ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GROWING POPULARITY OF CASINO GAMES WITH ESPORTS THEMES

Casino games continue to be more accessible to people worldwide, thanks to their mobile-first designs that enable people to enjoy games online on the go. However, casino operators are not just thinking about accessibility. They also care about the entertainment value of their games and have been toying with various concepts to make their games more relatable and exciting. Along this line, the top online casinos have been incorporating eSports themes in their games, which has been a huge hit with the younger generation of players. But what themes have been working wonders, and why have casinos chosen this marriage with eSports? We find out more.

The eSports and Online Casino Markets at a Glance

The affordability of smartphones, increased access to the internet, and encouragement to try various hobbies and careers have led to the growth of the eSports and online casino industries. Take eSports as an example – they allow players to compete in online and physical tournaments that pay out huge earnings to winners. By 2025, statistics showed that this market had over 600 million people, comprising both fans and players. In terms of revenue, projections show that this industry will hit about $2.5 billion in 2025 – much of this money will come from ads and sponsorships. That is not a small feat for an industry that is still in the developmental stages.

The online casino market is much bigger as it provides opportunities for players at all levels, regardless of expertise. After all, to play a game like slots, you just need time and money, as the whole outcome relies on your luck. Thanks to this ease of entry, this market has millions of players across the world, with an expected revenue of $23.5 billion in 2025. Add its CAGR of 9%, and this market is one of the most lucrative industries in the world at this time.

Statistics show that both markets will grow substantially in the next few decades, providing opportunities for game developers, players, casino operators, investors, and everyone in between.

Why Are Casinos Incorporating eSports Themes?

Casinos always have an angle when introducing anything to their platforms. For example, their use of augmented reality in the games has been a way to make the playing experience more realistic, which increases player engagement. So, why are casino operators using eSports themes in their games?

To Attract a Bigger Audience

The eSports market has over 600 million fans and players, which is quite a big market. Most of the people in this market are younger generations. They are tech-savvy, spend a lot of time on their phones, and love following trends. Casino operators know that by attracting this fan base, they can widen their market and thus rake in more revenue.

But why would eSports players or fans want to play casino games with eSports themes?

• The games are less challenging. Everyone who has been to an eSports tournament knows that winning a game takes a lot of practice as you are trying to beat other players who have been preparing for the same game for months. But casino games are not as competitive. In fact, with games like slots, players barely have to do anything – they just make a wager and wait for the outcome. And this simplicity is a huge selling point.
• The gameplay feels like an eSports game. While the skill requirements are not as high as those of eSports games, players still feel like they are competing in one. Casino operators use elements such as character-based gameplay or leaderboards to immerse players in the games.

Most of all, these games appeal to eSports fans, who are often on the sidelines watching as their favorite players make strategic moves. By playing the casino games with similar themes, they get to feel like they are the stars of the show, which helps them feel the excitement that top players usually experience each time they compete.

To Vary the Gaming Experiences

Casino games often relate to other worldly aspects in many ways. For example, a slot game can feature a holiday theme that allows people to collect presents along the way, which enables people to align with the holiday spirit even more. In the same way, casino operators know that the growing popularity of eSports has ignited interest in their existing as well as potential players.

They are thus using eSports themes to vary the playing experiences so that players can have something new and exciting to try, as this boosts their customer attraction and retention rates. After all, if people know that they can have the eSports experience at the tap of a button without practicing for months, they will embrace the idea.

Which eSports Themes are in Casino Games?

The goal behind eSports themes is to immerse a player into an alternate world that depicts existing or imagined eSports games. Below are some of the top options:

• Character-based gaming experiences – these feature characters from popular eSports games.
• Looting experiences – these allow players to get random prizes during the game.
• Tournaments – players with the main points rank in the leaderboards.
• eSports graphics and sounds – these mimic actual game settings.

Some games also allow players to be part of teams, which is like most eSports tournaments that rely on teamwork to progress in the games.