Thanks to internet connectivity and the video game boom of the past few decades, online casinos have become a reality. Gamblers from around the world can now dive into slot machines, sit on virtual poker tables, and play other casino favorites, like baccarat and roulette. Moreover, thanks to the development of live video calls, live blackjack and poker tables with real dealers are now the norm.

Esports is another growing industry. In a nutshell, it’s generally referred to as a type of competition using video games, taking the form of organized multiplayer tournaments. Professional teams or individual players may compete in MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) games like DOTA 2, shooters like Fortnite and CS: GO, and strategy classics like Starcraft.

Both worlds are inherently different, but in recent years, they’re starting to move closer together. This leads us to ask, why is this so? Let’s take a deep look:

Esports betting

It’s no secret that esports is incredibly massive. If there’s one thing gamers love to do, it’s to have fun and compete, proving their skill in multiplayer battles. Why not hold and join competitions to rise above the rest? Esports competitions vary, and they range from games like DOTA 2, Overwatch, CS: GO, League of Legends, and Hearthstone. The competing teams and individuals have enormous fanbases, which, in turn, make them a lucrative target for sponsorships. You’ll almost always see renowned video game brands acting as sponsors for these teams, promoting their merchandise to a niche yet large audience.

How does esports relate to online casinos and gambling? Well, it’s fairly simple: esports is now part of the sports booking menu. It also helps that many online casinos also double as sports betting institutions. When you check out bookmakers in https://smartbettingguide.com/, you’ll almost always see an esports section where bettors can see the odds and place bets on their favorite teams. Furthermore, this has grown in the past couple of years due to the pandemic because many sports events around the world had to be canceled. The numbers are projected to go higher; Market Insight Reports that it could grow up to $13 billion by 2025.

All things considered, the rise of esports has opened up a new and profitable frontier for sports bettors and online casinos.

Created by renowned and practiced game developers

Not all games in online casinos consist of live dealers. A large majority are essentially video games created by well-known developers who have had experience creating these games for decades. Some of the best names include Microgaming, NetEnt, and Amatic. If you’ve seen someone playing a slot machine game online, it’s likely created by one of the abovementioned developers.

Meanwhile, the same can be said about esports. Many of the games played are created by renowned billion-dollar AAA studios. They’re more popular than their casino game developer counterparts, but both are practiced hands and minds who know what they’re doing. Many of these games take dozens, perhaps hundreds, of creative minds to fully create.

Can online casinos target esports fans?

Would it be a good idea for online casinos to target esports fans? In a way, yes. Though it could be an arduous endeavor to persuade a CS: GO fan to play a slot machine game, you’ll have an easier time convincing them to place a wager on their favorite team. Moreover, the general target audience demographic has similarities; sports betting and online casino players are usually composed of males, similar to adult esports fans. A study once showed that online gamblers are between ages 18-39, the same demographic as adult gamers and esports fans.

Online casinos can also connect with esports fans by holding something similar to esports tournaments. They can put up online poker tournaments, blackjack competitions, and even something akin to a slot machine Grand Prix where the players with the most winnings will get the lion’s share of the entire pot. In addition, casinos can also try their hand at sponsorships to get esports audiences aware of their existence and availability to place wagers.

Conclusion

Overall, online casinos and esports are two worlds we never thought may cross over, but now, lines are starting to get blurred. It’s going in a good direction: avid sports betters and gamblers are taking interest in esports and video games, while gamers and esports fans are starting to foray into the world of sports betting and online casinos.