Discussing Gambling's Potential Prominence in the Balkans by 2024: Will the Region Steal the Spotlight?
Peek into the Future: A Glimpse at the Balkans' Thriving Sports Betting Landscape in 2024
The Balkans, a vibrant region brimming with potential, has positioned itself as a rising star in the global sports betting arena. To get a better understanding of the factors fueling this remarkable growth, we spoke with Ivo Doroteia, CEO at Playbook Engineering, and Miloslav Ivanov, Chief Sales Officer at Atlas-IAC.
What sparks the Balkans' significant surge in online sports betting?
Ivo Doroteia: In the last year, the Balkans, particularly countries like Bulgaria, have shifted their focus towards online gambling after years of brick-and-mortar success. Online betting has seen unprecedented growth, drawing the attention of numerous sportsbooks. Bulgaria's rich sports history, with football leading the charge, has played a significant role. Offering online betting on the region's most popular sports has given the Balkans an edge, captivating players' imaginations. Financial backing and continued growth indicate a promising future.
Miloslav Ivanov: The primary catalyst for this digital transformation is the shift of focus from land-based gambling to online gaming. Until recently, land-based gambling dominated the region, but now it's time for online to shine. Investment from major players in the industry has set the stage for a bright future.
Comparing apples to apples: The Balkans vs. established markets like Italy
Milovan Ivanov: While the Balkans show promise, they are not on par with mature markets such as Italy, particularly in terms of retail offerings. Lotteries still reign supreme, but efforts are underway to improve the retail landscape.
Ivo Doroteia: While the Balkans have some catching up to do, the region shares similarities with Italy in terms of land-based offerings. Mature markets like Italy have adapted to changes in the industry over the years and serve as a blueprint for emerging markets, including the Balkans.
Discovering unexpected gems: Unearthed betting trends in Bulgaria and Romania
Ivo Doroteia: Football undoubtedly leads the charge in terms of popularity, but other "ball sports," such as basketball, are becoming increasingly appealing to bettors. The sports market in the Balkans is dynamic, with basketball chasing football's lead and other lesser-known sports vying for a piece of the pie.
Miloslav Ivanov: Football reigns supreme in the Balkans, but basketball is also well-received. Sports like MMA, gymnastics, and volleyball are gaining traction, eager to secure a spot on operators' platforms in the region.
A peek into the crystal ball: 2024 and beyond
Miloslav Ivanov: With big-name players entering the market, I anticipate significant growth for the Balkans in 2024 and beyond. The region shows potential for expansion in multiple areas, making it an exciting prospect for the future.
Ivo Doroteia: I find it hard to believe that the region won't continue to grow for at least a couple of years. The sports-rich environment, coupled with the appeal of the region to major industry players, ensures that expansion will remain a top priority. In fact, the market might become saturated in the near future, given the ease of entry.
Ivo Doroteia: As the Balkans continues to attract sportsbooks, the finance sector could potentially witness substantial investments in the sports betting business due to the region's rich sports history and growing online betting trends, such as those in Bulgaria and Romania.
Miloslav Ivanov: As we move forward, the Balkans' casino-and-gambling landscape, beyond just sports betting, could significantly expand, following trends in more established markets like Italy and leveraging local preferences and new industry innovations.
