If you haven’t lived under the rock for the past decade or so, you’ve probably noticed the increase in terms like “esports” and “competitive gaming”. Esports, (electronic sports) is by far one of the most important factors in today’s sportsbook – and sports betting in general.
Many sportsbook operators have opened up brands just because they want to have separate entities offering esports related odds, 24/7.
How to prevent match fixing on esports?
As the esports business continues its rapid growth rate, many operators are raising concerns towards the integrity and fairness of competitive gaming. Unlike other traditional sports, esports match fixing can be way harder to detect, as thousands of games are played online, every day. If you take out the odds for online matches, you’re not going to have much left to bet on – so that’s not going to be a good solution in the long run.
Why is fixing matches a real threat going forward?
Well, when there’s money involved, there’s also criminals – it’s simple as that. The more money this industry generates, the more it attracts those who are willing to do whatever it takes to earn some extra cash. In “traditional” sports, match fixing usually happens when wealthy “businessman’s” approach teams / players and offer some sort of a compensation, if they decide to throw their next match. Throwing let’s say a CSGO (Counter Strike, Global Offensive) match is technically way easier to fix, than a football match where there are 3rd party variables (referees) on the field.
We’re intrigued to see what kinds of solutions this will yield in the future. Sportsbook operators are usually very thorough when there’s risks involved, so don’t act surprised if these pioneers of sports betting will come up with creative ways to battle match fixing and protect the integrity of betting (and esports).
Paul Collins is a freelance journalist from Newport, Wales. Paul has worked within the Gaming Industry since 2009. Paul focuses mainly on sports but also covers regulatory and compliance news pieces.