Onto the harder commercials, which gave me the most need for concentration (maths/data is not my strong point!), where it’s obvious number crunching, clever systems and loads of data are what will drive growth and margins for in-play betting, customer behaviour and improved pricing. But most bookies know that the place for traders is here to stay, too.
Finally, the land based shops gathered for a heart to heart on how they can attract a younger audience or the next generation of punters. Also eagerly discussed was what they can do to entice more loyalty from existing customers (the great success of Ladbrokes scheme is hurriedly being copied by several companies out there).
Pursuant to both land based an online were some heated debates on getting the best data from live sporting events, IP rights and fair contribution of revenues. Gamely, a member of SROC explained their position and on a couple of occasions during the two days, debates broke about the motivations of SROC, but also the perceived unfairness of taking money from events that is not directly paid back to them. Being an independent witness, I stay silent ïŠ
Finally, roundtables focused on payments and emerging markets were predictably well attended as were those for the legal debates; the parties were deemed a huge success and I believe a fair amount of business was done.
No, we weren’t inside the ring-road, a fact pointed out to me just once or twice!...but we do like this feedback, so if anyone has strong feelings about horizons new for next year, chip in here. Or sum up your experience/highlights/hazy night memories of BetMarkets.