Sportsbook betting has been established for many years now, but there is a new kid on the block to rival traditional sports wagering. Virtual sports betting offers a distinctive experience and entertainment which many players prefer to other forms of betting.
These computer-simulated games commence every few minutes and combine several different technologies to allow for seamless play and enticing games that players will want to continue coming back for. But how exactly does virtual sports betting work? Let’s take a little look below.
What is behind Virtual Sports Betting?
Similar to typical sportsbook betting, players can place wagers on events and different types of sports as part of virtual sports betting platforms. These are intended to replicate real-life spotting events and tend to hone in on the most lucrative gambling sports such as virtual football. As Lee Ho-jin points out, this sport has become particularly popular among sports bettors who benefit from the quick results and 24-hour access.
Virtual sports betting engines use software with developed algorithms that utilize Random Number Generators (RNG) and crisp graphics.
These games can be played at any time of the day, in any country, without the limits of time zones or busy sporting schedules. They also are not influenced by other outside external factors such as weather, form, injuries, or unpredictable variables that all affect the outcomes and general psychology of real-life sports teams and players. Instead, these games are determined completely by an algorithm, which makes them fair and swift.
Different Types Of Sports
- Virtual Soccer (Football) – Simulated games that include fictional teams or virtual representations of real players.
- Virtual Horse Racing – Digital horses are pitted against each other on fantasy racetracks.
- Virtual Tennis – Match up between fictional players on fictional courts that possess different stats.
- Motorsports – Simulated races between cars or motorbikes that feature crashes and realistic tracks.
- Virtual Basketball – Full court action just like real life, but this time virtual.
Different Types Of Bets
Reflective of traditional betting options, virtual sports betting platforms offer a wide array of markets available to bet on when it comes to these games. Popular bet options include:
- Match Outcomes
- Over/Under Points or Goals
- Exact Final Score
- Special bets – such as corners, first goals, goalscorers, and penalties
- HF/FT Bets (Half-time, full-time results)
- Each Way (top 3 podium finishes in racing sports such as Horse racing or motorsports).
- Parlay Bets (combined bets)
Virtual sports markets are just as wide and varied as traditional markets, with single events offering multiple different betting options for punters to choose from. This means players still need to conduct their research and place bets strategically, but don’t have to worry about extra external factors that often affect traditional sports.
The Technology Behind Virtual Sports Betting
Several key technologies are used to power virtual sporting events. RNGs are used to determine the outcomes of match-ups through advanced algorithms, which ensure the results of any given game are random, unpredictable, and unbiased in any way. These RNGs have become extremely sophisticated over the years and guarantee transparency and fairness during these events. The algorithm extends further than just RNGS, however. They will also delve into statistical models for every player, team, and sport, providing working data on historic performances, speed, and attributes. This data is then punched into the RNG to provide an outcome. The technology of these algorithms is then combined with crisp graphics and animations, which allow gamblers the chance to watch the match-up unfold. Often, platforms include live commentary, stadium noises, and differing player movements to improve the immersion of these virtual sporting events. By creating such an advanced atmosphere, the betting platforms are looking to provide as entertaining an experience as possible to ensure players return to place wagers on these kinds of events and this type of betting.
Pros
There are a number of advantages for players who choose to bet on virtual sports. The main bonus they offer is their accessibility and speed, which is unrivaled by traditional sports that have scheduled events. Virtual sports operate 24/7, and games only last a few minutes, which allows gamblers to place multiple bets on the same sport in a matter of minutes.
The removal from reality of virtual sports events also takes out the unpredictability of real-world sports, such as injuries, weather influences, or cancellations. This makes them stable and reliable. As players don’t need to know as much in-depth knowledge, with the removal of these external factors, it can be easier for newcomers or those looking to bet casually to back wagers. Players can remove the need for statistical analysis or knowledge and instead focus on the fun of winning slips and cash prizes.
Cons
One of the major drawbacks of virtual sports betting platforms is their reliance on RNGs. Whilst this is an important part of the technology that is implemented into these types of betting games, many players remain reluctant to rely on RNGs and still have a distrust for their performances despite regulations and audits. Players still seem to feel like they lack a certain control over outcomes. Instead, purists prefer the real-world interaction and actual reality of traditional sporting events for their wagers.
The absence of real players, hiccups in seasons, injuries to goal scorers, and the form of teams are all part of the research and considerations that players need to take when betting on real-world sports. This is enjoyable for many. Taking this away diminishes the experience for some gamblers. Many view these factors as enjoyable considerations to take, as they make their own analysis before placing bets. Without the tactics, pressure of big games, and emotion during derbies removed from virtual match-ups, players may feel they lose the data analysis skills and know-how learned from traditional betting, which can be a real downside.
The limits of virtual sports betting don’t end there. As many platforms don’t have the rights to official teams, sports, leagues, or players, they often use made-up names, which can diminish the authenticity for many.
