One of the more unexpected aspects of the eSports phenomenon that has seen millions of fans around the world tuning in to see the planet’s greatest gamers battling it out, has been the rise and rise of betting. From what started out as a side-issue to the contests, it has now grown to be a major money-spinner. By 2016 it was already at an impressive $5.5 billion but this year this figure is due to more than double to $12.9 billion.
The increase in activity has also been reflected by the number of places where fans can bet legally, OLBG’s page shows more than 80 sports betting sites or mobile betting apps accepting wagers legally across 12 states, and the number’s growing all the time.