As a new wave of sports betting sweeps across the industry, sports betting professionals are betting that Esports is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand forms of wagering worldwide. So, it's no surprise that the team behind Altenar, a sportsbook software provider, is taking the bull by the horns when it comes to leveraging Esports for their operators.
Esports took a major leap during the pandemic and, as a result, has captured the attention of bettors, gamers, and gambling enthusiasts around the globe for a variety of reasons. Chief among them: the Esports vertical doesn’t depend on in-person or live events and inherently reduces the risks of match-fixing, scams, and similar issues.
Esports has taken the world by storm and has also driven significant internet adoption and digital engagement in regions where online connectivity was previously limited.
But what do companies like Altenar, a sportsbook software provider, believe is fueling the global fascination with Esports betting?
Esports Revenue Growth
Back in 2018, global Esports revenue stood at $776.4 million USD—a relatively modest figure compared to traditional sports betting. However, once the pandemic hit and sports venues shut down for an undetermined amount of time, Esports revenue surged dramatically. Something had to fill the void left by live sports, and Esports rose to the occasion.
In 2020, Esports popularity surged to an all-time high, generating a total revenue of $1.1 billion USD. This significant growth indicated a strong shift toward Esports, as more users began to expect virtual gaming options from their operators.
Global revenue for Esports is projected to hit $1.56 billion USD. However, industry experts believe that this figure may be surpassed as the demand for virtual gaming continues to rise daily.
One element that caught the attention of Altenar’s sports betting professionals is the type of audience that engages with Esports—those who watch, participate, and consistently choose Esports as their preferred form of entertainment.
Who Makes Up the Esports Audience?
Altenar identified two primary segments within the Esports audience: Occasional Viewers and Esports Enthusiasts. This classification helped highlight the pandemic’s impact on sports betting consumer behavior through the Esports vertical.
In 2018, Esports Enthusiasts (EE) accounted for approximately 173 million viewers, while Occasional Viewers (OV) totaled around 222 million. At the time, the overall Esports audience remained relatively modest compared to traditional online sports betting consumption.
By 2020, a portion of the Occasional Viewers had transitioned to becoming Enthusiasts, increasing the EE audience to 223 million. Meanwhile, the OV segment grew significantly to 272 million, largely driven by the pandemic and the broader shift toward Esports content.
Interestingly, the market is projected to surge again, with Occasional Viewers expected to reach 351 million and Esports Enthusiasts growing to 295 million. However, due to the fast-paced growth of the Esports vertical, these figures evolve rapidly as demand continues to rise exponentially.
For the latest market insights, visit Altenar’s website today—whether you’re looking for region-specific data, want to request a demo, or simply chat with one of Altenar’s Sports Betting and Esports specialists.
