The debate between online and offline sports betting has been going on for decades. While both have their own pros and cons, gamblers from either side are hesitant to try the alternative. However, the million-dollar question still remains- Which is better, Online or Offline Betting? First, let us define the two types of betting-
Offline sports betting is the traditional form of betting where bets are placed by visiting a betting shop whereas online sports betting is performed through the internet with the help of devices like computers, mobiles, laptops, etc.
Although there are merits and demerits to both platforms, there is no right answer as to which is better. It mainly depends on the preference of the users and is entirely subjective. If you want to start a sports betting business and are in a dilemma, we suggest you try both options and make an informed choice. To help you decide, we have provided a side-by-side comparison of both betting types. So without further delay, let’s get started.
Offline vs Online Sports Betting Business: Comparison
The primary difference between the two types of betting businesses is that offline sports betting businesses are conducted from a physical location where people can visit to place wagers and bets.
If you are curious about investing in the sports betting industry and want to know which one is better, we have listed some factors and compared both on their basis. Let’s get started.
Infrastructural Costs
Offline Business
Offline sports betting businesses are comparatively more expensive than their online alternatives. The main reason is that offline platforms require a great deal of manpower and a physical location. A physical location requires you to pay rent or a mortgage on that property. Moreover, the property tax is another big expense that shouldn’t be overlooked. Additionally, to run a betting establishment you will need to pay salaries to employees and workers.
Offline businesses also have to spend thousands of dollars on marketing and promotional activities. Billboards, advertisements, TV commercials, etc require a great deal of capital and are also factored into the cost of setting up an offline sport betting business.
Online Business
Although you do need a fair amount of capital to set up an online sports betting business, the actual cost is less when compared to its offline counterpart. All you need is an online website and online sports betting software and you are good to go. Your betting software is the most integral element of your online business. Although there are several factors that affect the cost to develop online betting software, the overall cost will be still considerably less than setting up a full-fledged land-based casino.
Accessibility
Offline
Betting and wagering in an offline betting establishment isn’t convenient when compared to its offline counterpart. The bettor is required to commute to the establishment and wait in lines to get slots at their preferred league or match. In case you have to place multiple bets, it can take some time until you have finished all your transactions.
Online
The ease of access is one of the most prominent reasons why the online sports betting industry is growing rapidly. One of the best features of online betting is that users can bet from the comfort of their homes with the help of online sports betting software. The online betting software is incorporated with safe and secure payment gateways that allow users to deposit and withdraw funds without any hassle. When it comes to convenience, online betting takes the win by a huge margin.
Security Measures
Undoubtedly security is a big concern for both offline and online businesses. Unfortunately, no type of business is immune to security threats and there are numerous risks associated with both.
Offline
If you opt for an offline betting business, you have to ensure that all the employees are taken care of and paid on time. It can be an arduous task when you have hundreds of employees working from different locations. Additionally, the risk of theft and security breaches is ever-present in offline betting platforms. You can opt for security guards and a CCTV surveillance system to monitor the live floor of your betting establishment to counter security threats.
Online
Although an online sportsbook business isn’t affected by the loss of materialistic belongings, it is prone to cyberattacks and hacking attempts. Cyberattacks are an ever-present danger in online casinos and often result in the loss of funds and personal data. There are several security measures like firewalls and antivirus software that can safeguard your online platform. However, no online business is immune to hacking and cybercrimes.
Payment Options
Offline
Most offline sports betting platforms don’t accept credit or debit cards as an available mode of payment. To bet in offline establishments, bettors need to pay in cash or cash equivalent cheques which can be an inconvenience at times. Moreover, the lack of payment options can be quite a hassle for online bettors who want to place a large bet.
Online
The plethora of payment options available on online sports betting software provides a lot of convenience to users. It is one of the main reasons why a large part of the audience prefers online betting. Moreover, users can make transactions from anywhere in the world as long as they have a smartphone and internet connection. The variety of payment methods included in online betting includes credit or debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, e-wallets, etc. Some online platforms go a bit further and have even introduced cryptocurrencies as a viable payment option.
