🎮 Oddin.gg’s Marek Suchar: “Esports is Not a Side Bet — It’s a Vertical in Its Own Right”

In an exclusive interview, Marek Suchar, Co-founder & Managing Director of Oddin.gg, spoke about the company’s rapid expansion across Latin America, the evolution of the esports betting vertical, and why success depends on treating it as a dedicated product category, not just a side offering.

🔎 Why Latin America – And Why Now?

Oddin.gg is riding a wave of momentum in Latin America, having secured licenses and partnerships in Buenos Aires, Brazil, and other key jurisdictions. 

• Esports is now a top-3 betting vertical in several LatAm countries.

• Titles like Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, and Dota 2 are especially popular with younger, mobile-first bettors.

• The company is offering localized products like BetBuilder, available pre-match and live, to meet market demand.

📈 From Niche to Mainstream: Is Esports Finally Profitable?

Esports betting is no longer just a novelty—it’s becoming a core growth driver:

• Esims like eFootball and eBasketball are gaining traction with more traditional bettors.

• On average, esports stakes are nearly 6x higher than football (€29 vs. €5).

• From 2023 to 2024, esports betting volume grew by 106% across top titles.

 🧠 Mindset Shift: The Real Barrier to Esports Betting Growth

While doubts about profitability or audience savviness persist, Suchar believes the real hurdle is operator mindset.

Operators must:

• Adapt their UX/UI to Gen Z expectations.

• Offer live, in-play markets and mobile-friendly experiences.

• Invest in infrastructure and tailored content, not just plug-and-play feeds.

👥 Who’s Actually Betting on Esports?

Oddin.gg sees a diverse mix of users:

• Core esports fans, primarily Gen Z and Millennials, who thrive on fast-paced, interactive betting.

• Traditional sports bettors, increasingly engaging with eSim formats for more frequent betting options.

🔮 What’s Next for Oddin.gg?

The company is laser-focused on:

• Localization for complex markets like the U.S. and Brazil.

• Expanding coverage to mobile-first games and even American football eSims.

• Building regulatory and educational partnerships to foster sustainable growth.📌 Takeaway: Esports Betting Is Maturing—Fast

As declining sports viewership and shifting demographics push operators to adapt, esports offers a dynamic and scalable alternative. But capturing its value requires treating it not as a novelty, but as a strategic product vertical backed by the right data, technology, and localized strategy.