The sports betting landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, with player markets and in-play props emerging as one of the industry’s most exciting and profitable innovations. This evolution represents more than just a new betting option – it’s reshaping how fans engage with sports and how bookmakers approach their business.
The Rise of Player Power
The game has changed – and we’re not talking about what happens on the field. Today’s sports fans aren’t just following teams anymore – they’re following stars. A 2021 survey revealed that 39% of NBA fans would rather see their favourite player win MVP than their team lift the championship trophy. It’s a shift that’s reshaping sport itself, with modern fans leading the charge. The European Club Association found that most fans who follow sports ‘for the player’ are aged under 35, with social media and TikTok turning athletes into global entertainment brands. Almost half of emerging consumers now support multiple teams, tracking their favourite players across different clubs and even different leagues. This isn’t just a trend – it’s the future of sport. And it’s one reason why player markets are taking over the sports betting landscape.
Behavioural Shifts
This shift in fan behaviour has revolutionized how people bet on sports. Instead of just backing teams to win, lose or draw, bettors now want markets that follow their favourite stars. They’re betting on how many goals Raphinha will score each game, how many 3-pointers Steph Curry racks up, or how many home runs Shohei Ohtani will deliver. These player-focused markets give fans a deeper connection to the game, whether they’re betting before the match or in-play. And for sportsbooks, they’re opening up countless new ways to engage with an audience that cares more about individual brilliance than team loyalty.
New Advances: In-Play
If player markets are changing the game, live player markets are supercharging it. They transform every moment of a match into a potential betting opportunity. A basketball game isn’t just 48 minutes of play – it’s hundreds of chances to bet on who’ll score next, get the next rebound, or make the next assist. In baseball, every at-bat becomes a mini-event. In football, every attack could be the moment your striker finds the net. This creates continuous engagement throughout an event, keeping viewers invested in every moment of play.
The success of these markets relies heavily on advanced technology and real-time data feeds. Bookmakers partner with specialized data providers to ensure accurate and instant updates, allowing them to offer dynamic odds that reflect the current state of play. This technological foundation enables operators to manage risk effectively while providing an engaging betting experience.
Making Player Markets Work for You
The numbers tell the story. With margins reaching 25%, Sportradar’s player markets aren’t just meeting the demands of a new generation – they’re driving serious revenue. Whether it’s pre-match or in-play, we’ll give you everything you need to capture this growing audience. Because in a world where stars matter more than teams, player markets aren’t just another product – they’re the future of sports betting.
