Latest News
Chris Kape: Micro markets: The future of US sports betting?
Author: Chris Kape, Founder & CEO, JAMCO Capital
The global pandemic may have irrevocably defined sport last year, but it has also been the period in which online sports betting was firmly established as a powerhouse in the US market. This year, 19 states will vote on whether to legalise mobile sports betting and around 8 â 10 of those markets are expected to open up before year end. These are exciting times for the north American sports betting industry and its little surprise that its most recent industry forecasts estimate it to be worth over $20Bn within the next 5 years.
Matching the pace with In-play
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest drivers of online sports book growth has been In-Play betting. Across the pond, in more established markets such as the UK, this vertical already accounts for 70-80% of market revenue. Many predict that within the next three years this figure will be closely reflected in the US market.
As a product, In-Play betting is very attractive to operators because it is a great way to expand revenue above traditional offerings, through creating a seemingly infinite amount of betting opportunities for customers. Also, the natural âstop and startâ pace of Americaâs most popular sports including American Football and Basketball means that smaller betting opportunities such as âNext player to score a touchdown or a 3-pointerâ are easily created.
Keeping the buzz through Micro markets
Some of the leading brands in the US market have recently commented that traditional sports betting is too complex for sports fans and lacks the instant gratification needed to engage a new, wider audience. The US population is estimated to have a little over 37 million sports bettors, but the number of estimated sports fans is over 150 million. This strongly suggests that there’s a over 112 million US sports fans still waiting to be engaged.
In todayâs society, content is a fast-moving commodity, constantly being produced and consumed on a never-ending conveyor belt of news and entertainment. This societal trend has shaped the market landscape to the point where today, players now expect instant gratification throughout their playing experience. The emerging trend of Micro-Markets is the perfect solution for this increasing shift towards fast, easy to consume entertainment.
Micro-Markets are betting markets that are created and resulted in just minutes or seconds, and for U.S. sports, are often coupled with the core engaging moments that drive consumption (e.g., pitches & at-bats for MLB, plays & drives for NFL). Especially since the lockdown, this has been a great way to give sports fans a continuous buzz throughout the games when theyâre not physically able to be in the bleachers! Some industry commentators believe that by the end of the decade, over 80% of U.S. sports betting will be In-Play, and over 50% of In-Play betting handles are expected to be micro-betting.
The importance of AI
Micro market betting products are heavily reliant on the quick turn-around of stats to support the bet-type. Data companies optimising the latest technology are the key to the growth and expansion of these live betting opportunities.
The subtle, more minute details about players, teams and the games themselves are difficult to gather. Ultimately, it is the quick and unwavering stats from data companies utilising new technology such as AI, that help sportsbooks set odds, manage profit margins and determine pay-outs on an increasing variety of betting events.
The dynamic nature of In-Play betting means that things can change unexpectedly. This is almost impossible for a human to assess, but machine learning applications can evaluate the data in real time and adjust the odds in micro-seconds to reflect the ever-changing nature of sports events. AI and machine learning algorithms are designed to scour through all the relevant, contextual data that could impact a particular match, such as the participating players, the weather, injury reports, sport betting stats, and trends. Providing users with access to the latest reports within a fraction of a second. As a result, the odds and fixtures created by AI based systems tend to be significantly more accurate when compared to any past modelling systems
At its purest, the US live sports betting landscape, micro markets especially, is a technological battleground and itâs the operators than can deploy technology best â or identify superior suppliers or particular disruptive technologies â that will succeed. As a vertical, micro markets provide the perfect platform to engage US sports fans with simple, fun and most importantly, safe betting opportunities, taking their viewing experience to the next level!
Chris Kape, an iGaming industry veteran of two decades, is the owner of JAMCO Capital,
a family office venture capital firm, and is the founder and ex-CEO of Don Best Sports, which was sold to Scientific Games in 2018.
Compliance Updates
Licenses received: RockApp strengthens its position in the US iGaming market
RockApp, a leading global media buying agency, proudly announces that it has obtained official licenses in all regulated US states, allowing it to promote iGaming services nationwide, including Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. With these licenses, RockApp is now authorized to operate in all regulated US states, except for New York. This achievement comes amidst tightening regulatory standards, underscoring the agency’s commitment to compliance and excellence in performance marketing. The move positions RockApp as a trusted partner for iGaming companies looking to expand their reach in one of the worldâs largest and fastest-growing markets.
