There can be little doubt about how much esports has grown as an industry over time, or just how popular it now is worldwide. The global esports market was valued at around $1.7 billion in 2023, and this is expected to nudge past $2 billion by the end of 2024.

It’s not just watching the best teams battle it out in online or real-life events that makes this niche within gaming a hit. Lots of fans love to place bets on the biggest tournaments and back their favorite team to win.

For anyone who’s new to gambling, diving right into betting on esports might seem a little daunting (especially with the number of competitive games released each month). Getting a gentle introduction to online gambling is the answer to this, and no deposit casinos are a great place to start. But what are they and why are they the ideal gateway to betting on esports?

What Are No Deposit Casinos?

As noted by PlayCasinos.ca, no-deposit online casinos are specific types of casinos online in places like Canada, and they allow players to start gaming without needing to deposit their own cash first. This is made possible through special no-deposit bonuses, which are offered to new players upon signing up. These bonuses are often in the form of free spins or free cash, which players can use to try out games on the casino platform.

These bonus funds mean no deposit is needed to start playing, and there is no need to use any of your own funds. The bonus funds provided are usually eligible on a selection of slot or table games, depending on the casino in question.

Why Are No deposit Casinos a Great Gateway for Betting on eSports?

Although betting on esports and playing casino games online are not the exact same thing, signing up with no deposit casino sites is a good way to get used to gambling online. Making sports bets and placing bets on casino games, after all, are not that far removed from one another. By playing games at no deposit platforms, you can get a feel for how placing bets online works and get used to online gambling.

Many online casinos now also have their own linked sportsbook page to bet on things like esports. Signing up with a no deposit casino like this gives you a simple way to place sports bets online and means you don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to do it that you trust. By using the same casino and sportsbook, you can make a seamless transition from one to another.

Why Else Are No Deposit Casinos an Ideal Gateway for eSports Betting?

One of the things that can put people off from esports gambling is the thought of risking their own cash—especially if they find they don’t enjoy it. No deposit casinos are a good gateway into esports betting because they enable you try out betting online but with zero risk.

This is possible because you do not initially use your own funds to play with. As a result, you can use bonus funds from the casino to test out gambling online and then move onto esports betting with real money if you like it.

Playing certain games at no deposit casinos, such as poker or blackjack, requires a fair amount of skill and strategy to be successful. Players also need to put some effort into researching the rules and best hands. This is all ideal preparation for getting into esports betting later, as placing bets on the top esports events also requires strategy and research.

Online Deposits and Withdrawals

Whether you place esports bets online or play casino games digitally, you’ll need to get used to depositing and withdrawing money to gamble with. Although a no deposit site does not need you to do this initially, you will have to at some point when continuing to game there.

This is a great way to get used to making online transactions for betting, and it means you’ll know just what to do when you have to start depositing/withdrawing cash for esports gambling. It also gives you the chance to find your preferred payment method for betting online and become familiar with using it by the time you start gambling on esports.

What Are the Best No Deposit Casinos to Register With?

It’s important to only sign up with licensed, regulated no deposit sites that offer the best gaming experience. This will help you get the best introduction to online gambling in general and ensure a bad experience with it does not put you off from betting on esports.

One of the most popular examples is FortuneJack, which offers a large number of no deposit free spins to new players. This bonus offer comes with zero wagering requirements, making it even better. FortuneJack is also a regulated, safe place to game and offers excellent customer support and a decent choice of games to try.

Ice Casino is another popular no deposit casino online and a site that is the ideal introduction to online gambling for would-be esports bettors. It offers a $10 no deposit cash bonus and a selection of fun games to check out. This casino also has a range of payment options (from Visa to Skrill, Trustly, and more) and a funky, bright design.

No Deposit Casinos Can Lead Into eSports Betting

Although you may think playing casino games online and betting on sports digitally are unrelated, these two activities are closely linked. If you’re thinking of betting on esports but need a smooth introduction to gambling first, no deposit casinos are the best choice. eSports is a fast-growing industry and, with the almost constant releases of free-to-play games designed to have competitive modes, there’s never been a better time to explore and find a game that takes your fancy. Why not see what these entertaining games have to offer and find a team you can get behind!