Sports betting is a growing industry. This year firms have seen increases in bets, especially due to the World Cup. With millions at stake, firms are increasing their technology and growing internationally to capitalize on the expanding market.
This year was the 2014 World Cup, a quadrennial event that draws spectators from around the world to watch the most popular sport on the globe. As with any major sports event alongside the spectatorship is gambling. Betting on the World Cup increased 80% this year in comparison to four years ago according to William Hill, one of the industry leaders amongst bookmakers in the United Kingdom.
The statistics for wagers related to this year’s match are staggering. In total, a little more than 20 million bets valued at £227 million were made. What is even more interesting than these figures is the method that betters chose to make their wagers. 75% of them made their bets online and 60% of the online bets were made using a tablet or mobile device. Mobile bets were the clear winner of the World Cup has experienced a 146% increase when compared to a similar time frame in 2013.
During the month-long tournament, there were many incredible wagers. The most unbelievable being an 80p stake that won £240 at 300/1 odds in Germany versus Brazil match. Many other matches saw high returns for those willing to risk a bit of cash. The largest bet was £207,000 in Argentina versus Iran match.
Due to these telling statistics, firms such as William Hill will build their online presence and expand overseas to new markets. Many businesses will likely be created to fill the online and mobile betting gap. Sports betting merchant account would enable a business to process transactions in a fast and efficient manner. With a sports betting merchant account firms can therefore process more transactions and serve more gamblers.