Antarctica is often called the final global frontier, with only about 30 percent explored by researchers or via remote sensing.
The same is true for esports betting. It is the Antarctica of the casino gaming industry. Does it have the potential to expand and drive significant revenue?
According to an esports betting market overview prepared by Business Research Insights, it does. It reports that global esports betting market size was approximately 0.51 billion dollars in 2024 and is expected to grow to 2.41 billion dollars by 2033.
The overview acknowledges that esports betting and conventional sports betting are similar in the respect that teams or individuals oppose one another in spirited competition.
The report states that rising video game popularity, increased live sports streaming, and expanding league infrastructure are driving esports betting growth:
“The online gaming market is rising at a strong pace owing to features such as growing acceptance of innovative gaming skills, changing customer entertainment inclinations, increasing income levels, and cumulative demand for mobile gaming. Moreover, the rising mobile saturation and augmented internet speed are anticipated to fuel the esports market size during the forecast period.”
Europe is projected to dominate the esports betting market share due to the “widespread use of technologies across safety rules and guidelines for offline and online betting through most of the countries in the region.” Asia Pacific, the report says, is also expected to have a sizable market share.
The most insightful information on the topic of esports betting is the Esports Betting Report, prepared by William Harding, head of Emerging Technology and Esports at Clarion Gaming, and Adam Isaacs, Esports and Games Business Development Manager for Clarion Events. It was released in January of this year.
Marek Suchar, co-founder and managing director, partnerships, at Oddin.gg, the world’s leading esports odds provider, states that “the report is based on the largest-ever esports betting survey, conducted in collaboration with Loadout and GWI (a global consumer research platform), gathering insights from over 6,000 respondents worldwide, which highlights the three primary reasons (2024 Esports Betting Blockers) esports fans are hesitant to engage in esports betting”.
“The report offers valuable insights into esports betting, supported by industry-wide data gathered by Clarion,” Suchar says in the report. “At Oddin.gg, we believe that combining this research with a deep understanding of the esports audiences and tailored operator solutions is essential to overcoming challenges and unlocking the full potential of this exciting betting vertical.”
Here, as outlined in the report, are the three 2024 Esports Betting Blockers:
Blocker 1: Lack of Familiarity
As significant a number as 33 percent of prospective esports bettors are hesitant to engage in betting due to a lack of familiarity.
Cody Luongo, head of communications for Rivalry, states in the report that “The esports fan is typically younger than your average traditional sports bettors, coming in around 30-years-old now. Many are first-time bettors, which creates a barrier to entry.”
Marek Suchar observes that “Esports bettors are younger and more digitally native than traditional sports audiences, with different expectations for how they engage with betting platforms. While they may be less familiar with traditional betting mechanics, data shows that when offered engaging, user-friendly options, esports bettors respond with significant participation.
“The data speaks for itself – esports bettors are ready to engage when given the right tools. Operators who focus on simplicity and usability will unlock the potential of a new generation of bettors, helping to drive meaningful growth.”
Betting Blocker 2: Integrity of Esports
Fifteen percent of the respondents to the survey reported that they are hesitant to bet on Esports because they believe that esports games can be manipulated too easily.
Ian Smith, Commissioner of the Esports Integrity Committee, acknowledges concerns about the vulnerability of esports competitions to manipulation, especially outside of Tier 1 games:
“Unlike traditional sports with established regulatory frameworks, esports lack consistent oversight, which leads to fewer safeguards, particularly in lower tier events.”
Smith emphasized that while concerns are valid, the esports industry is improving oversight through anti-corruption programs, better anti-cheat measures, and real-time reporting systems, which are gradually reducing manipulation risks and building trust among bettors.
Betting Blocker 3: Esports Betting Reputation
Ten percent of respondents said that they do not place bets on esports because it would have an adverse effect on the esports scene.
“Responsible betting practices are essential for sustaining esports,” according to Suchar. “By prioritizing ethical practices, operators can both protect their reputation and actively contribute to the long-term success of the entire ecosystem.”
“Esports betting is more than just entertainment, Suchar explained. “It is also a key driver of financial support for teams, tournaments, and infrastructure across the ecosystem. In emerging markets like Brazil and Southeast Asia, where mobile gaming dominates, esports betting has already become a vital contributor to growth.
“Operators who adopt responsible frameworks can mitigate reputational risks while helping normalize esports betting as a legitimate part of the industry. This creates opportunities for sustainable growth and wider acceptance.”
Clarion Gaming’s William Harding recognizes the challenges that esports betting faces in becoming part of the mainstream. He notes that, if these issues are managed appropriately, further integration into the industry is possible.
“Platforms are focusing on education, building trust, and creating user-friendly experiences,” he concludes in the report. “Integrity issues, particularly in lower-tier games, are being tackled through better oversight and anti-corruption measures.
“While concerns persist about the potential harm betting could inflict on the esports industry, experts highlight its role in funding and sustaining the ecosystem and emphasize the importance of innovation and ethical safeguarding measures to ensure responsible growth.”
