DATA.BET: "Those operators who integrated esports early are already benefiting from its revenue potential"

SBC Summit Lisbon, the global gaming industry summit that took place in September at the Feira Internacional in the Portuguese capital, brought together more than 25,000 delegates, 450 speakers, and over 600 exhibitors from around the world.

In this interview with Yogonet, Otto Bonning, DATA.BET Head of Sales, reflects on the esports betting solutions provider's participation in the show, in addition to discussing the latest industry trends and what sets the company's portfolio of products apart.

What new products and services did the company present and highlight at SBC in Lisbon?

At the SBC Summit, we presented our recently developed Widgets for enhancing real-time data, interactivity, and personalized options for users and operators to provide the betting experience. Our Widgets include Scoreboards, which deliver live game statistics and updates, ensuring users stay fully informed throughout the match.

We have also shown the Pitch Tracker, which offers detailed visualizations of key in-game events such as goals, player movements, and others, providing bettors with crucial insights. In addition, we were excited to introduce our Bet Builder, a tool that allows users to create customized bets across multiple markets. This feature offers users greater flexibility and broadens betting options, opening up new revenue streams for operators. 

Of course, we have highlighted other vital offerings, such as our Data Feed, Single-Page Application, Player Props, and many more features designed to elevate the betting experience and drive value for users and operators. 

How would you describe the company's current position in the European market? What are some of your major clients in the region?

I’d like to start with the EU, which has always been and will remain our primary market. Accordingly, we strive to develop our products. 

We recently signed an agreement with Altenar, one of the region's most significant B2B betting software providers. The company is already using our products, including Widgets. We also continue to support our long-time partner GG.BET, one of the leading esports betting operators in the EU. Additionally, we have already signed deals with several new operators, which we will announce shortly. Some of these serve Northern Europe, an up-and-coming region with immense prospects. 

DATA.BET's stand at SBC Summit in Lisbon

Can you share with us some of the company's major goals for the remainder of the year?

To enhance our offerings in 2024, we are focusing on rolling out our Pitch Tracker feature across all esports disciplines. Currently available for CS2 and League of Legends, we are actively planning its expansion into other popular titles. In parallel, our Bet Builder initially launched for CS2, is set to be integrated into Valorant, League of Legends, and additional esports titles, offering greater flexibility to bettors. 

Simultaneously, our team is working on a comprehensive redesign of our Single Page Application (SPA). This embedded solution, aimed at providing operators with a highly customizable interface, will enhance user experience and improve SEO performance, driving high-quality traffic and optimizing conversion rates. The core advantage of our SPA lies in its adaptability, with customization leading to a more dynamic and responsive design. 

Moreover, we are continuously expanding our portfolio, recently adding disciplines such as Apex, Hearthstone, and Mortal Kombat. Of course, we are going to increase and broaden the number.

Regarding industry presence, by the close of 2024, our team will be actively participating in several events, including SiGMA Europe in Malta and the European Gaming Conference in Warsaw, Poland. 

Looking ahead to 2025, we are strategically focused on expanding our product range and enhancing our collaboration with partners. The development of new offerings and the continuous broadening of our portfolio will form the foundation of our long-term growth strategy, positioning us for future success.

Which are the major trends that you see gaining momentum in the online gaming sector?

Considering our specialization in one of the fastest-growing directions in the industry, we see esports as a significant future trend in online gaming. According to Business Research insights, the demand for esports is expected to grow from $512.28 million in 2024 to $2031.77 million by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.5%. Those operators who integrated esports early are already benefiting from its revenue potential. 

A key trend we’re focusing on is personalizing the betting experience. Bettors increasingly seek customized tools that cater to their specific interests and preferences. Our Player Props feature is a prime example, allowing users to create exclusive bets tailored to individual player performances. This personalization will improve user engagement and enhance the increase in brand loyalty for the operator.

Like current audiences, these tools help operators and can significantly increase their revenue. Besides, bettors will act faster, as accurate, in-depth data will be in one place, so they will stay engaged with the platform longer. This advantage allows users to build strategies and make informed betting decisions seamlessly. The drive to create all-in-one platforms can also be seen as a modern trend.

We are also anticipating significant growth in esports within key regions, particularly the Middle East, which has demonstrated exceptional potential. Recently, this region made headlines by hosting the world's first esports championship, capturing the global community's attention and showcasing its readiness to become a significant player.