Esports Betting Could Soon Be Legal in South Korea as Market Expands

With South Korea’s gambling market booming, a major shift may be on the horizon: legalized esports betting could arrive as early as 2026.

As the birthplace of competitive gaming, South Korea has long held a dominant role in the global esports scene. From televised matches since the early 2000s to world-class performances in games like League of Legends and StarCraft, esports are deeply embedded in Korean culture. Yet despite this, betting on esports matches has remained illegal, limited only to traditional sports and racing through the government-regulated Sports Toto platform.

Gambling on the Rise in South Korea

A recent report from iGaming Today revealed that South Korea’s gambling market reached $9 billion in 2024, with projections estimating a rise to $10.5 billion by 2030.

Currently, most of that activity centers on games like blackjack, baccarat, tai sai, and pai gow — and it's almost exclusively online. Out of 18 legal casinos in Korea, 17 are reserved for foreigners, leaving limited legal options for Korean citizens.

Sports Toto remains the only legal betting avenue, offering state-controlled wagers with strict limits. But the winds of change are blowing.

Esports Betting: From Vision to Possibility

While esports betting is still illegal in Korea, multiple developments point toward an impending shift.

According to Inven, a major Korean gaming publication, the Korean e-Sports Association (KeSPA) has formally proposed the creation of a dedicated esports betting platform, dubbed “Esports Toto.” The proposal was submitted to Lee Jae-Myung, a presidential candidate from the Democratic Party of Korea. KeSPA argues that legalizing esports betting would boost industry growth and contribute significantly to South Korea’s digital economy.

This isn’t the first time the idea has been explored. In 2024, reports from Naver revealed that representatives from Sports Toto held talks with LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea) organizers and KeSPA to potentially include League of Legends in the betting pool during the Spring Split. While that initiative didn’t move forward, it signals growing institutional interest in esports betting.

Riot’s Betting Policy Shift Could Accelerate Change

Adding more momentum to the conversation, Riot Games recently announced that it would allow betting sponsors for its League of Legends and Valorantesports teams. Although state platforms like Esports Toto likely won’t appear on team jerseys, this policy change could encourage further investment and legitimacy for Korean esports organizations.

Looking Ahead

With increasing lobbying efforts, favorable economic data, and growing public interest, South Korea is inching closer to legalizing esports betting. If approved, Esports Toto could debut within the next two years — setting the stage for a new era of esports engagement in the country that helped define it.