Newgioco and WIN.gg unveil new esports betting ventures

iGaming operator and supplier Newgioco has launched a new esports wagering service through its online gambling channel in Italy, while news portal Win.gg has rolled out a new esports betting brand.

Customers of Newgioco’s online operators through Multigioco in Italy can now wager on the outcome of esports events such as League of Legends, Dota 2 and Starcraft, as well as esports versions of NBA basketball, Formula One motor-racing and MotoGP motorcycle racing.

Newgioco said the launch of esports betting is intended to fill the gap left by the postponement and cancellation of major sporting events around the world due to the global outbreak of novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

Last week, Newgioco reported a drop in sports betting revenue for March, though this has been mitigated in part by growth in other verticals. Sales were down to $1.5m (£1.2m/€1.4m) for the period from 1-25 March, while sportsbook gross gaming revenue also fell 42.7% for the period.

“We are absolutely committed to keeping our full team employed during the global pandemic and with the challenges currently facing our normal markets,” Newgioco chief executive and chairman Michele Ciavarella said.

“The first result of our whole team approach is the launch of esports in the online channel in Italy within one week of regulatory approval. The rapid go-to-market of esports offerings reflects the talent and efficiency of our design team and flexibility of our Elys platform.

“The focus is now to accelerate the development of our unique US sports betting platform in preparation for the re-opening of markets once the crisis subsides.”

Meanwhile, Win.gg has announced the launch of Winners.bet, a new platform dedicated to esports betting.

Customers can place bets on competitions based around Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, League of Legends, Overwatch, and StarCraft 2, as well as view live streams of the events.

Win chief executive Serge Vardanyan said: “Sports and esports enthusiasts around the world are looking for new and live entertainments, and more specifically, for opportunities to engage with those entertainments through betting. We’re happy to be able to step up and meet that demand.”

Interest in esports betting has significantly increased in recent weeks, with customers unable to bet on traditional sports as a result of the widespread shutdown. The market has responded with a series of new launches and developments to cater for growing demand.

Online operator Puntt launched a new esports player betting platform, allowing users to wager on individual competitors, which it claimed to be the first offering of its kind in the industry.

iGaming software supplier and white label solutions provider EveryMatrix also enhanced its OddsMatrix service to help customers move into the esports betting market.

In addition, the Nevada Gaming Control Board gave its approval for licensed operators in the state to begin accepting bets on a number of esports events, including the ESL Pro League Season.