eSports
Global boom in esports betting will continue post-pandemic, according to FansUnite
The remarkable expansion of esports gambling globally — a trend that has accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic — has set a new floor for this rapidly growing segment of the overall sports betting industry, according to projections from FansUnite Entertainment Inc., a technology company providing leading online gaming solutions, and its subsidiary Askott Entertainment, which focuses on B2C and B2B esports betting products.
“What we have seen this year is the beginning of a new era in the esports gambling industry,” said Scott Burton, Chief Executive Officer of FansUnite. “Fueled in part by a shutdown of traditional sports worldwide, extended time at home because of the pandemic, and growth in legal betting opportunities in the U.S., esports gambling has gained significant new interest. The unusual circumstances of the spring and early summer created an opportunity for esports to reach a new audience that it might not otherwise reach. That new audience is not temporary, and their participation will have long-term effects on the industry’s growth potential over the next few years.”
Esports, a catch-all term for competitive video gaming, has fostered a booming new segment within the sports betting industry. From March through September, Euros wagered through FansUnite’s business-to-business platform Chameleon has increased 650% from the same seven-month period in 2019.
Even with major sports back on the schedule, the boom of esports betting is expected to continue, on pace to account for 10% of the legal online sports betting market, according to projections from consulting firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming.
“It’s a multi-billion dollar opportunity, and grows if you include the chance-based game segment alongside the more traditional esports match betting segment,” said Chris Grove, managing director of Sports and Emerging Verticals for Eilers & Krejcik and member of the board of directors for FansUnite.
Among the factors expected to fuel the expansion is an overwhelmingly positive reaction by that newly exposed audience. Esports enthusiasts have shown growing interest in betting on titles such as EA SPORTS FIFA and EA SPORTS Madden NFL.
However, the most dependable wager generators include in order:
- Counter Strike:Global Offensive
- Dota 2
- League of Legends
The increased betting opportunities created by the spread of legal sports betting across the U.S. bodes well for the future of the industry, too.
No state has explicitly legalized betting on all esports events to date. In the wake of pandemic shutdowns in March, Nevada regulators approved betting on the Counter-Strike ESL Pro League. New Jersey has also authorized legal betting on certain esports events, including Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s Legend Series tournament in September. But esports betting is murky in other states, even where sports betting is legal. However, among legal sports betting states, only Indiana has expressly disallowed esports wagering.
“With states in search of new revenue possibilities, esports will inevitably become more alluring,” Burton said. “With demographics shifting and sports betting rapidly expanding across the U.S., states won’t be able to ignore the potential of esports wagering. Offshore books are already successfully offering esports to U.S. customers, showing the enormous potential. And as states begin to embrace it, the esports market will gain exponentially.”
For more information, visit FansUnite.com.
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The International Esports Federation (IESF) concluded its 17th Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside the 17th World Esports Championship Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Finals. Member federations from around the world gathered to review the federation’s annual progress, adopt key motions, and participate in the 10th IESF Elections, marking a milestone moment in the federation’s governance history.
During the election session, Vlad Marinescu was re-elected as the 10th President of the IESF, securing his second term. His re-election reflects the continued confidence of the membership in his leadership and vision for the future of the World of Esports.
“I am truly grateful for the trust placed in me to continue leading the International Esports Federation,” Marinescu said. “As we mark our 10th election cycle, we remain steadfast in our commitment to unity, transparency, and the sustained growth of the World of Esports.”
Delegates reviewed strategic priorities for the year ahead, including enhanced governance standards, expanded athlete development initiatives, and strengthened international cooperation. Voting on member-submitted motions underscored the federation’s collective commitment to advancing integrity, professionalism, and institutional maturity across the esports ecosystem.
The assembly also elected the IESF Board for 2026, comprising:
Board Members:
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HRH Prince Omar Bin Faisal – Jordan
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Afiq Fadhli Bin Narawi – Malaysia
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Elin Yoojung Moen – Norway
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Clint Kennedy – United States
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Flip De Bruyn – Namibia
The OGM concluded as the 17th World Esports Championship MLBB Finals continued, highlighting IESF’s ongoing mission to unite nations through Esports and support athletes, federations, and fans worldwide.
The post Vlad Marinescu Re-Elected as 10th IESF President appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Customers can now use Bet Builder, a format that lets them build their own set of markets on one match into a single bet with higher odds. Bet Builder is available for both esports and sports events. You can try out the new feature with a deposit bonus of up to 150% and a free bet worth up to $50.
Customers can now place a combined bet on a single match by picking various options for how events in the match will play out. For example, in CS2, customers can choose which team will win on a specific map, how many kills a specific player will rack up, how many rounds will be played on a single map, and so on.
To place a Bet Builder bet, pick an event that hasn’t started yet, press the ‘Bet Builder’ button, put together your selection of markets from those available, get higher combo odds, and finish placing the bet in one click. At this initial stage, GG.BET is offering Bet Builder on football, basketball, hockey, CS2, Dota 2, LoL, and VALORANT, with more sports and disciplines to be added down the line.
“GG.BET has always been known for embracing unconventional markets and elaborate betting options. Bet Builder is there to meet customer demand for more interesting formats in a single match. The ability to make predictions right down to a specific round and any other tiny detail of a match is what gives users variety and improves their skills,” the GG.BET press office explained.
GG.BET is offering customers the opportunity to test out the Bet Builder format with a deposit bonus of up to 150% and a free bet of up to $50.
The post GG.BET launches Bet Builder for a new way to bet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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The World Esports Championship 2025 (WEC25) is officially open in Kuala Lumpur, welcoming athletes, fans, and delegations from around the globe. With 19 nations taking part in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), this year’s event stands as the most internationally diverse MLBB competition in IESF history.
After a year filled with national and regional qualifiers and preparations from teams around the world, the world’s top esports athletes have arrived in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. The opening ceremony set the tone for the days ahead, offering fans a first glimpse of the excitement and atmosphere surrounding this year’s championship.
“WEC25 reflects the continued growth of esports as a space for connection, competition, and shared passion,” said IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski. “Bringing together 19 nations for MLBB is a milestone not just for the title, but for the entire esports ecosystem. We are proud to bring this edition of the championship to Kuala Lumpur.”
As the competition officially kicks off, the schedule is fully packed with exciting match-ups among Nations, competing for their flag and country. The best from all over the world will have the unique opportunity to become the MLBB World Champion.
IESF extends its gratitude to the Malaysian government and the Ministry for Youth and Sports, partners, athletes, and global supporters who continue to elevate the championship’s reach and impact.
The post IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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