While virtual sports betting may not be the primary method for winning big for most crypto bettors in the world of sports wagering, virtual sports undeniably hold a special place in any reputable bookmaker’s lineup. These digital games are powered by advanced AI technology that replicates real-life sporting events with incredible accuracy and realistic outcomes.
Virtual sports betting is an innovative form of online gambling where luck plays a significant role in determining your success. Despite its reliance on chance, this type of wagering can provide endless entertainment and excitement, even if you end up losing some funds along the way.
Placing bets on virtual sports is fast-paced and action-packed, with events typically lasting between 2 to 5 minutes. The wide range of betting markets available ensures that there are plenty of opportunities to gamble and enjoy instant results.
In our comprehensive guide to crypto-based virtual sports betting, we will delve deep into how these games work, which platforms offer the best experience for players looking to get in on the action, available betting markets and odds, various sporting options to choose from, as well as valuable strategies for maximizing your chances of success.
Listen to the audio above or read through the rest of the guide to learn more about betting on simulated sports.
How does virtual sports gambling work?
Virtual sports providers recreate the thrill of live sporting events through immersive video game simulations, displaying real-time odds for each simulated match. These high-quality graphics mirror real-life competitions, providing an engaging sports betting experience.
Bettors can select their preferred sports and place wagers through reputable bookmakers or online casinos with sportsbook sections for virtual league games, tournaments, or races. AI-driven events occur frequently throughout the day, allowing for pre-event bets, live in-game betting, and accumulator bets to amplify the excitement.
Despite being simulations, virtual sports deliver an authentic and thrilling betting experience.
Virtual sports betting pairs seamlessly with cryptocurrency. In 2021, crypto wagers accounted for approximately 8.5% of global sports betting Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), rising over 20% between 2022 and 2023. Cryptocurrencies enhance security through blockchain technology, making them popular among bettors, with a significant portion of crypto deposits used for virtual sports betting.
The crypto gambling market, currently valued at $250 million within the $93 billion iGaming industry, is expanding at great speed. Virtual sports betting has established popularity, with the global virtual betting market valued at $10.8 billion in 2023 and projected to grow at 17.3% annually, reaching $38.45 billion by 2031. This anticipated growth reflects the increasing appeal of betting on virtual sports with cryptocurrency.
Crypto betting platforms showcase a variety of virtual sports developed by leading software firms, including soccer, basketball, and horse racing, ensuring bettors can enjoy multiple banking methods with no or low fees alongside a unique and valuable virtual sports experience.
What are the unique characteristics of virtual sports betting using cryptocurrencies?
Virtual sports betting offers distinct characteristics that provide multiple benefits to bettors. These advantages are enhanced by the positive aspects of using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, which make it a secure and valuable way to gamble on simulated sporting events. Together, these elements create a compelling range of benefits for bettors:
Uses underlying simulation technology to simulate events
In virtual sports betting, wagers are placed with bookies on simulated events generated by computer algorithms, with no real-life gameplay involved. The settings – stadiums, racetracks, pitches, and courts – are modeled after actual locations. Commentaries mimic real-life broadcasts, and high-interest moments feature replays, offering an immersive experience around the clock.
Ensures always available, on-demand events 24/7
Virtual sports events are not subject to real-world event schedules or seasons. You can place bets on virtuals at any time, with events often running continuously or at frequent intervals. This creates a constant stream of betting opportunities which, for some virtual sports, can be every few minutes and subject only to hugely infrequent disruptions.
Results in no cancellations or delays
Virtual sports are immune to the weather, player injuries, or other real-world disruptions. This means bettors never face cancellations or postponements, ensuring predictable event timings, frequent matches and global betting opportunities.
Generates computer-generated outcomes
Virtual sports outcomes are determined by random number generators, ensuring fairness and randomness in each event. Unlike real sports, where the outcome is influenced by athletes’ skills, tactics, and other unpredictable variables, virtual sports are entirely simulated and outcomes are determined by mathematical algorithms.
