Illegal bets, match-fixing, doping: the dark side of eSports


  • eSports
  • Monday, 27 Apr 2020

Tournaments such as The International and Fortnite World Cup are usually livestreamed from big arenas, and the winners can earn several million dollars. Most of the money, however, is made from betting: Wagers on eSports are expected to surge to US$13bil (RM56.67bil) this year from US$5.5bil (RM23.97bil) in 2016, according to a report by research firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming and advisers Narus. — AFP

Last August, police in Australia’s Victoria province arrested six young men competing in the popular online video game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

The authorities, who had tracked the suspects for six months, said they had deliberately lost at least five tournament matches after illegally betting on their own defeats, in Australia’s first police investigation into eSports match-fixing. If convicted, the men face up to 10 years in prison.

Unlock 30% Savings on Ad-Free Access Now!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Others Also Read


Want to listen to full audio?

Unlock unlimited access to enjoy personalise features on the TheStar.com.my

Already a member? Log In