“LOCALIZATION IS KEY FOR SUCCESS”
Chris Nikolopoulosm, Chief Commercial Officer, BETBY.
What are the major challenges when building a sports betting platform?
The online sports betting industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the digital economy, but building a successful platform in this space is no easy task. One of the primary challenges for operators and platform providers alike is ensuring that their offerings are tailored—or localized—effectively for specific markets.
Gone are the days when a single, one-size-fits-all solution could suffice for a global audience, especially in an industry as tightly regulated as sports betting. Today’s operators must embrace customization if they are to thrive in both established and emerging markets.
Localization is key for several reasons. First, player preferences can vary dramatically between different jurisdictions. A platform that succeeds in Europe may fall flat in Latin America if it doesn’t account for the unique needs and behaviors of the local player base.
For example, operators in emerging markets need to consider the level of access to technology that players have. In Latin America, where smartphone penetration is high but access to high-speed internet can be inconsistent, platforms must optimize for lower-tech environments without compromising the user experience. A non-localized approach could result in operators losing ground to competitors who understand these nuances better.
In addition to localization, another critical factor for success in sports betting is ensuring that operators are fully in control of their services from the very beginning. This is where having a solid, modular platform architecture becomes indispensable. Modularity allows operators to customize their offerings to meet local demands while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing regulatory landscapes. With governments continually adjusting rules around sports betting, especially in newly-regulated markets, having a platform that can be easily modified without requiring a complete overhaul is essential.
What is in your opinion a key element that determines success in the world of online sports betting?
In terms of industry trends, personalization has become a cornerstone of successful online sports betting platforms, both at the operator and the end-user level. For operators, the ability to differentiate their offerings is critical in an increasingly crowded marketplace. BETBY’s sportsbook platform is built with modularity at its core, which allows operators to control and personalize their products to better engage with their specific audience. This approach not only enhances the user experience but also gives operators the tools they need to compete effectively in saturated markets and enter new, highly competitive jurisdictions.
For end-users, personalization goes beyond simply offering odds and sports content. It’s about creating a tailored experience that speaks directly to the individual bettor’s preferences, whether that’s through customized offers, personalized betting suggestions, or user interfaces optimized for their device of choice. As the online sports betting industry continues to mature, operators who can offer a highly personalized experience will have a significant advantage over those who cannot.
As BETBY continues to grow, which new markets are you looking to venture into and why?
As sports betting becomes more globally accepted, emerging markets such as Latin America are seeing explosive growth. BETBY has already made significant inroads into these regions, leveraging its proven platform to partner with major operators. Latin America, in particular, presents a wealth of opportunities for sports betting providers. The region’s passion for sports, especially football, combined with increasing smartphone adoption, makes it a prime market for growth.
BETBY’s strategy in these regions centres around its sportsbook platform, which has already been deployed successfully with key operators. The modular nature of the platform allows for quick customization, ensuring that it meets the specific needs of operators in these markets. Moreover, our commitment to providing a localised offering ensures that operators have the tools they need to navigate the regulatory complexities and unique player behaviours in these regions.
One market of particular interest is Brazil. As the country continues to work toward regulating its sports betting industry, BETBY is positioning itself to capitalize on this enormous opportunity. Brazil’s large population and deep-rooted love for sports, particularly football, make it one of the most promising new markets for online sports betting. We already holds a commanding position in Brazil, thanks to strategic partnerships and a localized approach that resonates with both operators and players alike.
In the coming months, BETBY will continue to demonstrate the importance of a robust, scalable, and localized platform as operators prepare to enter the newly-regulated Brazilian market. The company’s ability to provide a tailored, modular solution backed by in-depth market knowledge will be key to helping operators succeed in this exciting new landscape.