Years and years ago, we lived in a much more traditional and less digitised time. Sports were sports…. Football, horse racing, rugby, cricket etc. And it was those that most people liked a punt on. However, in more recent years, the world of sports betting has witnessed an incredible transformation… with the emergence of esports betting.
Esports – short for electronic sports, is essentially competitive video gaming, and its rise to prominence has created a whole new frontier for both gamblers and bookies. But what is it — and why has it grown at such a rate?
Here, we delve into the phenomenon that is betting on esports, looking at its growth, its quirky and unique characteristics… and what the future might hold for this exciting frontier in sports betting.
The Esports Revolution
Esports started out as something that just interested a tiny fraction of people… a few gamers who would come together online to fight for video gaming supremacy. However, these days it has evolved from a niche subculture to a massive global phenomenon. It now involves professional players and teams from all over the world competing in popular video games – with titles such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota 2 leading the way.
Esports tournaments and events aren’t just about the players anymore, either. They attract huge audiences both online and at live venues, with some attracting as many fans as major sporting events.
Betting on Esports
As more people watch it, it makes sense that more people are starting to bet on it – and more bookmakers are starting to offer it.
The rise of esports has opened up all sorts of new opportunities for betting. Just like traditional sports, esports lovers can place their bets on all different markets – the winner of a match or tournament, individual player performances and all sorts of in-game events.
Esports betting has masses of options, which makes it appealing to all types of bettors.
What To Consider If You Want to Bet on eSports
If you are thinking about taking up a bit of eSports betting, then here are some factors to consider:
- Game Knowledge: If you want to bet on a game, you need to know that you know exactly what the game involves and how it works. You need to make sure you are familiar with game mechanics, different strategies, and player skills so that you can make informed decisions.
- Player and Team Analysis: Esports betting often involves studying the strengths and weaknesses of the different players and teams. Just as in traditional sports, the form of a team or player can have a huge impact on the outcome of a game or tournament.
- In-Game Betting: If you’re a fan of in-play betting, Esports games give you plenty of opportunities that are well worth a look. They feature a multitude of in-game events, such as ’first blood’ (first kill), ‘map objectives’, and ‘player kills’. You can place Bets on all these events, making it even more exciting.
The Popularity of Esports Betting
So why has it become so popular in recent years? Well, there are many reasons for this.
- The Online Factor: The gaming and online nature of esports definitely attracts the younger generations – who tend to do everything online these days. This includes playing games, watching games and betting.
- Accessibility: Esports are now more accessible to play and watch than ever before. Tournaments and events are generally streamed on various platforms and are readily accessible to people all across the globe. This convenience is one of the reasons more people are starting to watch and bet on esports.
Challenges, Regulations and the Future of eSports
Whilst it has certainly witnessed a lot of growth, it still faces a number of different challenges – including concerns over match-fixing concerns and the need to ensure responsible gambling practices, especially given the fact that this attracts a much younger audience than traditional sports betting.
That being said, the future of esports betting appears promising. And as the industry keeps on growing, there’s a lot to be excited about.
In terms of markets, it is highly likely that eSports betting will expand to include more and more games and events – attracting even more players, viewers and bettors.
What’s more, bookmakers and streaming platforms have started to work together to provide more immersive betting experiences – so bookies will be able to start offering eSports live streaming which is certain to attract more people to the community.
As the eSports industry matures, it is likely that professional standards for players and teams will start to get even better, which should allay many worries – including match-fixing concerns. Ultimately, with eSports becoming a more prominent market for bookies, you will be able to expect a better betting experience than ever.
