eSports has been a growing trend, with many multiplayer video games reaching cult status. Today many video game companies employ players who gain expertise in playing their games as well as participate in tournaments held for the same. Many eSports, as virtual games, find their place in sportsbook sections of online casinos. Hence there is an emerging convergence between casino games and eSports, in the world of online betting.
Demographics of eSports Fans
There are about 400 million people who have watched eSports over the past year. This shows how large the fan base is in the world of global eSports. It is broad as well as diverse. It is also seen that many of the sportsbook portals are including eSports tournaments and events in their betting sections. As a result, eSports fans are easily lured into the world of online casino games.
If we take US demographics in the case of eSports fans, the following statistics stand out:
- About 16 million out of 26 million are adults.
- Among worldwide demographics, this translates to 225 million out of 435 individuals who fall in the adult group.
- Other statistics indicate that 38 percent of eSports viewers are in the age group of 18 to 24.
- The second highest group is in the age range of 34 to 54.
- When it comes to gender, most viewers are male.
The majority of fans in eSports are in the legal gambling age. Hence, this is good news for casino operators in the US and UK. They can design promotions to attract eSports fans and cross-sell casino products to them at the same time.
How Online Casinos Can Appeal to ESports Fans?
While eSports are usually fast-paced, strategy-oriented games that are often played live, either individually or in teams, there are several casino games that fall into similar categories. Closest to such games of strategy are table games such as poker, blackjack, baccarat, or roulette. These games can be played by oneself, with the computer, or with others and in presence of a live dealer. Poker, for instance, is known to have several international tournaments in different parts of the world. Most of them have virtual versions as well, allowing players to participate or witness the tournament rounds live.
What ties casino games with eSports are the common sports betting platforms? Reputed sportsbook makers such as 22Bet, BetOnline, GTBets, and several others have made it legal to bet on eSports events on their portals. Hence, these sites make it possible for sports betting fans to include their favorite eSports events in their betting catalog. What’s more, they can even explore online casino games in the casino section of these sites.
eSports Fans Are a Captive Audience for Skill-Based Casino Games
When an online casino captures an eSports fan base, they also become potential players in skill-based games such as poker, blackjack, and others. These table games combine strategies, skill, and luck. When these games are played in live dealer sessions, they are fast-paced as well. Hence, eSports fans can enjoy similar skill-based games and increase their chances of winning on their wagers.
When you are betting on table games such as poker or blackjack or in eSports, both require a skill. Also, there is the luck element that is inherent in all wagering games. Hence, eSports fans can increase their wagering options by betting on table games and eSports events. This in turn can increase their chances of wins as well as engage their gaming skills.
Both casinos, as well as eSports games, are fast-paced. Though there are differences in both categories, one can play a particular title many times as well as bet on the same.
Table games are not the only category that can appeal to eSports fans. Indeed, to lure video game enthusiasts there are many slots that are designed on popular video game titles. There are titles such as Call of Duty or Tomb Raider which are based on popular video games. Slot developers design these games not only on such themes but also include elements of the video games in the gameplay. There would be bonus rounds on the video game features, characters of the games present as important slot elements, and so on. Hence, for video game enthusiasts these games are thrilling to play and wager on.
eSports Betting on Sportsbook Sites
Even if casino games do not exactly fall in the eSports category, they can surely lure eSports fans who can bet on their favorite eSports tournaments in the sportsbook sections. Most of the sportsbook websites that allow legitimate betting on eSports tournaments have casino sections as well. Hence, those who register for sports betting can easily opt to bet on casino games. This is made easy and lucrative due to attractive promo offers. When one has already registered an account on an eSports betting site, they can use the same account to bet on casino games as well. What’s more, it becomes easy to use free spin and match-up bonus offers that are common for casino games.
Being a regular member at an online casino with a sportsbook section allows one to stay tuned when eSports events occur. Many of the sites offer live streaming of eSports tournaments. Members can place in-play bets as eSports tournaments take place live. At the same time, they can also wager on other sports events. Any sports booking platform would offer eSports fans a plethora of real sports and games to bet on as well.
Conclusion
Though casino games are different from eSports, from the perspective of online betting, they can form a lucrative section in casino sites. As more and more casinos introduce sportsbook sections, these become attractive destinations for eSports fans as well. As a result, these eSports enthusiasts form another potential customer segment for online casinos. They can enjoy live streaming and betting on their favorite eSports tournaments while casino sites can gain from the additional revenue stream.
