12 minutes to read
iGaming market researcher
Our primary focus in 2024 was to empower operators with tools for platform customization and streamlined management. We introduced geo-specific solutions that enable faster market launches, adapting platforms to meet local demands—whether through bonus mechanics, payment methods, or tailored content for sportsbooks and casinos. At the same time, we strengthened our offerings with sportsbook features, new games in the casino vertical, and new gamification to improve player engagement.
We have been developing nearly 200 features and improvements throughout the year to enhance the performance of our platform and products for our customers. Together with a 125% increase in the total number of bets placed on the platform, our clients' GGR has grown, too. Let’s look at how our core updates resulted in player behavior.
Over 2024, our content team has enhanced its capabilities, a development mirrored by a growth in the number of events we've organized for our clients. In 2024, we averaged 125,000 events per month, a substantial increase from 94,000 in 2023.Â
However, the key to higher revenues is not merely the number of events but also the ability to manage margins. An 8% of the GR8 Sportsbook margin is remarkable, especially when the industry average hovers around 5-6%. At the same time, operators must consider that margins vary by geography, with Africa reaching as high as 15% and Asia as low as 4%. We equip operators with the tools to adapt margins considering geo-specifics. This way, operators can remain competitive where players are more sensitive to odds and maximize revenue in high-margin markets.
Of course, the top sport varies depending on our clients' regions of operation. But for the second consecutive year, we have a winner: cricket.
Cricket remains the most popular sport on our platform, making the competition for the top event a contest between the IPL and the Cricket World Cup. In 2023 and 2024, the IPL is still the most popular event of the year.
Most Popular Sporting Event: IPLÂ (21.5 million bets in 2024 vs. 18.2 million bets in 2023)
The most popular betting categories for 2024 include a diverse range of sports and events, highlighting the varied interests of bettors. Political betting leads the trends, followed by motorsports, kabaddi, and curling. Horse racing and floorball also feature prominently, alongside Australian rules football, billiards, squash, and American football, illustrating a spectrum of betting preferences across both traditional and niche sports.
Cricket grabs a lot of attention, but plenty of other sports events have also stirred up a ton of betting interest. For instance, big boxing matchups like Usyk vs. Fury pulled over 40,000 bets.Â
Football tournaments, especially EURO 2024, were super popular, racking up an impressive 1.6 million bets overall. Only the Spain vs. England final saw around 75,000 wagers. Football matches, like Argentina vs. Colombia in the Copa America final and Portugal vs. France in the EURO 2024 playoffs, also got a lot of action, with 53,000 and 52,000 bets, respectively.Â
Tennis also had its moments, with Wimbledon scoring over 418,000 bets, while the Paris Olympics wasn't far behind with 800,000 wagers, showing just how much people love these events. The US Open also kept the excitement going with 238,000 bets.
Most sports bettors are young: about 26.74% are in the 18-24 age range, and not far behind are those aged 25-34, making up 29.61%. The 35-44 crowd is minor, coming in at 10.86%, while all the other age groups combined make up 32.79%.Â
Regarding betting, things heat up in the afternoon—about half of all bets are placed between 12 PM and 6 PM UTC, with a noticeable peak right at 2 PM UTC.
There have been no significant changes in market preferences this year—ordinaries continue to strongly dominate other types of bets.
The surge in parlay bets is no accident—it aligns with our efforts to enhance the appeal of these types of wagers. Parlay bets excite players with higher risks and rewards and deliver greater profitability for operators. With a platform promoting parlay betting, operators can achieve both higher engagement and GGR.
The preference for Pre-Match betting is evident, with 86.68% of bets placed before events start, compared to just 13.32% during gameplay. This trend has been stable over time. VIP bettors, who represent only 0.57% of the total betting population, account for a large portion of turnover at 50.32%, while casual players contribute 49.68%. The impact of the VIP in 2024 is significant, as always.
The esports scene grew in 2024, registering a 3.82% increase in dynamics with a total of 4.79 million activities, up from 4.61 million the previous year. The demographic engaging most actively in esports is between ages 18 and 34, making up over 72% of players, highlighting a younger audience's inclination towards this form of entertainment.
Esports Dynamics 2024 vs. 2023: 4.79 million vs. 4.61 million, or +3.82%
The main change between 2023 and 2024 is that live casino games, once the dominant choice, have decreased in popularity, while slots have increased, reflecting a shift towards games that offer quick dopamine.
Instant games have significantly risen, indicating a growing demand for fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, TV games, bingo, and virtual sports are on the decline, overshadowed by more fun experiences.
Our online casino keeps things exciting with a solid margin of 3.50%, which gives us a competitive edge while also delivering good returns on the games we offer.Â
On the operational side, our platform runs smoothly and can handle up to 100,000 spins every minute. Its high performance guarantees a smooth experience for players, letting them enjoy their favorite games without delays.
Among the best-performing providers are well-known industry experts excelling in-game offerings and engaging casino experiences.
Our data shows that online casinos need to cater to a broad audience while focusing marketing and game development on the preferences of younger adults: those between 18 and 34 represent nearly half of the online casino market. This strategy appeals to the most significant active segments, ensuring growth in the player base.
When it comes to the games, many players still love classic and fruit-themed slots, showing they really dig those traditional vibes.
On the flip side, we see an increase in modern and interactive gameplay. Games that mix the classic slot feel with video game elements and live interaction make the casino experience more engaging.
iGaming keeps changing. Operators stepping into 2025 should focus on boosting their platforms with features that meet various player preferences, regional needs, and margin management tools. After the solid growth in 2024, it’s profitable to keep emphasizing local customization and introducing fresh gaming solutions that keep players returning for more.Â
Moreover, having a strong and flexible platform that can smoothly handle countless interactions will be key to staying competitive and growing. By paying attention to these areas, operators can maintain their position and expand their reach, keeping ahead of the iGaming business race.
💫 What surprised you in 2024? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
New features, games, enhanced bonus mechanics, stable payment options, upgraded infrastructure, better margin management, and strengthened fraud protection are all on the horizon for the upcoming year. Don’t miss out.
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