Microbetting is changing the sports betting experience, allowing fans to participate in every moment of the game dynamically. This mode, driven by artificial intelligence and real-time data analytics, opens up growth opportunities for the global gambling industry.
Instant betting
Microbetting allows users to bet on specific, short-duration events that occur during a live match, such as the outcome of the next corner kick in football, whether the next point in tennis will be an ace, or whether the next pass in the NFL will result in a score.
Unlike traditional betting, which tends to focus on the final score of the match or broad segments of the game, microbets are resolved in a matter of seconds or minutes, creating a dynamic and continuous experience for the user.
This detailed or granular instant-resolution approach has several advantages:
- It generates more excitement: The instant gratification of microbets keeps fans engaged with every play, intensifying their emotional connection and encouraging more frequent bets during a match.
- Accessibility: Betting doesn’t require in-depth knowledge of the sport.
- Better budget management: With low-value bets, bettors can diversify and better control their budget while still being able to bet on a single event.
- New audiences: With a digital and dynamic format, it connects especially well with generations accustomed to interactive experiences and instant rewards.
Microbetting’s popularity has grown exponentially thanks to advances in streaming technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence algorithms, which allow odds and markets to be updated in real-time with minimal latency.
Microbetting vs. traditional betting
Although microbetting and live betting share the fact that they take place during the course of matches, there are fundamental differences that have driven the preference for microbetting in advanced markets.
Microbetting is generally not regulated separately but is included within live sports betting. If an operator holds a sports betting license in the following countries, they can offer microbets as long as they meet the established legal and technical requirements.
United Kingdom: The UK Gambling Commission regulates all forms of online sports betting, including microbetting, provided the operator is licensed.
Malta: Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) licenses sports betting, including microbetting, under a comprehensive legal framework.
Sweden: Spelinspektionen regulates the Swedish sports betting market, allowing licensed operators to offer microbetting.
Spain: The Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) authorises and regulates sports betting, including microbets, under official licences.
Colombia: Coljuegos has regulated online sports betting, allowing microbetting through licensed operators since 2017.
Abelson Sports-nVenue partnership
With the recent partnership between Abelson Sports, a sports betting data and technology provider, and nVenue, a specialist in artificial intelligence-based microbetting technology, betting operators will be able to offer their customers a much wider range of microbets.
This breakthrough not only exponentially multiplies the number of markets available per event (by focusing on granular outcomes such as next play, pass or possession) but also transforms the user experience, making it much more immersive and personalised. Thanks to this integration, operators can offer new betting options without incurring significant development efforts, keeping them at the forefront of innovation and differentiating themselves from the competition.
New benchmarks
In addition, the collaboration would set a new industry standard by combining the accuracy and reach of Abelson Sports with the advanced and dynamic technology of nVenue, resulting in higher profit margins and a player-centric live betting offering tailored to the latest industry consumer trends.
According to Abelson Sports’ management team, the introduction of microbets that generate double-digit profit margins (i.e., above 10%) will be a key factor for bookmakers and operators to increase their revenue. The alliance allows operators to differentiate themselves in a mature and highly competitive market. The offer of real-time, personalised, low-latency microbetting becomes a key factor in attracting and retaining users, especially among young and digitised segments that demand instant and tailored experiences.
This article was first published in Spanish on 28 April 2025.
