In the growing world of esports betting, precision and reliability are crucial for delivering engaging, fair experiences. The source and quality significantly impact the performance and growth of betting platforms. Operators typically rely on three primary sources: Unofficial data aggregators, manual collection methods and licensed content providers. Each source has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on the operator’s priorities. Data.Bet, an esports betting solution supplier, will look closer at each of them.
Official vs. non-official
Which data source powers succeeding bets? The choice between official and non-official data can make or break your platform's victory in esports betting, as each comes with benefits depending on your needs.
Official data is considered the most accurate and trustworthy source on the market. Providers obtain it through exclusive rights from tournament organisers, so it is considered official or licensed. With minimal latency in data transmission, operators have live information that significantly enhances market accuracy.
One of its key advantages is reducing fraudulent betting, as faster data updates prevent bettors from exploiting delays to gain an edge over the bookmaker. Additionally, official data has a lower error rate than open sources, ensuring precise odds calculation and a seamless betting experience. Furthermore, licensed content offers a comprehensive dataset, enabling operators to create exceptional betting markets and maximise uptime for ongoing events. Broader coverage allows for a more diverse and engaging betting experience, helping platforms maintain profitability.
Non-official aggregators provide an alternative source of information for betting operations, often providing cost-effective or free access to information. In some cases, they are the only available option, particularly for niche events or less popular markets where official data is not accessible. This makes them a flexible resource for operators looking to expand their coverage without significant investment.
However, these sources come with notable drawbacks. The data may be inaccurate or delayed, affecting the reliability of odds and market stability. Additionally, operators relying on third-party aggregators face dependency risks. If the external service restricts access, modifies its data policies or introduces protective measures, sportsbooks may lose access to critical information, disrupting betting operations.
Manual data collection: Customisation at a cost
Relying on human operators to monitor game statistics, events and outcomes, this method is primarily utilised in emerging esports markets or niche events where automated data is not yet available. However, this method has considerable drawbacks:
- Its entry can lead to inconsistencies, inaccuracies and disputes over outcomes.
- Human-driven updates are slower, making real-time betting less reliable.
- Manual collection becomes increasingly impractical and costly as an operator expands to cover more events.
Manual data collection can be helpful in specific scenarios but lacks the speed, reliability and scalability required for high-frequency betting and live markets.
Bet smarter, win bigger: The secret to higher engagement
Operators often struggle to determine the best betting provider, given the varying data sources each employs. Your business objectives should drive the decision. If the priority is to create a Tier-1 product, providers using official data offer a clear advantage. Their adaptability and accuracy contribute to better product performance and long-term success. In this context, we have identified five key benefits that official data brings to operators.
Fraud prevention
Sophisticated risk management systems detect and prevent fraudulent activities, safeguarding platform integrity and stability. Monitoring and analysing bettors' real-time behaviour allows operators to identify suspicious patterns quickly. By eliminating data inconsistencies and enhancing platform oversight, operators can maintain compliance, prevent market manipulation and ensure a seamless user experience.
Dynamic performance
Ensuring platform integrity begins with consistent data. High-quality information minimises the risk of manipulation and enhances predictive modeling, supporting fair and reliable outcome calculations. Moreover, its secure and structured processing helps to minimise the risk of fraud by immediate identification of betting behaviours, whether positive or potentially suspicious, while continuously tracking irregular patterns to uphold fairness and integrity.
Less delays = Less risk
Ultra-low latency (less than one second) is crucial for Fast markets and real-time betting, driving high engagement and operator turnover. For example, in Round Winner markets, multiple bets can be calculated within the same round, offering diverse betting opportunities. The more bets placed, the closer the actual profitability aligns with the intended margin, which maximises engagement and operator turnover, while the speed and immediacy of the process further enhance interactivity and immersion
In contrast, high latency (five seconds or more) delays updates, reducing live betting effectiveness and profitability.
Boosting retention through new features
Progressive tools, such as Player Props, with an average volume of bets 16% higher than the overall, and Pitch Tracker, a 2D map powered by official data, are reshaping user engagement by offering more profound insights into player performances and team dynamics. However, without precise and consistent data, the accuracy and appeal of these refined features limit betting opportunities.
AI integration and risk management
Timely data fuels AI-powered risk management, fraud detection and personalised user experiences, all while maintaining responsible AI practices with human oversight. Conversely, data delays AI's effectiveness leading to unreliable predictions and risk management issues.
Impact on operator performance
Achieving business goals with the right approach
The right data source is critical for esports betting platforms aiming for growth, profitability and industry leadership. Non-official aggregators and manual collection methods may seem cost-effective but have significant accuracy, latency and security limitations. Official data, however, provides the reliability, consistency and depth needed for live betting and scalable growth.
Choosing the right data source influences an operator's performance. Official data contributes to:
- Ensure seamless betting experiences and increase user retention;
- Minimise risks and streamline operations;
- Higher engagement, more betting opportunities and developed features drive increased revenue.
By investing in official data, operators can develop Tier-1 product, innovate user experiences and achieve sustainable profitability. The choice of data source ultimately depends on strategic priorities, requiring operators to make a balanced decision and find the best fit.
