WA.Technology recently won Best eSport Platform 2025 at the SiGMA Africa Awards in Cape Town, South Africa. So what makes an iGaming provider a standout leader in the field of eSports, and how can operators ensure they’re capitalising on the growing trend? Join us as we take a closer look at eSports’ success in iGaming.

The Growth of eSports Betting

ESports viewership numbers are now comparable to large-scale traditional sports events. Popular eSports such as Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, and Dota 2 dominate the betting markets, but many smaller titles like Valorant and Rocket League continue to garner interest. Streaming channels have brought eSports to the mainstream, leading to a natural crossover into betting.

Regions such as Asia and LatAm show significant interest in eSports. In Peru, for example, around 15% of bettors enjoy eSports betting, while in Brazil, around 29% take an active interest in watching eSports events in the currently limited sector.

Millenial Bettors

ESports help operators bridge the gap between traditional sports betting and modern gamers. Millennials are less likely to engage with regular sportsbooks than their Gen X or Boomer counterparts. While most of Gen X in the Western world grew up with gaming, Millennials were the first to experience an online childhood and all the social elements that it incorporates. 

Like social gambling and social casinos, the social aspect of eSports is a huge draw. The 18 – 35 age bracket enjoys digital interaction and gaming culture. Unlike traditional sports bettors and enthusiasts, this younger adult demographic expects interactive features, live streaming, stats, and insights.

The fast-paced action of eSports is well suited to in-play betting and real-time data that creates exciting wagering opportunities. Bettors are attracted to live eSports betting and AI odds adjustments, and operators can increase ROI from a highly engaged fanbase.

The Rise of eSports in iGaming

ESports tournaments are high-stakes competitions with substantial prize pools. Live-streamed on a global scale, the eSports community engages with players, teams, and fans worldwide, creating a natural playing field for betting. 

Professional eSports teams are now structured and managed similarly to professional athletes, with sponsorship deals and training regimes. While not as large as traditional sports, the eSports fan base has established a knowledgeable, hardcore group eager to engage with their favourite teams and players based on their performance knowledge.

While streaming platforms form the hub of real-time eSports engagement, iGaming brands can significantly enhance their acquisition and engagement potential by providing a space for enthusiasts.

Operators’ eSports Obstacles

The leading operator concern is eSports-specific expertise. While many operators and providers are well-grounded in sports betting, casino, lottery, and fantasy, they just don’t have the same level of experience in eSports. 

Despite its potential, eSports betting presents its own set of challenges. Regulatory requirements and the classification of eSports differ vastly between markets, meaning many operators can’t offer eSports to bettors. 

A recent eSports research report of over 6,000 people found:

• Poor Understanding – 33% of respondents were hesitant to try eSports betting due to a lack of familiarity with the sport.
• Concerns About Match Integrity – 15% believe people could possibly manipulate events.
• Impact on the eSports Scene – 10% were concerned about the negative impact that betting would have on the sport.

Source: Esports Betting Report 2024, Harding & Isaaca – Oddin.gg, Clarion Gaming, and ICE Esports Arena.

To grow eSports' reputation, governing bodies and related professionals must ensure rigorous tournament frameworks and improve public awareness.

So how can iGaming operators overcome these barriers and embed lucrative eSports into their iGaming offerings?

WA.Technology: Your Localised eSports Betting Partner

WA.Technology delivers tailored eSports betting solutions that align with local market preferences. Its WA.Sports product offers seamless integration of 1,000,000+ pre-match events and 300,000+ live annual events, including traditional sports, eSports, and virtual sports with localised content and bespoke boosted odds.

WA.Technology supports operators in building a unique eSports presence that resonates with players. Its solutions prioritise user engagement and real-time data integration to create an optimal betting environment for operator success. 

WA.Technology’s ultimate iGaming solution WA.Platform and its WA.Casino, WA.Sports, WA.Lottery, WA.Fantasy, and WA.Affiliates products effortlessly integrate with local regulations, payment methods, and player preferences. Its expert-managed services and solutions empower operators to deliver a fully localised experience, enabling brands to swiftly establish a strong market presence while ensuring compliance and maximising player engagement.

Author: Chanté Williamson