There’s an old saying that change is the only constant and when it comes to technology and sports betting, that saying couldn’t be truer.
The gambling world has changed dramatically over the years and even though there are plenty of people who still prefer placing their bets in person, most sports fans now prefer to do it online. But since the Internet became a thing, there have been plenty of technological advances that have made sports betting easier and better in every way imaginable.
The Birth of Bookies
The first bookmaker was in Ancient China, where betting on horse races was common. Because many people couldn’t afford a horse, they would pay money to enter a pool that went toward buying one of the racehorses. The person who contributed most (and therefore won) got a cut of any winnings. Eventually, these pools became formalized into what we now know as bookmaking. Bookmakers are still around today—they just have much more advanced tools at their disposal!
What is a Prediction Market? A prediction market is an exchange for futures contracts based upon some future event. In sports gambling, prediction markets allow you to bet on things like which team will win a certain game or how long someone will play in an NBA season before getting injured.
The Internet Era
The internet has changed everything. Over time, sports bettors could place their wagers online or via telephone instead of dealing with a cashier at a casino or a bookie in person. With online betting sites like Bodog, bettors have more opportunities to take advantage of unique betting lines with greater ease.
You no longer must worry about driving across town to go place your bets at the track before heading off for work. Online betting sites also allow you to research teams, players, and coaches much more efficiently than ever before thanks to various websites dedicated to providing valuable information that can help you make smarter wagers.
These days, there are even mobile apps that let you keep up with scores while you’re on-the-go. You can check The Sports Geek and know more. It’s not just gambling anymore – it’s sports entertainment!
Mobile Apps
You no longer need to visit a brick-and-mortar sports book (what some people call a casino or gaming floor) to place a bet. You can do so from your smartphone or computer via online gambling sites. These online betting platforms offer a plethora of lines, propositions, live bets, in-play wagers and more, which you can access all from your home computer.
This means that you don’t have to wait until game time to place a bet; instead, you can make wagers whenever you like during any sporting event. And with mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, it’s even easier to get started. Just download an app and log in using your account information. From there, you can place wagers on games while on-the-go!
Most apps are free to download and use but be sure to check if there are in-app purchases available. Online gambling sites also provide live streaming options for most events so you can follow along with your favorite teams without missing a minute of action. Most services require a subscription fee for full access, but many have free trial periods or special promotions running at any given time where you can test out their service before deciding whether it’s worth paying for every month.
Future Technology in Sports Betting
A while ago, sports betting meant you’d have to talk to a person. If you wanted odds on a game, you had to call someone or go into an actual store. In 2018, that’s just not how things are done anymore; almost everything is done online. Nowadays, if you want to place a bet on something sporting-related, all it takes is a few clicks of your mouse or swipes on your smartphone. You don’t even need to leave your house!
But what does that mean for future technology in sports betting? Will we ever get to a point where we can control our bets with our minds? It sure seems like it might be possible one day! After all, scientists have already been able to successfully predict brain activity based on people’s eye movements. And there’s no reason why that same type of technology couldn’t be used for predicting thoughts.
However, until then, I think most people will still find comfort in being able to sit back and relax at home as they make their wagers—especially when you consider how popular mobile devices have become over recent years.
In Conclusion
No, Las Vegas is not just for grown-ups anymore. With legal online sports betting on sites such as Bovada, there’s never been a better time or place to put your knowledge of sports (or lack thereof) to good use. No longer are you confined by physical borders or jurisdictional legislation—as long as you have an Internet connection, all bets are off!
Whether you’re looking to join a bookie syndicate or take advantage of in-game wagering opportunities, there are plenty of ways to make money from the comfort of your home.
