Wanna bet? A framework for understanding multilevel risks in esports betting

Session Title

Esports Betting & Competitive Gaming

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Start Date

27-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

Betting has long been a part of the esports ecosystem and has been provided by a range of different actors, from the players and fans themselves to major international operators. As esports has grown in popularity, so has the associated betting market, current estimates value it in excess of $13bn in 2025. In comparison to traditional sports betting, esports is arguably characterised by elevated levels of risk. This is not simply due to the relative infancy of esports, but derives from its unique origins as a digital practice which repurposed video games as a spectator sport. Specific examples of the novel context of esports include, but are not limited to: - unlike traditional sports, esports titles are Intellectual Property - depending on title, many spectators and athletes are minors - the presence of virtual items which can function as fiat currency Effective governance of esports betting, whether via regulators or providers, requires detailed understanding and management of the risks involved to all parties. Here, we present a conceptual framework for evaluating risks related to esports betting, thereby offering a means of identifying and addressing areas of concern to stakeholders. Risks are considered at a range of levels, from the institutional to the individual; they include those that are comparable to traditional sports, and those which are unique both to esports as a mediatised activity, and to individual esports titles.

Author Bios

Dr. Joseph Macey’s doctoral research investigated the convergence of video gaming and gambling, it included some of the first empirical studies of the relationships between the consumption of video games, esports, and loot boxes. Building upon this, his recent work has focused on the growing presence of gamblification in digital media, that is the use of gambling and gambling-like activities to drive user engagement and monetisation. He is a founding member of the Esports Research Network.

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May 27th, 12:00 AM

Wanna bet? A framework for understanding multilevel risks in esports betting

Betting has long been a part of the esports ecosystem and has been provided by a range of different actors, from the players and fans themselves to major international operators. As esports has grown in popularity, so has the associated betting market, current estimates value it in excess of $13bn in 2025. In comparison to traditional sports betting, esports is arguably characterised by elevated levels of risk. This is not simply due to the relative infancy of esports, but derives from its unique origins as a digital practice which repurposed video games as a spectator sport. Specific examples of the novel context of esports include, but are not limited to: - unlike traditional sports, esports titles are Intellectual Property - depending on title, many spectators and athletes are minors - the presence of virtual items which can function as fiat currency Effective governance of esports betting, whether via regulators or providers, requires detailed understanding and management of the risks involved to all parties. Here, we present a conceptual framework for evaluating risks related to esports betting, thereby offering a means of identifying and addressing areas of concern to stakeholders. Risks are considered at a range of levels, from the institutional to the individual; they include those that are comparable to traditional sports, and those which are unique both to esports as a mediatised activity, and to individual esports titles.