We tackled this topic with the help of Grace Tennet. The renowned expert in the world of gaming and betting in New Zealand doesn’t see an issue with new genres being attached to existing ones.
“Of course, some casino purists will say e-sports and virtual games have nothing to do in the casino world. However, remember that those people also have a lot to say against casino bonuses, online slot machines, and essentially everything that is not a table game”, shares Grace her opinion.
She believes the casino industry is constantly evolving, and the market is, more than any other, open to all sorts of innovations. Miss Tennet even believes that thinking online gambling sites with $1 minimum deposit requirement could survive without these phenomena in their portfolio would be very naive.
“If players want something, they are going to get it one way or another. The truth is that “another” usually means they find a new operator. To each their own, but the cost of adding virtuals and e-sports is low, especially compared to potential losses”, she claims
So, what is it that brings virtual games and e-sports together with online casinos? Grace knows the answers.
Crossover Platforms are The Future
Grace strongly believes that e-sports and virtual games were the main reason why crossover platforms are so popular these days. By providing both casino gaming services and sports betting, such sites gather larger communities than specialized sites. And the two categories that cracked the door open are exactly the two we are discussing today.
“Virtuals and e-sports are combining gaming and betting, which made them the perfect ice-breakers. Thanks to them, platforms that support all kinds of gaming are now more common and deliver a well-rounded experience. Still, it has to be noted they are mostly categorized under the sports section”, Grace is honest.
She also reveals the casino doesn’t necessarily need a big sports platform. Many of them choose to rely only on one section filled with virtuals. “It is their way to keep the attention of players, without having to rebrand. Meanwhile, many bookies have used the power of e-sports, to convince their punters to try casino gaming. It’s a quid pro quo situation”, elaborates Grace.
New-Found Enjoyment
This brings us to the next point on Grace’s list, which is a new kind of entertainment players get to experience on platforms that support e-sports and virtual gaming.
“Frankly, online gamers are always on the chase. They need a constant stream of new titles, bonuses, and whatnot. Esports and virtuals allow them to take a shot at something completely different, yet somewhat similar, and perhaps even dive deeper into the world of online sports betting”, explains Tennet.
Grace reveals that for many, sports betting per se can be quite intimidating. She reminds us that sports betting is still a male-dominated domain, but online gaming shows no discrimination, nor does it include intimidating visits to retail shops.
“I am the first to admit I don’t like retail bookies. Call me old-fashioned or say I’m overreacting, but entering a room full of men, scrutinizing numbers and trying to sweet talk the girl in the cashier cage is simply not my cup of tea. When women bet online, they don’t have to face a single look or comment, as they remain, for the most part, anonymous, without compromising on all the fun they can experience”, continues Grace.
New Customers Come to Play
Ultimately, miss Tennet is sure the last important role e-sports and virtual games have is attracting new customers. Operating under the credo “the more, the merrier”, online operators always look for new gaming trends, brands, games, and styles to attract new gamers. Virtuals and e-sports proved to be a winning combo!
“E-sports are no longer something only geeks do in dark, mouldy basements. They are just as big of an industry as soccer, and therefore, attract large crowds. Having them in your portfolio definitely won’t hurt, but it can be quite beneficial if you play the cards right”, says Grace.
And what are the right cards? Special events, bonuses, and live streams, as well as unique virtual games, and exclusives that can’t be played elsewhere. “These two trends should be treated just like any other new genre – heavily promoted, and decorated with shiny benefits, so potential customers catch only a glimpse of them. Then, only the sky is the limit, as they can take their money to classic sports, stick to e-sports or play casino games. But what’s most important is – they’ll stay on your platform”, finishes Tenner at the end
This is a paid guest post.