The world of esports is expanding. Thanks to the NBA, the NHL, and the MLB, traditional sports are featuring their athletes as esports stars. Now, more and more traditional sports teams are jumping on the esports bandwagon. With the 2022 Tokyo Olympics taking place next year, Japanese organizers are trying to cash in on the esports craze and have created an esports stadium that will allow for the staging of games and matches.
But where does esports rank among the major sports? Let’s examine the economic and social impact of esports and how to effectively place bets on this exciting new sports category.
The Economic Impact Of eSports
What came first, the chicken or the egg? In the case of esports, it’s hard to say. But we do know that video games were originally considered toys for children. So it’s safe to assume that esports didn’t really exist as we know it today until somewhere around the early 2000s, when the video game industry started taking a huge turn for the better.
Thanks to the increasing popularity of esports, the market value of the entire industry is poised to hit $14 billion by next year. According to investment firm Global Market Share, the esports market grew by 89% in 2022 compared to 2021.
And it’s not just the economic outlook for esports that’s promising. According to Gallup, about 1 in 4 American adults play video games regularly. That’s about 69 million adults in the United States alone. If that statistic seems low, consider that it’s probably because gaming was previously considered a “girlish” activity. Meaning that it was viewed as a hobby or pastime for girls and women. The increasing popularity of esports is starting to change perceptions, helping to open up a whole new world of opportunity for gamers.
The Social Impact Of eSports
What does esports have in common with the Red Sox, the Chicago Cubs, and the New York Yankees? They’ve all got World Series rings, proving that competitive gaming can lead to a successful sporting career. But beyond the glamor of professional gaming, what is the real social impact of esports?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, esports can actually be a great tool for treating mental illness. With games like League of Legends and DOTA 2 offering some great insight into human psychology, psychiatrists and psychologists are discovering that competitive games can be highly effective in treating conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder and social anxiety. Even depression has been known to be alleviated by playing exciting, immersive games like Fortnite.
On the opposite end of the mental health spectrum, esports can also be used to study the effects of violence in video games. After all, it’s often the case that violent video games will provoke real-world aggression in players. So by playing through these games, psychologists can get a clearer picture of what’s motivating the player’s behavior. This type of research is important because while video games can be a fun pastime, it’s also important to remember that they can also be a vehicle for unhealthy behavior, especially if certain gaming trends are followed.
It’s also important to remember that beyond the scientific benefits of esports, they can also be a great tool for socially awkward individuals. Whether you’re introverted or just need an activity to keep yourself occupied, esports can provide a safe space for you to participate in an enjoyable activity with like-minded individuals. There’s also the option for competitive gamers to join teams and clans, allowing them to hone their skills and have someone to share their joy with.
How To Bet On Esports
With all the positives of esports, it’s important to keep in mind the risks associated with gambling. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean that it’s good for you. The fact is that online gambling is a trillion-dollar industry, and the number of people participating in it is rapidly increasing. According to Statista, in 2022, there will be 28.9 million online gamers in the United States alone. And they’re not just playing on their phones — 78% of online adults in the U.S. now play video games on their computers.
But as with any other form of gambling, there are ways that you can enjoy esports betting whilst minimizing the danger of getting hurt by gambling. For example, many online gambling websites will give you free games if you keep using their services. This is a great way to enjoy a little bit of gaming without risking your money. Or, if you feel adventurous, you can try out a new website or app, which provide high-quality, esports-related content.
The Final Word
While the future of esports looks incredibly promising, it’s still very early days. Just remember that just because something is new doesn’t mean that it’s automatically safe or effective. It’s important to do your research and make an informed decision about whether or not to try out esports. But, for now, it’s definitely a trend to watch.