A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
What predicts esports betting? A study on consumption of video games, esports, gambling and demographic factors
Authors: Macey J, Abarbanel B, Hamari J
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Publication year: 2020
Journal: New Media and Society
Journal name in source: NEW MEDIA & SOCIETY
Journal acronym: NEW MEDIA SOC
Article number: UNSP 1461444820908510
Number of pages: 25
ISSN: 1461-4448
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444820908510(external)
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444820908510(external)
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/46668574(external)
The parallel media related to sports, gaming and gambling are expanding, exemplified by the emergence of esports and game-related gambling (e.g. loot boxes, esports betting). The increasing convergence of these phenomena means it is essential to understand how they interact. Given the expanding consumer base of esports, it is important to know how individuals' backgrounds and consumption of game media may lead to esports betting. This study employs survey data (N = 1368) to investigate how demographics, alongside consumption of video games, esports and gambling can predict esports betting activity. Results reveal that both spectating esports and participation in general forms of gambling are associated with increased esports betting, no direct association was observed between the consumption of video games and esports betting. Findings suggest that while games may act as a vehicle for gambling content, highlighting the convergence of gaming and gambling, there is no intrinsic aspect which directly encourages gambling behaviours.
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