SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Darren Macdonald of MRG Systems has taken time out from his busy schedule developing the latest LBO screen technology to run his eye over the industry events of 2015 and what they mean for bookmakers and suppliers.
What industry development caught your eye last year?
Fantasy sports. I believe this has a big future. Fantasy football was very popular years ago (and probably still has its followers now), but people lost interest once their ‘team’ had fallen down the table. Daily fantasy sports enables people to pit their wits against each other on a weekly basis, without the last week’s results mattering. I can see this being a big hit once a company gets it right in the UK.
What was your favourite industry event?
We had a very good Betting Trade Fair in Solihull – confounding our expectations. A lot of our independent customers from Ireland attended and were able to see our latest offerings and understand how MRG could further differentiate their business from their competitors. The venue was good, and ideally situated for our customers, some of whom were travelling from Ireland. More of the same next year please.
We also had 2 representatives at the Betting on Football conference, and were able to get a greater understanding of where football betting is heading in the future. The turnover in some of the markets on the Premier League was astounding, as was the reach of the Premier League outside of the UK – they are clearly doing a very good job of promoting their league.
Where will Chelsea finish in the league at the end of the season?
Well, I tipped Jose for the exit, so got that bit right. Under Hiddink, performances have to improve, but I can’t see it being enough to get into the top 4. They may make it as far as 6th in this topsy-turvy year for the Premier League. Perhaps this could be Arsenal’s year at last?
ESports – is there true potential in this market or is it over-hyped?
I’m not one who has been taken in by this. Esports has a future, but I can’t see it working as a betting medium. It will have the backing of the major (computer) gaming companies, but I’m not sure it will work as a TV medium, which is essential for betting turnover to increase.
Will there be any more major mergers next year? In which areas do you believe consolidation is still likely/necessary?
There are too many companies with differing views in the global gaming market place at the moment, so I can only see further consolidation in the future. An on-line company has a huge choice of suppliers at the moment, all providing a variety of complex products, presumably at high cost. Cost savings will drive some of these companies to get together and provide a better service.
What are your expectations for the Euros? Which team will win it? Which domestic team will advance furthest?
England and Wales should be able to qualify from their group. With Rooney, Kane, Vardy and Sterling there is a mixture of pace and experience that should provide the English goals. The return of Forster and strength of Butland will help with defensive duties. The Irish teams look to have difficult groups, so may struggle to progress – hoping for a qualifying 3rd place in their groups.
Spain have an easier group, so will be able to ease into the competition, which will help them in the latter stages. They have the players to win the tournament, so have to be in any list of selections. You can never discount the World Champions (Germany), and Belgium are progressing at the moment.
What’s your hope for the industry in 2016?
Problem gambling is something that needs to be reduced. There is too much negative publicity around our industry, which is one of the most innovative and fast moving industries around – the competitiveness ensures this. The industry has to do more to ensure that both problem gambling is reducing and that this reduction is publicised.
