Modern technology has greatly impacted every corner of the entertainment industry – from how music concert tickets are sold to watching Netflix. Sports betting – an activity that goes back centuries – has arguably been the most effected. From finding out the football odds for tomorrow to cashing out during a live game, the opportunities and dynamic of sports betting has forever changed.
The World Wide Web
It all began with the World Wide Web in the late 90s. Before its existence, sports betting was limited to physical locations, often requiring bettors to travel long distances; or if you live in England, most high streets had one.
The internet has eliminated these geographical constraints, allowing anyone with a connection to participate in sports betting from the comfort of their own home. It became relatively easy to set up an online betting company, and all it took was the ability to accept card payments and to rent (or create) an online system of odds creation.
This meant that sports betting could now be done from the home.
Smartphones and Apps
The advent of smartphones and apps has taken the convenience of sports betting to a whole new level. Now, not only can individuals participate from home, but they can also place bets, check odds, and follow their favourite sports from anywhere, at any time. In fact, this is something you see at live football games – people checking the scores in other games to see if their bet has won.
Apps have also introduced features like live betting, where users can place bets in real-time as the action unfolds. This has added a new dimension to sports betting, making it more dynamic and presenting more winnable (and losable) opportunities.
Social Media
Social media has played a significant role in the evolution of sports betting. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become hubs for sports enthusiasts to share predictions, discuss odds, and engage in friendly banter. They would become places of tipsters and follow-along influencers, as well as a place for sports betting companies to advertise in too.
This has fostered a sense of community among sports bettors, enhancing the social aspect of this form of entertainment. However, it also became a place of research, where punters would gather statistics, the latest news, and public sentiment before placing bets.
Virtual Reality
The latest technological innovation to impact sports betting is virtual reality (VR). VR has the potential to revolutionise the way we engage with sports betting by offering a fully immersive experience. With VR, users can feel as though they are in the stadium, watching the game live. Whilst it’s mostly used for casino gaming, it’s possible that sports brokers will further integrate into the Metaverse; along with the viewing experience of the games.
In conclusion, technology has undeniably reshaped the sports betting landscape; from how bets are placed to how other bettors interact with one another. It’s becomes more engine, immersive, and convenient. However, whilst the high street outlets are declining, they remain a strong presence in the world of sports betting for now.