The internet, and further technological advancements, have changed many industries and in lots of cases, for the better. Online gambling has seen a massive shift in terms of how people place wagers and the number of options that are available to them. More and more bookmakers are taking their attention away from the high street and the betting ring at racecourses, to instead focus on building the very best online product possible. Of course, some punters still prefer the traditional betting shops, but from a convenience standpoint, online betting sites are unrivalled.
Betting Offers
More online betting sites means more online betting offers. Every new bookie that enters the market has a new customer offer that new users can claim. Usually, you have a choice between a sports betting bonus or a casino deal. Offers and promotions are not just for new customers. There are mobile-exclusives, live betting offers, and other innovative deals that would not be possible without the increase in technology over the last two decades.
Mobile Apps
It is important that betting companies have a state-of-the-art mobile app on top of their standard desktop website offering. Lots of bettors like to wager whilst on the move, but even for users that are watching a sporting event from home, it is easier just to grab their phone and lock in a bet rather than setting up a computer. Betting apps have improved drastically over the last five years. The very best bookies have incredibly fast and reliable mobile products and the Face ID login functionality on the iPhone has made a massive difference too.
Live Betting
Betting sites offer in-play odds on the biggest events as well as niche sports around the world all day, every day. Users can now follow the action through graphics and up-to-date stats, or even live streaming in some cases. Most bookies will have a dedicated live betting section, and some will even offer odds boosts and requested bets in-play, especially for the Premier League or Champions League football.
Social Media Marketing
While the betting products themselves have had a huge makeover, the same can be said for the marketing techniques and overall digital content output. Betting companies can use targeted adverts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram in order to try and generate acquisitions, but there are also more creative techniques that are being utilised, such as influencer marketing and viral content. Additionally, YouTube channels and podcasts have been set up by various bookies, and this can help with brand awareness as much as anything else.
Rise of Esports
Emerging as one of the most popular sports on online betting sites, Esports has made its way into the mainstream. You can now wager on popular titles such as CS:GO, Dota 2, League of Legends, Overwatch, and many more. Some sportsbooks have a separate tab for Esports and therefore can optimise an entire section of their website for gaming fans and bettors. Even when most major sports shut down during the spring of 2020, Esports was able to continue and even the likes of Formula One and the NBA arranged for their stars to take part in Esports events.