eSports Arrests A First For UK

24th September, 2016

eSports Arrests A First For UK

News this week from the Midlands, where it seems the UK has made history with the first arrests for betting on eSports.

Betting on eSports is massive business in the UK right now, with one estimate from an industry insider coming in at around £4bn globally in bets each year on video games, such as FIFA and Halo.

The two men arrested live in Essex and have been charged with offences under the Gambling Act - specifically for promoting a lottery and advertising unlawfully. One, Craig Douglas, is also charged with advertising gambling to children.

Reported by the BBC, in what is a first for the UK, the two men in question appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court yesterday (Friday) to answer their case, brought about by a prosecution made by the Gambling Commission.

Betting on eSports and video games include the gambling on 'skins' - whereby players and punters bet on accessories within the games on items such as weapons, upgrades and clothing.

The case was adjourned until mid October.