It is now evident that eSports betting is not one of those passing clouds in the online casino industry but a niche here to stay. Initially, the introduction of eSports into the online gaming scene came as a mere suggestion from eSports enthusiasts. This novel concept appeared to be a fringe thing that would only attract a limited number of punters. At first, casinos offering eSports betting did not make as much money as they had expected. However, the client base in casinos began changing as the sport attracted a wider fan base.
Early Years of eSports Betting
eSports graced the online betting landscape around 2015. During these early years, larger bookmakers were still reluctant to embrace eSports. In addition, the betting markets were limited, and punters never had enough options. Fast forward, eSports now attract a massive audience. This might be evidenced by record-breaking 3,882,000 viewership in the League of Legends World Championship Finals in 2020. As you might expect, major bookmakers have since been quick to take advantage of eSports’ popularity.
eSports and the Betting Industry
Electronic sports, popularly known as eSports, are a type of computer game that is played by individuals or teams. In light of this, eSports betting mainly focuses on placing wagers on teams and video gamers competing in video gaming tournaments.
One thing that has made eSports popular in recent years is that this industry attracts huge sponsorship deals worldwide. This is evidenced by the massive prize pool payout that is awarded to winners in international tournaments. In light of this, eSports games attract the best players who have dedicated their lives to these games.
While eSports are exciting to players, sponsors, and fans, they also present a chance for punters to make money. It is worth noting that this industry is highly regulated, meaning that punters are assured of a safe and fair gaming experience.
How ESports Are Attracting New Players to Online Betting
One thing about eSports is that it was first introduced to the younger generation, which is often associated with video gaming, at its inception. However, these players are not willing to ditch eSports even after they get older. So this essentially means eSports are no longer about the younger population but also for adults.
ESports betting attracts thousands of new players to online casinos. In light of this, casinos are devising novel ways of attracting new customers using eSports as the main attraction.
ESport’s attractiveness has reeled casino brands into this industry, with bookmakers willing to seize any opportunity that comes to create partnerships with eSport’s publishers, content creators, and leagues. Here is how bookmakers intend to achieve their objectives.
Partnerships
As much as gambling partnerships might be a good way to pump more money into the industry, key operators are alive to the fact that lack of integrity in this industry might ruin all the progress made. In light of this, casinos are serious about enhancing integrity and professionalism to ensure that everyone benefits.
Tactful Advertising
Considering that eSports are relatively young in the grand casino industry, casino operators are responsible for reaching out to untapped markets through adverts. However, they are also very tactful in their approach – advertising to make the community feel that they are supporting the sport and not that they are in the business to make money.
Content Marketing
Besides slapping a logo on a jersey, bookmakers have been doubling their efforts to create exclusive content. A simple search on the internet or YouTube shows that major casinos offering eSports games in their portfolio of games have formed a solid partnership between these two spaces. However, they are also cautious in their dealings to ensure that they advance clean and honest efforts that will not water down the industry’s reputation.
Tournament Sponsorships
Bookmakers have been open to sponsoring major eSports events in recent years including Betsafe. Most bookmakers are turning to sponsorship deals as a way of aligning themselves with this new niche. This is also good news for the players, who now can make more money from tournament wins.
As it stands, it is an exciting time to be both an eSports enthusiast and a punter. As bookmakers devise strategies to clutch into eSports, do not be surprised to find them getting more creative.