Toronto-based esports operator Rivalry announced today the arrival of same-game parlays to its proprietary online wagering platform.
In doing so, it became the first betting site of its kind to offer users a same-game esports parlay feature. According to the company’s news release, the ground-breaking addition will officially be known as ‘Same Game Combos.’
Similar to traditional Ontario sportsbooks, Rivalry customers can now build bet slips that include multiple wagers from a single match for a shot at a higher potential payout. Specifically, Same Game Combos are available for top League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2 esports matches.
Rivalry will continue to develop its latest offering, incorporating more depth, betting markets and new esports titles such as Valorant along the way.
New product an ode to Rivalry’s core demographic
Although esports betting is a niche play, its followers are amongst the most loyal and passionate in competitive sports. Understanding this, Rivalry co-founder and CEO Steven Salz said the move is an ode to the operator’s core demographic.
“Finding success among Millennial and Gen Z customers means being first to introduce new sports wagering experiences at the edge of technical and product innovation where this audience lives,” said Salz. “Same Game Combos brings one of the most popular bets on the board to an audience of deeply engaged esports fans while extending Rivalry’s position at the vanguard of betting entertainment.”
In 2022, Rivalry’s esports betting offering accounted for more than 90% of its sportsbook handle. The company followed that up by posting record numbers in five key metrics across 2023’s first quarter.
Rivalry is due to release its second quarter earnings on Aug. 29.
Now, with a same match parlay option, the international esports betting provider believes its product’s appeal will only increase.
Rivalry strengthening esports focus
Since its inception in 2016, Rivalry’s goal of becoming a leader in esports betting has not wavered. With that, Salz and company have always put their own ‘Rivalry spin’ on traditional offerings to stand out from the other Canadian sports betting and casino sites.
Name change aside, Same Game Combos will also display custom branding and animations to tap into Rivalry’s entertainment side. Per the release, this includes unique visuals and interactive elements that speak directly to its Millennial and Gen Z audience.
“We are building for an under-30 demographic that have high expectations for the entertainment products they consume,” said David King, director of product design at Rivalry. “Delivering on that level of entertainment, while creating a meaningful user experience, adds material value to the Rivalry platform.”
The new feature, which will display real-time odds and statistics from esports data company PandaScore, is now available to Rivalry users around the globe.
