Due to the pandemic, the gaming industry saw a strong 2020 with many locked down in their homes playing computer games. Games like FIFA 20 also experienced similar figures, as the EA sports titlegenerated revenue of $1.08bn in 2020.
This, however, also translated into increased esports betting.
Over the years, many games have adapted their online offerings to increase revenue; aspects like loot boxes and online deals were introduced to many titles.
A recent report commissioned my GambleAware found half of the revenue generated by loot boxes amounted to £700m ($962.7m) and this came from just 5% of users, with many now asking if there is a link between loot boxes and problem gambling.
On a more positive note, esports betting has continued to grow to mirror the wider industry's rapid success; it was estimated that esports betting revenue went as high as $1bn in 2019 and probably remained close to this figure last year.
Esports betting is attracting similar consumers and more individuals are now betting on the format than ever.
While League of Legends, CS:GO and Dota 2 are the leading esports betting titles, wagering on games such as Call of Duty is now increasing.
