Poll results: Operators should embrace eSports

The rapid rise in popularity of eSports competitions, such as this week’s The International, can no longer be ignored by the sports betting community, the majority of respondents to this week’s eGaming Review poll have said.

Viewing figures for eSports, which sees online gamers go head-to-head in competition, are estimated to reach around 134 million this year with tens of millions expected to tune in to watch the finale of the prestigious The International this weekend.

And with prize pools, such as the £11m on offer for this week’s event, also growing in size, the level of competition and interest in eSports events has never been higher.

However, sportsbooks have been reluctant to price-up eSports events with only a small number offering up prices on The International, led by Pinnacle Sports which has been active in the space since 2010.

And 57% of respondents to this week’s poll feel this must change and believe sportsbook operators should move to capitalise on the growth of eSports and start offering customers betting opportunities.

However, 31% of readers believe eSports is still too niche and doesn’t warrant the investment in trading expertise which would be required to avoid being blindsided by more knowledgeable punters.

Meanwhile, the remaining 12% of respondents said it would be best to adopt a wait and see approach with eSports major markets located in the predominately grey and illegal betting jurisdictions of Asia and North America.