How esports and online casinos are attracting a new generation of gamblers

The worlds of esports and online gambling are growing all the time – both have large, global audiences. While esports has transformed competitive gaming into a global phenomenon, online casinos have evolved into a high-tech experience that goes far beyond traditional brick-and-mortar establishments and machines where people have to physically spin the reels and wheels.

Though they may seem like separate worlds, esports and online casinos share many similarities and operate in some of the same spaces. They both appeal to tech-savvy players and use cutting-edge tech to keep audiences engaged.

As these industries continue to grow, their overlapping audiences and even some strategic partnerships are shaping a new era of gambling and attracting new gamers who have more interest in modern, high-tech gaming.

Changing tech means evolving gaming

Both esports and online casinos are heavily dependent on technology, and this plays a huge role in their ability to attract new audiences. It also impacts the kinds of games that are available.

These industries have evolved alongside advancements in digital entertainment. A casino or esports game that doesn’t embrace the newest technology, such as new devices, is likely to get left by the wayside.

More choice and coverage

One reason why so many people are choosing to play both esports and casino games is the amount of choice that is on offer, as well as the mobile coverage that provides people with more opportunities to play when they are on the move.

Some countries have historically had slower internet speeds, but new generations of mobile data and internet speeds means that people now have more options to access these games, even if they are demanding. The internet speed in New Zealand grew by 500% between 2015 and 2022, which means that the prospect of playing online games like pokies has become much easier for people – even if they are in rural places.

Live streaming and interactive platforms

The rise of live-streaming technology has changed how people engage with both gaming and gambling. Esports tournaments are now watched by millions through streaming platforms – some of the LoL (League of Legends) 2024 tournaments attracted a viewership of almost 7 million! This allows fans to interact and follow their favorite teams in real time and be on top of the latest drama and shakeups within rosters of their favorite orgs.

Online casinos have embraced a similar model and many offer live dealer games that replicate the feel of a real casino while letting players participate from anywhere. The ability to watch and interact with dealers or other players in real time has made online gambling more social and immersive than ever before.

Mobile-first accessibility

Both industries have made significant efforts to optimize for mobile. Esports competitions are frequently played on mobile devices, and online casinos have shifted toward mobile-friendly interfaces that allow people to play on the go. This convenience has helped attract a growing number of users who prefer quick access to their favorite games without needing a PC or console, or who are away from their home and still wish to play.

Esports betting and the rise of competitive gaming

One of the clearest links between esports and online casinos is the growing esports betting market. As esports have become more competitive, an increasing number of sportsbooks and casino operators have introduced betting options on major tournaments.

This has allowed some traditional sports bettors as well as gaming fans to transition into esports wagering, and has created a whole new category of gambling entertainment. People can bet on match outcomes or in-game objectives, as esports betting works a lot like traditional sports betting. Events like Valorant Masters have grown massively and attract not just viewers but also sponsors.

At the same time, esports organizations have recognized the financial potential of gambling partnerships. Many professional gaming events have seen sponsorship deals with online casinos and betting companies. This has increased the links between competitive gaming and gambling, and potentially boosted both industries.

How sponsorships work in esports and online casinos

Sponsorships are big in all sports and esports are no different, and even the online casino industry has embraced some sponsorship methods via social media and streamers:

• Esports teams and tournament sponsorships – Just as traditional sports teams have partnerships with betting companies, esports organizations have formed deals with gambling brands, bringing betting opportunities to gaming audiences.
• Online casino sponsorships in gaming content – Some gambling brands collaborate with game streamers and influencers, integrating their services into gaming culture.
• Cross-promotional offers – Some online casinos offer promotions tailored to esports fans, such as special betting odds on major tournaments or rewards for betting on esports matches.

What the future holds

Obviously, the simple answer is that we don’t really know what the future holds, but all the evidence points to games going in one direction!

Esports and online casinos will likely continue merging in new ways and some trends are expected to grow:

• More immersive betting experiences – Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) could deliver more interactive forms of esports betting and casino gaming.
• Expansion of blockchain technology – Many online casinos and esports betting platforms are exploring crypto-based transactions and blockchain security features to enhance security and trust. Some esports tournaments already pay their prizes in crypto.
• Deeper integrations between gaming and gambling – Expect to see more gaming elements introduced into online casinos, and casino branding in competitive gaming spaces.

The connection between these two industries isn’t slowing down. Instead, their shared audience and overlapping interests will likely lead to even greater collaboration in the future. The Venn diagram of people being interested in these two areas seems to have a lot of crossovers and the growth trajectory has also been relatively similar.

Conclusion

Esports and online casinos may seem relatively different, but their similarities have made them natural partners in the gaming and gambling landscape. With technology-driven experiences being at the heart of both, they have created new opportunities for engagement across both industries. Technology is playing a huge part in the growth of these industries, and a new generation of gamblers is becoming more likely to bet on esports events when compared to traditional sports.