Poll: Does eSports offer sportsbooks a lucrative opportunity?

Global viewing figures for eSports are projected to hit 134 million this year while the commercial nature of online gaming means headline events such as this week’s The International can produce prize pots in excess of £11m.

However, eSports has yet to set pulses racing among European bookmakers. A glance at the Oddschecker price grid for this week’s major tournament shows only three operators – Ladbrokes, bet365 and Betway – have priced the event up.

While viewing figures for eSports has grown across the globe, its biggest markets are in Asia and North America, markets well outside of most bookmakers risk appetite – although Europe comes next in third place.

According to Pinnacle Sports, which has also priced-up The International, betting on eSports has grown exponentially over the past five years and has become its seventh biggest sports in terms of volume, ahead of the likes of golf and rugby.

The firm expects eSports to grow further in the coming years and it now covers events in-running and offers betting limits comparable to the English Premier League.

So with this in mind, this week’s eGaming Review poll asks whether you believe eSports is something all bookmakers need to take seriously or whether it is just a niche activity that creates little betting interest. Have your say on the right-hand side of the page.