Given the purely algorithm-driven nature of the results, there are no external influences like refereeing mistakes, team strategies, or participant fatigue that can affect the outcome of any fast-run or fast-played events.
Focuses on short event durations
Virtual sports events are designed to be quick, often lasting only a few minutes from start to finish. This focus on fast-paced betting cycles contrasts with traditional sports like football or basketball, which may last for hours.
The rapid completion of events allows bettors to place more bets in a shorter time frame, increasing the frequency of potential wins or losses. Punters don’t need to wait long for the outcome of their wagers. The speed of events makes it ideal for anyone looking for immediate results and some predictable consistency in the betting opportunities available.
Provides a consistent sports betting event structure
Virtual sports events follow a consistent, repeatable structure with predefined event formats based on fixed durations, teams, or participants. This contrasts with real-world sports, where game dynamics can change due to different venues, weather conditions, or other environmental factors.
With no external variables in the mix, you can make betting selections without concerns over uncontrollable factors like injuries, transfers, weather, and team form. When you bet virtuals, none of these variables apply, removing another potential obstacle to accessibility.
Leverages blockchain technology for cryptocurrency betting
Blockchain technology has transformed sports betting by enhancing transparency, trust, and efficiency. Traditional sports betting relies on centralized platforms to control odds, record bets, and distribute payouts, creating risks of manipulation, fraud, and delays.
Blockchain introduces a decentralized, immutable ledger that securely records every bet, transaction, and outcome, ensuring transparency and reducing disputes while building a trustless environment. By using digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, blockchain enables secure, low-fee transactions and global access, bypassing banking restrictions for international bettors.
Cryptocurrency wallets allow users to hold and transfer funds directly, enhancing both convenience and security.
Decentralized applications (DApps) on blockchain support peer-to-peer betting markets, where users can directly set terms, expanding betting options and automating fair payouts through smart contract automation. Built-in auditing capabilities also allow for real-time fraud prevention and help platforms maintain verifiable transaction records.
Crypto sports betting platforms give bettors ways to online betting with digital currency, resulting in a secure, user-driven experience that emphasizes transparency, minimizes risks, and promotes innovation in the industry.
Employs smart contract mechanisms
In cryptocurrency virtual sports betting, smart contracts serve as automated, trustless systems that manage bets, ensure transparency, and execute payouts based on set rules and outcomes. Here’s how a smart contract works:
Placing and recording bets: When a bettor places a wager in cryptocurrency, the smart contract records the details (e.g., amount, odds, event) on the blockchain, ensuring they’re immutable and verifiable. This prevents any party from altering the bet or its terms.
Automating payouts based on outcomes: Smart contracts access real-time event data through oracles, determining the results accurately. Upon event conclusion, if the wager is successful, the smart contract calculates the payout and directly transfers winnings to the bettor’s wallet. This setup eliminates intermediaries, reduces delays, and ensures fair, immediate payouts.
Enhanced security and transparency: Operating on a decentralized blockchain, the entire betting process is transparent, allowing all participants to verify each transaction. This transparency lowers the risk of fraud and disputes, appealing to users prioritizing trust and security in their online wagers.
Guarantees increased accessibility for bettors
Virtual sports betting is accessible to casual bettors, as it doesn’t require in-depth knowledge of real teams, players, or sports data. The simplified structure of virtual events is akin to gaming, meaning less research is needed compared to traditional sports betting, making it easy for anyone to participate.
Allows for no geographic limitations via decentralized sports betting platforms
As long as a crypto sportsbook is available in their region, bettors can enjoy virtual sports from anywhere globally, without needing to follow specific leagues or time zones.
Reflects similarity in betting markets and options
Although virtual sports are simulated, they offer many of the same betting markets as traditional sports. Bettors can wager on options like match winners, over/under, first goal, exact score, and more. This range of markets provides familiarity for those experienced with traditional sports betting.
Presents unique betting markets for some virtual sports
Some betting markets are uniquely tailored to virtual sports, such as simulated jockey stats or horse traits in virtual horse racing. Software developers design these distinctive markets to create novel betting experiences, offering options that aren’t possible in real-world betting.
