The divide between esports and casinos has been crumbling with incredible speed, so much so that physical locations like Las Vegas have taken on the concept of hosting esports arenas while esports betting sites offer access to casino titles.
As the gaming industry finally bounces back to life after pandemic lockdowns, it’s no surprise that the upcoming sector of esports has been identified as a potential gold mine. Read on to learn more about this fusion between long-time classics and the modern way of playing.
The Merge of Casinos & Esports: Real-World Examples
Combining esports and brick-and-mortar casinos is revolutionizing gaming, as seen with betting sites like https://ggbet24.com/en/casino which feature not only esports events but also traditional casino games.
Even as the pandemic takes its toll on the gambling business, casinos have seen fit to capitalize on the esports market for a potential infusion of young gamers. The notion of combining the two industries isn’t something new, having been in the works for a few years prior, yet it has only taken root since the pandemic began. Here are some real-life examples that clarify how the integration of these two varied spaces has been taking shape.
HyperX Esports Arena
Back in 2017, Allied Esports and Esports Arena really made a splash when they announced their grand vision for a fully-dedicated esports arena in the heart of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. As of now, the extraordinary HyperX Esports Arena has become a reality, taking up residence at the Luxor Hotel & Casino. Spanning an impressive 30,000 square feet and boasting an inviting atmosphere, gamers everywhere will surely find plenty of activities to enjoy at this unique venue.
Unikrn x MGM Resorts
Later in 2017, a blockchain-based esports sportsbook Unikrn joined forces with MGM Resorts International to launch live competitive gaming and esports contests at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. As a result of this deal, gamers and spectators have been bombarded with unprecedented access to top-tier fixtures in the heart of Sin City.
GGBet x Bayes Esports
Berlin’s Bayes Esports, a leading provider of esports data, recently announced an expansion of its partnership with GG.Bet, a prominent casino and sports betting platform. As part of the new deal, Bayes Esports will provide GG.Bet with live match data for three of the most popular esports titles: LoL, CS:GO, and Dota 2.
GameCo x GRID
Another exciting example of esports and data analytics coming together is the collaboration between GRID and GameCo. By integrating GRID’s esports data and streaming solution into GameCo’s Video Game Machines (VGM) and partner casinos – both physical and online – the companies are able to enhance their technology offerings and attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic.
Esports Betting Continues to Thrive
A recent study by Business Research Insights reveals that the global esports betting market is set to grow rapidly, with an estimated value of $24.19 billion by 2028 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. This growth is partly attributed to the surge in esports betting during the pandemic, when other gambling sectors declined.
To capitalize on this trend, bookmakers are quickly forming strategic alliances with esports organizations. For example, in 2019, Team Liquid, a leading esports organization, partnered with the online bookmaker Betway. The collaboration not only involved sponsorships and advertising deals but also aimed to promote responsible gambling among esports fans.
These figures suggest that esports betting is becoming a formidable industry that offers both entertainment and financial gains. As the market continues to grow, we can expect to see more such partnerships between esports and gambling firms.
What’s Next?
As the esports industry continues to grow and evolve, the importance of data and technology cannot be overstated. Companies like GRID are using cutting-edge AI and machine learning to provide real-time analysis and live betting markets.
And as the world becomes more decentralized, BetDex is leading the way with its global decentralized sports betting exchange powered by the Monaco Protocol (Solana-based exchange portal). Without any doubt, it is an exciting time for the iGaming industry, and we can’t wait to see what innovations and partnerships will emerge in the years to come.