Esports Betting in SEA: Philippines vs Vietnam vs Thailand Growth
The State of Esports Betting in Southeast Asia
Esports betting is no longer a niche corner of the gambling world. In Southeast Asia, it's becoming a mainstream pastime, driven by a young, mobile-first population and a deep-rooted gaming culture. But the growth story isn't uniform across the region. While Vietnam and Thailand have seen explosive increases in esports wagering, the Philippines—despite its passionate gaming community—is trailing in terms of both market size and regulatory clarity.
According to industry data released this month, the Southeast Asian esports betting market is projected to reach $4.2 billion in gross gaming revenue by the end of 2026, up from $2.9 billion in 2024. Vietnam and Thailand account for nearly 60% of that total, with the Philippines contributing just 12%. That gap is surprising given the Philippines' reputation as one of Asia's most liberal gambling jurisdictions.
Why the disparity? Regulatory frameworks, payment infrastructure, and operator focus all play a role. In this article, we break down how the Philippines compares to its neighbors and what Filipino bettors can expect in the coming months.
Vietnam: The Unlikely Frontrunner
Vietnam's rise in esports betting is nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the country's strict gambling laws. While sports betting is technically illegal for locals, the government has piloted a limited number of licensed sports betting operators since 2019. Esports, however, exists in a gray area. International bookmakers accept Vietnamese players, and local startups have sprung up to fill the void.
The result? A thriving underground market that has become too big to ignore. Industry insiders estimate that Vietnamese players wagered over $1.5 billion on esports in 2025, with popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and PUBG Mobile leading the charge. The government is now reportedly considering a regulatory framework for esports betting, which could further accelerate growth.
What's driving this? A combination of factors:
- Young demographic: Over 60% of Vietnam's population is under 35, and esports viewership is massive.
- Mobile penetration: Smartphone adoption is high, and bettors prefer mobile-first platforms.
- Cultural acceptance: Gaming is seen as a legitimate career path, reducing stigma around esports betting.
For Filipino bettors, Vietnam's model shows what's possible when demand outpaces regulation—but also the risks of operating in a gray market.
Thailand: Betting Behind Closed Doors
Thailand presents a different picture. Gambling is illegal except for the state-run lottery and horse racing, yet esports betting is rampant. Thai players are among the most active in the region, particularly on international platforms that accept Thai baht and offer local payment methods like TrueMoney and Rabbit LINE Pay.
Data from payment processors suggests that Thai esports betting volume grew by 45% year-on-year in 2025, with peak activity during major tournaments like The International and the League of Legends World Championship. The Thai government has cracked down on some operators, but enforcement is inconsistent, and many sites continue to operate freely.
One key difference from Vietnam: Thailand's esports scene is more integrated with traditional sports betting. Thai bookmakers often offer combined markets for esports and football, appealing to a broader audience. This cross-pollination has helped normalize esports betting among older gamblers who might otherwise dismiss it.
However, the lack of legal clarity means Thai bettors face risks—from payment issues to outright scams. It's a cautionary tale for the Philippines, where regulation is more mature but esports-specific rules are still evolving.
Philippines: Regulated but Lagging
The Philippines has a well-established gambling industry, regulated by PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation). Land-based casinos, online sportsbooks, and e-sabong (online cockfighting) have all operated legally at various points. Yet esports betting remains a small slice of the pie.
Why? Several reasons:
- Regulatory ambiguity: PAGCOR has not issued specific guidelines for esports betting, leaving operators unsure about what's allowed.
- Operator focus: Major Philippine-facing bookmakers like M88 and Bwin have been slow to add esports markets compared to their global counterparts.
- Payment friction: While GCash and Maya are widely used, some international esports betting sites still lack seamless PHP deposits and withdrawals.
That said, there are signs of change. In 2025, PAGCOR hinted at a framework for esports betting in the Philippines, and several local operators have begun offering limited markets on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Valorant. The Philippine esports scene itself is booming, with MPL Philippines drawing millions of viewers each season.
Industry analysts predict that if PAGCOR formalizes esports betting rules in 2026, the Philippine market could grow by 30-40% annually. That would still leave it behind Vietnam and Thailand, but it would close the gap significantly.
"The Philippines has the potential to be a top-three esports betting market in Southeast Asia, but only if regulators and operators move quickly," said one Manila-based gaming consultant who requested anonymity.
What This Means for Filipino Bettors
For now, Filipino esports bettors have a few options. Licensed Philippine bookmakers offer limited esports markets, while offshore sites provide more variety but come with legal and financial risks. The key is to choose platforms that are transparent, offer fair odds, and support convenient payment methods.
Looking ahead, the comparison with Vietnam and Thailand suggests that the Philippines is at a crossroads. If PAGCOR acts decisively, the country could leverage its robust regulatory infrastructure to become a regional leader. If not, bettors will continue to flock to unregulated offshore sites—just as they do in Thailand and Vietnam.
For Filipino players, the best approach is to stay informed. Watch for PAGCOR announcements, and stick to operators that prioritize security and responsible gambling. The esports betting wave is coming; it's just a matter of whether the Philippines rides it or watches from the shore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is esports betting legal in the Philippines?
It's a gray area. PAGCOR regulates gambling, but there are no specific rules for esports betting yet. Some operators offer esports markets under their existing licenses, while others avoid it. Always check the operator's legitimacy.
Why is Vietnam leading in esports betting growth?
Despite strict gambling laws, Vietnam has a huge young population, high mobile penetration, and a culture that embraces gaming. International bookmakers and local startups fill the demand, creating a thriving gray market.
Can Filipino bettors use international esports betting sites?
Yes, but it's risky. International sites may not be regulated by PAGCOR, and you could face payment issues or legal complications. It's safer to use licensed local operators when they offer esports markets.
What esports titles are most popular for betting in SEA?
League of Legends, Dota 2, PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Valorant are the top titles. Mobile Legends is particularly big in the Philippines and Indonesia.
