Esports betting has been a significant trend in the gaming industry, with the Global Esports Betting Monitor providing insights into the latest developments. The report, developed with Abios, offers a comprehensive overview of esports betting patterns based on data from the Kambi network and over 40 operators in regulated markets worldwide.
In the latest findings, Valorant has shown a notable increase in its share of esports betting handle, nearly doubling from the previous year. Counter-Strike has also seen a surge, capturing a substantial portion of the total betting handle. On the other hand, Dota 2 experienced a slight decline, while League of Legends gained a larger share in the betting market.
One interesting observation is the emergence of Gen Z bettors, surpassing Millennials in esports betting participation. This shift in demographics highlights the evolving landscape of esports betting and the changing preferences of the audience. Moreover, the report indicates a growing interest in player prop bets, particularly among Counter-Strike enthusiasts, reflecting a trend towards more diverse betting options.
The data also reveals the popularity of major esports events such as the Shanghai Major and the League of Legends World Championship, which attracted a significant portion of the betting action in the fourth quarter. These events continue to drive engagement and betting activity within the esports community.
In terms of industry trends, Riot Games, the publisher of popular titles like League of Legends and Valorant, is showing a more favorable stance towards gambling partnerships. This shift could have implications for the future of esports betting, as Riot Games opens up opportunities for teams to collaborate with approved betting brands.
Conversely, interest in Dota 2 appears to be declining, as evidenced by a decrease in betting activity and viewership. The International tournament, a key event for Dota 2, saw reduced engagement, indicating a potential shift in the esports betting landscape.
Overall, the Global Esports Betting Monitor provides valuable insights into the dynamics of esports betting, highlighting key trends and developments shaping the industry. As the esports betting market continues to evolve, these insights offer a glimpse into the future of this rapidly growing sector.