The 2026 Scoreboard: Philippines vs. Vietnam vs. Thailand
Esports betting in Southeast Asia is no longer a niche sideshow. In 2026, the region's gross gaming revenue from esports wagering is projected to hit $1.9 billion, up 22% from last year, according to industry estimates. But the growth is uneven. The Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand—three of the region's biggest gaming markets—are moving at different speeds, and the reasons go beyond just population size.
At first glance, Vietnam looks like the natural leader. It has a young, mobile-first population of nearly 100 million and a deep esports culture. Thailand, meanwhile, has the highest per-capita spending on online gaming in the region. Yet when you look at actual betting handle and operator revenue, the Philippines is punching above its weight. In the first half of 2026, Philippine-licensed sportsbooks reported a 34% year-on-year jump in esports wagers, compared to 19% in Vietnam and 11% in Thailand (where retail betting still dominates).
Why the gap? Regulation, payment rails, and the sheer variety of titles available to Filipino bettors. Let's break down how each market is performing—and what it means if you're placing bets from Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, or Bangkok.
Regulation: The Philippines' Open Door vs. Vietnam's Grey Zone vs. Thailand's Retail Focus
The single biggest differentiator is how each government treats online esports betting. The Philippines, through PAGCOR, has issued offshore gaming licenses for years, and since 2024 it has explicitly included esports under approved betting events. That means Filipino players can legally bet on Dota 2, Mobile Legends, and Valorant through licensed platforms—no VPN needed, no fear of sudden site closures.
Vietnam is a different story. The government allows only a handful of pilot sports betting operators, and esports is not formally included in the pilot. Most Vietnamese bettors use offshore sites, which operate in a legal grey area. Enforcement is inconsistent: in early 2026, authorities blocked several offshore domains, but many users simply switched to mirror sites. This cat-and-mouse game adds friction and discourages casual bettors.
Thailand remains the most restrictive. Online betting is illegal, and esports wagering is lumped into the same prohibition. However, retail sportsbooks at licensed casinos (like those in Poipet and Macau) serve Thai punters, and a growing number use crypto-based offshore platforms. The result: lower overall volume but higher average bet sizes from high rollers.
“The Philippines has effectively become the region's laboratory for regulated esports betting,” says one Manila-based iGaming consultant. “Operators can innovate here without looking over their shoulder every week.”
Mobile Payments and the Rise of Local Wallets
If regulation is the engine, payments are the fuel. The Philippines leads because GCash and Maya are ubiquitous—over 80% of Filipino adults have a mobile wallet, and most licensed sportsbooks integrate them directly. You can deposit ₱200, bet on a Mobile Legends match, and withdraw winnings in minutes. That low-friction experience is a huge draw for younger bettors.
Vietnam's payment landscape is more fragmented. While MoMo and ZaloPay are popular, many offshore betting sites still rely on bank transfers or crypto, which can take hours and carry fees. The State Bank of Vietnam has also cracked down on gambling-related transactions, making deposits riskier for casual players.
Thailand has PromptPay, which is efficient, but because online betting is illegal, licensed operators can't use it. Thai bettors often resort to agents or crypto, adding layers of cost and risk. For a typical Filipino bettor, the ease of cashing out after a winning parlay is a major reason to stay onshore. For a Thai bettor, the hassle pushes many toward land-based casinos or informal bookies.
This payment gap explains part of the volume difference. But it also shapes which esports titles get the most action.
Which Games Are Driving the Action in Each Market?
Filipino bettors love Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. It's the undisputed king, accounting for roughly 45% of esports betting handle in the Philippines in 2026. Dota 2 and Valorant follow, with PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile rounding out the top five. The preference for mobile-first titles mirrors the country's gaming habits—most Filipinos play on their phones, so they bet on what they know.
Vietnam shows a similar love for Mobile Legends, but Dota 2 and League of Legends have a stronger foothold, especially among older millennials who grew up on PC cafés. Valorant is also rising fast, particularly after a Vietnamese team made a deep run in the 2026 VCT Pacific. However, the lack of a regulated framework means betting volumes are harder to track.
Thailand is the outlier. Because betting is mostly underground, there's no reliable data on game preferences. Anecdotally, Thai bettors lean toward international titles like CS2 and League of Legends, often betting through offshore sites that offer live streams. The esports scene in Thailand is vibrant, but the betting audience is smaller and more fragmented.
For operators, the lesson is clear: to win in the Philippines, you need Mobile Legends markets and GCash integration. In Vietnam, you need Dota 2 and crypto payment options. In Thailand, you need a discreet offshore platform with Thai language support.
What This Means for Filipino Bettors in 2026
If you're betting from the Philippines, you're in the best position in the region. Licensed platforms offer competitive odds, live betting on major tournaments, and reliable payouts. The 2026 season has already seen record handles on MPL Philippines and the Dota 2 ESL One series. And with PAGCOR expected to issue more esports-specific licenses before the end of the year, the options will only grow.
But that doesn't mean it's all smooth sailing. The influx of new operators means you need to choose wisely. Look for sites with transparent odds, fast withdrawals, and clear terms on live betting. Avoid platforms that don't display a PAGCOR license number—those are likely offshore and may not pay out if a dispute arises.
Vietnam and Thailand will continue to grow, but their bettors face more hurdles. For Filipinos, the focus should be on maximizing the advantages of a regulated market. That means shopping for the best bonuses, using secure wallets, and staying updated on tournament schedules. The regional comparison isn't just academic—it directly affects your bankroll.