Thanks to platforms such as Twitch and Kick, the audience for the eSports events has grown exponentially, as has the audience of people who want to bet on the outcome of these virtual battles. In response to this surge, many new sports betting sites have started offering specialized eSports sections, catering to the growing demand for wagering on tournaments, matches, and competitive gaming. Let’s take a look at the latest trends in eSports that are helping this betting market to grow.
AI-powered coaching and performance analytics
Could artificial intelligence be absent from this change? Absolutely not. eSports and AI are growing at the same pace, and the integration of this technology into training and performance tracking was inevitable. Predictive models can even predict opponents’ movements in real time, giving a tangible advantage to those who use these technologies in the game.
There are also new developments for bettors. For example, insights based on predictive data can help bettors understand the best odds and whether there are particular betting strategies to follow. And no, we’re not talking about science fiction, but an increasingly vivid reality among bettors.
Creator-led teams and fan-powered brands
Could creators not throw themselves headlong into this world? More and more creators are forming teams to compete, taking advantage of their popularity to increase their following and, consequently, their income. Fans often identify with these teams, which are made up of young people like them.
In the betting world, this is reflected in betting markets that lead the followers of these teams to bet on their favourite team. It’s a bit like what happens in the world of cryptocurrencies, where mass hype often leads to big gains for the ‘owners’ of a cryptocurrency and those who hold a large share of it.
The next wave of immersive fan experiences
We have been hearing about VR for years, but we have never seen a real application for everyday use. Today, however, things are changing, and many eSports are using this technology for battles in 3D arenas or for games specifically created to support this innovative technology.
We have also seen the first casinos, especially on the blockchain, which allow people to gamble using VR technology, with people completely immersed in the world of betting and casinos, in a 3D environment built virtually around them.
Beyond Twitch: The evolution of eSports platforms
Although Twitch popularised eSports streaming, other sites such as Kick and Trovo are rapidly reshaping the industry. These sites offer new monetisation models and better earnings for creators, leading them to prefer them over other platforms. In addition, their aggressive layouts, more widget options, and engagement tools make them the perfect solution.
This could also translate to those who want to bet on eSports in the future, by creating ‘bridges’ between these platforms and sites where people can place bets. Things like live betting widgets, integrated follow-up tools such as mailing lists or pop-up notifications, could make these sites much more likely to embrace the world of eSports betting than Twitch.