Yeah… I can see why that would be good for business. Especially since other forms of sports gambling are becoming legalized.
With that being said, I think this will increase community toxicity. Players of sports with active betting lines tend to get harassed when a “fan” loses their bet and gets angry at their performance.
Gambling addicts are 15x more likely to commit suicide, be in 15k + debt, etc. Bringing gambling addiction to a game played by young adults reminds me of when they used to market cigarettes to minors
Yup, the pro scene has been financially unsustainable for many years now. This or a shutdown were inevitable.
Valve’s pro scenes have remained sustainable, but that’s largely because a portion of in-game microtransaction revenue goes to hosting tournaments and prize pools.
Of course, what source of money makes the lion’s share at the largest and smallest levels of tourney play? Gambling sponsors! (And lootbox sales).
‘pro scene’ for any entertainment activity is the same.
