Sports betting is no longer confined to green fields or colossal stadiums. It’s hopped onto digital screens through the power of pixels and code. But how are they different?
In the left corner, there’s traditional sports betting, with the aroma of turf in the air and the familiar sound of cheering of fans. In the right corner is esports betting, boasting flashy avatars with the same electrifying energy of online casino games.
As these two heavyweights square off in the betting ring, a single question arises. What does this mean for you, the bettor?
The Meteoric Rise of Esports
Spectator sports and sports betting have been around since ancient times — from the Roman Colosseum to the horse races of Victorian England. Fast forward to the 21st century, and society is witnessing a new phenomenon in the world of sports and betting — esports.
Thanks to a new generation of tech-savvy gamers and the explosion of online gaming platforms, esports is now worth $1.1 billion, with an audience of 495 million global fans.
What Are Esports Exactly?
So, what are esports games? Esports, also known as electronic sports, is a rapidly growing industry where pro gamers compete individually or in teams. Games can be recreational or part of tournaments worth millions.
Imagine that — turning your gaming hobby into a full-fledged career. Gaming conventions like BlizzCon, DreamHack, and the Electronic Sports World Convention give talented individuals the platform and opportunity to transform their passion into viable professions.
What Kinds of Esports Games Are Available?
Esports is the ultimate playground for gaming enthusiasts. From real-time strategy games that test your strategic thinking and resource management to heart-pounding first-person shooter games that challenge your reflexes and precision and action-packed multiplayer online battle arena games that bring team-based battles to the virtual arena, the options are numerous.
Whether you enjoy StarCraft’s intricate strategies, Call of Duty’s fast-paced action, or the team dynamics in League of Legends, there’s an esports game for everyone.
What Makes Esports So Appealing
Unlike traditional sports, esports transcends geographical barriers and emphasizes strategy and coordination over physical prowess. This means gamers from all walks of life are able to participate (or spectate) from the comfort of their own homes. Esports is also a largely inclusive industry that people with mental and physical disabilities can participate in.
This rise in popularity is what caught the attention of the online casino and betting industry, giving birth to esports betting.
The Intricacies of Esports Betting
Esports betting is more complex than it seems. You need a good grasp of the game you’re betting on, the teams, and the styles of each player. Similar to studying a traditional sports team, you must analyze strategies, player performance, and gaming trends to place successful bets.
Key Differences Between Esports and Traditional Sports Betting
Esports and traditional sports betting are fundamentally different because of the nature of the games.
Traditional sports betting is well-established, with decades of stats and trends to analyze. Whereas esports are ever-evolving, with dynamics changing overnight.
In traditional sports, bets are based on quantifiable metrics such as the number of goals or points scored. Esports, on the other hand, have more specific, game-related parameters. For instance, bets can be placed on which team draws first blood (gets the first kill in the game,) the team that destroys the first tower, or even the number of kills a particular player scores.
There are also differences in the demographics between the two. Esports appeals to a younger, digitally-skilled crowd who are deeply familiar with the games and engage by playing and watching live streams.
Placing Bets in Esports
While traditional sports betting focuses on physical performances and measurable results, the limitless potential of esports opens the medium up to a broader spectrum of betting scenarios.
And it’s this flexibility and diversity of betting options that’s partly to thank for attracting a new generation.
Here are some of the most popular bets you can make.
Match Winner/Series Winner Bets
You can bet on the match winner and predict the winning team of a specific match. You can also bet on the team you think will win the entire series.
Love the thrill of the game? Try the First Blood bet by predicting which team gets the first kill.
Prop Bets
If you’d prefer specific wagering, prop bets are your best bet. You can place wagers on things like the player with the highest kill count or the team that takes down the first tower.
Over/Under Bets
And for bettors who like to predict numbers, over/under bets let you wager on total points, kills, or other game objectives above or below a certain number.
Esports Betting Tips
If you’re new to the world of esports betting, here are a few valuable tips to get you started on the right track:
- Take the time to understand the game you’re betting on.
- Study the teams and players, their past performance, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Finally, stick to a budget. Just like all other forms of gambling, it’s essential to bet within your means.
As esports gain popularity, betting in this new frontier is an exciting experience for gamers and bettors alike. Whether you prefer traditional sports betting or are exploring esports, remember to bet responsibly and enjoy yourself.
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