Submission Title

Esports Enthusiasts and Gamers: Motivations, Behaviors, and Attitudes Towards Gambling

Session Title

Mid-morning Break and Poster Sessions: FEATURED POSTERS

Presenters

John LukasikFollow

Presentation Type

Event

Location

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

Start Date

29-5-2019 10:25 AM

End Date

29-5-2019 11:00 AM

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

This study examined what the driving factors were behind why people watch esports and play video games, and their views on casino gambling. This research takes into account several motivational models and theories for video game and media consumption, including the Uses and Gratifications Theory. In addition, motivations and behaviors in regards to gambling were also examined. Although there is plenty of research on gambling motivations, none looks primarily at how esports and video game enthusiasts in specific feel about gambling.

In-depth Interviews were conducted on esports and video game enthusiasts to understand what they enjoy about esports and gaming, and what they like and don’t like about casino gaming. Results showed a wide range of motivations behind video game play, but challenge, skill, and socialization were the most common. For gameplay itself, people tended to really enjoy teamwork and collaboration. None of the participants gambled too often, and cited a lack of interactivity and value as primary reasons. One aspect of casino games that many found frustrating, is that their decisions seem to rarely have an impact on the outcome of a game, unlike video games. With video games, nearly each press of the button has a degree of significance. Casinos and casino game manufacturers alike should examine what it is that drives people to play video games and watch esports, and import those qualities into their casino gaming experience.

Keywords

Esports, Gambling, Sports Betting, Casinos, Millennials, Video Games

Author Bios

John Lukasik is the Director of Race, Sports, and Esports for Caesars Entertainment. He is also a PhD student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where his research focuses on sports betting and casino gaming. Previously, he was a Graduate Assistant at the International Gaming Institute at UNLV.

Funding Sources

Funding was from the International Gaming Institute at UNLV

Competing Interests

None

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May 29th, 10:25 AM May 29th, 11:00 AM

Esports Enthusiasts and Gamers: Motivations, Behaviors, and Attitudes Towards Gambling

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

This study examined what the driving factors were behind why people watch esports and play video games, and their views on casino gambling. This research takes into account several motivational models and theories for video game and media consumption, including the Uses and Gratifications Theory. In addition, motivations and behaviors in regards to gambling were also examined. Although there is plenty of research on gambling motivations, none looks primarily at how esports and video game enthusiasts in specific feel about gambling.

In-depth Interviews were conducted on esports and video game enthusiasts to understand what they enjoy about esports and gaming, and what they like and don’t like about casino gaming. Results showed a wide range of motivations behind video game play, but challenge, skill, and socialization were the most common. For gameplay itself, people tended to really enjoy teamwork and collaboration. None of the participants gambled too often, and cited a lack of interactivity and value as primary reasons. One aspect of casino games that many found frustrating, is that their decisions seem to rarely have an impact on the outcome of a game, unlike video games. With video games, nearly each press of the button has a degree of significance. Casinos and casino game manufacturers alike should examine what it is that drives people to play video games and watch esports, and import those qualities into their casino gaming experience.