Bnet2 idea: ladder/pro betting

[n00bonicPlague]

Read an interesting idea on TL.net that suggested creating a betting system on Bnet2 that would allow people to gain/lose betting points by betting on ladder and/or pro games. These points would allow one to purchase special items for their Bnet2 profile (bragging rights ftw) and possibly for SC2 itself. In addition to what was originally suggested, my personal adjustments would be to:
— make pro games have a greater effect than regular ladder games
— allow betting to take place at any time during the game
— use a "betting curve" that makes earlier bets count more than later bets

Your thoughts?

[Kimera757]

So long as it's not real money, I think this is a cool idea.

[Bobo]

Great idea. Bets on Esports will become regular thing very soon... (imo)

What kind of special items did you have in mind?

[n00bonicPlague]

Well, I myself didn't really have any ideas other than maybe some cool avatars or awards or something. The original poster suggested using the points system as an alternate means to acquire unique items that would normally have to be purchased outright with normal money. Since making a good bet requires a solid knowledge of the game and the players, perhaps the grand prize for the most points would be attending as a guest SC2 commentator at WWI? Maybe not, but something real could be pretty cool.

[Triceron]

What's the currency being used? How do you get these points outside of betting?

First impression, I'm on the fence. Would I respect the guy who got a new avatar from winning E-sports bets? Not really, he never really earned it. He got something for either spending a lot of time spectating the E-sports scene (which isn't actually playing the game) or being very lucky. If I wanted said avatar and I wasn't into the E-sports/Pro scene, what's in it for me? All I'd need is blind luck, it doesn't mean I'll pay attention to the actual pro gaming scene any more than knowing the final results.

I say if they do hand-me-outs, base it on things you can earn. The WoW system works that way with some of the special pets or mounts. Give out themed avatars for just being on battle.net over a holiday, earn other special ones by beating X ranked matches in a row, etc.

[n00bonicPlague]

IIRC the OP said you would start with a particular sum when you first sign up. Then you'd go from there.

[DemolitionSquid]

I think it could work. I'd never pay micro transactions for betting points, but I'd use freebies.

[Nicol Bolas]

So, what happens if you run out of e-money? Is there a way to get more?

[Arkalis]

I partially agree with Triceron; it shouldn't have cool avatars for betting, but maybe a like a Speculating System that shows your % of winning bets and after some X or X% of correct speculation you get like a Title or something similar that you can only get from betting but that isn't better than good avatars/decals.

[Kimera757]

So, what happens if you run out of e-money? Is there a way to get more?

Win a tournament? Get more points per ELL points?