Published June 9, 2023 by OCR Editor

Esports betting is fast becoming a major vertical in the online gambling scene. What was once a niche preserved for gaming enthusiasts has exploded onto the mainstream scene, becoming an industry expected to exceed billions in value in just a few short years. This transformative growth is triggered by several key factors, all of which are reshaping the face of online gambling.

One of the driving forces behind the meteoric rise of esports betting is the sheer diversity of the market. No longer limited to traditional sportsbook-style betting, esports betting now encompasses various forms such as skin betting, social betting, and fantasy esports. This variety is not only attracting different types of bettors but also encouraging innovative betting strategies that are unique to the esports scene.

A crucial factor in the popularity of esports betting is the games themselves. Titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), League of Legends (LoL), Dota 2, and more draw millions worldwide viewers. This large, engaged audience has proven to be fertile ground for the growth of esports betting.

However, the rise of esports betting has its challenges. Legal and regulatory issues loom large over the industry, with different regions worldwide taking various stances. While some countries embrace this new form of betting, others have imposed strict regulations, if not outright bans. These disparities can cause difficulties for bettors and operators, making the industry a complex web of legality and ethics.

The impact of esports betting extends far beyond the gambling sphere. It’s influencing the esports industry at its core, changing tournament structures, and affecting player behaviour. The potential for substantial betting profits has led to increased viewership and fan engagement, but it has also raised concerns about match-fixing and the integrity of the games.

The world of esports betting isn’t limited to traditional currencies. Cryptocurrency has opened up new possibilities, allowing for quick, anonymous transactions. While this brings many benefits, such as bypassing traditional banking restrictions, it also raises concerns about security and regulation.

With the rise of esports betting, there’s been a growth in platforms catering to this new market. These platforms offer a range of features, from live streaming of matches to comprehensive betting options. Yet, not all platforms are created equal, and the quality varies greatly.

As with all forms of betting, esports betting carries the risk of problem gambling. As the industry grows, operators and regulators must promote responsible gambling practices. Education, self-exclusion options, and support for those struggling with gambling addiction are all essential measures.

The rise of esports betting is a testament to the power of the esports industry and its potential to shape the future of online gambling. It’s a world of diverse games, innovative betting strategies, and unique regulatory challenges. It’s an industry that’s entertaining millions worldwide and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of online gambling. But, as it continues to evolve, one thing is certain: esports betting is here to stay.

Covid-19 Boost:

In September 2021, the esports betting industry was experiencing significant growth.

In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the esports betting market substantially increased. With many traditional sports events cancelled or postponed, esports became popular as an alternative.

According to a report by EveryMatrix in mid-2020, esports betting volumes grew by a staggering 40 times. The same report projected that the annual wagering for esports would reach $14 billion by the end of 2020.

Meanwhile, a report from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming predicted that the total wagered on esports competition would reach $12.9 billion by 2020, growing to $23.5 billion by the end of 2023 and potentially exceeding $30 billion by 2030.

A 2020 report by Narus and Eilers & Krejcik Gaming also highlighted the growth in esports betting, estimating 6.5 million people around the world placed bets on esports that year.

However, please note that these were projections, and the actual numbers may vary. Additionally, the figures have changed significantly after 2021, after the Covid-19 global crises have been calmed down.

Player demographics in esports betting.

The esports audience represents a diverse range of ages, countries, and interests, but certain demographics do stand out. A significant portion of esports viewers and bettors are young, tech-savvy individuals.

Age: According to a 2021 report by Global Web Index, over half of esports viewers were between 16-34 years old. This young demographic is significantly engaged with the digital world and comfortable with online gaming and gambling, making them a prime target for esports betting platforms.

As of April 2023, according to Gitnux, numbers shifted during the recent two years; approximately 80% of all esports bet players are aged between 18 and 25. This shift indicates the audience’s age changes that become more popular among the younger audience.

Gender: As of my last update in September 2021, the esports audience was predominantly male, but the female viewership steadily increased. It’s worth noting that the gender distribution may vary significantly depending on the specific game or region. As

Geography: Esports has a global audience, but the interest in esports betting can differ greatly between regions. Countries in Asia, particularly China and South Korea, have a high level of esports engagement. In the West, the United States and several European countries like Sweden and Denmark also have a significant esports following.

Income: Esports audiences tend to have a high disposable income, which is a key factor for participation in esports betting. The overlap of tech-savvy, younger individuals with disposable income makes esports betting attractive for this audience because they are familiar with the game, the rules and the teams they bet on.

Education: Many esports fans are highly educated, with more esports viewers completing tertiary education than the general population. This, coupled with their digital literacy, makes the esports betting audience well-versed in understanding the intricacies of online betting platforms.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Legal and regulatory issues represent significant challenges to the esports betting industry. As esports betting is a relatively new phenomenon, many jurisdictions are still grappling with how to regulate it. Here are some key issues:

1. Lack of Uniformity: There is a vast disparity in how countries and states regulate esports betting. In some regions, like the U.K., it’s legal and well-regulated, while in others, such as many states in the U.S., it may be illegal or exist in a legal grey area. This lack of uniformity creates a complex landscape for operators and bettors to navigate.
2. Underage Gambling: Given the relatively young demographic of esports, there is a significant concern about underage gambling. This has increased regulatory scrutiny and calls for stricter age verification processes.
3. Match-Fixing and Fraud: The large amounts of money involved in esports betting can lead to instances of match-fixing, where outcomes are artificially controlled. Ensuring the integrity of matches is a major concern, with some calling for dedicated oversight bodies.
4. Licensing: Many jurisdictions require betting operators to obtain a license to offer their services legally. However, the licensing process can be complex and expensive, particularly given the global nature of esports. Some operators may need a license, creating additional regulatory challenges.
5. Cryptocurrency: The use of cryptocurrencies in esports betting brings unique regulatory challenges. Because cryptocurrencies can be difficult to trace, regulating cryptocurrency transactions is a significant challenge.
6. Consumer Protection: Given the relative novelty of esports betting, many bettors may need to be made aware of the risks involved. Regulators ensure that betting operators provide adequate consumer protections, such as clear terms and conditions, fair dispute resolution processes, and measures to prevent problem gambling.
7. Data Rights and Integrity: Operators need access to reliable, real-time data about matches and tournaments for betting. However, many unresolved issues about who owns this data and how the copyrights should be ruled still need to be solved.

Legal and regulatory challenges are a significant part of the esports betting industry. As the industry grows, these challenges will become even more important. Therefore, it will be critical for regulators, operators, and players to work together to create a legal and regulatory framework that ensures the integrity and sustainability of esports betting.

In conclusion, esports betting has grown to be a major vertical in the online gambling industry, driven by market diversity, popular games among key audiences, and the general influence of the esports industry. However, like in traditional online gambling verticals, legal and regulatory challenges are still on the table, with varying stances on esports betting worldwide. The industry’s impact extends beyond gambling, affecting tournament structures and raising concerns about match-fixing. Cryptocurrency and the growth of platforms catering to esports betting further shape the landscape. Responsible gambling practices and consumer protection measures are crucial for sustainable growth. Despite the challenges, esports betting is poised to stay and continues to push the boundaries of online gambling.

No matter what gambling vertical you prefer, playing safe and knowing the risks in online gambling is always important!