Betfair first to embrace Google Glass live on air

weekend online gaming firm Betfair became the first betting brand to make use of Google Glass live on air as part of a wider strategic plan to develop bespoke products for Glass throughout 2014.

On 5 July, Barry Orr, Betfair’s spokesman, wore the Glass headset while reporting live from Leicester Racecourse to update viewers with real-time notifications on results, non-runners and jockey and price changes.

Alex Deacon, Betfair’s director of product innovation, explained that the firm are “hugely proud” to be the first to embrace Glass and that using the innovative technology during the firm’s TV betting slots is “just the very first step”.

Betfair is not only optimising the compatibility of their existing product with the new, soon-to-be widespread technology but also developing specific “Glassware” that will provide a unique betting experience for Glass users.

It expects to eventually use Glass headsets on all its betting slots, including Chanel 4’s Morning Line, Sky Sports News and Ireland’s RTE, to prevent quickly-changing updates and odds from becoming outdated before they can be “received, digested and regurgitated by viewers”.

Deacon said Betfair is excited about the potential carried in novel technologies to improve customer’s betting experience in ways “beyond simply looking at prices on their phones, tablets or computers”.

He continued: “Betting has moved from simply placing a bet and waiting for it to win or lose. Customers want to stay connected to their bets throughout the day and wherever they are. Glass and other new technologies help play a part in us creating that seamless connection.”