SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Daria Petrus, Business Development Team Lead at BetInvest, tracks developments in esports, notably the rapid rise in betting on a genre that’s set to be worth nearly $12bn by the end of this decade.
Once a niche interest, esports has rapidly transformed into a global phenomenon, capturing the attention of millions. In 2022, the worldwide esports market grew to be worth $1.7bn, and is expected to jump to a remarkable $11.94bn by 2030.
This rapid increase shows how much people worldwide love competitive gaming. Esports is not just a fleeting trend; it’s a cultural force with an impressive 15.7% year-over-year revenue increase, according to insights from Newzoo.
As the world sees esports rise, an exciting part is happening: esports betting is becoming increasingly popular. The intersection of technology, fandom, and wagering is reshaping the sports betting landscape. In this article, we’ll explore the trends guiding the future of esports betting.
Current landscape of esports betting
The esports betting landscape is navigating a dynamic and expansive terrain marked by substantial growth and gaming titles that captivate enthusiasts internationally.
The global esports betting market has witnessed a substantial surge, with a market size valued at $0.9bn in 2020, a notable increase to $1.2bn in 2021, and a further ascent to $1.7bn in 2022. These statistics show that esports is becoming more and more influential, highlighting its growing importance as a global industry.
Esports betting thrives on the popularity of key gaming titles that have evolved into virtual arenas for players and betting enthusiasts alike. Notable among these titles are:
- NBA 2K: As a virtual rendition of basketball, NBA 2K has emerged as a prominent esports title, attracting players and bettors.
- FC Series: The FC series, capturing the essence of the world’s most beloved sport, football, stands as a cornerstone for esports betting, resonating with a global fanbase.
- NHL: Translating the intensity of ice hockey into the virtual domain, the NHL esports scene has secured its place as a significant player in the esports betting landscape.
These titles are focal points for esports betting, fostering a rich ecosystem of wagers and engagements. The current landscape, marked by expanding market size and a selection of gaming titles, forms the foundation for an engaging and ever-evolving esports betting experience.
The unique CLA EuroCup tournament
Betinvest recognises the immense potential of the esports market and has a long-standing collaboration with CyberLiveArena. CLA has established itself as a professional esports league created by various industry veterans to provide competitive esports gaming.
One of the standout offerings from CyberLiveArena is the unique CLA EuroCup tournament, featuring compelling competitions in eFootball and eBasketball. This tournament unfolds in three distinctive stages:
1.Qualifying Competitions:
The journey begins with two weeks of qualifying competitions from Monday to Friday. The top 4 winners from these qualifiers proceed to the next stage, setting the phase for intense battles.
2.Group Stage:
The action continues with the Group Stage, which takes place on Saturdays once every two weeks. The first and second positions in the group advance to the upper bracket, while the rest find themselves in the lower bracket of the playoffs.
3.Playoffs or Final Six:
Sundays become the battleground for the playoffs in eFootball and Final Six in eBasketball, which occur twice a week. Twelve skilled players enter the fray, culminating in a single winner emerging.
What sets CLA EuroCup apart is the variety of titles — efootball and ebasketball — and its scale, hosting an impressive 1800 esports events monthly. The league caters to a global audience, with coverage from 11:00 PM to 6:30 AM, accommodating enthusiasts across different time zones.
In addition, Betinvest collaborates with the professional Esport Pro Club league, known for organizing competitions in niche esports titles such as ebasketball Euroleague, efutsal, and ecricket. For those interested in the European or Asia Minor market, Betinvest, together with EPC, offers an impressive 4,650 events monthly, ensuring 24/7 coverage.
Emerging trends in esports betting
Esports betting is undergoing exciting shifts, reflecting the industry’s evolution and growing popularity. Let’s explore the current trends of esports betting, where cutting-edge developments are shaping the future.
Continued Growth and Innovation
The trajectory of esports betting suggests a path of sustained growth and continual innovation. With a surge in global interest, the market is poised to expand further, driven by technological advancements and the introduction of novel betting experiences.
Move towards mobile esports betting
Betting on mobile esports is increasing, and this trend is expected to continue. People can now easily make real-time bets from anywhere using their smartphones. Mobile platforms will likely enhance features, ensuring a seamless and engaging betting experience.
Live streaming
“Live” content takes center stage in 2023, enhancing the competitive gaming experience. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming provide a space for live streaming of tournaments, captivating audiences eager to immerse themselves in the action and interact with streamers. Live streaming will remain a cornerstone of esports betting, with platforms exploring new ways to enhance viewer engagement. Interactive features, personalised content, and improved streaming technologies could further elevate the thrill of real-time betting experiences.
A variety of betting options
The esports betting market offers diverse options, from straightforward match-win bets to complex accumulators and handicaps. This diversity allows bettors to explore various strategies, adding a dynamic element to the experience.
Sponsorship and investment
Esports betting opens doors for sponsorships and investments, fostering collaborations between betting operators and esports teams, tournaments, and leagues. More money coming in helps players and teams grow, making the esports world even more successful.
Rise of new esports titles
As the esports ecosystem evolves, new game titles will likely emerge, attracting a fresh wave of betting interest. Diversifying available titles could provide bettors with a broader range of options, catering to different gaming preferences.
In the ever-evolving esports betting, Betinvest leads the way by embracing and supporting industry advancements. Offering reliable odds, captivating live streams, and comprehensive statistics for every tournament, Betinvest ensures your platform remains at the forefront of the evolving esports betting landscape with exclusive content solutions.
Conclusion
Esports betting has evolved from a niche interest to a global phenomenon, projected to reach $11.94bn by 2030. This dynamic industry, fueled by technology and gaming, has created a unique space in sports betting.
Now is the opportune moment to thrive in the promising niche of esports betting. In collaboration with CLA EuroСup, Betinvest invites you to elevate your sportsbook portfolio with unique content solutions that captivate your audience and increase profits.
