Gianfranco Capozzi has been actively involved in the esports wagering segment since 2016, initially working with a sportsbook and B2B casino provider. He joined Catena Media through an acquisition a year later and has since coordinated and launched various projects and assets to expand their portfolio in the esports space. Some successful examples include Esports.net, EsportsBets.com, and JustGamers.net. It’s remarkable to witness the rapid growth of the esports industry and have the opportunity to contribute to it in terms of responsible gaming.
Esports is a disruptive force in the igaming industry, captivating a larger viewership compared to many traditional sports. It is particularly popular among millennials and Generation Z. While some traditional betting sites have made minimal efforts to incorporate esports games, this is primarily due to a lack of industry knowledge and the time-consuming process of bringing an igaming product to market. Many leagues and events never make it to these betting sites, limiting the betting opportunities for gamers. Both affiliates and sports betting companies recognize the potential of esports but lack the necessary expertise and experience to efficiently launch esports betting products. This gap between companies that are willing to explore new markets and those with valuable expertise needs to be bridged to fully capitalize on the esports industry’s growth.
When it comes to esports, affiliates and operators need to embrace new strategies and tailor their offers and products specifically for this unique market. Merely replicating what works in the casino or sports betting verticals is a significant mistake. Good research, data analysis, and a deep understanding of the esports and pro gaming industries are crucial. Affiliates should focus on building their own brand, voice, and unique selling propositions instead of imitating their competitors. It’s important to continuously innovate and make use of accurate data analysis to thrive in the ever-changing esports landscape. Agility, innovation, and tech disruption should be incentivized within the esports industry to ensure long-term success.
