eSports
How Esports Companies Can Address The Confusion Around Gambling
An exclusive Q&A w/ Gary Denham, Founder and CEO of Wamba Technologies and Gamer’s Oasis
What inspired you to found Wamba Technologies and develop the patented esports platform, Gamers Oasis?
My motivation was the void of wholly accessible online gaming competitions. Wamba Technologies, in conjunction with Gamers Oasis, aims to create a platform where gamers can engage in fair and constant competition, free from any suspicions of impropriety, while winning money as a result of their performance. Basically, players will be able to pay an entry fee into an online competition, compete, and win money back if they place well enough in the competition.
Could you elaborate on why the misconception of esports as a form of gambling exists despite the legal framework distinguishing skill-based competitions from games of chance?
This misperception arises from the similarities between online esports competitions and traditional gambling activities, particularly where participants are paying an entry fee and vying for monetary rewards. However, at the most basic level, it comes from industry ignorance.
Anyone who has actually looked at this or participated in esports knows this is no different than tennis, golf, NASCAR, motocross, etc. This just happens to take place online. Aside from that, there is really no difference.
In your recent Forbes article, you draw parallels between online video game competitions and the financial structure of online poker. How do you see this comparison influencing the perception of esports within the regulatory landscape?
This comparison sought to underscore the potential revenue from esports while addressing any misunderstandings regarding its classification as gambling. By framing esports within a recognizable regulatory context and emphasizing its skill-based nature, the intent was to facilitate clearer guidelines and regulations conducive to industry growth. Beyond that, I also wanted to illustrate just how much untapped financial potential exists in the industry, which I aim to capitalize on with Gamers Oasis.
How do you think the historical context of online poker and its impact on the perception of online gambling influences the current discourse surrounding esports and its legal classification?
The confusion and misconceptions stemming from the past have contributed to the ongoing debate over whether esports should be deemed a form of gambling, despite its inherent emphasis on skill. Here is where it becomes very clear: remove the internet from the equation and consider the question again.
Has anybody looked at “real life” video game competitions as “gambling” in the last 40 years (aside from Las Vegas trying to get their hands on it, and failing)? Of course not. So why would featuring the same exact competitions on the internet suddenly somehow magically make this gambling?
It doesn’t. Ergo, this is CLEARLY not gambling.
What measures do you believe are necessary to establish clear guidelines and regulations for esports, ensuring both consumer protection and industry growth?
Nothing governmental. I think where esports are concerned, regulators need to stay out of it.
Will they? Only time will tell — but we don’t regulate golf, NASCAR, tennis, or any other sports. Sure, they each have their own rulemaking bodies, but those are not governmental entities, nor should they be.
I think that to make an exception for esports would set an extremely dangerous precedent and open up all sports to such regulatory oversight. Quite frankly, the day I see the government actually make something in corporate America better, I may be willing to revisit this sentiment. Until then….
How much of the gaming population do you expect to be interested in a platform like Gamers Oasis?
With approximately 660 million actual and potential esports players globally, I expect a significant portion of the gaming population to be interested in a platform like Gamers Oasis. Hundreds of millions of players are traveling to various locations to participate in competitions already.
To give them the ability to simply access this from the convenience and comfort of their own home is something that has gone over exceedingly well in all other comparable situations which we’ve seen. Banking. Shopping. Poker. Collectibles. Multiplayer, casual gaming. Now we’ll see it with video game competition.
What can you share about monetization issues in esports and how Gamers Oasis plans to tackle the problem?
Monetization challenges in esports often stem from an attempt to mirror the traditional sports’ viewer-based model, where money is made by bringing fans out to stadiums or by encouraging them to buy merchandise. In this model, revenue comes from ad sales and sponsorships in addition to gate sales and merchandising.
While that works with traditional sports, it doesn’t translate well to esports. However, with the ease of access to gaming reaching an exponentially larger number of players than traditional sports reaches viewers (basically, not everyone can throw a baseball, but 40% of earth’s population plays video games), focusing on a player-based model that encourages everyone to participate, rather than merely making them a viewer, can produce far greater emotional attachment to the sport resulting in more participation time, more monetization opportunities in general, and ultimately, as a result, more revenue. Simply put, viewers generate some revenue for the sport, but players can be worth much much more than viewers. In video games, every viewer is a potential player, so, let’s make them players!
This is where Gamers Oasis will shine. We are developing technology that will allow players of all skill levels to compete and to know that they are engaging in fair competition. Basically, you could be a bad player, but know that you will only be competing against other bad players, giving you a real chance to win money. This is something that nobody else has seemed to be able to produce in a meaningful manner. We have a way to do this and to ensure this fair play. When anyone can win, all will play. When everyone is playing, the industry experiences exponential growth.
Looking toward the future, what do you see as the future of esports, more specifically in terms of regulatory frameworks and industry development?
One of the fundamental problems esports has had up until now is there is no universal set of guidelines. As I said before, I firmly believe that the government is not the answer.
