SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Global payment provider WorldPay has informed the media that Britain’s bookmakers are back in business following the start of the Premier League 2015/2016 football season. Following a quiet two months , the opening weekend of the new season provided a timely reminder of how much love the nation and punters have for the ‘best football league in the world’.
Exclusive data from global payments leader, Worldpay, reveals that splitting the opening weekend’s games over Saturday and Sunday, rather than holding them all on Saturday as was done traditionally, contributed to a significant jump in betting volumes and transactions. Year-on-Year (YoY) transaction volume for the weekend increased by 16%, while the average value of individual transactions was 15% higher.
The data also shows there was a huge spike in both the volume and value of transactions processed by Britain’s online bookies during this year’s Barclays Premier League opening weekend. Compared to an average Friday to Sunday in the offseason, the volume of transactions jumped 32%.
Alan Watson, Vice President of Gambling, Global eCommerce at Worldpay, said:
“The Premier League is truly one of the best football leagues in the world and our data shows just how valuable it is for Britain’s bookies. With this year’s opening matches spread out over multiple days bookies were able to deliver more opportunities to take part in the action than ever before. After a run of punter-friendly results last season, they will be hoping for some upsets early in the season to return to normal trading margins. As mobile and product developments such as “Cash-Out” continue to drive growth, it should be a great season of football, culminating in the Euros in France next summer.”
The Premier League is the most-watched football league in the world and broadcasts in 212 territories around the globe, with live action showcased by 80 different broadcasters to 643 million homes. The television audience for the Premier League is estimated at 4.7 billion. The Premier League earlier this year secured a record breaking deal of £5.136 billion with Sky and BT Sport for the television rights for three seasons from 2016-17.
