Like it or not, betting is coming to your favorite game, and it will be here sooner rather than later. More importantly, the worlds of eSports and betting are moving closer to matrimony. Even in the USA, the reigning third world of sports gambling, there is a push to allow eSports betting. A move of this nature, could potentially open the door for other sports, already legal elsewhere across the world. Using the UK iGaming market, where  as a model, it’s not difficult to see how big this opportunity could be –

image courtesy of Droid Slots 

Here are three reasons eSports gambling is here to stay:

• a new gateway…eSports is not a niche; it is generational…sports and eSports are moving closer together (partnership examples)…great crossover opportunities on both side…sports gambling crossing over into eSports gambling and vice versa — eSports represents a global shift towards a new form of entertainment, media and competition. An entire generation has grown up immersed in gaming culture and there’s no denying its effects.  varsity sports, college scholarships, etc. an entire generation of children will grow up playing and watching eSports.

o digital playing field ripe for integration with wagering: examples of startups building wagering into competitive gaming. growing association with digital competition and claiming wages. huge implications for iGaming. skill based wagering against “house” will be common…goodbye slot machines.

o truly international: Big events across the world, year round. Exciting prize pools. LCS example of EU, Asia and NA…very close to 24/7 coverage…number of eSports will continue to rise