Bruce Dias 
E-sports is a recent phenomenon that has risen to some dizzying heights in the online space, and it has been interesting to see the same thing happen in the online casino sector. The consumer demographics are similar, and the fact that both forms of entertainment are internet based has seen many of the same audience and players involved in both pastimes and activities. This article looks at what the two areas of entertainment have in common and how they relate to each other.
The Growth Paths of E-Sport and Online Casinos Have Been Similar
The growth and development of e-sport has been on a similar trajectory as the growth and development of online casinos. Both have been dependent on the development of the internet and the associated technology to access and use this space for entertainment. However, they have also both been subject to fairly strict regulations and guidelines that dictate what is regarded as an e-sport and what is allowed to be gambled on at the online casino.
They Are Both Incredibly Convenient
As the requisite mobile technology has developed, the ability to access e-sports and online casinos alike has become incredibly convenient. The level of convenience is such that online casinos have started to include e-sports and the ability to bet on these games from the self-same casino where you can play blackjack or poker. They are both available on mobile, as well as other devices.
Ability to Play for Real Money
Both types of games can be played for real money, and, as such, there is some risk associated with the playing of these games. Real money online pokies or slots are the favored game in the online casino, while you can directly play for money as an e-sports person if you enter a tournament, or you can place bets on a specific player or tournament. Payments for both these hobbies or pastimes are now safer than ever, and most operators offer a wide range of payments where the focus is safety and a seamless process to allow for play and entertainment, with no lengthy waiting times or approvals needed for payments.
Cross Selling in Both Aspects
The ability of the online casino to sell and promote e-sports betting and vice versa has been somewhat biased in favor of the sports betting that is done in the casino. However, there are increased options for cross-selling as the online casino has begun to include games that are based on popular e-sports such as Call of Duty. This encourages the COD players to have a go at these themed slots and has seen many players promote and share this crossover on social media.
Games of Skill and Chance
No two games played in either e-sport or at the online casino will ever be the same. The argument is that e-sport is a game of skill, rather than just chance, and, as such, the players of these games have noted how they prefer to play similar games of skill rather than simply chance. They gravitate to card games, such as poker and blackjack, where the level of skill required is somewhat higher than when playing slots.
Conclusions
The rise of e-sports and online casinos have happened in tandem, the technology required for both is similar, and the players that frequent both are generally the same people. Both sectors have also begun to incorporate aspects of each form of entertainment, with e-sport looking to include some aspects of betting and casinos, including aspects of skill and e-sport-related games. It is an interesting relationship, as has been elaborated upon in this article.
