Horse racing and sports betting have been around for centuries, but they have evolved over the years and the way we engage with them nowadays is completely different from the past. The days when you go to an actual horse racing venue to place a bet are gone with the online betting revolution. In this article, we’ll explore the top ecommerce strategies for horse racing and sportsbooks or betting.
But that’s not enough. The world of horse racing and sportsbooks continues to evolve, especially in today’s eCommerce era.
Although horse racing venues and sportsbooks are not particularly selling anything like merch, they still rely on some of the rock-solid eCommerce strategies that will help them improve user experience, rank higher in search results, and fight for that online presence all brands want.
So, the big question is, what strategies have horse racing and sportsbooks used over the years in the eCommerce world?
Why E-commerce Strategies Though?
Well, the world of eCommerce is very competitive, which led the industry to evolve and introduce new standards that dictate online presence. These strategies have been proven to work whether we are talking about search engine ranking, social media presence, or basic SEO.
The goal for most horse racing and sports betting brands is to get noticed by more people, right? So, even though they are usually not selling anything, eCommerce strategies are crucial when it comes to creating the full package.
These strategies are designed to improve their SERPs and establish a deeper connection with their fan base (target audience), which will eventually lead to more money.
So, basically, they are using eCommerce strategies just to stay relevant in this highly competitive online space.
Best eCommerce Strategies That Are Proven to Work
Let’s get down to business and uncover some of the best eCommerce strategies that transitioned to other businesses like sportsbooks and horse racing events.
1. Mobile Optimization: Horse Racing & Sportsbooks Ecommerce Strategies
This is kind of a no-brainer, right? In today’s digital world, we are constantly browsing the internet on our mobile devices, so mobile optimization should be the focus. This is a strategy that many eCommerce brands used for quite some time now, and it seems like the sportsbook industry is also changing.
Nowadays, bettors don’t even have to open their PC in order to place a bet. They can do it on the go simply by going to TwinSpires, and with a few clicks you have already placed a bet. But horse racing betting isn’t the only thing that is possible.
Fans can watch horse races on their phones, analyze data before they place a bet and much more.
That’s why many brands in these industries have developed an app or they’ve optimized their online platforms for mobile betting. This not only makes the user experience better, but it also helps them rank higher in search engines, which is kind of their main source of traffic.
2. Live Streaming
Have you noticed how sportsbooks now have live streaming options or another way that you can get live data about an event in real-time?
Well, this is a game-changing strategy that will not only improve the user experience but also encourage people to place more bets.
Now what does live streaming have to do with eCommerce? Well, it is their own form of improving the customer user experience, which is a big part of eCommerce businesses.
If customers are happy and entertained, they will most likely buy your product or service.
3. Personalization: Horse Racing & Sportsbooks Ecommerce Strategies
Nowadays, people want to feel an emotional connection with a brand before they make a purchase decision, and this is really hard for brands. eCommerce stores have mastered the art of personalizing the content on their websites, especially with the introduction of AI.
Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all approach here. Even sportsbooks are creating a personalized user experience based on the person’s preferences. So, for example, if I am interested in horse racing and soccer. The landing page of the sportsbook will feature all the top news surrounding these sports, as well as top picks that are scheduled for today.
4. Cryptocurrency Payments
If you can buy a Tesla with Bitcoin, why it is strange to see cryptocurrency in sportsbooks or horse racing?
Even some of the more future-oriented eCommerce stores have started to accept crypto payments.
This gives customers more options, plus the entire process comes with benefits like lower fees. So, faster transactions, and greater anonymity, which is kind of important for sportsbooks.
5. Social Media Integration
Social media isn’t just for cat videos and memes—it’s also a powerful tool for sportsbooks and horse racing platforms.
By integrating social media features, these platforms can create a sense of community. So, encourage users to share their bets and wins with friends.
6. Horse Racing & Sportsbooks Ecommerce Strategies: Gamification
Gamification is all about adding game-like elements to non-game contexts. For sportsbooks, this could mean offering rewards, leaderboards, or challenges to keep users engaged.
For example, a horse racing platform could offer bonus points for correctly predicting the top three finishers in a race.
Benefits of Gamification:
- Increases user retention
- Encourages repeat bets
- Makes the betting experience more interactive
7. Data Security
Let’s be real: nobody wants to bet on a platform that gets under hacks. Data security is crucial for building trust with users.
Sportsbooks and horse racing platforms need to invest in robust security measures. Such as SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits.
Final Words
These are some of the strategies that transitioned from the eCommerce world into horse racing and sportsbooks, and we are glad that this happened. After all, we as users can enjoy a more pleasant betting experience, and sportsbooks will increase their player base.