Olympic Esports Games: Opportunities and Challenges for Esports Betting
Every four years, the world comes together to celebrate the athletic strength and resilience of representatives from 206 National Olympic Committees. In the 16 days of the Olympic games, athletes exert their best selves as the world watches, cheers, and even cries with them.
During the Summer Olympics, sports like aquatics, gymnastics, and athletics stand out. The Paris 2024 Olympics, which ran from July 26 to August 11, made headlines due to new world-records and declarations of love. In 2026, Italy will hold the next Winter Olympics with the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, and athletes are already preparing for it.
However, this time around, it is not just the 2026 Winter Olympics that everyone should prepare for. The Olympic Esports Games are set to make their debut in 2025 in Saudi Arabia. While this may be a groundbreaking evolution in the Olympic Movement, it presents certain opportunities and challenges for Olympic esports betting.
What You Need to Know
Since 2018, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been engaging in the ESports world. This began with the ESports Forum in Lausanne, which aimed to foster dialogue between the IOC and ESports stakeholders. Following this, the IOC established an ESports Liaison group, later evolving into the IOC ESports Commission.
Fans of the Esports series may also recall that in 2021, the IOC launched the Olympic Virtual Series, its first foray into esports. This was followed by the inaugural Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in 2023, which attracted over 130 competitors and generated significant viewership. After its success, the Olympic Esports Games was born.
For the 2025 Olympic Esports Games, ESports fans can expect it to feature virtual sports that align with traditional Olympic guidelines. This innovative approach aims to emphasise key values such as gender equality and national representation.
While popular titles like League of Legends may be included, the IOC is likely to prioritise games that reflect Olympic values. Likewise, more violent games may be excluded from the lineup, as they would focus more on games that promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair competition.
Opportunities for Esports Betting
The upcoming Olympic Esports Games will open many doors for the world of online gaming. Esports betting will also enjoy a few advantages, including:
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Market Expansion
With the Olympics attracting participants from around the globe, new markets for ESports betting are likely to emerge. Operators can tailor their offering to cater diverse regional interests as different countries engage with ESports through their national teams.
Many countries are already seeing ESports’ rise in popularity. Singapore, in particular, hosted the Olympic Esports Week, and they have already formed a Singapore Esports Association (SGEA) as the national governing body for ESports in the city-state. Singaporean Betting Sites can maximise this popularity and expand its market. -
Diverse Titles
Although specific games have yet to be announced, the inclusion of diverse genres can cater to a broad range of gaming preferences. From racing simulations like “Gran Turismo” to strategic titles, each game will have familiar and easy-to-understand mechanics. Furthermore, bookmakers can offer tailored options that resonate with different segments of the audience.
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Data Availability
The Olympic Esports Games are expected to generate extensive data on player performance, game mechanics, and viewer engagement. Likewise, betting operators can leverage this information to refine their odds and analytics. Bettors can also benefit from this as it would be less stressful to study each player before their games.
Challenges for Esports Betting
Despite the excitement of the Olympic Esports Games, it is still new. Bettors and operators alike should be ready for the challenges it possesses.
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Fragmented Industry
There are high stakes associated with esports betting, as it can create avenues for corruption and match-fixing. In fact, the ESports world is no stranger to these.
For instance, StarCraft II professional player Lee “Life” Seung Hyun was banned for life after being found guilty of match-fixing in 2016. He was reportedly involved in a scheme that included receiving over $60,000 to throw matches, which severely tarnished his promising career.
Likewise, ensuring fair play is essential to maintain trust among bettors and safeguard the reputation of esports as a legitimate competitive arena. -
Technology
In the pursuit to ensure fairness and integrity in ESports betting, advanced technology and security measures become necessities. That said, betting operators must invest in systems capable of detecting irregularities in gameplay or betting patterns while safeguarding user data against breaches.
The reliance on technology may raise questions about accessibility, but with the nature of the games, it is not an issue too concerning. -
Public Perception
Another significant challenge for the growth of esports betting in light of the Olympic ESports games is public perception.
Negative views surrounding gambling can hinder acceptance and participation in this growing market, especially with the traditional principles of the Olympics. However, creating campaigns for responsible gambling practices and strengthening betting regulations can promote positive narratives around esports. While these cannot immediately shift perceptions, they can help change them over time.
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As 2024 enters its fourth quarter, the world approaches an exciting new chapter in sports history. It can impact how ESports would finally be viewed as a reputable competitive sport globally.
For new bettors, now is the best time to learn how sports betting works. Maximise this moment to learn about odds, strategies, and responsible gambling practices. Most importantly, find a reputable bookmaker for your bets.
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References:
https://milanocortina2026.olympics.com/en
https://olympics.com/ioc/faq/history-and-origin-of-the-games/why-are-the-olympic-games-held-every-four-years
https://olympics.com/ioc/news/olympic-movement-esports-and-gaming-communities-meet-at-the-esports-forum
https://olympics.com/en/news/olympic-virtual-series-everything-you-need-to-know
https://olympics.com/en/esports/
https://thebeat.asia/singapore/vibe/sports/the-esports-scene-in-singapore-at-a-glance-a-booming-industry
https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/15356948/chronicling-rise-fall-lee-life-seung-hyun
https://blog.acer.com/en/discussion/1853/what-games-will-be-played-in-the-2025-olympic-esports-series
https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/olympics-2021-esports/
https://thedarkroom.co.uk/esports-gambling-and-the-olympics-5-key-points-to-consider/