How eSports Became South Korea’s Largest Sports Betting Market

Sports betting in South Korea is quite big on results of esports tournaments, since it’s famous for having the best esports athletes based on global rankings. Actually, esports betting in the country is allowed only if offered as a betting product in the state-run Sports Proto. However, since the toto site’s market for sports betting is limited to local competitions or international tournaments hosted by the country, Korean bettors stake their wagers online, in foreign- sportsbooks.

Although online gambling is prohibited in South Korea, it has become a flourishing industry that benefits foreighn companies and in some cases, scammers. Nonetheless, the operation of scam toto sites was countered by the creation of websites like BetGo Toto. Their mission is to review and examine the safety, security and other important features of an online betting site for the purpose of recommending only those that prove to be legitimate and safe toto sites.

South Korea Disappointing Stance Against Online Sports Betting

The sports betting limitation is actually a disappointment for many Korean since the country has been at the forefront in the recognition and development of video gaming as a sports and professional occupation. Video game tournaments in the country came around in Western culture in the 1960s , but not in the same breadth and passion with the way South Korean youths. Serious competitive, player-versus-player (PvP) gaming even before it became esports, was already bringing fame and fortune to many S. Korean youths.

While most of the world waged war against video game developers and manufacturers of gaming consoles, the government of South Korea looked for ways of giving support to the video gaming industry. The operation of PC Bangs or Internet Cafes in the country became a primary support because they provided the computers, which grass-roots gamers used in honing their skills.

During the second half of the 20th, the country went on to progress and achieve exceptional economic growth. The South Korean government began investing in infrastructure for a national broadband network. The fast Internet connection all the more encouraged Korea’s gaming industry to support the tournaments and competitions being held in the country.

The strongest push came in 1999, after the timely arrival of Blizzard’s StarCraft: Brood War. The Korean gaming community lost no time to grow at a rapid pace, especially when cable TV channels in the country began broadcasting ongoing Starcraft competitions. The rest is history as the esports concept included the creation of leagues, which layed the foundation for the establishment of video gaming as a type of sports among Korean gamers.

In 2000, the S. Korean government enacted laws to officially recognize esports as a sport, while those who engage in video gaming competitions are esports professionals.