Anyone familiar with the layout of sports betting sites will have noticed, over recent years, the arrival of eSports as a niche within the betting sector. This is something that has happened largely seamlessly; there is a market for watching, playing, and talking about eSports, so naturally, there is a market for betting on them through the gaming markets like those listed here and elsewhere. Betting sites aren’t going to turn down money on the table, and therefore they’re going to be happy to accept stakes from the eSports community.
However, if you’re not big into eSports, where is the attraction? This is a question that will be asked and is worth seeking an answer for. To explain why think of it this way. If you are a soccer fan first and foremost, you probably still know enough about the sport to be able to recognize Tom Brady or know that Novak Djokovic is the top tennis player in the world. The chances are smaller – but growing – that you can name a leading eSports team or organization. So why should you take an interest in eSports?
They’re often treated as a specialist betting vertical
Depending on where you bet, eSports are potentially considered a separate kind of sport from tennis, football, rugby, and so on. So far, so straightforward. But consider for a moment that in treating eSports as a separate vertical, some bookmakers will have specific bonuses for them that mean you can augment your income. Some bookmakers are even eSport specialists dedicated to showcasing only the digitized form of sport. It’s a whole other way to do betting, so if you want to diversify your bankroll, learning about eSport is a smart move.
There are fewer intangibles to factor in
You might be confident betting on the LA Rams to beat the Cleveland Browns in an NFL matchup in the abstract. But what if it starts snowing an hour before the game? What if the wind picks up? What if the Rams’ starting QB tweaks a shoulder muscle in the warmup? Betting on sports is a game of judgment until such time as something happens to throw all that planning in the air. If you bet on eSports, it doesn’t matter if there are hailstones the size of Pilates balls falling outside – all the action happens indoors, so what you know stays relevant.
It is extremely online
eSports are inherently modern and connected. As a form of sport that was essentially born into the online age, no sport is more online than eSports. That means some good things for bettors. For one thing, there will always be a lot of content about an event you’re betting on – eSports are extensively covered, and national/international events are easy to find information for. Another benefit is that someone will be streaming the event, whatever it is, so you’ll be able to follow it live. That means you can track your bets and learn a lot faster to help make better bets in the future.
