iGaming and e-Gaming: What’s the Difference?

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Published: October 25, 2024
Updated: September 10, 2026

The ways you can stay entertained while at home or even during your lunch breaks have expanded massively. Some of the most popular forms of entertainment are iGaming and e-Gaming.

As someone new to the industry, you may get confused by the different options, which is why we’ve compiled all the useful information by differentiating the two in one handy guide.

Key takeaways

iGaming is the term used for online gambling. It includes casino games, poker, sports betting and esports betting.
eGaming is also called esports. It's competitive video gaming in titles like League of Legends, Valorant, Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2.
Watching esports isn't gambling. It only becomes iGaming when you bet on a match.
iGaming is a much bigger industry than esports, but estimates of both vary a lot.
Many iGaming sites offer esports betting. Set a budget before you bet, and stop when it's gone.

The difference between iGaming and e-Gaming

Before we examine both in more detail and consider what their impact on entertainment is, you must understand what iGaming and eGaming refer to.

Differences between iGaming & eGaming — Explaining the differences between iGaming and eGaming

iGaming is a broad term used to describe the online gambling industry in general. It covers every form of gaming entertainment made available to online casino players, from slots to live casino games.
e-Gaming (or eSports) is basically people or teams taking part in competitive gaming on different video games (like Call of Duty, League of Legends or Dota 2).

So, both refer to online gaming but in different forms. iGaming is more about playing games casually, while esports includes that competitive gameplay. The latter means that teams spend a lot of time training to take part in tournaments and get a chance for a prize.

iGaming	eSports
Refers to online gambling forms like casino games and sports betting	Refers to organised, professional video game competitions for prizes
Focused on wagering real money and winning prizes	Focused on skill, strategy and competition
Games include slots, table games, live casino games, sports	Games include League of Legends, Fortnite, and Dota 2
A large community of enthusiasts who enjoy playing games for money	Attracts the attention of millions with live events and online streams

How big are they?

Both the esports and gaming industries make money, but estimates of their size vary a lot.

Data shows that the income estimates for the esports market in 2025 range from about $650 million to $8.1 billion. Some research firms count betting, while others count only sponsorship, media rights and tickets, so the difference is big.

Most of eSports' revenue comes from sponsorship and advertising.
Media rights and merchandise also contribute to income.
Millions of fans are eagerly watching live events and online streams.

Statista estimated iGaming revenue at around $108 billion for 2025. H2 Gambling Capital, which also counts unlicensed sites, put it much higher, at $293 billion a year earlier, in 2024.

Revenue comes from various sources, including online casino games, sports betting, and poker games.
Sports betting is one of the largest parts of online gambling, and more countries are opening regulated markets for it.

What is the biggest difference between iGaming and e-Gaming?

It mainly boils down to levels of participation. With eSports, only the top players with the best skills, game strategies, and knowledge can join a team and participate in the pro leagues.

Of course, there are also more casual competitions between fans of the different games, but the championships with the big prizes are exclusively for players who have the expertise to bring home the trophy.

For instance, in League of Legends, you get teams like T1. It is made up of the most experienced players who participate in gaming actively, receiving the best training and professional assistance. It becomes a profession instead of simply a hobby.

There are some forms of competitive gaming in iGaming, with online poker tournaments being the best-known example. However, most competitions and games are short, and results in games of chance, like online slots, are random.

How do eSports and iGaming connect?

They both use similar technology, give great betting opportunities, and are fun! Here are all the ways we see them connect:

Sharing demographics

One thing you will notice is that both of these industries tend to attract younger, more tech-savvy audiences. That's probably because of the advancements in tech and the user-friendly platforms.

The use of technology

Both platforms use similar technologies, which bettors and players are familiar with. These include online payment systems, advanced game software, and live streaming.

Promotion cross-industry

You will often notice that eSports events are used to promote iGaming platforms and the other way around. In essence, this symbiotic relationship benefits both when it comes to marketing and raising awareness.

It’s interactive

You will also notice that several iGaming platforms have moved to offer betting on esports matches in games like EA Sports FC and NBA 2K, where real players compete.

Betting opportunities

These two come together best in betting opportunities during the big tournaments and championships. You can bet on match outcomes, player performances, etc. So, thanks to their connection, you can become part of the real action.

Their connection allows for a more engaging time online. Fans can now watch esports gaming live and bet on the matches they follow.

What's next for eSports?

In short, you can expect more viewers, events, and betting opportunities.

eSports viewership continues to rise as more people want to watch online streams and live events.
This, in turn, grabs the attention of more sponsors and advertisers, boosting industry revenue.
With virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) it will become even more engaging for those who take part in it and those who simply follow it.
We can also see more games and esports competitions, plus even some new genres and titles.

Many are rooting for the collaboration between esports and traditional sports. Some of the integrations include cross-promotions, shared events, and more.

What can we expect from iGaming?

Innovations, AI, and mobile gaming - all with the goal of making a better playground for gamblers online.

AI and machine learning are already used to improve your gameplay and make the operations even more effective and secure.
Every player can feel like a VIP with personal recommendations and special offers for them.
Crypto casinos continue to rise in popularity, often offering fast deposits and withdrawals for online gaming.
Mobile gaming continues to be a focus in the future.
More social and interactive gaming options where you can play with or against friends.

Again, we can see a lot of growth, especially in regions where access to digital technology and mobile devices is getting better. For example, Africa, which now has one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.

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Despite all the similarities, iGaming and e-Gaming stand alone, complementing one another. Plus, they have a lot to look forward to, including increased game opportunities and growth in participants.