As technology continues to blur the lines between gaming and betting, two digital formats have surged in popularity — virtual sports and esports. While they may sound similar, they’re actually very different in how they work, how odds are set, and how bettors engage with them.
What Are Virtual Sports?
Virtual sports are computer-simulated versions of traditional sporting events — such as horse racing, football, tennis, or motorsport — created using sophisticated graphics and software. Each event is powered by a random number generator (RNG) and follows pre-set rules that mimic real sports. The outcome is completely algorithmic and independent of any human influence. We have more information in our What Are Virtual Sports article.
Key Traits of Virtual Sports
- Events run 24/7, every few minutes.
- Results are determined by RNG and probability weighting.
- Graphics and commentary simulate real-life broadcasts.
- Bets are placed on outcomes like winners, margins, and totals.
- Ideal for quick, continuous betting without real-world schedules.
What Are Esports?
Esports (short for electronic sports) are competitive video games played by real people — often professionals — in organised tournaments or leagues. Games range from first-person shooters (like Counter-Strike 2 or Call of Duty) to strategy games (Dota 2, League of Legends) and sports titles (FIFA, NBA 2K). Esports betting lets punters wager on the outcome of these real competitions.
Key Traits of Esports
- Human players or teams compete live.
- Results depend on player skill, tactics, and teamwork — not RNG.
- Matches are streamed online with commentary and fan engagement.
- Betting markets mirror traditional sports (match winner, map score, totals, etc.).
- Major global events attract millions of viewers and large prize pools.
The Core Difference
In short: virtual sports are like digital racing or fantasy simulations, while esports are actual human competitions played on video games.
| FEATURE |
VIRTUAL SPORTS |
ESPORTS |
| Who plays? |
Computer simulation |
Computer simulation |
| Outcome decided by? |
RNG & programmed probabilities |
Skill, teamwork & in-game performance |
| Schedule |
Continuous, every few minutes |
Based on real tournament calendars |
| Betting type |
Instant, repetitive events |
Traditional match and futures betting |
| Entertainment value |
Visual simulation |
Live competition & personality-driven |
| Regulation |
Simulated betting product |
Sports/event-based betting market |
Why the Distinction Matters for Bettors
Understanding the difference helps punters manage expectations and betting strategies.
- Randomness vs Skill – Virtual sports outcomes are purely luck-based, similar to a digital slot. Esports depend on human performance and analysis.
- Speed of Play – Virtual events resolve quickly and allow constant betting. Esports events take longer but offer more depth and insight.
- Market Volatility – Virtual odds are stable and algorithmic; esports odds fluctuate with news, team changes, and form.
The Betting Landscape in 2025
Both markets are growing rapidly but for different reasons.
Virtual Sports can be popular during off-seasons or downtime, offering 24/7 betting and quick results. Licensed operators like use virtual racing and football as complementary betting options.
Esports is driven by younger audiences and global tournaments. Esports betting is now regulated in many jurisdictions, and most, if not all sportsbooks in Australia will provide betting markets for major esports tournaments. The best of these is Picklebet who pride themselves on being a market leader with esports betting and have the widest and best range of esports markets.
Although both live online, virtual sports and esports serve different audiences. Virtuals deliver instant, RNG-based entertainment, while esports offer skill-based competition with a human story behind every match. For punters, understanding this difference helps separate pure chance from opportunities for informed betting.