These developments enable the agency to work with prominent industry players, including established American brands, and deliver targeted advertising campaigns with measurable results. By securing a legal presence in all regulated states, RockApp reinforces its reputation as a reliable and professional partner, capable of navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
This milestone is part of RockAppâs broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global leader in the media buying industry. Over the past year, the company has demonstrated impressive growth, achieving a 440% increase in customer acquisition, a 300% boost in turnover, and a record-breaking 4,000 first-time deposits achieved in a single day. These achievements reflect RockAppâs dedication to innovation, strategic planning, and delivering exceptional value to its clients.
“This is a pivotal moment for RockApp,” said Niko Belikov, Founder at RockApp. “Securing licenses in the US not only opens new doors for us but also allows us to bring our expertise in iGaming promotion to a market that values professionalism and results. Weâre excited to support our clients as they navigate this dynamic landscape and achieve unparalleled success.”
Latest News
BetMGM Secures Exclusive Online Casino Content Rights to âFamily Feudâ and âThe Price is Rightâ with Fremantle Partnership
BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, announced a new and exclusive online casino rights partnership with Fremantle, a world leader in creating, producing and distributing entertainment content for over 100 years. The multi-year agreement secures the intellectual property rights for iconic game shows âThe Price is Rightâ and âFamily Feudâ for slots, table games, and non-traditional casino games. The partnership establishes the foundation for BetMGM to create customized online casino content around both game show brands.
âThis partnership unlocks various ways for BetMGM and Fremantle to collaborate and expand our brand. âFamily Feudâ and âThe Price is Rightâ are two of the most popular game shows in North America, and we look forward to bringing their fun and excitement to our online casino in various exciting ways,â said Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer of BetMGM.
During select weeks throughout the upcoming seasons, BetMGM will be featured as a sponsor with exclusive, never-before-seen partnership integrations for âFamily Feudâ and âThe Price is Rightâ. Throughout 2025 BetMGM and Fremantle will reveal additional details on these planned partnership activations.
Suzanne Lopez, COO of Fremantle North America, said: âOur exclusive deal with BetMGM and our premier game show IP represents a significant milestone for us both. This innovative collaboration paves the way for in-game branding across diverse online casino categories, while also providing opportunities for integrated TV sponsorships. Itâs all about enhancing how fans of âThe Price Is Rightâ and âFamily Feudâ connect with the shows in fresh, immersive ways.â
The companyâs award-winning online casino is home to over 3500 titles across North American markets and one of the largest state-by-state exclusive jackpot networks. BetMGMâs jackpot network currently consists of more than 20 game titles including popular games such as MGM Grand Millions, Bison Fury, and LootâEn Khamun and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Canada
BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity
BetConstruct, a global pioneer in iGaming and sports betting solutions, has announced a significant milestone in the gaming industry. Through its affiliate entity, BetConstruct has become the first iGaming company authorized to facilitate the issuance of both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licenses. This remarkable achievement was made possible by obtaining a direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation in Canada.
The Tobique First Nation, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking regulatory approach, has entrusted BetConstructâs affiliate entity with the authority to oversee applications and facilitate the issuance of licenses from its jurisdiction. This partnership underscores shared values of innovation, transparency, and a commitment to responsible gaming practices.
This historic development places BetConstruct at the forefront of the Canadian iGaming market, redefining the opportunities available to gaming operators. By leveraging its affiliate entityâs licensing capabilities, BetConstruct empowers businesses to navigate a streamlined and transparent regulatory environment, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
âAt BetConstruct, weâve always strived to push the boundaries of whatâs possible in iGaming. This landmark achievement with the Tobique First Nation reflects our unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for our partners while upholding the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in gaming,â said Vigen Badalyan, Co-Founder of BetConstruct.
The issuance of dual licenses under the watchful eye of BetConstructâs affiliate not only highlights BetConstructâs commitment to supporting its partners but also reinforces the companyâs role as a trusted leader in the global iGaming landscape.
This milestone signals a new era for regulated iGaming, as BetConstruct takes bold steps to establish a robust ecosystem for operators and consumers alike. With its direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation, BetConstruct is setting a new standard for innovation, consumer protection, and sustainable growth in Canada and beyond.
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