The online sports betting industry went through some important changes last year and into 2021. But while the industry suffered a slowdown from the pandemic, it didn’t stop new trends and technological advances cementing the industry as a key option for daily sports fans’ entertainment. 

Even with the pandemic slowing down almost all sporting activities around the world in 2020, sector growth was as substantial as ever, with earnings of about $1.5 billion in the US alone, despite it not yet being legal in all states. So, what are some of the main trends that the online sports betting industry has adopted to make 2021 one of its most successful years yet.

Adopting eSports as a mainstream sport option

It’s no secret that the sports betting industry took some severe hits during the first stages of the global COVID-19 pandemic, with most, if not all sports leagues coming to a screeching halt, leaving wagering fans without anything to bet on. Well, that wasn’t and still isn’t necessarily completely true. The industry just needed to look deeper into the sporting world to find the solution they needed to keep their businesses afloat. And, boy, did they find it. eSports, or professional video gaming, is an industry that attracts fans by the millions. Huge revenue streams include live streams, selling of official merchandise, official video gaming tournaments and leagues. 

eSports tournaments have become the new thing for sports fans looking for alternative markets. The betting industry saw this emerging niche and ran with it, allowing betting fans to wager on the best eSports tournaments and leagues around the world. In 2021, this trend has continued to grow, with online betting platforms now seeing the value eSports alongside mainstream sporting action.

Using cryptocurrencies

Thanks to the rise of blockchain technology, which ensures new and improved levels of safety and security when it comes to money transactions, online sports betting companies have seen this as the perfect opportunity to usher in the usage of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum and others.

Cryptocurrencies are known for offering secure payment methods as well as instant transactions without the need for any middlemen like banks or financial institutions meddling in account deposits and withdrawals.

The level of privacy with cryptocurrencies is also one of the main reasons that they have become so popular for online betting fanatics from around the world. Bettors using cryptos remain anonymous, making this a perfect option for anyone trying to keep their online social presence under the radar.

Live and last-minute betting

While sports betting fans come in all shapes and sizes, that does not necessarily mean that they are all just sitting around waiting for their favorite sporting events to happen so that they can put some money on. Most of the up-and-coming fans of online betting are young adults who live faster-paced lives with little time to spare. So, the option of live betting, as well as last-minute betting, has become a popular option and trend this year.

Most online sports betting platforms offer a service for fans to place bets during games. This has become a trending and very popular option not only for busy betting fanatics but also for those indecisive fans who wait until the very last minute to bet. Since technology is such an important part of the betting industry, this has made last-minute and live event betting the most common and popular option that sports betting companies offer clients.

Sport is one of those pastimes in life that can be enjoyed both actively and passively. You don’t always have to be fully involved in a sport to get some kind of enjoyment out of it. As with many parts of life, there is more than one way to enjoy, and it is just a matter of finding your own unique way to have fun.

Try listening

Sometimes you don’t have to actively take part in a sport to get some enjoyment. Listening to related podcasts and audiobooks can give you that same thrill while also improving your knowledge. It means you can enjoy it while on the move and can learn about some of your favourite sports people and any sport itself just by listening. The likes of football, tennis and cricket all have podcasts readily available on iTunes and Amazon among other places, and although it’s not quite the same as taking part, you can still learn about some of your favourite sports during your morning commute.

Fulfil a fantasy

Many sports have their own fantasy leagues giving fans the chance to get join involved without having to commit too much time and effort. The existence of these fantasy leagues means that you can compete against friends and family alike, while learning about the sports as you go. This is especially true when it comes to the likes of formula 1 and Nascar as it can break the long races down into much smaller chunks rather than one solid block. If you don’t have the time to sit down and watch an entire race in one hit then it is a lifesaver. Setting up leagues makes it more interesting as you can then challenge relatives or friends and make it into your own little competition as a result.

