make game-changing plays in the upcoming match.

Match Predictions

Experts and analysts weigh in on the potential outcomes of the upcoming LoL matches, providing insights into team strengths, strategies, and key players to watch. Fans can use this information to inform their predictions and bets on the matches.

Viewer Experience

Esports platforms and streaming services offer fans an immersive viewing experience for the upcoming LoL matches, with live commentary, player perspectives, and interactive features that enhance the excitement of watching competitive gaming. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the esports landscape in the Philippines is thriving, driven by factors such as the popularity of mobile gaming, major esports events, and government support for the industry. 

As esports betting gains momentum in the Philippines, opportunities for engagement and involvement continue to expand. Whether through career paths in the esports betting sector, affiliate programs, community engagement, or technical roles, enthusiasts have various avenues to participate in and contribute to the industry’s growth.

Looking ahead, upcoming League of Legends matches and other esports events promise to deliver exciting gameplay, fierce competition, and memorable moments for fans and bettors alike. As the esports scene evolves and matures in the Philippines, it is clear that the future holds even more significant potential for growth, innovation, and success in competitive gaming.