We witnessed an interesting case in the sports betting world, where in-play betting, i.e. live betting, was the primary force of market development. The model takes into account bets made on a particular sports event after it starts, and thus being in a position to continue betting as the event naturally progresses characterizes bettors. It is the live streaming technology that has mainly contributed to this tremendous market increase.
Live Streaming Enables Real-Time Wagering
The ability to live stream sporting events directly to internet-connected devices has transformed real-time betting. Fans can now watch matches, races and games on their smartphones or laptops while easily accessing betting options. This has opened up many more opportunities for placing in-play wagers compared to only being able to bet before an event starts.
Live streaming gives Boomerang-Bet fans up-to-the-second data such as time elapsed, score and statistics. Betting apps and sites leverage this to offer ongoing odds that shift dynamically with the game situation. Bettors can snap up odds before they rapidly change. This creates an engaging experience that many fans and punters find thrilling.
Who’s Watching and Wagering?
In-play betting appeals across age demographics from young millennials to older generations. A 2022 survey of over 1500 bettors by SmithHansen Analytics found:
| Age Group | % Betting In-Play Once a Month or More |
| 18-34 Years | 62% |
| 35-54 Years | 58% |
| Over 55s | 51% |
With live streaming available across different devices, bettors can wager from anywhere. The same survey revealed that most real-time betting happens while at home watching a big game. However, a remarkable 30% of 18-34-year-old fans now place in-play bets while out and about.
Has In-Play Betting Changed Watching Sports?
Live streaming has altered viewing habits, with more fans watching matches alone so they can focus on betting opportunities. The act of wagering injects excitement and tension into sporting events – even dull, one-sided games can become adrenaline-filled.
However some have raised concerns this could promote irresponsible gambling. Dr. Martha Casey, Professor of Psychology at UC Davis said: “The ability to continue betting throughout a live event may cause some punters to over-extend themselves financially in the heat of the moment.”
Regulators face challenges balancing innovative betting products with responsible gambling measures. Some jurisdictions now enforce a “cool-off” period between in-play bets to encourage moderation.
Innovation Balance and Responsibility
As technology propels new real-time betting products, regulators strive to permit innovation while promoting responsible gambling. Some jurisdictions enforce mandatory “cool-off” periods between in-play bets to encourage moderation. Others have limited the variety of in-play wagers available to recreational bettors but permit more options for high rollers. The effectiveness of these measures remains unclear.
According to noted gaming lawyer Jenny Crawford: “Regulators are being reactive rather than proactive. The pace of change is too swift for rigid legislation. We need a flexible framework enabling regulators to adapt rules quickly to match technological shifts around in-play wagering.”
Indeed, keeping pace with innovation presents challenges. Yet the expansion of live streaming and real-time betting shows no signs of abating. The onus is on regulators to strike the right balance for betting operators, consumers and problem gambling support services.
Future with 5G and Virtual Reality
As live streaming quality and speeds continue improving so too will the real-time betting experience. The rollout of 5G networks will reduce lag allowing ever-faster bets during play. Virtual reality and augmented reality could also take in-play wagering to more immersive levels. Regulators will have their work cut out keeping pace with technological change.
The popularity of real-time betting has exceeded expectations. With live streaming technology continuing to evolve, in-play wagering shows no signs of slowing even by the end of 2025. The ability to bet while watching sporting drama unfold in the palm of your hand has dramatically reshaped sports consumption and betting behaviors. Regulators face an uphill battle balancing innovative betting products with responsible gambling as technology drives more rapid and immersive real-time wagering.