How sportsbooks can improve bettors’ experience

When you hear the word “sports,” what comes to mind? For some, it's football, others baseball, and many more, but beyond the different types, sports is more than competition – it is a way of life deeply rooted in our culture. In fact, statistics show that there are approximately 3.5 billion sports fans in the world. 

And as you know, sports and betting have, for a long time, gone hand in hand. So, it's no surprise that as the popularity of sports has grown, so has that of betting. Actually, in the UK, online sports betting ranked as the leading form of gambling as of January 2024. The number of sportsbooks has increased to meet this demand, but with so many options, players can easily get overwhelmed when trying to pick where to bet. 

Not to worry because they can actually check out the reviews of various UK betting sites at betting.bet and other platforms to help them find what suits them best. So, as more fans turn to sportsbooks for extra fun in different sports, let us look at how those sportsbooks can deliver even better experiences.

User-friendly interface

Just like with most sites, the way a sportsbook looks and feels matters just as much as what it offers. Adobe actually reported in 2023 that 94% of first impressions are based on how a site looks and feels. So players may not even get to what you offer, no matter how good, if they don’t like your design. And we are not talking about fancy, over-the-edge stuff, but rather, simple, easy-to-use designs.

No one really wants to feel like they are solving a puzzle just to place a bet because that sucks the fun out of it. Players want to log in and wager on the fixtures they want as quickly as possible. Having a simple layout where the buttons are clear and the menus are easy to navigate helps with that. It also keeps players on your platform longer, considering 88% of users are less likely to return to a website after a bad user experience.

Also, now that phones have become an integral part of our day-to-day lives, it is important for sportsbooks to have responsive, mobile-first designs. At least that will ensure that their site runs smoothly across all screen sizes, regardless of whether a player is wagering on a smartphone or a desktop.

Have you ever tried to access a site with a non-responsive design on your phone? The zooming, lengthy loading times, hidden information, etc, can be so frustrating that you end up abandoning the site without doing what you wanted. Since over 80% of bets are placed using mobile devices, good mobile responsiveness will help your sportsbook appeal to many players and keep them returning to your platform.

Streamlined payment

Most people are inclined to sites that offer their preferred payment method. Since not all players bank the same way, sportsbooks need to offer multiple payment options to cater to their diverse players. From credit and debit cards to bank transfers, cryptocurrencies and digital wallets, having a variety allows players to transact at their convenience regardless of their geographical location. 

For example, even though 42% of bettors worldwide bet using debit cards, making it the more popular option, younger players tend to prefer transacting using digital wallets.

Other than many options, sportsbooks should ensure their transaction systems are fast and secure. Players want to spend most of their betting time enjoying themselves and not worrying about the safety of their money and personal details. Platforms with fast and secure payment options come off as credible, attracting more bettors. In fact, 82% of bettors are more loyal to platforms offering a seamless payment experience.

Not forgetting that players want transparency in transaction policies. You should see to it that your sportsbook clearly outlines any transaction processing fees, transaction limits and estimated timelines per payment method. When such information is unclear, players tend to lose trust in your platform, which is not good for business, considering 91% of people need to trust a platform in order to engage with it.

Reliable customer support

Did you know that 73% of customers are more likely to switch to a competitor after just one poor customer service experience? For sportsbooks, that means sloppy customer support could cost you several potential long-term players. 

Because sports are global and run around the clock, customer support with the same characteristics could go a long way. It is no secret that issues can arise at any time, so offering 24/7 assistance ensures that your players can get help whenever they need it, regardless of their time zone.

You can utilise virtual assistants, AI chatbots and live chat features to provide support even past office hours. Plus, you can actually make your platform more inclusive by offering customer service in multiple languages. 

That means players from different nationalities can bet and get their issues resolved on your sportsbook comfortably and conveniently. Interestingly, over 70% of customers feel more loyal to brands that offer support in their native language.

Betting is not only about placing wagers and looking at odds but is also a way for fans to connect with their favourite sport and feel like part of the action. And sportsbooks can make that experience smoother and more enjoyable by offering a better user interface, seamless payments and reliable customer support.