Kerstin James Chircop, Co-Founder and Director of Business Development at GMR, emphasizes that betting is becoming integral to the esports landscape.
In a statement made before PLAYCON 2025, Malta’s annual event focused on video games and esports, Chircop highlighted that betting serves as a foundational element in the ecosystem, benefiting both professional teams and grassroots competitions.
«Discussing professional esports today, betting now stands as one of the primary revenue sources for teams,» Chircop remarked in an interview.
«Recently, Riot Games permitted teams to have betting sponsors. When considering Valve’s Counter-Strike and Dota 2, betting sponsorship has played a significant role in events for quite some time,» he added.
Betting Revenues Boosting Teams and Grassroots Development
Chircop emphasized that collaborations with top esports betting firms extend beyond mere financial backing; they enhance fan interaction and enthusiasm surrounding marquee titles.
«Securing a betting sponsor undeniably adds value and proves effective. It generates excitement, as events like Counter-Strike gained intense interest when audiences invested themselves in teams. This is essential,» he stated.
He pointed out that sponsorship from leading betting entities also benefits tier-two competitions and smaller teams that would otherwise face difficulties in remaining competitive. Yet, regional variations continue to influence how the industry evolves in different markets.
Chircop showcased PLAYCON, organized by GMR in partnership with GamingMalta, as an illustration of the expanding esports ecosystem in Malta. The expo has developed into a platform for showcasing local talent and attracting international investment, particularly from the betting sector.
«PLAYCON aims to highlight what the local industry has to offer–new career avenues, the establishment of game studios, esports teams, and organized tournaments,» Chircop elaborated.
The event also serves an educational purpose, attracting thousands of students each year and introducing initiatives like the Schools Esports World Championships organized by DAIGON Esports.
«We want students to understand the video game industry, how to balance their screen time with other responsibilities, and recognize that with talent, esports can turn into a viable career path,» Chircop remarked.
In its fifth edition, PLAYCON is scheduled to take place from October 9 to 12 at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali.
On a global scale, Chircop noted that esports is transitioning into a more mature stage, marked by professional infrastructures, international investments, and long-term growth strategies. In this context, he affirmed the ongoing significance of betting.
«Ultimately, betting keeps audiences engaged. It creates excitement, and the revenue is crucial for sustaining teams and events.»
