Between eSports and a little bit of luck: with an eye on the gambling boom

It is no news that electronic sports, better known as eSports, have won the hearts of millions of people in recent years. What started as a garage competition between friends is now a colossus that knows no bounds, and even more so when combined with the gambling industry.

That is why, in this article, we will analyse the reasons for this boom, as well as trends and tips for gambling fans in this sector.

Understanding A, B, C: from one house to the world

If we think about the reason behind the rise of eSports betting, we cannot fail to mention the global popularity of eSports, which has grown from a niche activity to a mass phenomenon with millions of followers. Games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, CS:GO and Fortnite have captured the attention of diverse and engaged audiences who give their all and more for their favourite teams and players. In addition, the democratisation of the internet has allowed people from all over the world to join the community, with constant access to events via platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, facilitating real-time betting and therefore increasing viewer excitement.

Finally, bookmakers have responded by adapting their platforms, offering intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. And, hand in hand with the development of mobile applications that can be used anytime, anywhere, it is not surprising that this market has been boosted.

Analysing betting trends for 2024

Live or real-time betting has gained enormous popularity in the world of eSports. This type of betting allows users to make predictions during the course of a match or competition, based on the unfolding of events in real time. For example, in a CS:GO match, bettors can predict who will win a specific round or which player will get the next elimination. This increases the level of interaction and excitement for spectators, who can adjust their strategies as the game unfolds.

Another notable trend is the rise of skin betting and fantasy leagues. In skin betting, players wager virtual items, such as skins or skins for in-game characters or weapons, instead of real money. This type of betting has been particularly popular in games such as CS:GO, where skins have a significant value within the community.

On the other hand, eSports fantasy leagues allow users to create their own virtual teams and compete against each other based on the performance of real players, similar to fantasy leagues in traditional sports such as football.

It's a fact: Racers also pay

As the title says, there are times when casino and betting operators also pay participants: with bonuses and promotions. Some of the most popular of these are mentioned below.

• Welcome bonuses are one of the most common incentives that online casinos offer to attract new users. These are usually a percentage of the user's first deposit, doubling or even tripling the amount available to wager. If you are interested in taking advantage of these unique offers, reputable sites like AskGamblers are the best allies.
• Free bets are another popular type of bonus among eSports betting platforms. These offer users the opportunity to make plays without risking their own money. While winnings from these are often subject to specific withdrawal conditions, they are a great way for punters to experiment with different markets and strategies.
• Reload bonuses are similar to welcome bonuses, but are offered to existing users as an incentive to make additional deposits. These are usually percentage reload bonuses, which increase a punter's available balance. They are particularly useful for regular punters looking to maximise their bankroll.

But... What are the competitions with the most potential?

If we were to think of the top 3 competitions that attract the most punters, it would go something like this.

1. The International is one of the most prestigious eSports tournaments with the biggest prize pools in the industry, which makes it an attraction for bettors. Every year, millions of dollars are put on the table at this event, where the best Dota 2 teams in the world compete for glory.
2. The League of Legends World Championship is another major event in the eSports calendar. This tournament attracts a massive global audience, with high stakes participation due to the popularity of the game and the quality of the teams competing.
3. Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) in Katowice is one of the most prominent tournaments on the CS:GO circuit. The intense competition and reputation of the event make it a prime target for bettors, who enjoy predicting the outcome of this high-profile event.

So you know: the rise in eSports betting reflects the evolution of the eSports industry and its integration into global popular culture. As the sector continues to grow, we are likely to see even more advances in betting options and further formalisation of the market, cementing eSports as a central pillar in the entertainment industry.