Features advanced graphics and animations
Modern virtual sports use AI-driven simulations to create realistic events, featuring high-quality graphics, animations, and commentary that mimic live sports broadcasts. This immersive experience rivals high-end video games and the gaming experience, making virtual sports betting especially appealing to gamers and esports enthusiasts.
Sophisticated visuals replicate the look and feel of live sports, even though everything is computer-generated. Algorithms control virtual teams and players, simulating real athlete behavior and introducing unpredictability that makes the experience feel lifelike despite its simulated nature.
Supports regulation and licensing
Virtual sports betting may be regulated differently from traditional sports betting depending on the jurisdiction. Some regions classify virtual sports betting as a form of gaming rather than sports betting, affecting its regulation and taxation.
In markets with strict gambling laws, it can be easier for providers to offer virtual sports rather than real-world sports betting, especially where operators must comply with stringent regulatory requirements.
Prohibits insider information or match-fixing
In real-world sports betting, outcomes can be affected by insider information, like injury reports, team strategies, or player form, and match-fixing scandals can also occur. Virtual sports betting eliminates these risks, as results are generated by algorithms and cannot be influenced by external human factors.
Introduces scalability and customization possibilities
Virtual sports allow operators to create customized events tailored to specific audiences or preferences, unlike traditional sports, which rely on existing leagues and real-world schedules. Betting platforms can host themed virtual tournaments or leagues to cater to niche betting interests.
Virtual sports events can scale globally, enabling platforms to serve bettors from multiple regions simultaneously without depending on localized or real-world events.
Allows practice possibilities for punters
Since it’s so easy to place a bet, and little thought is needed around performance potential from teams or players concerned, it opens the potential for some bettors to use betting on a virtual sport as a lead-in to betting on a real-life sport.
Encourages user engagement
The use of achievements, rewards, and competitive leaderboards in virtual sports adds to user engagement. Some platforms provide social betting features that enable interaction with other punters.
Caters to regional preferences
Betting sites can adjust virtual sports offerings based on the popularity of different sports in various regions. For example, a punter in South Asia may be steered towards virtual cricket, while a European might see virtual football odds more prominently in their interface.
What are the key differences between virtual sports and traditional sports betting?
As we’ve seen, there are several unique aspects to simulated sports betting you won’t find applicable to real-life events. But we can summarise the main differences as:
| Aspect | Virtual Sports Betting | Traditional Sports Betting |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of Events | Short (2-3 minutes) | Full-length (e.g., 90 minutes for football) |
| Outcome Determination | Random number generator (RNG) | Real-world factors (e.g., player form, weather) |
| Odds Setting | Based on algorithms | Based on real-world events, team statistics |
| Availability | 24/7 | Scheduled according to real-world events |
| Influencing Factors | RNG and algorithms | Player performance, injuries, form |
| Betting Markets | Reasonably Extensive (e.g., match result, total goals, some exotic markets) | Extensive (e.g., player props, in-play markets) |
Which sportsbooks offer crypto sports betting options and platforms for virtual sports?
Many crypto-betting platforms offer markets for virtual sports betting using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies. Below is a list of top crypto sportsbooks that support fast, secure transactions through blockchain smart contracts, enabling you to bet on simulated sports. This list includes key features to help you compare the best crypto sports betting sites.
All of our listed sites provide strong services to customers, just remember to check any you’re interested in to ensure their list of accepted currencies includes the coin you need. A vast number meet several of the criteria that place them firmly towards the top of any list of good crypto betting platforms.
What makes a good Bitcoin virtual sports betting site?
A good virtual sports betting site excels in several key areas that improve user experience and reliability:
- Diverse virtual sports: It should offer a wide selection of virtual sports, such as football, basketball, and horse racing, to keep the betting experience varied.
- High-quality graphics: Lifelike graphics and realistic animations are essential for an immersive experience.
- Fairness and RNG transparency: A trusted site uses independently tested random number generators (RNGs) to ensure fairness in every event.
