eSports: Is it a Fad or Phenomenon? eSports: Is it a Fad or Phenomenon?
Key Takeaways
  • Running for two days between October 25 to 26 at the SLS Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, the conference will help industry insiders understand how eSports will shape the casino floor of the future.
  • Speakers at the conference will include representatives from Twitch, WME | IMG, Unikrn, Team Liquid, ESPN, UNLV, Gamblit, IGT, and Turner Sports’ ELEAGUE.
  • The speakers will lead a practical discussion on whether there is scope for the casino industry to maximise the current popularity for esports that is seen around the world.

The Esports & Casino Resorts conference is being billed as “hands-on esports education” for the commercial gambling industry.

Running for two days between October 25 to 26 at the SLS Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, the conference will help industry insiders understand how eSports will shape the casino floor of the future.

“The path to successful esports casino integrations is starting to come into focus” said John Caldwell a Partner at Narus Advisors. “At Esports and Casino Resorts we’re going to have focused discussion led by experts that will help bring even more focus, and provide a blueprint for success in this quickly developing area.”

“The esports events we’ve run with our casino venue partners have far exceeded our expectations and taught us a lot. Most notably, the events have confirmed our prior theory that esports fans show up in droves, and bring a fresh new customer dynamic to the property”

Speakers at the conference will include representatives from Twitch, WME | IMG, Unikrn, Team Liquid, ESPN, UNLV, Gamblit, IGT, and Turner Sports’ ELEAGUE.

The speakers will lead a practical discussion on whether there is scope for the casino industry to maximise the current popularity for esports that is seen around the world.

Topics of discussion will include:

  • How to host and market a range of esports events on casino properties.
  • Who is the esports fan, and where are they likely to spend money on property?
  • How esports could provide a launchpad for skill/chance hybrid gaming products.
  • Where esports connects with the national conversation over legalizing sports betting.
  • The unique esports opportunities for tribal and regional casinos.

Growing popularity for eSports in Las Vegas

Casinos are already diversifying into the esports arena.

Back in May we saw Fifth Street Gaming apply to the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) for permission to offer wagering on a live esports tournament to be held in July. In addition, the MGM hosted the North American League of Legends Championship Series event back in April, attracting 6000 esport fans.

The International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada Las Vegas is also helping further the growth of esports initiatives with the creation of its esports lab.

Students will be incentivised to design solutions to business challenges faced in the esports field and will be an elective course for both graduates and undergraduates.

You can register for the conference and get tickets here. Tickets cost from $749 to $1,049.