Bettormetrics and iGB present key insights comparing the performance of leading betting platforms in the Premier League, offering a comprehensive analysis of market trends.
By closely examining data from the first 126 games (15 August-2 December) of the FAPL season, we have highlighted standout performers, emerging trends and key challenges across the major betting platforms.
Top performers: Balancing uptime and arbitrage exposure
In such a competitive industry, achieving high uptime and minimising lost wagering are critical performance indicators. 888Sport, PaddyPower and Bet365 emerge as the leading platforms in terms of achieving consistently high uptime and minimising lost wagering opportunities. However, significant differences in their strategies raise questions about trade-offs.
Though 888Sport and PaddyPower achieve impressive uptime, they also spend a notable amount of time in arbitrage. This begs the question of whether they are striking the right balance between higher uptime and the risks associated with excessive arbitrage exposure.
While trailing 888Sport and PaddyPower in uptime, Bet365 demonstrates a strategic advantage during peak wagering windows. Its ability to remain open during high-demand periods minimises lost wagering without becoming overly exposed to arbitrage, positioning it as the best-in-class performer.
Addressing downtime and lost wagering
At the other end of the spectrum, SkyBet stands out for the wrong reasons. With an unmatched downtime of 2.8%, it ranks as the poorest performer in this analysis. This excessive downtime negatively impacts both platform availability and lost wagering, underscoring the need for significant performance improvements.
Diverging strategies within operator stables
A closer look at operators within the same corporate group reveals stark contrasts in their suspension and margin strategies. 888Sport and William Hill both sit under the Evoke umbrella, yet their approaches highlight differing priorities and risk tolerances within the same stable.
Similarly, the performance and strategies of BWin and Ladbrokes under Entain show striking similarities, suggesting a more unified approach to uptime, margin control, and risk management.
Competitive margins and arbitrage risks
Unibet stands out by offering the most competitive margin, with an overround of 5.8%. While attractive to bettors, this competitive positioning may come at a cost. The platform’s lower margins appear to contribute to an unhealthy amount of time spent in arbitrage, which could impact long-term sustainability.
In an industry where uptime, margins, and arbitrage exposure dictate success, finding the right balance is crucial. Platforms like Bet365 demonstrate the benefits of prioritising high-demand windows, while SkyBet’s performance challenges highlight the consequences of excessive downtime. Operators must carefully align their strategies to achieve consistent performance and minimise lost wagering opportunities.
Bettormetrics is a new innovative company providing competitive sports odds intelligence and insight to the sports betting industry.
Our brand promise is to “revolutionise sports odds intelligence”.