- User-friendly interface: An intuitive platform makes it easy to place bets, manage accounts, and navigate.
- Variety of betting markets: A broad range of betting options, from simple win/lose to more complex markets like over/under and handicap bets, provides flexibility for different strategies.
- Fast and secure payments: The site should offer secure, fast transactions, particularly with cryptocurrency options that often enable instant withdrawals.
- Bonuses and promotions: Fair, attractive bonuses specifically for virtual sports can enhance the betting experience.
- In-play betting options: In-play betting adds excitement, allowing users to bet as events unfold.
- Reliable customer support: Responsive customer service, via live chat or email, ensures users can quickly resolve issues.
- Reputation and licensing: A well-regulated site with a strong reputation guarantees a safe betting environment.
- Mobile compatibility: Full mobile optimization ensures a seamless experience across all devices.
- Fast event turnaround: Frequent virtual events provide continuous betting opportunities without long wait times.
- Responsible gambling features: Tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion help promote responsible gambling practices.
To qualify as a top site, key aspects such as valuable promotions and bonuses are essential for many bettors.
Do any Bitcoin sports betting sites offer bonuses and promotions specifically for virtual sports?
Yes, several crypto sportsbooks offer bonuses for virtual sports betting in the same way they do for real-world bets on sports. For instance:
Cloudbet is one of the major platforms that offer bonuses for users betting on virtual sports, including a 100% first deposit match bonus for new players. This can be applied across various sports, including virtual sports
BC.Game, another popular crypto sportsbook, offers massive deposit bonuses that can be used across virtual sports markets. They provide up to 360% matched bonuses across four deposits, which can be applied to virtual sports betting
JackBit also stands out by offering 100% back on your first bet if it is lost, with a specific focus on crypto users and a minimum bet of $20. This promotion includes betting on virtual sports among other markets
Keep an eye open for occasional free bets from some operators, too.
Other promotions are typically tied to specific events, like bonus odds during virtual tournaments or cashback on certain sports.
All bonuses or promotions are available on desktop devices or mobile.
Do any Crypto sportsbooks offer virtual sports apps?
Most crypto sportsbooks now use responsive web design that adapts automatically to mobile screens, removing the need for separate app downloads. Leading platforms like BC Game and Stake provide a seamless mobile betting experience directly through their websites, supporting high-quality virtual sports betting without apps. They also implement Provably Fair technology wherever possible to ensure transparency.
Do any Bitcoin sportsbooks run Provably Fair technology on virtual sports markets?
Several crypto sportsbooks utilize provably fair technology to ensure transparency in virtual sports betting.
Platforms like Duelbits allow players to verify the randomness of outcomes through blockchain, offering tamper-proof results and building bettor trust.
Cloudbet also employs blockchain algorithms for fairness across its virtual sports markets, accepting various cryptocurrencies to reinforce its commitment to transparency.
MyStake similarly leverages provably fair systems, assuring users of unbiased virtual sports outcomes, which enhances trust and engagement among crypto bettors.
What digital sports can you place bets on?
Each bookmaker that offers virtual sports bets will give multiple different options, the most popular being football, tennis, motor racing, and greyhounds with each featuring different betting markets:
Virtual football offers an incredibly lifelike betting experience, featuring 4K HD video footage with realistic live backgrounds.
You’ll find up to 30 different betting options, covering a wide range of propositions. Matches are quick, lasting just a few minutes, and include professional-style commentary to enhance the experience.
While it can’t fully replace real football, virtual football provides fast-paced action when no live games are available.
It’s hugely popular, making up nearly 50% of all virtual sports bets on many platforms, followed closely by virtual horse racing.
Virtual horse racing, one of the oldest and most popular forms of virtual sports betting, covers all key race types, including flat and jumps.
You can bet on races at various distances and across different ground conditions, similar to real-world horse racing.
Just like in live races, factors like course type, horse class, and ground conditions influence the outcomes, adding realism to the experience.
Virtual horse racing is fast-paced and a thrilling way to bridge the gap between live events, making it a favorite among bettors that focus on horse racing for their wagers.
