The boundary between eSports and online casino gaming is becoming increasingly blurred. Recognizing this trend, many gambling sites are now sponsoring top-tier eSports teams. For instance, GG.bet sponsors NAVI, and DraftKings backs FaZe Clan. However, forming partnerships with eSports organizations is just the beginning.
Online casinos are going a step further by integrating gamification in order to enhance player engagement. By integrating features inspired by video games, gambling operators are becoming more and more appealing to eSports players. For example, many casinos are now incorporating skill-based games into their offerings. This shift has led many professional gamers from Thailand and other Asian countries to explore these games as a potential source of income.
Gacha Games and In-Game Casinos
Casino games are not a new concept for eSports players. The integration of casino games into video game environments can be seen in examples like the Diamond Casino & Resort in Grand Theft Auto V. In this setting, players can take their character, Michael De Santa, to engage in casino games such as blackjack, roulette, and slots. Similarly, in Red Dead Redemption 2, players can take Arthur Morgan to play poker and other gambling games in various saloons within the RDR2 Wild West universe. These games attract a wide audience, including both professional gamers and casual players who are eager to experience everything these games have to offer.
Another phenomenon in the gaming world is the rise of Gacha games, which have become incredibly popular in many Asian countries. Originating in Japan, these games have gained a massive following among eSports players from Thailand, Korea, and China. A notable example is the eSports superstar Ame from China, known to have spent substantial amounts of money on Gacha.
Gacha games operate on a mechanic where players spend in-game currency for a chance to win an in-game item. The outcome is uncertain, making Gacha a form of gambling. This is further evidenced by the fact that players can sell their prizes to other players for either in-game currency or real cash.
Skill-Based Games: Perfect for eSports Athletes
Professional eSports players have the opportunity to earn an income playing arcade-style games at online casinos for real money. While these gambling games are mainly based on luck, they also require a degree of skill. Games like Aviator or Fish Catch, where players shoot down prizes similar to classic arcade shoot-em-up games such as Space Invaders. A skilled video game player will likely achieve better results than a player with limited gaming experience.
eSports players from Thailand recognize this advantage, and many have chosen to leverage their gaming skills. Although online gambling isn’t regulated in Thailand and other parts of Asia, several offshore gambling platforms welcome players from these regions.Not only are they perfect for playing skill-based gambling games, but a lot of online casinos also include eSports betting options. This gives eSports players more opportunities to use their expertise in their favor.
Betting on Esports Online
As an eSports gamer, you’re likely familiar with the thrill and anticipation surrounding major eSports tournaments, as well as the skills and strengths of different teams. You can use this knowledge for eSports betting, a practice that has become increasingly popular among gamers. While not all online casinos offer eSports betting, there are plenty of platforms on the internet that specialize in this type of wagering.
These sites often provide extensive coverage of eSports events, including tournaments in popular video games such as Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, FIFA, Call of Duty, and PUBG. Betting options range from predicting the match winner to game-specific bets, such as the team to slay the first baron in League of Legends or the number of knife kills in Counter-Strike 2. Some online betting sites even allow you to place bets before the start of an eSports match and even during live play.
This means you can watch live tournaments on platforms like Twitch and place bets based on the unfolding action.
Final Thoughts
Online gambling presents a unique opportunity for gamers to engage with their passion in new ways. Whether it’s through skill-based gambling games or eSports betting, gamers can use their gaming expertise to potentially earn rewards. As the online gambling landscape continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see even more innovative ways for eSports players to participate in the excitement of competition and wagering. As always, responsible gambling practices are important to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.