With our patent, one of the things we intend to do is to have all parties who are licensing the patent join us in setting up core guidelines for all games which feature our technology. We see this as a sort of a start in creating that centralized entity which can help establish and enforce certain guidelines, keeping it as a consensus based entity composed of the major parties who are involved with us in these endeavors, a democratic approach of sorts, with us primarily facilitating the laying of the foundation.
What kind of a relationship do you envision between the casino industry and the esports industry?
Casinos are all about entertainment, and esports bring a whole new level of that to their customers. The possibilities are exciting in that whole new esport-themed experiences can be hosted within casinos. And as casinos seek to diversify their offerings to attract younger demographics, esports present a lucrative opportunity for engagement and revenue generation through esports betting and tournaments themselves.
I think that third-party betting should be separated from any true esports platform. A true esports platform should only have the player paying their entry fees and should not involve third parties wagering on the outcome when they are not actually involved in the competition.
This is where the casino industry comes in. The casinos can be a distinct and separate entity to facilitate those kinds of transactions, keeping them wholly separated from the platforms featuring esports.
One of the major reasons for this separation is age requirements. A true esports platform should allow kids (with parental permission) to be allowed to compete just as they do in real life. However, I feel very strongly that wagering on anything as a non-participant should have some restrictions, as it has the means to cause harm to younger, developing minds. By separating the two, we can keep the competition platforms “kid friendly” while still serving the needs of the audience that seeks the other service.
eSports
Esports Nations Cup 2026 Awards Official Partner Status Across 100+ Nations to Build the Future of Nation-Based Esports
The Esports Foundation (EF) awarded National Team Partner status to organisations and individuals across more than 100 countries and territories for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), the global nation-based esports competition set to debut in Riyadh from November 2-29, 2026.
This marks the first time esports introduces a structured global system for national teams at scale, adding a new layer to the industry’s ecosystem alongside club-based competition. Designed to complement existing frameworks rather than replace them, the ENC will work with local stakeholders closest to the sport to strengthen connections and support long-term national development.
National Team Partners will lead team formation, mobilize local communities and establish the structures needed to enable participation and the growth of esports. To ensure worldwide participation, countries and territories without a partner will be supported through regional structures provided by the EF.
The EF received more than 630 applications from 150 countries and territories, reflecting the global interest in and opportunity for nation-based esports. The partners represent legacy esports organisations that have shaped their national scenes for decades alongside emerging forces driving the next wave of competitive gaming. The list of organisations and individuals who have been awarded this status is available on the ENC website and will be updated as additional appointments are confirmed.
‘The Esports Nations Cup introduces something esports has never had before: a global system for national teams at an unprecedented scale. The response we received from across the world shows that communities are ready for this next step. Together with our partners, we are building the structures that will allow players to represent their nations and compete on the biggest stage in esports. With more than 100 nations now part of the system, the Esports Nations Cup moves from concept to reality, establishing national esports as a lasting part of the global competitive landscape,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation.
Recognising that esports has developed differently in many nations, the ENC adopts a partnership-led approach rather than relying on a single model, marking a first in global sport and esports alike. By working with recognised local stakeholders, whether institutions, Clubs or community-led organisations, this model is designed to unlock the full creative and competitive potential of each nation.
National Team Partners will operate through a range of structures, from established national bodies such as the Korea Esports Association and the Saudi Esports Federation, to club-led coalitions in Brazil and the US, and hybrid public-private alliances in countries like Germany, Canada and the UAE.
In markets such as Malaysia, Turkey and Thailand, partners include federations working closely with grassroots communities, while in emerging regions like Indonesia and Mongolia, partners are being supported through structured development to represent their nations on a global stage.
For the first time in the history of esports, national teams will be formed from these local structures, bringing players together to compete for their nation and unlocking a new dimension of fandom built on identity and pride. From South Korea’s legendary League of Legends dominance and India’s Chess affinity, to Brazil’s Counter-Strike tradition, Japan’s fighting games heritage and Southeast Asia’s mobile games’ powerhouses, the ENC creates a new global stage for competition.
The post Esports Nations Cup 2026 Awards Official Partner Status Across 100+ Nations to Build the Future of Nation-Based Esports appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Team India and Türkiye won Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai, delivering electrifying performances in front of a packed arena and thousands more tuning in online worldwide. India’s Anuhith Gosala edged Kazakhstan 3–2 in a thrilling Clash Royale Grand Final, while Türkiye secured a commanding 3–1 victory over Mongolia in the Dota 2 Grand Final. With a Gold in Clash Royale and a Bronze in Dota 2, Team India was crowned Overall Champion.
India stormed into the Clash Royale Grand Final with a 2–1 win over the USA in a tense lower bracket decider, setting up a rematch with Kazakhstan. Having fallen 0–2 in the upper bracket, India turned the tables when it mattered most, as Anuhith Gosala delivered a clutch performance to seal a dramatic 3–2 victory and the Gold medal.
In Dota 2, Team India secured Bronze after falling to Mongolia in the lower bracket. Mongolia advanced to the Grand Final, where Türkiye asserted its dominance with a composed 3–1 victory to take the title.
