Speedrunning of video games has grown in popularity during the past 10 years. These players compete in finishing games within the shortest time possible and break records. And with competition, there is gambling, too. An underground industry has developed in wagering on this, with fans placing money on whether a runner will break a record or a particularly challenging run.
It is a secret economy that mostly thrives in Discord chats and confines itself to forums, as well as dodgy internet bookmakers. Some perceive it as harmless fun, whereas others are cautious of scamming and even match-fixing.
Now, let us dive into the inner workings of this market and the reason why it is so controversial. This is why you won’t find this category on 22Bet, as they prioritize the safety and regulations of their country, and offer only the top vetted options for fans and casual players alike!
How It Works
Unlike traditional sports betting, speedrun gambling is decentralized, and there’s no major platform offering odds on whether a runner will shave seconds off their time. Instead, most bets happen in two ways:
1. Private Pools
Small groups of fans organize wagers among themselves. They might bet on:
- Whether a runner will set a new world record.
- If a player can complete a “no-hit” run (finishing a game without taking damage).
- How many attempts it will take to beat a tough level.
These bets are often informal, with money exchanged via PayPal or cryptocurrency.
2. Underground Bookmakers
Some shady gambling sites accept bets on speedrunning events, which operate in legal gray areas, avoiding regulation. Odds are set based on the player’s past performance, but since the craft is unpredictable, the risk is high.
Why People Bet on Speedruns
Betting on speedruns might seem strange to outsiders, but it makes sense to fans. Here’s why it’s growing:
The Thrill of Unpredictability
Unlike traditional sports, speedrunning is full of surprises. A runner might discover a new shortcut or lose hours of progress to a single mistake, and unpredictability that makes things more exciting.
Community Involvement
Speedrunning is a tight-knit community. Fans feel personally invested in their favorite runners’ success, and wagering on this adds another layer of engagement.
Easy Access
Since many speedruns are streamed live on Twitch or YouTube, anyone can watch and bet in real time. No need for expensive tickets or TV subscriptions.
The Dark Side of Speedrun Betting
While some see it as harmless fun, others warn of serious risks:
Scams and Cheating
Because speedrunning is mostly self-regulated, cheating is a real concern. Some runners have been caught using hacked saves or fake recordings to win bets, yet others take bribes to throw runs. This market can become addictive, and young fans, especially, may not realize how quickly small sums add up.
Legal Risks
Most countries have strict gambling laws, and since the industry isn’t officially regulated, participants could face legal trouble if caught.
Will It Ever Go Mainstream?
Right now, the market is underground, but as the niche grows, could it become legitimate? Some think so, as if a major platform like Twitch or YouTube partnered with licensed bookmakers, regulation could be possible, reducing scams.