Offers & Promotions
Offline
It can be quite difficult for an offline sportsbook business to run promotions because of the lack of technology at its disposal. Offline casinos do offer free bets seasonally to attract more users. However, they don’t have the means to offer promotions and offers all year long.
Online
The variety of promotions available in online betting differs from platform to platform. Every platform comes up with its own unique offer to drive more users to its website. Welcome Bonus, Deposit Bonus, and Free bets are some of the most commonly available offers in online sportsbook businesses. Online businesses have various apps and websites at their disposal which makes it convenient for users to claim the offers.
Audience Reach
Offline
Offline businesses can only operate within the boundaries of the country they are based in. Moreover, these betting establishments also don’t provide bets on foreign leagues or matches. For example, if you are based in India and want to bet on the English Premier League, you can’t do so in an offline betting establishment based in India. Offline betting businesses are restricted by geographical boundaries and can’t cater to a worldwide audience.
Online
The major reason why online sports betting businesses are so successful is that they have a global reach and cater to a worldwide audience. It doesn’t matter where you are based, as long as you have a smart device and internet connection, you can place bets online. Online businesses also offer bets on a wide range of sporting events happening all around the world and also generally provide better odds. They are not restricted by geographical boundaries and can take advantage of a global user base.
Offline vs Online Sports Sports Betting: Side-by-Side Comparison
Let us look at the above-mentioned factors and see which type of business is the most suitable for you.
| Factors | Offline Betting | Online Betting | Suitable Choice |
| Infrastructural Cost | Higher than Online Business | Low Infrastructural Cost | Online Business |
| Accessibility | Have to visit the establishment to place bets | Can place bets from anywhere in the world | Online Business |
| Security | Prone to theft and security breach | Prone to cyberattacks and hacking | Offline Business |
| Target Audience | Middle-aged Generation(Millenials | Younger Audience(Gen-Z) | Both |
| Payment Options | Cash and Cheques | Multiple payment options available including cryptocurrencies | Online Business |
| Rules & Regulations | Strict Laws | Lenient when compared to offline business | Both |
| Offers & Promotions | Lack of promotions | Variety of promotions | Online Business |
| Live Streaming | Limited Coverage | Worldwide coverage | Online Business |
| Audience Reach | National Reach | Worldwide Reach | Online Business |
| Betting Options | National Events | National & International Events | Online Business |
Undoubtedly, an online business is the most practical choice for you if you want to start an online sports betting business. However, if you are looking to invest in the sports betting industry, it would be better to analyse the market before starting an online business.
Additionally, you will have to buy sports betting software from a sports betting software provider if you want to operate an online business.
The Key Takeaways
- Offline betting takes place in a physical location whereas online betting can be done from anywhere in the world as long as you have a smart device and an internet connection.
- Both types of businesses have their own merits and demerits.
- An offline sports betting business requires a lot more capital when compared to its online counterpart.
- Online betting is accessible to everyone all around the world and is not restricted by geographical boundaries.
- While both platforms have potential security threats, online sports betting software is more susceptible to hacking and cyberattacks.
- An offline platform lacks a variety of payment options while online businesses consist of several commonly used methods like PayPal, credit or debit cards, etc.
- There are also a variety of promotions and offers available in the online sports betting business whereas the lack of technology restricts the availability of exciting offers in the offline betting business.
- Although it seems that online business has a lot of merits but a brick-and-mortar betting business is still widely popular.
- If you want to start an online betting business, you can take advantage of a turnkey solution with casino games from a software provider.
Conclusion
There are a lot of merits and demerits to both types of businesses. If you are looking for a reliable and feature-packed turnkey solution for your online betting business, Brino Games has got your back. We provide ready-made as well as turnkey software solutions that will help you kickstart and operate a scalable business. Our ready-made solutions are integrated with the latest technologies and provide a seamless and engaging betting experience that grips the users’ attention.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Ans. Betting online has many benefits when compared to offline betting. You can bet online from anywhere and can take advantage of various promotional offers.
Ans. Yes, it is mandatory to acquire a gambling license if you want to conduct a gambling business in your jurisdiction.
Ans. We incorporate all the latest features in our turnkey betting solution. We also provide turnkey solutions with casino games for online gamblers.