SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
SBC News caught up with Spiffx founder Lennart Gillberg to reflect on an eventful 2016 in the sports betting industry, and a breakthrough year for his betting exchange company.
Favourite Memory of 2016
Launching the first version of the Take5Live app during Euro 2016. Take5Live is an engaging game based on Spiffx market activity that allows customers to place bets on there being a goal within the next five minutes at pre-determined odds.
Worst Memory
Of course, the Swedish performance in Euro 2016. The Swedish team, led by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his final international tournament, picked up a point against Republic of Ireland, but exited at the group stage after failing to score in narrow defeats to Italy and Belgium.
Favourite Sporting Event
Bournemouth’s 4-3 victory over Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium (December 4). The match was fantastic for our index market because the odds movement was so volatile. Liverpool went from 1.71 down to 1.05 as they took a 3-1 lead, before throwing away the game in spectacular fashion.
Most Important Industry Development
The development of the fast markets within the sports betting industry, together with the improvements in the payment processing department, has made the igaming world so much more fast and accessible. Deposits, withdrawals and cash-outs are available at the touch of a button, and I can see further improvements in this department that will help the industry to keep on growing.
Favourite Industry Event
Betting on Football 2016 at Stamford Bridge, because it was focused on sports betting and it was easy to meet with the key decision makers in the industry. We have had very good experiences at each of the three annual Betting on Football conferences so far.
One to watch for 2017?
We have had great interest in our products during 2016, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see more players using our markets and Take5Live app. We have also closed some important deals this year, which has given us the encouragement to speed up the development of new products and functionality in 2017.