Sharing his thoughts on the victory, Team India’s Clash Royale gold medallist, Anuhith Gosala, said: “This moment is surreal. To win the Grand Finals here in India, in front of a home crowd, makes it even more emotional. The preparation was relentless, the pressure was intense, and every match tested my limits—but that’s what makes this victory so special. Hearing the cheers, feeling that energy, and lifting this title for the country is an indescribable pride. This is for India, and for everyone who believes in us. I hope this win inspires many others to follow in our path.”
Sir Paul J. Foster, President & CEO, Global Esports Federation, said: “As the Global Esports Games Mumbai comes to a close, we celebrate not only the incredible performances of our athletes, but the spirit of unity and connection that defines our global community. Mumbai has delivered exceptional energy, passion, and hospitality, reinforcing our belief that esports transcends borders and brings the world together. We are deeply grateful to our partners in India for setting a new benchmark for excellence—and we now look ahead with excitement to Los Angeles, where this journey continues on an even greater stage.”
Shripad Ashtekar, Founder of Eflag Corp, said: “Over the past few days, we have witnessed not just world-class competition, but the coming together of talent, innovation, and community on a truly global stage. We hope to keep delivering such platforms and strong foundations for future growth by unlocking new opportunities for Indian players, creators, and the broader AVGC ecosystem. We are proud to have played a key role and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
Organized by the Global Esports Federation in partnership with Eflag Corp, with the support of Maharashtra Tourism, the Global Esports Games Mumbai was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis. Over four days, Mumbai welcomed 48 elite athletes from 19 countries, emerging from a global field of 78 nations in the Regional Qualifiers.
The post Team India and Türkiye Win Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
Skyesports and GodLike signs MoU with Maharashtra Cyber to promote esports and cyber hygiene in Maharashtra
India’s esports ecosystem is taking another step forward as Skyesports and GodLike Esports sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Cyber, the Government of Maharashtra’s nodal cybersecurity body. The partnership aims to grow the state’s esports ecosystem while promoting cyber hygiene and responsible digital behaviour among gamers.
The agreement was signed during a closed-door meeting in Mumbai and reflects a broader push by the state to develop its digital and creative industries. As India’s leading state economy, Maharashtra is positioning itself as a hub for esports and gaming, aligning with its wider “orange economy” strategy.
Under the MoU, the three parties will collaborate on esports tournaments, leagues, and community initiatives, while embedding cyber safety messaging into all activities. This includes raising awareness around cyberbullying, fraud prevention, data privacy, and responsible online conduct—key concerns as esports audiences continue to grow, particularly among younger users.
Skyesports will lead tournament organisation and community engagement, while GodLike Esports will support through mentorship programmes, professional player involvement, and grassroots initiatives. Maharashtra Cyber will focus on amplifying cyber awareness and promoting safe digital practices across the ecosystem. Eyrie Entertainment will support outreach efforts and help scale campaign visibility across the state.
Commenting on the initiative, Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, said:
“The growth of esports requires strong collaboration between the industry and government stakeholders. This MoU with Maharashtra Cyber represents an important step toward strengthening Maharashtra’s esports ecosystem through responsible gaming initiatives and grassroots engagement. As India prepares to compete at global events such as the Esports World Cup (EWC), Esports Nations Cup (ENC), and the Asian Games 2026, partnerships like this will play a key role in building a stronger pipeline of talent and opportunities for young gamers. With GodLike Esports also joining the initiative, we aim to combine competitive expertise and creator reach to drive deeper community engagement. The MOU is a first-step towards solidifying Maharashtra as an esports hub globally.”
Yashasvi Yadav, Additional Director General of Police at Maharashtra Cyber, added:
“As esports continues to grow rapidly among young audiences, it is equally important to promote safe and responsible digital practices within the gaming ecosystem. Through this collaboration with Skyesports and GodLike Esports, we aim to raise awareness around cyber hygiene, online safety, and responsible behaviour in gaming communities. Initiatives like these will help ensure that the growth of esports in Maharashtra is supported by strong awareness of cybersecurity, digital discipline, and safe online participation.”
Chetan “Kronten” Chandgude, Founder of GodLike Esports, said:
“At GodLike Esports, we have always believed that the true growth of esports in India lies in strengthening its roots at the grassroots level. Through this collaboration with Maharashtra Cyber and Skyesports, we aim to support the state’s vision of building a strong and sustainable esports ecosystem. Our focus will be on engaging young gamers through mentorship, community initiatives, and professional player interactions, while also promoting cyber hygiene and responsible gaming practices. This MoU also marks the first step toward our vision of putting the state on the global esports map, and we look forward to sharing some exciting announcements around this soon.”
The initiative also aligns with global recommendations from organisations such as the International Telecommunication Union, which highlight the importance of cybersecurity awareness as digital participation expands.
For more on esports growth and regulation, see Europa Gaming’s coverage on India Esports Market Growth and Esports Regulation Trends.
As esports continues to scale in India, partnerships like this underline a key industry shift: growth is no longer just about tournaments and audiences, but also about building a safer, more responsible digital environment for the next generation of players.
The post Skyesports and GodLike signs MoU with Maharashtra Cyber to promote esports and cyber hygiene in Maharashtra appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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