Esports ... Is that the motive for Entain?

[The Centaur]

Although TAB offers some esport betting I know nothing about it.

I see Entain/Ladbrokes are heavily investing in esports. Recently they purchased a New Zealand outfit Sportsflare  a software development startup.  https://sportsflare.io/  https://igamingbusiness.com/strategy/ma/entain-to-acquire-esports-betting-developer-sportsflare/

Several pundits are saying esports will be a threat to horse racing  https://www.g7r.com/esports/esports-growth-threatens-horse-racing-industry/ and indeed the sportsflare crowd are very bullish 

Esports betting to displace traditional sports wagering
Hearne sees a future world where esports betting will match or displace traditional sports betting. Gamers can bet on games like CS:GO, LoL, or Dota2 or play head to head in games of Fortnite, Call of Duty, and many new games to come against millions of other like-minded gamers around the world. Add to that tournaments and events

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However there are warnings

As esports has become increasingly mainstream and esports betting is widely accessible, it is important to understand the potential risks.

Social influences can entice young esports players into gambling. Advertising techniques used by gambling operators are different to those used for traditional sports which have older audiences. Rather than getting people to sign up by offering free bets, esports betting sites use social media posts featuring gifs and memes that are funny and shareable. They don’t look like commercial content and young people – who may have had no previous interest in gambling – can be unwittingly drawn into esports betting.

Another risk is a lack of esports knowledge when betting. Most esports games, like DOTA 2 or League of Legends, are quite complex and can be hard to understand without an in-depth knowledge of the games.

A further concern with esports betting is match fixing, and the lack of proper anti-fraud and cheating mechanisms in place. Unethical practices seen in the industry include slowing opponents down using technology to interrupt their internet connection, taking drugs to speed up play or players choosing to lose.

Finally, there is a risk of gambling addiction among people who play video games. One of the main drivers of this is loot boxes which can be earned during the game or bought with real money. The contents are hidden until after purchase with a small chance at obtaining rare items, similar to hitting a jackpot in gambling. Players are encouraged to purchase as many of these as possible, and the amount of money spent can spiral out of control.

 

[Chief Stipe]

Geez and they think horse racing is a rort!

[The Centaur]

1 hour ago, Chief Stipe said:

Geez and they think horse racing is a rort!

Given that Entain wants to delve right into esports why are NZTR promoting this when some are saying esports is a threat to racing. Are NZTR that stupid?....perhaps they are.

[mikeynz]

E sports is the place to be, imagine playing and betting on the same game, can't go wrong aye🤣

[Huey]

Utterly sad , this eSports. Yet another example of how lazy & pointless culture is becoming.

[The Centaur]

16 hours ago, Huey said:

Utterly sad , this eSports. Yet another example of how lazy & pointless culture is becoming.

H'mm here is another site explaining eSports betting.  https://www.esportsbets.com/news/unstoppable-future-of-esports-betting/ 

I am certain now that Entain's attempt to gain a monopoly on it in New Zealand is the real explanation for their bid. They couldn't care a fig about horse racing. I don't think the gambling act or racing act was ever written with eSports betting in mind. Lotto and Sky casino may object as Entain seems to be doing it via the back door. eSports has also nothing to do with sport nz so where does the income or commission belong? Could be ladbrokes will just assign it all to themselves.

[The Centaur]

ACCUSATION and I stand by it.

The Entain offer to keep the current TAB staff for 2 years is a straight out bribe.

Definition:

 

bribery, the act of promising, giving, receiving, or agreeing to receive money or some other item of value with the corrupt aim of influencing a public official in the discharge of his official duties.

TAB management are heavily involved influencing the racing minister and his officials and by reports will benefit with a guarantee of two years employment. 

[Special Agent]

New Zealand offers a semi-comfortable stay in an establishment that may be in a country setting courtesy of the King of up to seven years for bribery, whether the crime happened on our shores or overseas.