Ladbrokes calls time on esports market

UK bookmaker Ladbrokes is believed to have stopped offering betting on esports.

The vertical has been seen almost universally as a growth area within the betting industry, especially because of esports' popularity among young adults.

However, while Ladbrokes has in the past offered a comprehensive range of wagers on the likes of Dota 2 and CS:GO, its website's esports section now redirects to the home page.

While Ladbrokes has not made an official announcement, eSports Betting Report said a customer support operator responded to a query by explaining that it is not presently offering wagers on the sector.

The representative said: “It has been taken away currently. A decision has not been made yet on its return.”

Ladbrokes previously offered markets on major tournaments as well as in-play betting on some events.

Esports fans are projected to bet about $23.5 billion (€21.3 billion) on the sector by 2020, according to market research by Eilers.

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