The Softswiss crew of sports wagering software providers shared insights from the previous year.
Softswiss emphasized the patterns of sports betting in the year 2024.
For the past three years, soccer, tennis, and basketball have remained the top three most popular sports, with no change in their positions. In contrast, electronic sports have shown a steady upward trend, climbing from seventh in 2021 to fourth in 2023. Notably, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive stood out, ranking sixth among the top ten disciplines in terms of betting volume.
Commenting on the findings, Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of Sports Betting at Softswiss, stated, “Considering the growth of electronic sports, we advise our partners to focus on online disciplines, attracting audiences beyond traditional betting demographics. Newzoo’s report predicts that electronic sports viewership will reach 640 million by 2025, highlighting the potential of electronic sports for operators.”
Mobile devices drive 92% of operator GGR.
Another notable trend in sports betting is the continued growth of betting through mobile devices over the years, a trend that has not changed. According to Softswiss sports betting data, 80% of bets were placed through mobile devices in 2023, compared to 70% in 2022 and 68% in 2021.
This pattern is growing more pronounced as gamblers increasingly prefer the ease of mobile devices, particularly for live wagering. More significantly, mobile devices contribute 92% of the operator’s gross gaming revenue.
Kamenetskyi notes: “Mobile betting is a key focus of our product development. We have invested heavily in enhancing our mobile applications and websites. This is especially crucial for regions facing network connectivity challenges, as well as areas like Latin America and Africa where internet access is still expanding.”
Casino earnings decline during major sporting events
The Softswiss sports betting team has consistently emphasized the change in gambler behavior during major sporting events. Specifically, during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, online casino earnings decreased by 10% to 20%. This emphasizes a dynamic where a significant portion of casino gamblers shift their focus to sports betting based on seasonal trends. Considering audience preferences, expanding casinos with sports betting is a logical step.
Kamenetskyi states: “This trend underscores the strategic need for iGaming stakeholders to recognize the connection between casino operations and sports betting. Combining these options not only enhances the attractiveness of casinos but also keeps gamblers engaged, especially during sporting events. In this regard, it’s important to note that Softswiss sports betting is compatible with any casino platform available.”
Moreover, the Softswiss sports wagering crew has observed other patterns gaining traction, like regulation and accountable gaming, which are emphasized in Softswiss’ newly released 2024 iGaming Trends Report.
Sign up for the iGaming newsletter.
