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The LEC (League of Legends European Championship) is entering a new decade starting with the inaugural Winter split. From team rosters to an all-new tournament format, the league will be seeing much more competition.
South Korea is one of the biggest esports countries prominent in all esports titles. The success of esports in this region is highly attributed to the fully-supported video gaming culture, which has given rise to some renowned esports teams such as T1, DWG KIA, and Gen.G. In this South Korea esports betting guide, we will highlight all you need to know about the esports scene, from the most popular esports games to the legality of esports betting in this region.
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We have listed our top recommended betting sites for South Korean players, which our team of experts has vetted to make sure they all have licences from recognised regulators. In this section, we will outline some of the esports betting markets and odds at top esportsbooks.
Rivalry is one of the most popular esports betting sites covering over ten titles. This is an excellent platform for CSGO, LoL, and Overwatch betting. The esports betting markets are diverse, and the odds are highly competitive. Some popular South Korean esports leagues you can bet on include the Korean LCK League and KeSPA Cup Leagues. The betting markets are available for pre-match and live bets, and some of the popular options include match winner, first map, handicap bets, and First Dragon.
As a new player, you are welcomed at Rivalry with a reward 100% sign-up bonus of up $100. The registration process is easy, and your account is set up within a few minutes. In case of any issues, the customer support agents are very helpful and work around the clock to ensure that you get prompt assistance. You can get in touch with them via the live chat option.
GG.BET is a dedicated esports platform that features the most diverse esports markets, covering events from around the globe. On this site, you can bet on top esports titles such as PUBG, Arena of Valor, VALORANT, and King of Glory. This is the best esportsbook if you are looking for the best odds during top competitions such as Mid-Season Invitational and LoL Worlds. You can also find LCK betting markets on various games when top teams such as T1, DWG KIA, and Gen.G participate.
In order to get started, you only need to register and fund your account. The betting site accepts numerous convenient payment methods for players in South Korea, including Visa, Mastercard, NETELLER, and paysafecard.
LOOT.BET is another recognised esports betting site that offers a myriad of markets for both major and minor esports tournaments. The website is user-friendly, and you can easily see the live esports games from the homepage. With over 20 esports games featured, there are plenty of betting markets to explore. Apart from popular games such as LoL and Call of Duty, you will also find betting odds for NBA2K, FIFA, and PUBG. For South Korean punters, there are odds on some Korean esports leagues, such as League of Legends Champions Korea, Global Starcraft II League, and World Cyber Games.
To enhance your betting experience, LOOT.BET has ensured that each in-play betting page comes with a live Twitch stream embedded in it, so you can watch the live gaming action and place your bets all on one platform. Although the operator does not have a native mobile app, the site is optimised to ensure you have easy access to esports mobile games while on the go.
William Hill is a well-crafted website that has been in the industry for over two decades. The sportsbook is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and Gibraltar Gambling Commission, and your personal and financial details are safeguarded using the latest 128-bit SSL encryption. Unfortunately, the esports markets are not as diverse as other leading esportsbook in the industry; nevertheless, you will find competitive odds in major esports tournaments such as LCK, LoL Worlds, and LoL All Stars. Apart from LoL, Dota 2, CS:GO, and StarCraft 2, you will occasionally find Overwatch and Hearthstone markets.
Established in 2006, Betway is one of the big names in the gambling industry, known for sports betting and casino. However, they have expanded their portfolio to accommodate the esports market, with the dedicated esports section featuring top esports games, including LoL, Dota 2, CS:GO, and King of Glory. Depending on your preferred game, you will find a considerable range of South Korean esports betting markets. The odds are also reasonable, and you can wager on both pre-match and live events.
South Korea is one of the top esports countries globally, having seen many professional players venture into esports games thanks to the wide acceptance of online video games. South Koreans’ most popular games include League of Legends, PlayerUnkwown’s Battlegrounds, Starcraft 2, and Arena of Valor.
LoL is the most popular esports game in the country, it even has its own league called the LoL Champions Korea (LCK). In this league, the country’s 10 best South Korea LoL teams face off, with the winners proceeding to international competitions like the LoL World Championships. Some of the top LoL LCK teams include Gen.G, T1, and DWG KIA.
