The sports betting sector has been growing and gaining new users, especially in Brazil, where the market is advancing rapidly following the legalization of the practice and the current process of regulation. Therefore, it is natural for operators to seek innovation by bringing new methods and betting options to their consumers. Among these innovations, one alternative that is gaining traction, especially in the United States, is micro-betting.
What are micro-bets?
In the realm of sports betting, micro-bets are wagers placed on very specific events within a game and resolved in a short time. Consequently, since this opens the possibility of making more bets on the same sporting event, it is also normal for each bet to be smaller in value than what the user is accustomed to.
Micro-bets are a type of live (or in-play) bet but are limited to short-duration events and time intervals. For example, in a soccer match, instead of betting on which team will win, how many goals will be scored in a match, or which team will have more corner kicks, micro-bets may include examples such as:
- Which team will have the next throw-in?
- Which team will have the next corner kick?
- Will a goal be scored in the next five minutes?
In sports like American football, options include: what will be the outcome of the next drive? Will the next kick by the team be successful? While in basketball, a popular bet is whether the next basket will be a two-pointer or a three-pointer. In baseball, fans of the sport can bet on the outcome of the next inning instead of having to wager on the game’s overall result.
Advantages
As with any innovation in a sector that demands attention, there are several points to consider about micro-bets. They cater to a public desire in a world where people seek quick resolutions. For those who want to increase the excitement of watching a match, a micro-bet offers this opportunity even if the person does not want to follow the hours required for a match’s conclusion.
At the same time, this betting format can increase user engagement with the sport, as it is necessary to stay attentive to the game and follow the match’s progress to seek a micro-betting option. There is also a challenge for operators in being able to offer this type of market, which requires accurately updated real-time odds and a platform with a good experience for the bettor.
Extra Caution
On the other hand, in the context of responsible gambling, micro-bets present some challenges that need to be considered by operators and users. The possibility of placing more bets in a shorter period can be a risk factor for those prone to gambling addiction, allowing them to be constantly searching for the next bet.
It is also essential to be very attentive to bankroll management. After all, if you will be placing a higher number of bets, the user should reduce the value of each bet to stay within the amount previously defined for the activity. It is always worth remembering that responsible gambling should be the number one priority in the sector to build a healthy relationship with consumers. Understand the principles of responsible gambling and some signs to watch out for regarding sports betting practices.
