Is eSports Betting Going to Surpass Online Casinos in Popularity

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the gambling scene, you’ve probably noticed the rise of esports betting. To be honest, even people in the field couldn’t believe the popularity that these events get, which often surpass real-world sports.

It seems like every other day you hear about a new tournament with millions of views and betting markets that are going bonkers!

At the same time, we are witnessing the rise of online gambling. Yes, this isn’t something new, but the online gambling industry is still evolving, and I think we still haven’t seen its final form.

So, on the one hand, we have a newly developed industry with a bright future and an exponential rise in a short period, and on the other hand, we have a not-so-new industry that is dominating the scene.

The question is, with such a meteoric rise of eSports, is it possible that this industry surpasses the good old traditional online betting?

Let’s find out.

The New Kid on The Block – eSports

I don’t think that eSports is just another trend that will come and go. We are talking about an industry that we still don’t know the potential of.

But how did eSports become so relevant? Well, the answer is simple! Popularity!

eSports tournaments always had that open approach, where all the content is available online and for free. So, people (gamers) watched these tournaments in such high numbers that they started to generate a lot of revenue.

This industry skyrocketed during the pandemic, when actual sports were put on hold, while eSports tournaments were going at full speed.

But let’s talk numbers. The eSports betting market (which isn’t actually developed fully yet), is projected to reach $3 billion by 2028. That’s an eyewatering number, that nobody believed it is possible. The annual growth rate in developed regions like North America and China is more than 14%.

That’s not chump change—it’s a clear signal that esports betting is here to stay.

But let’s not jump the gun. Online casinos are no slouches either. The global online casino market is projected to hit around $150 billion by 2027, and it’s growing at a steady clip​.

However, the value of the online gambling market is one thing, and the popularity and value of the industry is another. Yes, they may be related, but just because online casinos get more bets, it doesn’t mean that more people are interested in playing casino games.

So, while esports betting is booming, it’s still got some ground to cover if it wants to dethrone online casinos.

Why the Esports Betting Boom?

So, what’s driving this massive popularity? – Well it is not only tied to one thing. Instead, we have multiple factors that act like the pillars of growth for the eSports industry.

First off, the demographic shift is a big deal. The average age of an esports spectator is around 26 years old—prime time for digital engagement and, let’s face it, spending money on bets​. Compare that to the greying audience of traditional sports, and it’s easy to see why esports has such a strong pull.

The younger generation is particularly drawn to esports betting. They grew up with video games and are naturally inclined to bet on something they understand deeply. Plus, the thrill of betting on a live match of "League of Legends" or "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive" is a unique experience that traditional casino games just can't replicate.

Then there’s the community aspect. Esports betting platforms have nailed the art of engaging their audience. Forget the old-school tactics of free bets and match bonuses; esports betting thrives on humor, memes, and inside jokes. It’s a digital-first approach that resonates deeply with its audience​

The Current State of Online Casinos

Now, don't get me wrong—online casinos aren't going anywhere. In fact, they're thriving. The online casino market was valued at around $63 billion in 2022 and is expected to keep growing. Slots, poker, and blackjack are still massively popular, especially with older demographics who prefer traditional gambling​.

Plus we have the newly added game designs, technologies, and regulation changes that make online casinos more available than ever before. Plus, sites like OC88 casino, include a ton of games, they are available in many countries and optimized for mobile and PC.

However, online casinos are not standing still. They're integrating more innovative features like live dealer games, virtual reality, and even esports betting to stay competitive. This blend of old and new might just be enough to keep them in the game, but they are definitely feeling the pressure from the rise of esports.

What’s Fueling the Esports Betting Boom?

You might be wondering, what’s so special about esports betting? Well, it's all about engagement. Unlike traditional sports, esports offers a more immersive experience. For example, platforms like BetOnline and Bovada don’t just let you place a bet; they also let you watch the match live, interact with other bettors, and even analyze real-time stats to make informed decisions​.

Moreover, esports betting covers a wide range of markets. Whether you’re into first-blood bets in "Dota 2" or point spreads in "NBA 2K," there’s something for everyone. This variety keeps bettors coming back for more.

Will Esports Betting Surpass Online Casinos?

So, here’s the million-dollar question: Will esports betting outshine online casinos? The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think.

Esports betting is growing rapidly, but it still has some hurdles to overcome, like regulatory challenges and market fragmentation. Different countries have different laws, and in some places, esports betting is still a gray area. On the flip side, online casinos are well-established, with clear regulations in most regions, which makes them a safer bet (pun intended).

However, as the younger, tech-savvy generation ages, they might shift their betting habits away from traditional casino games to esports. This demographic shift could very well tip the scales in favor of esports betting in the next decade.