Why Your Sportsbook Must Have eSports Betting
One of the major positives of online sports betting is the popularization of esports wagering. This unorthodox betting option has grown massively, attracting millions of fans globally because of its unique events, markets, and odds.
Only becoming an acknowledged betting event in 2010, eSports is now a gambling force, generating vast handles for online sportsbooks. eSports events attract millions of viewers around the globe, most of whom are young gamers and bettors.
Clearly, integrating eSports into your sportsbook is no longer optional. It is necessary, and the best time to have a working catalog is now. Thankfully, several established eSports API providers can help you establish a strong presence in the space, even as a beginner.
We discuss what eSports betting is, its rise in the online gambling industry, and how your sportsbook can maximize its untapped potential.
What is eSports
eSports, short for Electronic Sports, are professional video game sporting competitions and events. They are available in various formats, including knockout tournaments, table leagues, and one-time face-offs.
It is important to understand that these are professional tournaments where different teams/clubs with highly skilled players compete against each other. Each club has coaches and managers who train the gamers and analyze opposing teams’ tactics to gain the upper hand.
All competitions hold substantial prize money for the best performers. Also, big global brands typically sponsor events and organize adverts to gain reach with fans who love eSports.
Talking about fans, millions of viewers remotely watch these competitions and sometimes meet in physical locations to witness special contests. Even better, most of them bet on potential winners and other markets offered in sportsbooks. Popular markets include Moneyline, first blood/first kill, over/under bets, handicaps, and props/individual player performance wagers.
Teams and players compete against themselves across different games. However, the most popular shots with the most clout are Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, DOTA 2, League of Legends, and Fortnite.
The Rise of eSports and Surging Popularity
As much as we love traditional sports betting options, we can’t deny the human desire for something fresh. This need is the catalyst behind the unprecedented growth of eSports betting since entering the gambling scene. While the competitions and markets primarily appeal to adults between 19 and 35, even older gamblers are having a go.
By the end of 2024, the eSports global audience is expected to hit the 600 million mark and also reach $2 billion in valuation. So, you are looking at a billion-dollar industry that has yet to reach its peak. An active eSports section in your sportsbook will attract new bettors who are not the biggest fans of traditional sports betting. This means more revenue generation and popularity for your brand.
Why Bettors Love eSports
The massive growth of eSports since becoming a gambling option is very surprising. While expected, very few experts would have predicted this level of acceptance. We decided to find out why eSports is so popular among gamblers. The result was quite insightful and only emphasizes why your sportsbook must include eSports in its portfolio.
- Engaging Formats: Unlike traditional sports, eSports events revolve around video games, which many find entertaining. Fans love to engage with their favorite teams and players during contests. Also, the formats are quite interactive. A single tournament could have different qualification criteria that engineer distinct betting markets and keep bettors invested.
- Continuous Action With Zero Off Days: There are always contests and competitions to stake on. Bettors do not have to worry about offseasons like in most traditional sports. There is always an interesting contest to stake on most days.
- Community Driven: The majority of eSports enthusiasts are young adults who love community engagements and like to engage in digital groups that share their interest. eSports, as a competition, thrives on communities and socialization, making it naturally attractive to its target audience. Many big contests have different physical locations where fans and gamblers can come together and cheer their best teams and picks.
The Untapped Potential of eSports in Sportsbooks
Despite already significant progress in the industry, there is still a lot of untapped potential in the eSports betting sector. Expert reports confirm that eSports betting has consistently placed a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 13.1% and should control a significant share of online sports gambling at the end of the decade.
Apparently, if your sportsbook maximizes its eSports section, it will attract significant revenues. Also, the offering could serve as a means of attracting younger tech-savvy gamers to explore other traditional betting options.
You just need to have a strong eSports portfolio supported by a reliable eSports API to attract bettors. Afterwards, implement strong promotion strategies like social media marketing campaigns to reach your desired audience.
The Role of eSports Data Providers
It is vital to state that every sportsbook, including your major competitors, understands the revenue-generating value of eSports betting. There is a high chance that they already have a major eSports catalog, which means that yours need to stand out to attract bettors.
One way to create a compelling eSports brand is by hosting comprehensive diverse markets, and delivering real time updates on events. You can satisfy these crucial expectations by working with a reliable eSports API provider.
There are many eSports odds API and data feeds out there promising low information delivery latency. However, only a couple are scalable enough to meet these demands.
Read more about how to choose a data provider.
Choose Us As Your eSports Provider
LSports is one of the major API providers that walk the talk. We seamlessly integrate our solution into your sportsbook and offer a 0-1 second latency information delivery rate. Your sportsbook gets information on events as they happen, giving you the luxury of quickly adjusting your odds to match realistic expectations.
Here is a list of our popular esports API games:
Even better is the BPS, our special solution that shows you your competitors’ real-time odds and markets. This insight can inspire you to set more competitive odds that match or surpass what your competitors offer.