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The world of eSports has risen considerably during the past decade. We are now at the start of a new decade, and what is to come for this industry?
Signs look positive, and much of that could be down to the betting industry, something that eSports as a whole has grown closer to in the last few years.
Could we see them ride on the tails of the hugely popular online betting industry to gain more exposure, perhaps some new sponsorship deals and more viewers? It looks plausible, and the betting industry won’t mind it either.
How eSports and Bookmakers are Already Coming Together
A decade ago, eSports and betting hadn’t really found each other. There was minimal choice for those looking to bet on eSports, but things have grown at a rapid rate since then.
Now we have more bookmakers offering odds, more events to bet on, and more betting markets on every event that takes place.
Those three have combined together to provide a very good eSports betting platform that users can place their wagers on.
We have individual map and battle betting on selected games, handicap betting, overall win betting and much more. You are no longer tied to one betting market when you are placing your bets and rooting for a team to win.
The odds on eSports betting markets were often quite poor with large overrounds attached to them. Due to the number of bookmakers now offering odds, this is no longer the case.
Instead, these are competitive markets that are accurately priced and that give those using them a fair crack at trying to win some money.
What Can Bookmakers Do for eSports in the Future?
There are two new features we have seen implemented by the bookmakers, and these together can form the future of eSports betting and make it a whole lot better.
These are live streaming and in play betting. With in play betting, those logging on and looking for a wager are going to see eSports available to bet on. With a live stream, they are more likely to choose it as they can watch their bets unfold.
This is all going to help convert new fans and potentially get them tuning in again, regardless of whether they bet or not.
Even if it is through a bookmaker, the more that people can see this sport, the more chance it has of growing. With betting in the USA on the rise, this is only going to open eSports bookmaker streams up to even more people.
With growth comes more events, more sponsors and more exposure for the stars that are taking the gaming world by storm. This is all needed for eSports to move to the next level.
eSports Betting for Beginners
Despite not being a conventional betting sport, eSports is something that you can bet on with ease.
There are many betting markets you can use, but most of these are simple markets that have been taken from elsewhere.
For example, individual map and battle games are just like betting on individual games of football, while handicap betting exists as it does with many sports. Outright betting is like choosing a league winner overall, these are all easy to understand for someone who already places bets.
The range of bookmakers accepting bets also makes it easier for beginners. A list can be found at www.freebets.co.uk and with many big names now involved, eSports betting continues to grow in credibility.
It is possible that those who are fans of eSports haven’t placed a bet before at all. Things aren’t too complicated to begin with, and as you progress there are many betting markets available to discover.
Can eSports Land on Mainstream TV?
The big way for eSports to add credibility and appeal to the masses would be to land a mainstream TV deal.
This could be on a regular TV station or a sports broadcaster, but either way, adding this and having a big name offering live coverage would be the next logical step.
For sports TV in particular, having a solid relationship with the bookmakers and good feedback about their streaming numbers would certainly help.
These people are all in the same industry, something being live on TV is good for bookmakers, so if they feel it is worth it then of course we would see them pushing for this.
We’ve seen eSports on TV in the past, but nothing huge at prime time on a big station. This could be the gamechanger that makes this industry appeal to the masses and should be where the focus is now.
