In something of a first for the industry, UK bookmaker Paddy Power has announced plans to open a book on the outcome of individual videogame competitions.

For the first time ever, punters will be able to bet on the outcome of individual videogames, kicking off with a special Super Street Fighter IV UK heavyweight championship between Ryan Hart and Femi Adeboye, two of the country’s most respected Street Fighter IV players.

The Paddy Power Super Street Fighter IV match will take place at 7:00pm on Thursday 29th April. The fight will be hosted at publisher Capcom’s European HQ, and streamed live to the Paddy Power Website.

The firm is offering a selection of bets, from outright winner, to length of the fastest round.

“Videogames are as much a legitimate sport as any other,” says Paddy Power, communications director, Paddy Power. “We wanted to offer sports fans and games players the ultimate thrill by offering the chance to win big on the outcome of a Super Street Fighter IV competition. If it proves popular, we’ll open further books on other videogame competitions.”

“Whether you’re playing with a friend or part of an official tournament, every game of Super Street Fighter IV is important,” adds Leo Tan, Capcom. “Recognising the game as a legitimate spectator event, as fiercely contested as any sanctioned boxing match, is a huge step for videogames as a whole. Hopefully this is the start of a new avenue for bookmakers, a new way for games players to enjoy their games and, potentially, a new way for the elite players to get the recognition they deserve.”

While we don’t want to encourage gambling, if you fancy having a punt, go here.

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