As a consequence of the worldwide epidemic that hit the world last year, esports betting has risen to become one of the most popular betting sports in Africa. Sports enthusiasts and betting enthusiasts may find enjoyment in indoor activities such as internet betting and playing virtual games from the comfort of their own homes when the city was closed to the public. As a consequence, the esports business has seen an increase in its popularity.
During a panel discussion at the SBC Digital Summit Africa, a panel of experts examined the continued growth of esports activities. They got together to discuss about the evolution of esports and the potential it has in the African betting business.
The experts include well-known figures from the esports industry, such as Emmanuel Oyelakin,
the founder and CEO of Extraordinary Gamers; Sidick Bakayo, the managing director of Paradise Game; Douglas Ogeto, the CEO of Ludique Works; Kwesi Hayford, the president of the Ghana Esports Association; and Ryan Macquet, the founder of the African Electronic Sports Association. Luke Cotton, the COO of Code Red Esports, served as the summit’s moderator.
Sidick Bakayo, the managing director of Paradise Game, was upbeat about the future of esports betting in Africa, according to the company. He draws parallels between the esports sector and the African film industry. The movie business looked quite different 15 years ago, and there is no doubt that the esports industry will look very different in the next years. It may take some time, but the esports betting market will expand steadily over time.
The impacts of the worldwide epidemic, he said, are altering the landscape of esports.
A good influence has been made on the esports industry as a result of this. People no longer see video games in the same manner they did in the past. They now consider it to be a source of entertainment as well as a platform for wagering purposes. Sidick is optimistic that esports betting will become more prominent in the future.
More specifically, he claimed that Africa has the capacity to ensure that esports betting continues to flourish on the continent in the coming years. Africa has a large population, and a significant portion of that population enjoys sports. The population is expected to continue to expand indefinitely. As a result, there is nothing that can halt the esports boom in Africa. Despite this, the middle class is the most significant contributor to the sports industry’s economy.
Mr. Douglas Ogeto, the CEO of Ludique Works, agreed with Sidick’s assertion that the betting market in Africa is growing,
as is the esports sector in the continent. “The betting industry in Africa is growing,” said Sidick. His point of view is that Africa has its own way of doing things. He said that Africa is developing game concepts that are tailored to the African environment. This is being done with the primary goal of developing a competitive esports industry.
Ogeto emphasized how the card-playing game of poker was adapted to the Ghanaian environment by the country’s players. Because the firm wanted to collaborate with the local market, it discovered and produced games that were well-suited to the needs of the local market. The tailored games were a hit in Ghana, where they were highly appreciated. He also said that efforts to create more specialized games for the local market are already ongoing.
According to Kwesi Hayford, the head of the Ghana Esports Association, there is a strong desire for gambling in Africa.
Gambling on video games is prevalent at the grassroots level in Ghana. In Ghana, esports betting is conducted in a distinct manner. Betting in esports takes place between players personally, rather than on an esports betting platform. It is referred to as the ‘loser pay and winner remain’ strategy.
At the little game dens, the audience lays bets on two players who are participating in a game. They then come to an agreement that whomever wins the game gets to keep the winnings. This kind of betting has been practiced in Africa for a very long time. The debate came to a close with Emmanuel from Extraordinary Gamers explaining that for the esports community in Africa to grow, it is important for both esports organizers and esports operators to work together to achieve success. Working collaboratively enables the parties to discover shared issues and link them with potential solutions. Furthermore, esports organizations must conform to the laws and regulations that have been established.
The esports betting scene in the United States and Europe is many steps ahead of that in Africa. What remains to be seen is whether or not the African esports betting sector can catch up. The esports betting industry in Africa is not undeveloped, but rather growing.