What is esports?
Esports, or electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming where professional players or teams compete in various video game titles. Esports tournaments and leagues are held worldwide, often involving large audiences both online and in-person, with millions of fans following events, especially for popular games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2.
How does esports work?
Esports operates similarly to traditional sports leagues, with structured competitions, teams, sponsors, and prize pools. Players train extensively to master their games, and competitions are often organized in tiers, including local, regional, and international events. Most games have dedicated esports leagues or organizations to govern these competitions, ensuring standardized rules and fair play.
Why is esports important in the iGaming industry?
The popularity of esports has significant implications for the iGaming industry as it provides new avenues for betting, audience engagement, and revenue generation. Many iGaming platforms offer betting on esports matches, drawing in younger audiences who may not engage with traditional sports betting. Esports betting also allows brands to diversify their offerings and tap into a fast-growing, tech-savvy market segment.
Examples of esports in iGaming.
- Esports tournaments with betting options: Events like the League of Legends World Championship or the Dota 2 International often attract significant betting interest, providing platforms with increased user activity during these tournaments.
- In-game betting and micro-betting: Users can place wagers on specific in-game events, such as which team will score first or achieve a specific milestone, making esports betting dynamic and engaging.
Advantages of incorporating esports.
- Market expansion: Esports betting allows brands to reach new demographics, especially younger users interested in gaming.
- Increased engagement: Esports tournaments provide regular events for betting, which increases user engagement on platforms.
- Higher retention: The consistent stream of events throughout the year gives platforms frequent opportunities to engage their user base.
Tips for using esports in the iGaming industry.
For iGaming brands:
- Offer a range of betting options on popular esports events to attract users interested in competitive gaming.
- Track esports event schedules and player/team stats to provide data-driven insights, enhancing user experience.
- Promote responsible gambling by setting betting limits, particularly as esports appeals to a younger demographic that may be new to betting.
For players:
- Engage with platforms that provide a variety of esports betting options, focusing on events with the highest viewership and prize pools for the best experience.
- Look for special promotions on esports events, which can enhance your betting value and provide a richer experience.