Beat the bookie

You could always place a few bets to try and make it all a little bit more fun for you. Trying to beat the bookmaker can always be fun as it feels as if you are trying to add a bit more of a challenge to the whole process. This adds a further incentive as you look to outwit those behind the scenes. It is a bit like the fantasy leagues as you end up gaining more in-depth knowledge than you otherwise would have and it can give you an even greater incentive to try and outsmart everyone else involved in the process. You can gamble on multiple sports, such as football, basketball, MMA, and NASCAR betting. It can get the adrenaline going and as a result can make the entire process considerably more exciting as a result.

Even though it might not seem like it, there is always so much more that can be gained from following sports in multiple ways as quite often you can make it into a more in-depth and more exciting experience. All of this can make the entire process slightly more exciting and can give more you a push to get involved in all of these sports to give you a more well-rounded and enjoyable experience as a whole.                                         

Roberto Mancini’s Italy extended their unbeaten streak to 31 games with an extra-time victory over Austria in the last 16 of Euro 2020, and their lengthy run without defeat doesn’t look likely to be ending anytime soon — according to the latest Supercomputer study from bookmaker Casumo.

The Italians will face arguably their toughest task of the tournament yet as they go up against Belgium in the quarter-finals in Munich on Friday evening. However, the Azzurri are likely to make it 32 games undefeated as they look set to once again nab an extra-time victory.

Ciro Immobile is tipped to get Italy off to the perfect start by opening the scoring within the first 10 minutes. But, Romelu Lukaku will then get Roberto Martínez’ men back on level terms on the brink of half-time before firing Belgium into the lead in the 60^th minute.

The Red Devils won’t be able to see out the victory, however, with Immobile’s late strike sending the game into extra-time — where midfielder Nicolò Barella, one of Italy’s standout players thus far, is set to bag the winning goal just five minutes into the additional 30.

With two more goals bringing Immobile’s tally up to four, just one behind current Golden Boot leader Cristiano Ronaldo, he could make for a good top scorer euro 2020 bet at 25/1.

Casumo ran a simulation of the Italy vs Belgium using a unique statistical model. Their series of complex calculations look at variables including: form, squads, xG and more.

France and Switzerland in the Euros reminded us why we love football. For some, it was also a great opportunity to make money on betting. If you’re considering starting to place bets or imagine yourself as a pro gambler, you always should think carefully if you need it. The chance of getting a jackpot, buying a huge house and a sports car, as a result, is slim. The main thing to remember: winning big is a difficult job.

This job can get you money. A regular gambler, who understands sports well and strictly follows the strategy may count on a profit of 20 to 40 percent per month from his or her bankroll. These numbers are very tempting, especially if you have thousands of pounds in the bank.

However, will it be possible for you, let’s say, with a hundred pounds, to work as hard for a month so that, as a result, you will receive a well-deserved, not that big amount of thirty pounds?

Make sure bets don’t interfere with your life

Hence, if you choose betting, think if your salary can work with your wishes. Can you mix gambling and your job? Is there sufficient time to examine and arrange your bets? If not then try answering yourself if you need betting at all?

In many cases, you can bet at the bookmaker’s office just “for fun”, but entertainment costs money, and a small part of the bets get to the bookmaker.

Take time to check the reviews

Check reviews and read forums before giving money to the bookmaker you haven’t heard about previously. Being too lazy to spend extra time checking information might turn bad in the future. It’s some sort of a rule that if the bookmaker’s odds are too good to be true, they probably are. If the bonuses are too big, then check the conditions to get them.

The trusted bookmaker should have three things: great odds, large deposits and fast payouts. Bonuses, colourful design and the like are good and all, but it doesn’t say anything about the company itself.

To determine the top bookmaker there is a trusted rating for you to check. It has comprehensive information so you can conclude where the minimal risk is. For example, here’s a thorough review of Bwin with all the pros and cons: https://bookmaker-ratings.com/review/bwin-review/.

Always check why you gamble before starting

We all have various aims and demands. See for yourself if gambling is a job or fun. If you choose entertainment, then the adrenaline will surely be provided to you, and you can forget about the money in the bank.

Making a profit is much harder. You should understand that betting on the games that you haven’t examined thoroughly won’t get you money. You should also always keep close to your strategy.

Only then your sports experience might help you in making recurring profits.