Get ready to place some very serious wagers in the new year. Online betting has hit a milestone with a new record: in-play betting. This is when betting happens in real-time while the game is being played. So, while you’re watching the UEFA Champions League or the NBA Finals, you can place bets on the outcome. It’s the ultimate game day activity. Whether you’re a hardcore sports fan or enjoy a good game of roulette, this is the place to be. You can even do it while listening to your favorite album. The choice is yours. It’s time to place that big bet. It might seem overwhelming at first, but with some practice you’ll be placing winning wagers in no time.
The Growth Of Online Betting
It wasn’t long ago that online betting was purely for esports and sports fans. André Agassi, the legendary tennis player, is credited with creating the modern betting slip. He was the first professional sports bettor. Agassi founded the agency, ASIA, which was later acquired by SBS Sports, the betting division of Singapore Sports Council. SBS Sports operates numerous sports books and offers various types of betting, including in-play betting.
The agency opened its first office in Singapore in 1991. Since then, it has expanded to other Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It also has offices in Australia, Europe, and America. There are currently more than 20 SBS offices across the world. In 2018, SBS Sports facilitated more than US$16 billion in wagers across its various platforms.
GTA Online And The Growth Of Online Betting
Grand Theft Auto Online opened its doors in November of 2008. Since then, it has become one of the biggest online gaming communities in the world. It currently has more than 300 million registered users and is the #2 most-played game on the PlayStation 4. What’s more impressive is that GTA Online is a freemium game. This means that you can play the game for free, but you have to pay for things using real money.
The popularity of GTA Online is undeniable. It’s rare for a game to reach such a large audience and stay so relevant. One of the main reasons behind this is the game’s integration with various other platforms and devices. For instance, players on mobile devices can access the game via an Android or Apple App. If you have a gaming monitor, you can also play the game on it. If you’re a fan of movies, you can also watch them on Netflix while playing. And the list goes on.
Allowing More Engagement
While traditional sports betting is great, it can often be quite isolating. You’re sitting alone at home, glued to your screen, placing wagers on games that you already know the outcome of. With in-play betting, you have the opportunity to engage with friends and family via the live streaming. Plus, you get the added bonus of having a conversation while watching the game. It’s no wonder why so many people are attracted to online betting, especially in the age of social media.
However, not all aspects of online betting are perfect. For instance, there’s currently no way for people outside of North America to place bets. But this may be changing. Singapore’s government-owned SBS Sports is already looking into expanding its services to other countries. If you’re based in one of these regions, you may have the opportunity to place bets on your favorite sporting events. And who knows, maybe in a few years, we’ll be able to place bets anywhere, anytime.