For video game enthusiasts, growth in the online video game industry has been apparent for some time now. There are now loads of online games that people can play. These games vary from what they offer. For example, you might want to play a game which involves Aim Training, or you might be interested in a brain training game instead. In everything from standard MMORPGs and online arcade sites, to niche PC games not publicized in the mainstream, to major console games like the recently released and much-hyped Grand Theft Auto V, we’re seeing more and more involvement of online communities and Internet capabilities.
Within this broad, general development, however, there are two specific ways in which online gaming is growing that have enormous financial implications for the various industries involved. One is in the explosive expansion of casino gaming online; the other is in the emergence of the so-called eSports industry. Let’s look at a brief overview of both movements.
Casino Gaming Online
In casino gaming, there have always been hurdles to online development and expansion. To begin with, sites have to operate legally according to the governments they operate in (which has long been a struggle particularly in the United States). Additionally, legal sites must present themselves with the regulation and security necessary to gain trust from customers who are looking to put real money on the line.
In the countries where these conditions are met consistently, however, the online gambling industry is enormous, and seems to grow without limits. One reason for this is that it’s no longer just about online poker – there are now entire online casino communities operating online. Take a look at Betfair.com, for example, and while you’ll find live poker tables and video poker alike, you’ll also notice an enormous range of additional options. There are arcade games, slots and roulette, sports betting, and just about anything else you could ever find in a casino. You just have to make sure that you find the right site for you. So if you decide that fantasy baseball is the right thing for you then it might be worthwhile checking out a site like DraftKings to get you started. There are also websites dedicated to providing readers with horse racing tips. Experts will go out of their way to provide clients with the best tips when it comes to horse racing – factoring in all the necessary things such as weight, speed and age for you. Getting the best horse racing tips is easy too now with the invention of the internet. With sites like these gaining legality and regulation overseas, online gambling will only continue to expand.
eSports Online
For those unfamiliar with the term “eSports,” it essentially refers to the monetized industry of spectator gaming, with viewers betting on outcomes (and, for what it’s worth, it’s legal in most U.S. states – only betting on games of chance is forbidden). For an idea on the popularity of this growing industry, consider a recent account from Pcgamesn.com online regarding a major eSports event:
During the weekend of October 4-6, an eSports live event was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The event featured over 13,000 fans, 2 live teams of gamers on center stage, and an incredibly festive, vibrant atmosphere – all to tune in to a world championship of the game League of Legends. A few years ago the idea of an event like this would have baffled gamers and gaming fans – but now, this event is becoming the new normal in eSports. Many games are being given a competitive esports treatment. These include titles like Fortnite, GTA V (without GTA 5 PS4 cheats), Overwatch and even Team Fortress 2!
Ultimately, eSports and online casino gaming are two separate industries growing independently of one another – but both are very clear indications of where the video game industry is heading in general. Online gaming has grown in leaps and bounds, but the way things are looking, the growth has only just begun.
