While some may see betting in sports as outdated and even harmful, many others believe in its importance as a tool to make educated guesses about the outcome of a game. Even in the modern era of social media and 24/7 news cycles, people still watch sports television to get their daily fix of football, baseball, and basketball and then turn to online betting websites to place bets on their favourite teams.
More recently, the rise of the esports scene saw players earn big bucks and attract large audiences through betting and sports interactions. In esports, skill is everything and there are few differences in gameplay aside from the occasional bug or hiccup that prevents the game from running smoothly. This means that fans can often turn to websites to get their fix of gaming with the same familiarity that they have with traditional sports.
But what exactly is causing this renewed interest in betting and why are people looking to get their fix of sports through an online casino?
The Revival Of Traditional Sports
Firstly, let’s not forget that sports aren’t exactly a new phenomenon. There have always been people who liked to wager on sporting events and traditional sports were popular well before the advent of the internet. Radio airwaves were filled with sports talk, especially during the big game seasons and the betting public joined in through bookmakers and the like.
As technologies such as television, radio, and the internet become more accessible, people have been able to keep up with their favourite teams through online sports media. Social media has provided a way for fans to come together and keep in touch with friends while also following the latest news about their favourite sports teams.
This year alone, the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and others have seen huge audiences attend their games. The age of the casual fan is upon us and sports can be a cheaper and more affordable pastime for the masses. Technology has reduced the barriers to entry for fans of all ages and genders.
The Appeal of Esports
If you’re reading this, I assume you’re also a fan of esports. If not, then it’s time to become more familiarised with this rapidly growing segment of the sports world. Esports is an umbrella term for a variety of competitive video game competitions and festivals. It is not limited to online games as its predecessor, traditional sports, is.
While traditional sports mainly consists of one-off events such as the Superbowl or the Olympics, the world of esports is fast-paced and ever-changing. This year alone, we’ve seen major esports festivals such as the Intel Extreme Masters, ESL One, and others. We’ve also seen new games emerge as esports staples in their own right, such as Overwatch and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Counter-Strike, in particular, has seen a boom in esports with major tournaments such as the Global Offensive Major and the Esports Championship Series producing millions in prize money.
The difference between traditional sports and esports is that in the latter, skill is the ultimate trump card. Where traditional sports rely on physical strength and reaction time, computer players can be highly effective through careful planning and strategy. This game-planning and strategy is similar to what we see NFL players do on game days, except on a much smaller scale.
The increasing popularity of esports can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, as we’ve established above, it is a rapidly growing segment of the sports world. Secondly, it is a chance for gamers to show off their skills. Thirdly, it provides an easily accessible entertainment option for people of all ages and genders. And last but not least, it is a way for companies to stay relevant in an ever-changing world.
The Dangers Of Unregulated Sports Gambling
Now, some may see betting in sports as a harmless pastime and an interesting way to wager on events they are passionate about. But that’s not the case. As we’ve established above, many people still engage with sport through traditional sportsbooks and the odd bet here and there. This means that they are still exposed to the dangers of unregulated sports gambling. These dangers include:.
- Overuse – some people, for whatever reason, may be tempted to bet on their favourite team more than they should. This is usually a result of getting lucky at the bookies and feeling that they can continue doing this consistently.
- Misaligned Interest – due to the opacity of sports betting, it’s easy for someone to place a bet on a game they aren’t actually interested in. This is worse when the outcome of a game is affected by a wager.
- Dishonesty – some people, for whatever reason, may be tempted to lie about their intentions when placing a bet. This can easily be avoided through the use of proper identification.
- Irregular Gaming – sometimes people, for whatever reason, may be tempted to game on an irregular basis. This can lead to issues with the law and also harm your overall gaming experience. Make sure you set your gaming schedule and stick to it.
- Addiction – just like with any other vice, when people feel that they’re able to control their addiction to betting, they’ll be much better players overall. This is because addiction takes away a person’s ability to feel enjoyment from non-addictive activities.
- Financial Irresponsibility – some people, for whatever reason, may be tempted to become irresponsible with regards to their finances. This can result in a number of problems, ranging from not being able to pay bills to more serious issues such as financial fraud. Make sure you’re not missing any payments.
How Can You Participate In Sports Gambling Safely?
So, you’ve decided to get involved with sports gambling. Congratulations! But, before you place your first bet, it’s important to understand the risks involved. Luckily, this is a lot easier than it seems. All you need to do is opt-in for email notifications when your favourite teams are playing so you can place a bet when they’re big games that matter. This way, you won’t get your hopes up if they’re playing a regular season game that has no impact on the outcome of the series.
For the best experience, use a reputable and safe sportsbook. These sites maintain the highest standards of security and fairness and ensure that your personal information is kept confidential. By using a safe sportsbook, you can be sure that your betting activities will be kept private and that your favourite teams will be playing at their optimum level.
Once you’ve signed up with the site, you’ll see a list of upcoming games. You can either select “Auto Bet” or “Manual Bet” based on how you want to bet. The former allows you to place a wager on the outcome of the game, while the latter allows you to set the cash-out amount and the number of wagers you want to make. You can also set the maximum bet amount for individual games if you want.
As in most other parts of the internet, there are a variety of scammers and cheats who prey on less experienced or vulnerable sports bettors. Be sure to avoid sites that don’t provide email confirmations, ask for your personal information to be verified, and give out your phone number as they can easily call you to ask for your personal information. If you use an unsecure site, they can access your full name, email address, physical address, and more. You can use a free VPN to ensure that your personal information is encrypted as you move around the internet. While the above tips may seem like common sense, it is amazing how many people fall for these scams and avoidable security threats. It’s also important to remember that the betting industry is always looking for new ways to better protect their clientele and prevent fraud. Be sure to stay up to date on the latest news and developments in the industry.