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Esports betting – Emerging trends and technologies to engage gen Z 

November 7, 2025
Last update: November 7, 2025
3 min read
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Esports betting – Emerging trends and technologies to engage gen Z 

The world of esports has grown with tremendous velocity from local tournaments to an international billion-dollar market. As it grew, so has esports betting emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets in online gambling. With millions of followers worldwide and the majority belonging to Generation Z, esports betting is no longer a trend it is shaping the future of digital entertainment. From mobile applications to cryptocurrency transactions and live competitions, new technologies are transforming the manner in which spectators bet on esports and interact with their beloved teams.

Why gen Z is driving esport betting

Gen Z is unlike any other generation of sports fans. Growing up in a smartphone, high-speed internet, and always-on world, they are digital natives. Gaming is not just something they do it’s their lifestyle. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Discord are the center of their social life. 

They love: 

  • interactivity – they desire to be a part of the action, not passive observers. Betting delivers an extra way of engagement when playing games, 
  • mobile-first behavior – they have their smartphones as their primary devices, and therefore mobile apps for esports betting are becoming more popular. 
  • technology adoption – it can be blockchain payments, AI-recommended advice, or live game stats, but Gen Z picks up new stuff fast. 

Such behaviors have nurtured the perfect environment for esport betting to come forth. Compared to traditional sports betting that is static and seems archaic, esports betting replicates the fast-paced, fast-moving, and digital-first lifestyle of the youth generation.’ 

Esports betting is not an imitation of the conventional sports bookmaking industry. It has its own trend due to the fast pace of gaming and younger consumers’ anticipations. Four are prominent among them: 

Live betting 

One of the most exciting features of esports wagers is real-time wagering. Whether it’s predicting the next team fight in League of Legends or who will win the pistol round in CS:GO, live wagering provides unparalleled adrenaline to the spectator experience. 

Micro-betting

Instead of merely betting on the winner or loser, fans can now place micro-bets on different in-game events like who scores first blood, how many headshots one gets, or which side takes out the first tower. These small-stakes, rapid-fire bets engage viewers throughout the game. 

Social betting

To Gen Z, competition and community are two sides of one coin. Social betting enables fans to share bets, challenge friends, and even engage in group bets. This peer-to-peer approach turns betting into a social experience, driving engagement and loyalty. 

Gamification

Younger gamblers seek entertainment more than just betting. The majority of platforms have integrated gamification elements such as reward points, achievements, and leaderboards into the product today. These involve someone more as playing a game, which is precisely what Gen Z desires.

Technologies transforming esport betting

The rapid growth of esport betting could not be possible without modern technology. Technology is revolutionizing how bets are taken, paid out, and consumed building a digital world that resonates with Gen Z. Three technologies are game-changers: 

Blockchain – Transparency, fairness, and trust 

In a fair world, blockchain technology guarantees esports wagers to be transparent and traceable. Payouts can be automated through smart contracts, and tampering or forgery can be averted through decentralized ledgers. For the young audience already familiar with blockchain through NFTs and crypto wallets, this technology provides the much-required legitimacy to the betting market. 

Artificial intelligence – Predictive analytics and personalized recommendations

Esports generates enormous amounts of data from player stats to game tactics. Artificial Intelligence (AI) digests all that data in real-time, giving bettors information not accessible before. Websites can offer personalized bets, increase accuracy of odds, and even detect risky behavior for more respectable gambling. For Gen Z, used to tailored streams on TikTok or YouTube, AI-based betting comes as second nature. 

Augmented & virtual reality – Immersive gaming experiences

The future of esport betting could be a long, long way from apps and websites. With AR and VR technology, fans could experience live matches in virtual arenas, place bets with a wave of the hand, or watch live stats on 3D. This type of immersion makes betting an event experience that is engaged, not passive, something perfectly suited to the gaming-first mindset of the youth audience. 

How mobile devices dictate gen Z’s digital life

Studies show that Gen Z spends more time on mobile phones than on desktops or even antique TV. Such mobile-first usage pushes betting platforms to prioritize seamless, app-centric experiences. Convenience and accessibility are top priority for this generation. 

Traits of modern esport betting apps

High-end esport betting apps are far more than mere wagering. They often come with: 

  • live match streams integrated within the app itself, 
  • live statistics and analytics to guide smarter bets, 
  • in-match push notifications and betting opportunities, 
  • gamification features like loyalty rewards, streak bonuses, and achievements, 
  • integrations with secure crypto for rapid deposits and withdrawals. 

All these indicate Gen Z’s desire for dynamic, interactive, and secure platforms. The more interactive the app is, the stronger it will build long-term loyalty. 

The shift from websites to app-based betting

While sites still exist, the industry is squarely moving towards mobile-first options. Apps provide seamless travel, personalized recommendations, and real-time information, functionality that sites can’t match. For younger bettors, tapping an app during a live esports stream is second nature, so apps have become the norm for the industry. 

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