Cricket is hugely popular all over the world, and although I personally have never bet on a cricket match but many true cricket fans will fancy their chances.
Each virtual cricket match that takes place is between two teams who play a super over of 6 balls for each side, with each over lasting two minutes.
Quite simply the winner is the team with the most runs – but betting on the winner isn’t the only bet on offer. There are around 9 different types of proposition bets per virtual cricket match.
With multilingual commentary, virtual tennis betting lets fans worldwide place bets on matches featuring their favorite players.
The graphics, created using live footage of top tennis pros filmed over weeks, deliver a highly realistic experience.
Matches are played on various court types, offering unique betting opportunities that leverage the virtual environment.
Virtual American football betting brings the excitement of the gridiron to bettors with fast-paced, simulated matches.
Using cutting-edge graphics and realistic gameplay, these virtual games mirror the intensity and strategy of live football.
Bettors can choose from a wide range of betting markets, including point spreads, totals, and moneyline bets, all with matches that unfold in just minutes.
Perfect for football fans looking for nonstop action, virtual American football delivers a thrilling experience, even when live games aren’t on the schedule.
Virtual baseball betting allows fans to wager on simulated baseball games. Unlike traditional betting based on real events, these simulations mimic key aspects of real baseball, such as teams and strategies, in a fast-paced environment.
Bettors enjoy constant availability, with games running around the clock. The rise in popularity stems from its quick results, realistic experience, and diverse betting markets like match outcomes, total runs, and player performances.
The randomness of virtual outcomes makes it appealing to both seasoned and new bettors by offering a level playing field.
Virtual basketball features fast-paced, simulated games with markets for match winners, total points, and point spreads.
This sport appeals to bettors who enjoy the high-scoring, action-packed nature of basketball.
Virtual darts matches are put together using a combination of real-world video and computer-generated images of the players.
With a range of bets on the matches, you can get in the thick of the darts action as if you were there watching a championship event.
There’s no waiting around for the hour a darts match can sometimes take though – games are over in two minutes.
Have a bet on a virtual match, collect your winnings if you got it right, and move quickly on to the next game.
Esports virtual sports betting involves wagering on simulated versions of popular esports games or on the outcomes of real esports matches.
In simulated esports, AI-driven competitions replicate real esports games like FIFA, NBA 2K, or Madden, and bettors place wagers on the virtual matches just as they would in traditional sports AI-powered simulations.
UFC virtual sports betting involves wagering on simulated mixed martial arts (MMA) fights, typically modeled after the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
In these fight simulations, virtual fighters – often designed with real-world UFC fighters’ stats, fighting styles, and skills – compete in AI-driven matchups.
As well as the popular sports in our list above, there are a range of others that will give your virtual betting some variety. Second-tier sports such as cycling, stock car racing, speedway, greyhound racing, and trotting are all occasionally available too.
For each of these sporting types, betting platforms offer many different betting markets.
What kinds of betting markets are available on simulated sports?
Markets vary from sport to sport but there are dozens available for each one. On any typical event, you can expect an average of 5 to 10 different betting markets. You’ll find broadly the same markets you’ll encounter in real-world sports in their virtual sport counterparts, including in-play betting.
Two of the main virtual sports offer good examples:
Football – markets include match winner, number of goals, correct score, total goals, handicap betting, both teams to score, half-time/full time and winning margins among other variants.
American Football NFL – Markets include game lines, handicap spreads, over/under bets, total points, point spread and totals, and other variants.
We can illustrate these further and compare them to other popular sports in the following table:
| Virtual Sport | Common Betting Markets |
|---|---|
| Virtual Football | Match result, total goals, correct score, first goal scorer |
| Virtual Horse Racing | Winner, place, each-way betting |
| Virtual Basketball | Match result, total points, winning margin |
| Virtual Tennis | Match winner, total games, set betting |
| Virtual Greyhound Racing | Race winner, forecast, tricast |
| Virtual Motor Racing | Race winner, podium finish, fastest lap |
What average odds can you expect to see in different sports?
