Gamer Casino

I grew up in the era when arcade machines ruled the gaming world. As a teenager in Hong Kong, I’d hit up the arcade shops that seemed to be on every other block, usually with a group of friends in tow. It’s funny — as gaming culture has exploded globally, those once-bustling arcades have quietly disappeared, one by one.

One game I sank countless hours into was the Street Fighter series.

The Arcade Battleground

Fighting games were the crown jewel of the arcade. People didn’t just play them — they watched them. Crowds would form around the cabinets, everyone jostling for a good view. To claim your turn, you’d slide a coin onto the machine, staking your place in line.

When the screen suddenly flashed “HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER!!”, your pulse would spike. You’d just dropped your hard-earned change into the machine, and now there was someone standing next to you ready to take you down. Win, and you stayed on the machine, basking in the glory. Lose, and your run ended before it even got going.

I miss that rush.

Gaming Has Changed

By 2021, the global esports industry was worth around US$1.22 billion. Competitive gaming is bigger than ever — but instead of crowded arcades, most players are at home, on their consoles, PCs, or phones. High-level matches are streamed online, but there are fewer places to experience the tension of in-person competition.

What if?

While wandering around the casinos in Macau one day, I couldn’t help but wonder: why isn’t there a dedicated venue where gamers can compete in person, betting on themselves, with a live audience placing wagers on their picks?

Imagine the atmosphere: a packed crowd, roaring for their favorites, heated rivalries building match after match. It could blend the drama of esports with the high stakes of a prize fight.

Of course… it could also spark plenty of rage and drama — maybe more than a casino would want to deal with. But still, part of me thinks it could be fascinating.

EGON