Often referred to as the Korean version of Fortnite, PUBG is an online multiplayer battle royale game inspired by the Japanese film, ‘Battle Royale.’ In order to boost the popularity of the game, the Korean gaming corporation formed the PUBG Korea League. PUBG Mobile is an alternative option for Korean players.
Overwatch comes in second after PUBG as the top multiplayer first-person shooter game in South Korea. Unlike most esports games, Overwatch matches are shorter, taking around 10 minutes. Since PC Bangs charge by the hour, this is an excellent aspect for the game's fans since you get more Overwatch games for your money.
While Arena of Valor may not be as popular as LoL, it is gaining some traction among South Korean players thanks to its MOBA nature. The game requires players to destroy the core and take control of the turrets. With the 5v5 grand battle mode, Overwatch professional players compete to increase their ranks.
There are diverse bets that you can wager on at South Korean esports betting sites, depending on the esports game you choose.
The League of Legends Champions Korea is the main LoL league in the country and is often featured in top esportsbooks such as Rivalry and GG.BET. The LCK is divided into spring and summer editions, providing more opportunities to wager on your favourite teams, and the match winner is the most common market. There are 10 LCK teams that compete in the South Korea LoL matches, with the favourites being Gen.G, T1, and DWG KIA. Other common markets include:
Although not many betting sites feature this game, you can find betting markets during major PUBG tournaments. Some notable events include PUBG Asia Invitational 2019 and PUBG Global Invitational.S. Below are betting markets offered at certain PUBG betting sites:
Incorporating the MOBA playstyle into an FPS shooter makes Overwatch a fun game to watch and bet on. The betting markets often vary depending on your chosen sportsbook, but the most common bets include:
While esports, in general, are popular in S.Korea, esports betting is prohibited in the country, and there is no specific South Korea law to protect esports. However, gambling legislation has changed over the years, and some forms of betting, such as horse racing, boat racing, cycling, and national lotteries, are legal. Land-based casino gambling was also made legal in the 1960s.
Unfortunately, there have not been any clear laws regarding online betting, and it remains illegal for a company or individual to operate any internet gambling business in South Korea. Although there are no online betting sites licensed in the country, many offshore licensed operators accept South Korean punters.
Esports betting sites that accept South Korean players offer a wide range of betting markets. While most punters prefer betting on their favourite esports team, there is a pool of betting options that you can explore. To make the most of your money, we next discuss a few esports betting strategies that you should consider before placing your next wager.
At the start of any betting session, you should always have a clear outline of how much you are willing to bet, and stick by your win or loss limits. This will protect you from placing impromptu bets or chasing your losses.
If you are planning to bet on a specific team, watch their most recent matches and research their current form. Also, pay attention to any recent changes that could affect their performance, such as the recruitment of a new player or any critical changes in the team’s roster.
Since the S.Korean government does not have any jurisdictions offshore, players in the country are not protected by the authorities. To avoid being scammed, it is advisable to only sign up at licensed sportsbooks – check out for recognised licences, such as the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, and Curaçao eGaming.
The best South Korea esports betting sites have an impressive range of esports bonuses for both new and existing players. The welcome bonuses are the most rewarding, and with the additional funds, you can explore more esports markets. Other common promotional offers include cashback offers, reload bonuses, and weekly/monthly offers. Before claiming any online bonuses, be sure to read the terms and conditions.
South Korea esports betting sites support diverse payment options, giving you the flexibility to choose the most convenient method for you. Some of the safest banking options for local players range from card payments to e-wallets.
Visa and Mastercard debit or credit cards are the most common card options. These are also known for their ultimate security measures, which guarantee that no unauthorised personnel can have access to your banking information. Moreover, your deposits are processed fast, and the withdrawal time often takes a few hours.
Not only are they the most popular payment options since they offer fast and safe transactions, but there are also many e-wallet variations to choose from, such as Skrill, PayPal, NETELLER, and ecoPayz. With these methods, you don’t have to share your banking details with the online bookmaker. Furthermore, the transaction charges are very considerable.
