Key Moments:
- Dmitry Starostenkov evaluates how seasonality intensifies retention challenges for sportsbooks
- Existing solutions face regulatory and operational obstacles, limiting their effectiveness
- Research reveals fast-paced poker formats captured 94% of Sit & Go GGR in 2024
Understanding the Retention Hurdle in Sports Betting
Sports betting naturally follows the rhythm of the sporting calendar, with betting volumes surging during flagship events and sharply declining during less active periods. For operators, this recurring cycle of peaks and troughs drives up the cost of re-engaging inactive customers and puts consistent revenue under threat. As the marketplace becomes increasingly crowded, sportsbooks must prioritize strategies that maintain user engagement and protect against substantial drops in activity.
Why Traditional Approaches Come Up Short
To counteract these fluctuations, many operators have leaned on casino games as a cross-selling mechanism. This tactic, while effective in some cases, has grown increasingly challenging due to stringent regulatory frameworks and complicated compliance requirements. Poker has garnered interest as another diversion, yet the startup cost and need for expert staff or specialized training present significant hurdles, particularly for newer or smaller operators.
Esports have also emerged as an option to maintain engagement in the absence of major sporting events. While these competitions resonate deeply with younger demographics immersed in video gaming and streaming platforms, reliance on esports alone fails to capture the attention of older bettors. The need for broader, more inclusive products is increasingly apparent as operators seek to cater to the full spectrum of their audiences.
Emerging Trends Redefine Player Engagement
Observational data from the French iGaming sector underscores shifting player preferences: “A fast-paced Spin & Go-style poker format accounted for 94% of Sit & Go GGR in 2024,” emphasizing the appeal of quick, engaging formats. Today’s typical player seeks experiences that deliver high entertainment value with minimal effort or commitment. Addressing these expectations is central to solving ongoing retention issues.
To meet these evolving needs, EvenBet has prepared to introduce a new product, set to reshape sportsbook engagement strategies during periods of reduced live sporting activity. This development is based on extensive market research and aims to influence player behaviors, drive sustained engagement, and minimize the risks of player churn.
Turning Downtime Into a Growth Opportunity
The persistent challenge of sports betting seasonality requires a proactive stance from operators determined to achieve long-term profitability. With standard approaches hampered by both regulatory issues and limited audience reach, the market increasingly demands solutions aligned with the fast-paced preferences of modern consumers.
By leveraging innovative, easily accessible gaming experiences specifically designed to address downturns in betting activity, sportsbooks can seize the opportunity to redefine player retention and establish new standards for customer engagement throughout the year.
| Solution | Barriers | Market Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Casino Games | Regulatory complexity, compliance costs | Effective cross-sell, limited by restrictions |
| Poker Rooms | High liquidity, staff expertise required | Potential for engagement, challenging for smaller firms |
| Esports | Narrow appeal (younger demographics) | Strong with digital natives, lacks broad reach |
| Fast Poker Formats | Requires innovation, implementation | 94% of Sit & Go GGR in 2024 (France), high engagement |
- Author
Daniel Williams
