Esports betting might finally be on the table in South Korea — and the latest push comes straight from one of the country’s top gaming bodies.
As first reported by Korean gaming outlet Inven, the Korean e-Sports Association (KeSPA) has officially submitted a proposal to Lee Jae-Myung, South Korea’s new president, calling for the creation of a government-backed esports betting platform called Esports Toto. The idea? Let fans legally bet on esports matches — just like they already can with traditional sports.
KeSPA’s proposal arrives at a time when South Korea is witnessing rapid growth in both its gambling and esports sectors. While competitive gaming has long been a cultural staple — with major titles like League of Legends and StarCraft turning local players into global superstars — legal betting on esports remains off-limits under current law. South Koreans are only allowed to place bets on traditional sports and racing through the government-run Sports Toto platform.
This new Esports Toto proposal aims to change that. According to KeSPA, legalizing esports betting could do more than just add a new layer of excitement for fans — it could bring in new sponsorships, boost viewership, and provide a fresh revenue stream to support teams, events, and the broader digital ecosystem.
Back in 2024, Naver reported that KeSPA and Sports Toto had already discussed the possibility of adding League of Legends matches to betting platforms during the LCK Spring Split. That didn’t pan out, but it showed there was interest from both sides.
Now, KeSPA is taking a more formal and politically strategic approach by involving the newly appointed president. If Lee Jae-Myung backs the plan, Esports Toto could become a reality — potentially launching as early as 2026.