Despite its increasing popularity, some regard eSports as a black sheep, little more than a juvenile fad. There is substantial evidence to the contrary, and a Philippine politician wants to give the activity more attention.
Representative Christopher de Venecia is combating the eSports industry's stigma. He claims that many people do not regard eSports athletes as legitimate professionals. This is because they consider video games to be a vice, a distraction, or a kind of gambling.
As a result, according to Philstar, de Venecia has introduced a new law, House Bill 01285. The working title is An Act Declaring October as "National Esports Month," and the purpose is to do exactly what the title implies.
Giving Esports More Recognition de Venecia stated that Filipino eSports teams have difficulty competing in international championships. On numerous occasions, players' travel paperwork and visas are denied. This is because they are not recognised as authentic Philippine representatives in eSports.
As an example, one of the country's Bren Esports teams for Valorant was forced to quit from a tournament in Berlin, Germany, last year. This came after a travel request was denied, despite the fact that the team members had qualified for the competition.
As a result, industry insiders aim to collaborate with the Department of Foreign Affairs to improve eSports athletes' treatment when competing in international events. They also plan to meet with the Department of Labor and Employment to devise a more effective counter-attack that will safeguard the team's owners as well as the players.
To the legislator, eSports are both a respectable sport and a creative industry. He likens it to dancesport, specifically competitive ballroom dancing. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognises it as both a sport and a performing art.
While dancesport has yet to feature in an Olympic competition, the IOC's endorsement is an important first step. For years, eSports players and supporters have lobbied for inclusion of eSports competitions in the Olympics.
Better World Esports Day
On October 23, there is already a World Esports Day. Instead of just one day, de Venecia wants the entire month to be dedicated to the environment.
If the legislation is passed, it will make it easier for other government agencies, such as the Philippine Information Agency and the National Academy of Sports, to collaborate with the private sector. Among the objectives would be the generation and dissemination of information about eSports events and contests. They would also concentrate on educating people about the activity.
The Philippine Esports Organization is the country's governing organisation for eSports. It would play a key role in facilitating collaboration while also shaping the industry.
Sports betting on eSports is still catching up.
According to National Law Review, only 13 US states have directly addressed eSports sports betting. All except one, Nevada, did so following the repeal of The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) by the United States Supreme Court in 2018.
There is still more work to be done, and some states have gone out of their way to prevent regulated eSports sports betting. However, the money that the sector can bring is unavoidable.
Analysts believe that the sports betting business will generate up to $2 billion in global income this year. According to Research and Markets, that figure may reach $12.5 billion in eight years.
This corresponds to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.9%. Furthermore, sponsorships may increase by 40%, while media rights might increase by 23%. All markets will experience tremendous growth around the world.
By fLEXI tEAM
Comments