Mridu Jain, Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies
Dhriti Nayyar, Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies
"Esports is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and gambling has embraced it."
- Rahul Sood
The intersection of esports and online gambling represents a dynamic merging point in modern gaming culture. Esports, which involves competitive video gaming through digital platforms, has gained global popularity, drawing diverse audiences and significant financial investments. Simultaneously, online gambling has rapidly expanded, utilizing digital technologies to offer diverse betting opportunities on sports and events, including esports competitions.
This study investigates the convergence of esports and online gambling from four critical perspectives: implications, trends, ethical considerations, and societal impact. Initially, it explores the implications of this convergence, including economic opportunities, regulatory complexities, and the potential for encouraging addictive behaviors among participants and viewers. The incorporation of gambling into esports events raises issues concerning fairness, integrity, and the influence of financial incentives on competitive integrity.
Next, the research identifies current trends shaping this intersection, such as the growth of esports betting platforms, the development of specialized regulatory frameworks for esports gambling, and the increasing involvement of traditional gambling entities in sponsoring and promoting esports.
Ethical concerns play a significant role in this evolving landscape, encompassing topics like underage gambling, instances of match-fixing, and the ethical obligations of various stakeholders—from game developers and tournament organizers to betting operators and advertisers.
Lastly, the paper examines the broader societal impact of the convergence between esports and gambling. It investigates how this interaction shapes perceptions of gaming as either a recreational activity or a potentially harmful behavior, and considers its implications for public policy and educational initiatives aimed at minimizing gambling risks and promoting responsible gaming practices.
This comprehensive examination seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in the intersection of esports and online gambling, offering insights to guide industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers in navigating this evolving landscape.
Keywords: online gambling, intersection, esports etc.
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