For the main virtual sports, odds available are broadly similar to those you see in real-world counterparts:
| Virtual Sport | Market | Average Odds for Favorite | Average Odds for Underdog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Football | Match result | 1.80 | 3.50 |
| Virtual Horse Racing | Race winner | 2.50 | 5.00 |
| Virtual Basketball | Match result | 1.90 | 2.80 |
| Virtual Tennis | Match winner | 1.70 | 3.20 |
| Virtual Greyhound Racing | Race winner | 2.20 | 4.80 |
| Virtual Motor Racing | Race winner | 2.10 | 4.50 |
Does the RNG software reflect a greater or lesser chance of winning depending on the odds in virtual sports matches?
RNG probabilities can influence outcomes in virtual sports, as we can see in the table below. Bear in mind, these are averages that take into account results over a period of time, so careful betting is highly recommended:
| Virtual Sport | Probability of Favorite Winning | Probability of Underdog Winning |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Football | 60% | 40% |
| Virtual Horse Racing | 55% | 45% |
| Virtual Basketball | 65% | 35% |
| Virtual Tennis | 70% | 30% |
| Virtual Greyhound Racing | 50% | 50% |
| Virtual Motor Racing | 55% | 45% |
Armed with this knowledge, it’s possible for anyone looking to place a bet to develop and implement some form of strategy that can enhance prospects of winning.
Are there strategies you can use to improve winning chances in virtual sports betting?
Although making a winning selection in any virtual sport is down to luck, several betting-related strategies will improve your chances of longer-term success. Many of these centre on managing levels of risk. Let’s explore some of these strategies in some detail:
Understand the RNG sports betting factor
Virtual sport solutions are powered by RNGs, meaning that no past result has any effect on future outcomes. RNG software is used to generate random outcomes. The RNG software generates billions of possible outcomes, ensuring unpredictable results. This differs from real sports, where you might analyze form, injuries, or other variables. So, it’s important to avoid making decisions based on patterns you think you see – each event is independent.
Practice bankroll management
Set a strict budget for your virtual sports betting activities. This is one of the most crucial strategies, as betting in virtual sports is very fast-paced, and you can quickly lose large amounts if you don’t manage your money wisely.
Consider using the staking plan strategy, where you bet a fixed percentage (e.g., 1-2%) of your total bankroll per event. This way, you can maintain discipline and reduce the risk of large losses.
Bet on familiar sports
Stick to betting on those virtual versions of a sport that you’re familiar with. Even though results are random, understanding the sports themselves will help you make better choices about which bets to place, such as betting on a simulated soccer match versus a virtual horse race.
Focus virtual betting on lower odds markets – In virtual sports betting, just like in real sports, lower odds typically indicate a higher probability of success with lower volatility. Betting on favorites gets you more frequent wins. The payouts are smaller but can lead to more sustainable betting success over time.
Diversify your bets across different virtual sports
Spread your bets across different virtual sports or markets. By not putting all your money into one bet or type of bet, you’re reducing your overall risk. For example, instead of only betting on match outcomes (win/lose), explore other markets like over/under goals, or handicap betting, which might offer better opportunities.
Utilize bonuses and promotions offered by the crypto sportsbooks
Many online betting platforms offer bonuses for virtual sports betting, such as free bets or deposit bonuses. Take advantage of these, but always read the terms and conditions, especially regarding wagering requirements.
Avoid emotional betting
Virtual sports are incredibly fast-paced and engaging, so it’s easy to get caught up in the action and chase losses. Stick to your pre-set limits, bet rationally and not impulsively, and don’t let emotions drive your betting decisions.
Use betting systems with caution
Systems like the Martingale strategy (doubling your bet after every loss) can be tempting, but they come with significant risks. While they can work in theory if you have unlimited funds, in practice, they often lead to large losses due to losing streaks and betting limits imposed by bookmakers.
If you’re set on using a system, use a cautious one like proportional betting, where you adjust the size of your bet based on the size of your bankroll. You’ll be betting more when you’re winning and less when you’re on a losing run.
