Now that esports are officially part of the Olympics, people are starting to ask the question: Why is betting on esports illegal? After all, it’s just a game. Well, yes, but it’s more than that. It’s the culmination of years of innovation and invention in the world of competitive gaming. Moreover, esports are a global phenomenon, with fans all over the world following the games and events live. For years, betting on sports has been officially recognised as a hobby, a way for people to unwind and relax after a stressful day. It’s always been considered a harmless pastime, with people genuinely believing that sports are for the public good. However, in 2020, things are changing. States are starting to take a more serious stance towards esports, and the betting community is feeling the pinch.
Here, we answer five common questions about the legality of esports betting.
Can I Bet On Esports?
The short answer is yes, of course you can. It’s an entirely legal activity, provided you meet the following criteria:
- You are over 18 years old
- You live in a country where gambling is permitted
- You understand the risks of gambling
- You’re not doing it for money.
- You’re not breaking any rules in the games you’re playing
- You’re not cheating
- You’re not putting anyone at risk
- You’re not operating from a betting website (or a website promoting betting)
- You’re not cheating at any games, online or real-life
In most cases, you’ll find that your local bookmaker will happily place your bet. Moreover, many esports betting sites provide great resources for betting on various games and competitions. There’s also plenty of information out there on the world of esports and the legality of betting on it. If you’re truly interested in exploring the world of esports and are curious about whether or not it’s legal to bet on it, feel free to click here.
What Is Esports?
Esports is a term used to describe competitive video games. These are games where multiple people –typically known as ‘players’– compete against each other in various game modes, such as:
- Tournament play
- Best of X
- King of the Hill
- The Tower
- Capture the Flag
- etc.
Each tournament game mode requires the participation of dozens, if not hundreds, of gamers. Moreover, these gamers frequently have to coordinate their efforts remotely, with little to no face-to-face contact. The result is that esports is frequently hailed as the ‘the pinnacle of technology and innovation in gaming’ and the ‘the next big thing in entertainment’.
If you’re interested in competitive gaming and the incredible innovation that goes into creating these titles, be sure to check out the Reddit community for games.
What Kind Of Risks Does Gambling Involve?
Anyone who’s ever gambled will tell you that there are risks associated with this hobby. The most obvious risk is losing what you invest in games. However, there are several other risks that you should be aware of. For example, you run the risk of becoming an addict. Gamblers routinely lose their spouses, their friends, and even their jobs due to compulsive gambling. Moreover, you could also lose a lot of money in the world of esports if you’re not careful, or if you fall for an ‘odds trick’ perpetrated by a scammer. If you’re not sure whether or not esports gambling is right for you, then perhaps consider a different pastime.
There are also medical risks associated with gambling. If you’re not familiar, the brain plays a crucial role in the body, and the effects of poor mental health are frequently visible in one’s physical appearance. Gamblers are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. These risks are frequently cited as reasons why states do not permissively allow esports betting.
Are There Any Health Benefits?
There are some health benefits to engaging with games, especially if you’re active. For example, playing video games can improve your cognitive function, especially in areas like reasoning and problem solving. Moreover, competitive video games can be excellent for promoting social interaction, as players frequently have to work together to achieve victory. There are also some medical devices, such as the Nintendo Switch Lite which connects to the internet and can be used to access gaming communities, that can help improve a patient’s medical outcome, particularly in the area of reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. In short, there are some solid medical justifications for esports gambling, although the jury is still out regarding whether or not this is a healthy habit for everyone.
Do I Have To Be 18 To Play Video Games?
Yes, you have to be 18 years old to play video games. However, as we mentioned above, esports is an entirely legal activity, provided you meet the following criteria:
- You are over 18 years old
- You live in a country where betting is permitted
- You understand the risks of gambling
- You’re not doing it for money
- You’re not breaking any rules in the games you’re playing
- You’re not cheating
- You’re not putting anyone at risk
- You’re not operating from a betting website (or a website promoting betting)
- You’re not cheating at any games, online or real-life
In most cases, you’ll find that your local bookmaker will happily place your bet. Moreover, many esports betting sites provide great resources for betting on various games and competitions. There’s also plenty of information out there on the world of esports and the legality of betting on it. If you’re truly interested in exploring the world of esports and are curious about whether or not it’s legal to bet on it, feel free to click here.
Is It Illegal To Operate A Sports Betting Website?
Yes, it is illegal to operate a sports betting website in most countries. Moreover, many states also have laws prohibiting online gambling (including esports betting websites). Therefore, if you’re looking to start a business, or are thinking about doing so, make sure to contact a reputable, licensed legal consultant before launching any kind of website, forum, or app.