In an industry where every millisecond and every data point can make the difference between success and failure, technology decisions have never been more critical. The sports betting industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a projected 12% increase by the end of 20321. This dynamism is reflected both in emerging markets, such as Brazil, and in established markets where operators constantly seek to optimize their operations. In this context, a fundamental strategic question affects all types of operators: should they develop technological solutions internally or rely on specialized providers?
The Challenge for Different Operator Profiles
This decision is crucial for various profiles: new operators seeking to establish themselves, international brands expanding into emerging markets, and established operators (including state lotteries) looking to improve their competitiveness or operational efficiency. For new entrants, creating an internal platform offers total control but involves significant challenges in costs and time. Established operators, meanwhile, face the need to maintain their competitive edge in an increasingly demanding technological environment.
International Expansion and Local Adaptation
Global operators entering new markets must consider how to replicate their previous success in different contexts. Outsourcing offers a fast track, allowing for more flexible adaptations and leveraging local knowledge. Outsourcing certain components can help mitigate regulatory risks and facilitate smoother regulatory compliance. It’s no secret that outsourcing models have proven to be effective tools that have allowed new operators to quickly gain ground.
The Challenge of Continuous Innovation
Additionally, operators already established in their markets face their own challenges. The need for continuous innovation, optimization of operating costs, and improved efficiency are critical factors in maintaining their competitive position. These operators must evaluate whether their current systems can keep pace with the latest technological innovations and whether the investment in internal development justifies the expected return.
Finding the Right Balance
It’s crucial to highlight that this is not just an all-or-nothing question between in-house and outsourcing. No operator internally controls every facet of their operation; all use some degree of outsourcing. The essential thing is to decide which key components, such as the player management platform, betting engine, risk management, or sportsbook interface, should be outsourced to optimize competitiveness.
As the industry matures, a growing trend toward outsourcing is expected. This is already common in consolidated technology sectors, and the sports betting sector will likely follow this path. Operators continue to seek high-quality and efficient solutions to maintain their competitive advantage.
The Hybrid Approach
End-to-end turnkey platforms like ORAKO represent an effective hybrid solution for all these operator profiles. They offer the possibility of customizing services while ensuring the reliability of an external provider. ORAKO not only allows covering the entire value chain with a single provider, Sportradar, significantly reducing operating costs and accelerating time-to-market, but also facilitates advanced customization and continuous integration of innovations, establishing a unique ecosystem. Additionally, its flexible architecture allows for third-party integrations or operator’s in-house services.
The Way Forward
In conclusion, the challenge for all operators, whether new entrants, international companies expanding, or established operators seeking to optimize their operation, is to find the right combination between internal development and outsourcing. This balanced approach is essential to maximize competitiveness and adaptability in a constantly growing and transforming market. Discovering this optimal strategy could be key to ensuring a successful future in the dynamic world of sports betting.
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