Video gaming has long passed the stage when it’s simple entertainment for teenagers: instead, it has become a multibillion industry popular globally. Professional esports tournaments changed the landscape, bringing more opportunities to players and bettors. The discipline has a powerful influence on the iGaming sector, and no one is now surprised by broad wagering opportunities. Statistics indicate that the industry boasts over 260 million users’ engagement, which is projected to grow in the following years. Moreover, millions of bettors prefer to support their favorite players and wager on their winning in online sportsbooks. What’s next for esports in the iGaming world and which innovations await us right around the corner?
Global Recognition and Broad Accessibility on All Betting Sites
For many, esports is no longer a niche market: the expanding demand for gaming tournaments held regularly. Local and international events attract a lot of attention among passionate punters on bookmaker sites. Loud competitions are often complemented by special promotions and themed games to boost user excitement. Esports is projected to become one of the mainstream betting options, alongside football, basketball, tennis, etc. Wagering on Dota 2, League of Legends, FIFA, and other less common games will be even more accessible to everyone.
Rise of In-Play Wagering
Betting opportunities are constantly evolving, and live bets are replacing traditional options, which is especially beneficial in esports. Gaming tournaments are dynamic and unpredictable, so predicting specific occurrences and match outcomes is more beneficial after users evaluate the overall landscape. Punters can already place bets on kills, particular round outcomes, and other actions during the contest, and this trend will continue to grow in the future.
International bookmakers, including the reputable OneX Bat with years of experience in the industry, are integrating innovative features to delight punters with more opportunities. Experts also anticipate changes in live-streaming: now, a limited number of online sportsbooks offer this option, but it will definitely become more widespread in line with Twitch and YouTube Gaming development.
Unique Esports Betting Markets and Types
Although esports is in many ways similar to traditional disciplines, popular betting opportunities are not always suitable to the niche. We may already witness industry-specific wagering markets, including the following:
- The first player to reach a certain number of kills
- The team that wins most rounds during the tournament
- Total headshots in the match
- The best-performing player in the game
- The first participant to achieve a certain objective
The range of betting markets is about to expand since punters search for more unique opportunities. These features will increase interest in esports predictions on bookmaker sites, as gaming lovers will be able to choose the most exciting events and bet across various markets. Online sportsbooks who will be the first to implement unique offers and strategies have the potential to quickly become industry leaders. Users are often bored with traditional betting options and search for unique opportunities to satisfy their demands in the fast-paced environment.
Changes in Regulations and Increased Consumer Protection
As esports becomes widely accepted, regulatory bodies face the need to adapt regulations to the modern market demands. Many countries already implemented betting sector legislation strictly guiding operators and punters through the industry complexities. Security measures remain the top priority, and betting sites holding licensing may encounter tighter requirements. Special attention is paid to responsible gambling measures: betting on esports is highly risky, and the possibility of unsuccessful outcomes often provokes compulsive habits among gambling fans. Tools like self-exclusions and AI-based customer behavior analysis will become more popular in the following years.
Integration of VR and AR Technologies
This innovation continues progressing, and gaming is the perfect sector to test all its features. Currently, virtual and augmented reality are not really widespread in esports betting, but they hold a huge potential for future industry development. Online sportsbooks are already working on the integration of VR and AR technologies to delight users with immersive effects from the comfort of their homes. The possibility of watching the competition in real time and interacting with other bettors adds a layer of excitement and encourages users to try their luck.
Advanced Analytics and Access to Broader Data
Traditional disciplines already provide users with the chance to track statistics and anticipated match results live: during contests, special sensors are placed on the athletes’ uniforms. The technology allows transferring data in real-time, and every punter can access match details instantly and make informed bets. More analytics tools for statistics and player performance information will become accessible to the global audience so that punters can develop their esports-specific strategies and boost winning chances.
AI-based technologies will become the central pillar of data analysis. Machine Learning is widely used in the wagering sector to quickly access large data amounts and provide comprehensive insights. More bookmakers are projected to integrate this innovation and develop its functionality. Evaluating the overall industry landscape, including individual participants’ experience, history of previous tournaments, and the latest trends is critical for success in the betting world.