The way we play, watch and even bet on our favourite sports is changing with the emphasis moving from in-person to online. We now have a generation of sports fans who are used to getting what they want, when they want and even where they want. You can gamble on an upcoming soccer fixture using your desktop computer, enter the richest poker tournaments from the comfort of your home or watch your favourite teams in action while on the move. Betting is available from California to Cornwall at the touch of a button.
Over the last few years, we have seen another important change in the habits of gamblers, with a sharp rise in the number of wagers placed on esports. Online gamblers make predictions and bet on professional esports players as they battle it out on famous titles such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Fortnight. You may have noticed the esports tab present on major betting apps have moved from a niche market to one of the most popular, ranking alongside the likes of tennis and cricket.
If you are interested in betting and watching professional esports on your smartphone, this article has everything you need to get started. We have gained the assistance of an online betting expert who explains the reasons for that rise in esports popularity, how you can get a free bet today and the best way to watch the next fixture from the leading tournaments.
Fans flock to esports
During the pandemic, when many professional sports, including horse racing and boxing, were forced to postpone major events while soccer and American Football matches were played behind closed doors, esports came to the rescue. With the most talented players able to compete in competitions remotely, the schedule wasn’t affected too much. With millions of people stuck at home during the lockdown, esports became a saviour from boredom.
Fans flocked to the esports tab, showing an interest in what was going on before taking a risk and gambling on the outcome. Many enjoyed the fixtures so much that they decided to stay when more traditional sports began filtering back through. They were now fully-fledged, paid-up members of the esports fanclub and remain so today. Check the stats associated with esports betting, and you’ll notice a rise in wagers placed early in 2020, with the numbers continuing to grow.
Get a free bet
How do you get a free bet on esports to begin your journey? That’s an easy one. The online gambling industry is moving into new, untapped areas, creating one of the most competitive marketplaces in business. How does an ambitious bookie aim to stand out from the crowd? By offering an incentive to new players.
The marketing team ensure a steady stream of new customers and repeat business by offering all new players a welcome bonus. In many cases, this is a free bet that is equal to or greater than your first deposit. Sign up at an online bookie, make your first deposit and place a bet. Your welcome bonus free bet will then be added to your account balance and can be used to gamble on the esports fixtures that catch your eye. Be sure to fully read the terms and conditions attached to the offer before accepting and placing a bet.
Watch on your device
One of the most impressive features of the online gambling industry is the one that allows you to watch live sports and esports on your smartphone, often free of charge. If you place a bet on the outcome of a match or competition, you can watch and cheer on your selections through a faultless, HD quality live stream.
In addition to the free to view live stream, there’s expert commentary, live scores, in-play betting odds and predictions. You’ll find everything you need to watch and bet on live sports in one place. All you need is a reliable Wi-Fi connection or available data, and you can bet and watch from anywhere. The quality is as good as you’d hope to find, with no frustrating interruptions, lags or loading periods.