E-vouchers are gaining popularity among players looking to control how much they wager as you only need to buy a voucher depending on the amount you wish to bet. You are then given a code to use at your preferred sportsbook. Some of the e-voucher payment options include Perfect Money and Neosurf.
South Korea is famous for having the biggest markets in crypto trading. Users not only mine and trade crypto, but also use it as a payment method. Some of the popular cryptocurrencies in the country include Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum, and other options available at South Korea esports sites include Dogecoin, Tether, Cardano, and XRP.
South Korea is a prominent esports region, with some teams featuring among the top ten international rankings. Let's take a look at an outline of some of the popular South Korean esports teams.
Founded in 2017, Gen.G has become one of the leading esports organisations in South Korea and Asia. In 2020, it was ranked the world’s sixth most valuable esports company, worth $185 million. Some of its top rosters have been successful in LoL, PUBG, and VALORANT. Gen.G made it to the quarter-finals in the 2020 World Championship as well as the semifinals of the 2021 edition, and finally won their first LCK championship during the LCK Summer Split.
🏆 2022 #LCK SUMMER CHAMPIONS: @GenG! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/RVErhhU6TH — LCK (@LCK) August 28, 2022
🏆 2022 #LCK SUMMER CHAMPIONS: @GenG! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/RVErhhU6TH
— LCK (@LCK) August 28, 2022
The Gen.G PUBG roster has also been a success. The team won the first PUBG World Championship 2018 and the 2019 Global Championship, and also placed third at the 2021 PUBG Global Invitational.
Previously known as SK Telecom T1, this South Korean esports organisation has been successful in Starcraft and League of Legends. Moreover, they have rosters in other esports games, such as Apex Legends, Fortnite, Hearthstone, and Dota 2, among others.
#Worlds2022 Primer: T1 Edition T1 are heading back to Worlds to extend their record for the most Championships!💪Check out this mini-guide to @T1LoL before the Worlds competition begins! pic.twitter.com/Sia1NooTDa — LCK (@LCK) September 27, 2022
#Worlds2022 Primer: T1 Edition
T1 are heading back to Worlds to extend their record for the most Championships!💪Check out this mini-guide to @T1LoL before the Worlds competition begins! pic.twitter.com/Sia1NooTDa
— LCK (@LCK) September 27, 2022
The T1 League of Legends team has won over 10 LCK championships. In international competitions, they were crowned the LoL World Champions in 2013, 2015, and 2016. They have also bagged the Mid-Season Invitational title twice in 2016 and 2017.
Formerly known as DAMWON Gaming, DWG KIA is a high-performing esports organisation. The DWG KIA LoL team is one of the world’s best League of Legends rosters, having won several championships, including the LoL World Championship final in November 2021.
✈️✈️✈️ #Worlds2022#DWGKIA #DKWIN #JustFighting #DareToBeLegends pic.twitter.com/g48U2nUrsH — DWG KIA (@DWGKIA) October 1, 2022
✈️✈️✈️ #Worlds2022#DWGKIA #DKWIN #JustFighting #DareToBeLegends pic.twitter.com/g48U2nUrsH
— DWG KIA (@DWGKIA) October 1, 2022
Other big titles under their name include the LCK Summer 2020, LoL 2020 World Champions, LCK Spring 2021, and LCK Summer 2021, to mention a few. The organisation also has active rosters in VALORANT, Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG.
We have compiled a list of top South Korea esports betting sites, featuring Rivalry, GG.BET, and William Hill.
It is illegal for a betting company to operate in South Korea. However, local players can still bet on esports at offshore-licensed sportsbooks.
The high acceptance of video games in the country has contributed to the popularity of esports games in South Korea. Moreover, several huge companies have invested heavily in providing video gaming equipment and facilities.
Unlike other countries where Dota 2 and CS:GO are the most played, South Korean esports teams are highly competitive in LoL, PUBG, Arena of Valor, Starcraft 2, and Overwatch.
Gen.G, T1, and DWG KIA are the top three most prominent esports teams in South Korea.
Hey! Peris here, an ardent content writer and sports fanatic. I have over three years of experience in sports writing, iGaming and esports. If not creating content, you will find me playing FIFA, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch games.