How the enhanced in-play betting features could get some people in trouble

Sports betting has grown as traditional betting has merged with technology. Interesting results have emerged, such as greater accessibility and transparency on sites like https://allbets.tv/, but at what cost?

It is now possible to watch live events without being there in person because of broadcasts on the betting sites themselves. It gives way to new betting opportunities based on "micro-events" that occur during the sporting event in question: Who gets the first yellow card in a soccer match? Who wins the first set in a tennis match? Who scores the first shot in a basketball game?

It is just the beginning of live betting websites and apps' improvements. However, modern features have increased to attract new users and keep older ones, so we should question whether this is a healthy stance.

Is it a problem that these cool features are so effective?

Research suggests that these features are comparable to those used in gambling terminals with a high likelihood of being addictive. In other words, sportsbook features could be generating as many addiction problems as online slots sites.

Harmful features for players

These features have proven to be efficient in terms of site marketing but enhance unhealthy bettors' behaviors. The main ones are fixed odds with quick-to-see results and the ability to multiply bets.

In sports betting, this can be seen in the myriad of micro bets that can be placed and so-called "accumulators."

The combination of these factors drives both the stress and emotional investment experienced by bettors of any kind. Therefore, sports bettors could even be urged to gambling that is always harmful, in addition to participating in sports betting irresponsibly.

The research

The study consisted of a sample of 225 bettors from the United Kingdom, who were assessed using an online questionnaire. They used it to measure the awareness of episodes of frustration, impulsivity, and emotional outbursts ("tilting" in the vocabulary of the betting world).

The results showed that a minority knows their tilting level and the associated damage. What is worrying is the other side of the results: most are unaware of how much tilting they feel when gambling and its effect.

In addition, damage from gambling was associated with high levels of tilting. Those with the most frustration used the instant deposit feature and considered it the most critical element in their gambling sessions. It is reminiscent of symptoms of pathological gambling.

Therefore, the instant deposit of funds was also seen as a possible catalyst for harmful gambling behaviors. In theory, players will use this feature more when frustrated in response to losing money, leading to more reckless and impulsive betting.

It was determined that live streams, the statistics dashboard, and other information-based features were relevant to tilting. The players who reported the most frustration were those who frequently used these features. It is probably due to the false sense of being in control that they offer.

Although these technology features are aimed at improving the user experience, the reality is that most of them drive harmful play when someone is irritated.

What can we do about it?

Sports bettors need to identify their behaviors when frustrated to stop in time. However, this isn't very easy because the features of live betting products do not help cease but continue in this insane cycle. In fact, industry announcements to stop players may be tokenistic.

So perhaps the onus is not entirely on the consumer. Right now, it is almost impossible for gamers to behave responsibly because the products are designed to incentivize harmful behavior.

Instead, we must pay attention to the responsible design of features used in the gambling industry. Controls need to be tighter on the features added to sports betting. The idea is to help the consumer to have healthy gambling.