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The Rise of eSports Betting in the Philippines

January 31, 2025 99 0
The Rise of eSports Betting in the Philippines
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The rise of esports betting in the Philippines has been nothing short of remarkable. As the esports industry continues to expand globally, the local market is embracing the trend with enthusiasm. Fueled by the country's vibrant gaming culture, widespread internet access, and passionate esports fans, this sector is transforming the traditional betting landscape. Now, enthusiasts don’t simply watch players compete. They can bet on them as well. 

What is Esports Betting?

Esports betting refers to wagering on competitive video gaming events, where professional players or teams compete in tournaments across popular esports titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2, CS 2, and Valorant. Similar to traditional sports betting, esports betting allows individuals to place bets on various outcomes, such as match winners, tournament champions, or in-game statistics. As the esports betting industry flourishes, online casinos have started to cater to esports bettors. 

How Popular is Betting on Esports?

Betting on esports has grown exponentially in popularity over the past decade, driven by the increasing global esports audience of gaming and advancements in online betting platforms and online casinos. The global esports betting market is estimated to be worth billions of dollars, with millions of fans placing wagers on their favorite teams, players, and major tournaments such as the League of Legends WC, The International (Dota 2), and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Majors.

Factors Driving the Rapid Growth of Esports Betting

Filipinos are not new to exploring different genres of betting. While there’s still a huge chunk of the population who enjoy traditional sports, they are also keen on exploring esports betting. 

Growing Popularity of Esports

The increasing acceptance of electronic sports, particularly among younger demographics, has contributed significantly to the rise of esports in the country. Popular esports tournaments like the World Championship and Counter-Strike competitions attract millions of viewers, driving interest in betting opportunities. Players are eager to place bets in esports betting and wager on their favorite teams, predicting match winners and other specific in-game events.

Expansion of Online Betting Platforms

With the proliferation of online casinos and specialized esports betting platforms, Filipinos now have more avenues than ever to engage with the betting sector. These betting platforms offer various betting options, covering popular esports matches, including first-person shooter games, multiplayer online battle arenas, and real-time strategy games. As a result, new and experienced esports and even traditional bettors have diverse betting esports options to explore beyond traditional sports.

Technological Advancements in the Esports Industry

The rise of esports betting is also thanks to tech advancements in the esports industry. The integration of data analytics, live streaming through YouTube Gaming, and emerging technologies like virtual reality have enhanced the overall esports betting experience. These technological advancements enable users to make informed decisions based on real-time data and player statistics, ultimately influencing their betting practices.

Challenges Facing the Esports Betting Market

The rise of esports betting brings with it several challenges, including: 

Regulatory Challenges

Despite the industry's rapid expansion, the betting market faces significant regulatory hurdles in the Philippines. Authorities are working to implement measures to promote responsible gambling, ensuring that esports fans engage in a safe and fair environment, especially in esports events. Compliance with legal frameworks is crucial to maintaining the credibility of the esports betting market.

Competition from Traditional Sports Betting

While esports events and betting have grown substantially, traditional sports betting remains a dominant force in the Philippines. Long-time traditional sports bettors may hesitate to transition to esports, preferring familiar sports leagues and sports games. However, the younger, tech-savvy audience is increasingly drawn to the fast-paced action of esports.

When Was the Rise of Esports?

The rise of esports can be traced back to the early 2000s, but its roots date even further to the 1970s and 1980s, when competitive gaming first emerged. However, esports as we know it today—featuring professional players, organized leagues, and massive audiences—began gaining significant traction in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Key Milestones in Esports and Major Tournaments

1970s–1990s: The Foundations of Competitive Gaming

  • 1972: The first known video game competition took place at Stanford University, where students competed in Spacewar! for a subscription to Rolling Stone magazine.
  • 1980: Atari hosted the Space Invaders Championship, attracting over 10,000 participants and marking the first large-scale video game competition.
  • 1990s: Competitive gaming gained a following with popular games like Street Fighter II and Quake, leading to the creation of early tournaments and gaming communities.

2000s: The Emergence of Organized Esports

  • The rise of broadband internet allowed players to compete online globally, leading to the creation of major competitive leagues such as:
    • The Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) in 1997.
    • The Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC) in 2003.
    • The World Cyber Games (WCG) in 2000.
  • Games such as Counter-Strike, StarCraft, and Warcraft III dominated the competitive scene, particularly in South Korea, where esports started becoming a global phenomenon. This has also opened opportunities for enthusiasts to be more aggressive in placing wagers on match outcomes. 

2010s: Mainstream Growth and Global Recognition

As we enter a more digital world and players become more tech-savvy, esports continues to attract fans with betting options. 

  • The launch of streaming platforms like Twitch (2011) revolutionized esports, enabling fans to watch live matches and engage with their favorite players.
  • Major publishers invested heavily in esports, with games like:
    • League of Legends (Riot Games) – First held the WC in 2011.
    • Dota 2 (Valve) – Introduced The International tournament with multi-million dollar prize pools.
    • Fortnite and PUBG popularized the battle royale genre in the competitive scene.
  • Sponsorships and investments from major brands such as Coca-Cola, Intel, and Red Bull helped push esports into the mainstream.
  • In 2018, esports was featured as a demonstration event at the Asian Games, further solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

2020s: A Billion-Dollar Industry

  • Esports has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with professional leagues, franchised teams, and millions of fans worldwide.
  • Major events such as the League of Legends WC, The International, and Call of Duty League attract millions of viewers globally, with prize pools reaching tens of millions of dollars.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the growth of esports, with traditional sports temporarily halted and audiences turning to online gaming for digital entertainment.

What is the Future of Esports Betting?

Today, esports betting continues to make an impact. The future of esports betting in the Philippines looks promising, with continued growth expected in the coming years. As more professional teams and key players enter the scene, the landscape of esports will evolve further, providing even more betting opportunities for enthusiasts. Additionally, collaborations with major international organizations, such as those in South Korea, could pave the way for a more robust global betting market.

Responsible Gambling and Education

Promoting responsible gambling remains a top priority for stakeholders in the betting industry. Initiatives focusing on educating new bettors about safe betting practices and the potential risks associated with online gambling will help ensure the sustainable growth of the market.

Participate in the Global Esports Betting Market

The rise of esports betting in the Philippines reflects the nation's growing affinity for digital and esports competitions. With advancements in technology, increasing interest from younger audiences, and an evolving regulatory landscape, the market is poised for further expansion. As the industry matures, it will be crucial to balance growth with regulatory oversight and responsible gambling initiatives.

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