How Esports Gamblers Differ from Traditional Casino Players

As competitive video gaming continues its extraordinary growth, so too does wagering on esports matches and tournaments. However, those who bet on esports tend to have different habits, motivations and demographics than traditional casino gamblers. Understanding these differences can help operators cater to this burgeoning group of bettors.

Esports Gamblers are Younger

Esports originated from a passionate community of mostly teenage and young adult video game players and fans. Not surprisingly, then, most esports bettors tend to be young as well. The average esports gambler is under 30 years old, with many still in their late teens. This contrasts sharply with the average age of casino gamblers, which research suggests is well into the 40s.

The younger age of esports bettors has implications for everything from the types of games they prefer to their attitudes toward responsible gambling practices. Younger audiences tend to be more receptive to innovation and are often early adopters of new technologies. However, they may also lack gambling experience and be more prone to risky behaviors like chasing losses. Operators like Betano Quoten would be wise to implement robust responsible gambling features to protect these customers.

They are More Focused on Specific Games

Another key difference between esports and traditional casino gamblers is their breadth of betting activity. While casino players tend to try many different table games and slots, esports bettors are usually laser-focused on just one or two titles. These might be games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, DOTA 2 and others with well-established professional scenes and leagues.

This narrow interest means that esports betting operators need to offer deep markets on top esports, not just a wide selection of betting options. Esports fans often have an encyclopedic knowledge of team rosters, player tendencies and tournament histories that they expect sportsbooks to match. Less familiar sports like soccer or hockey don’t generate nearly the same betting volume from this audience.

Skill and Research Motivate Their Bets

Why do traditional gamblers frequent casinos, and why might an esports fan place a bet online? The answers point to fundamental differences in attitudes and motivations between these groups.

Casino patrons are often seeking an entertaining diversion and the thrill of winning. Games rely predominantly on random chance, so there is no need for deep knowledge going in.

In contrast, esports bettors see wagering as a test of skill and research. Esports are complex games with countless variables that influence match outcomes. Committed fans follow player transactions, study game film and analyze team strategies. They bet because they believe they can leverage this expertise to predict results better than the average person.

This motivation has critical impacts on activity patterns as well. Esports bettors tend to be very selective, betting only on matches they have researched thoroughly. Some may even skip betting for days or weeks until the next tournament featuring their game of choice. They also respond strongly when sportsbooks post lines that differ from their own assessments.

Differences at a Glance

Impacts on Responsible Gambling

Younger audiences and a motivation centered around research and predicting outcomes have impacts on responsible gambling that are worth considering.

Esports fans may overestimate their capacity to predict match winners through research and analysis. This could lead newer bettors down a dangerous path of ramping up bets in an effort to monetize their knowledge. Operators must make it easy for bettors to track their overall profit/loss records over time to bring reality checks when needed.

Implementing deposit limits, wager limits, loss limits and other responsible gambling controls is also advised. Due to their youth and passion for esports, some users may need external restraints to exhibit control. Self-exclusion options should also be clear and straightforward within the platform interface.

Catering to Esports Fans is Key

The esports gambling sector has already shown itself to be one of the most lucrative emerging markets. But catering to esports bettors requires a nuanced approach that differs from traditional casinos in many regards. Keeping these unique attributes in mind will help operators build a platform and user experience that resonates with fans and keeps them engaged over the long term.

The younger demographics, intense loyalty to specific titles and motivation to prove one’s skill and knowledge are all hallmarks of this audience. Operators that can speak to these factors stand the best chance of earning an outsized share of esports betting action now and into the future.