The Chicago Black Sox. Over 100 years after the scandal, that name elicits a singular, resonating recollection. That team, perhaps more than any other, remains an enduring example of the label “cheater.” Other scandals, such as Pete Rose’s lifetime baseball ban, further evidence the dangers accompanying gambling and sports. Today, confronted with anti-corruption measures within traditional sports, gamblers and organized crime are aggressively expanding into new markets, hoping to stay one step ahead of enforcement.
Esports is precisely the type of new market that may be targeted. Competitive video gaming, collectively referred to as “esports,” has exploded into a mainstream endeavor firmly established as part of current popular culture. Popular games include League of Legends, DOTA 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, among others. Professional teams and players have fueled much of esports’ explosive growth, supported by significant investments from traditional sports franchise owners and players and increased visibility on traditional media outlets.
