Polaris Market Research recently released a report expecting the betting market to jump from $98.67 billion in 2024 to $274.78 billion by 2033. Of course, the increasing number of bookmakers means gamblers will always be spoiled for choice. That’s why you want to provide relevant experiences that can encourage bettors to become loyal if you are to stand out from the crowd.
Remember, with platforms like SBO.net emerging, spotting a suitable sportsbook has never been as easy. So, if a brand has to rightly position itself before target audiences, it must work extra hard. After all, punters usually don’t just visit online platforms to place wagers; they are constantly chasing experiences. And if they feel undervalued or uninspired, they can easily switch to competitors who are always a few clicks away.
But since this is not anyone’s desire, bookmakers are working hard to give visitors reasons to stay. And the more loyal they become, the more likely they will become brand advocates, which creates a ripple effect of growth. So, how can you get started in this journey? What can you do to convert mere visitors into returning customers? Well, if you have such questions, you will do well to stay around.
Align with the growing need for excellent mobile phone experiences
Walk into any place, and you’ll likely see almost everyone glued to their smartphones. They could be watching a movie, scrolling through social media platforms or reading a blog online. Smartphones are convenient, which explains why people use them to do almost everything. In the sports wagering world, things aren’t any different.
According to TGM Research, almost eight in ten (77%) of punters used these devices as primary access points in 2024 alone. Now, imagine the pain of losing such an audience just because you never tailored your website for mobile phone consumption. That can be devastating and even risk your long-term survival in the sector. Modern punters have become super aware and will not easily return to a mobile-unfriendly website.
Conversely, tailoring your website for mobile usage can work wonders, as about 74% of users will be more likely to return to such platforms. This is why responsive websites have become non-negotiable. They are great alternatives for retaining mobile bettors because they use flexible layouts that automatically adjust to fit multiple screen sizes. This way, punters will be able to access seamless betting experiences on various devices without worrying about zooming or pinching websites.
Never despise online security
Cyberattacks are quickly becoming the norm in every sector. Globally, more than 600 million happen every day. Narrowing down to the gambling industry, these incidents have been reported to increase by 1000% every year. That’s no joke, given that a single attack could cost you up to $4.88 million to completely recover.
At the same time, punters have also grown wise to the fact that malicious actors are not very far away from them. Many often examine platforms to ensure they aren’t interacting in insecure spaces. Failure to appeal to them reduces their confidence and could even cause them to turn to competitors.
However, you want to adopt technologies like two-factor authentication (2FA) to avoid such instances. Although simple-sounding, 2FA alone can protect bettors from up to 99.9% of targeted attacks. It works by requiring two distinct pieces of information to verify a punter’s identity during login, typically a password and a one-time code from a device they possess.
Other technologies, like SSL encryption, can also help strengthen your website’s security. Through a handshake process, SSL encryption establishes a secure, private connection between a web browser and a server, making it difficult for malicious persons to eavesdrop. These features help boost gamblers’ confidence, encouraging them to engage with your platform for extended durations.
Catering to unique punters’ preferences
Did you know that, according to Use Insider, 80% of consumers are likelier to do business with brands offering customized experiences than those that don’t? Think of it as visiting your favorite streaming platform only to find tailored recommendations matching your unique preferences. Such experiences are the reason you actually remain loyal to that platform.
The days when people were okay with generic encounters are long gone. Today, they expect brands to understand their unique preferences and provide matching experiences. Without such encounters, you may frustrate up to 76% of shoppers, who consider personalization a thing. Personalization shows bookmakers care about their users and are always willing to go the extra mile to provide worthwhile experiences. According to WiserNotify, customizing encounters can be magical, improving retention rates by 44%.
As punters interact with your platform, they often leave traces of their preferences. This information can help determine their favorite sports, betting styles or engagement times. And with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning, bookmakers can use such information to anticipate needs and craft custom experiences. And this can extend to bonuses and how you address visitors. Avoid one-size-fits-all promotions, which often feel impersonal and even frustrating to customers.
At a time when customer acquisition costs are skyrocketing, you want to ensure you’re retaining as many punters as possible. But that requires intentionality and being customer-focused. Show customers you care about meeting their shifting preferences by improving your platform’s security through features like 2FA and SSL encryption. Also, take advantage of responsive designs to provide mobile-friendly experiences. To turn even more visitors into returning consumers, personalizing experiences will be handy.