Study statistical trends and data
Although outcomes are random, some virtual sports platforms provide statistics and data on previous results. These stats can be in the form of win percentages for specific teams or horses, for example.
While trend analysis doesn’t guarantee future performance, it can help you make more informed bets based on probability rather than pure guesswork.
Time your sports betting sessions
Since virtual sports are always available, it’s easy to bet for long periods. Taking regular breaks can help you maintain focus and avoid making impulsive decisions.
Consider limiting the amount of time you spend betting in one session to prevent fatigue and emotional wagering.
Are there any tools that help with virtual sports betting?
Betting calculators can help with parlays and accumulators just as they will in real-world sports. They’re certainly useful for calculating the returns from an accumulator bet. Best odds trackers, however, don’t cover virtual events.
Volatility monitors are useful for monitoring cryptocurrency exchange rate fluctuations.
Within a betting account, tools like betting history tracking allow account holders to track their past bets, helping them analyze their bet patterns and results.
Are there any notable limitations or drawbacks in betting on a virtual sport?
Virtual sports betting makes it easy to place bets. With no skill involved in making selections, it’s close to casino gaming in that the operators will always win in the long run, and there are risks for anyone betting – mainly that you’ll become addicted and end up losing more than you can afford.
You don’t have the option of going hunting around bookmakers for the best odds, and this added to the fact that there is no real analysis to perform can make betting on virtual sports almost robotic in nature. You’ll also be missing the thrill that comes from betting on your favourite team or player that ‘real’ betting brings.
Some will argue that there’s no real fun in it because of this. But that doesn’t mean you can’t win, and winning is definitely part of the fun.
Can you win crypto betting on virtual sports?
I said at the start that betting on virtual sports as a way of building up profit isn’t one I’d recommend.
If you’re lucky, then yes of course you can win. But luck is the operative word, and the overall odds will be against you.
To understand why this is, it’s worth thinking about why the betting operators provide it for punters, and how they ensure they don’t lose money from it.
Bookmakers operate and provide betting services so that over time they win whatever the outcomes. They set the odds in any event to ensure that this happens.
With the virtual sports they present to punters it’s no different. The outcomes will be determined by software that places the operator in a winning position overall. So one punter could have a long run of luck by guessing outcomes, but the losses of another would offset this for the bookmaker – and that one lucky punter (if they kept betting) would eventually hit a losing streak.
And it’s the losing streak that’s ultimately the undoing of all punters – excepting those punters who are selective and await the right opportunities. Selectivity and patience only work though when there is strong evidence that making a selection and going with it is the right decision. That can’t work with virtual sports.
So, what’s the bottom line? Can win by betting on virtual sports?
The answer is yes and no. But either way, most likely you’ll lose in the long run. How much you’ll win or lose depends heavily on how effective you are at making the right choices for your bets over a series of wagers.
Can you make predictions on a virtual sports event?
You can’t make predictions on a virtual sports match in the same way you can on a real-world event. Of course, you can predict the result, but you can’t use predictive analysis of the competitors simply because it’s the software that will determine the result.
Are there any customizable features in the virtual sports software?
Some subtle features contribute to the user experience but may not be immediately obvious. The most notable customizations are around game speed and betting limits.
Some virtual sports betting platforms often allow users to adjust the speed of events, offering a fast-paced experience where bettors can engage in even more games within a short time frame. Users can configure betting limits – a responsible gambling feature – which can benefit both high-stakes and casual bettors.
The good news is that software development firms are constantly striving to improve the interfaces and features.
Who are the biggest developers of virtual sports software?
The development of virtual sports betting software and products is dominated by a few key companies that specialize in creating high-quality, realistic simulations and gaming platforms. These developers provide the underlying technology and content that power virtual sports on many online betting platforms.
Here are the main developers in the virtual sports betting industry:
Inspired Entertainment
One of the pioneers in virtual sports, Inspired Entertainment is a leading provider in the industry, known for its cutting-edge graphics, immersive animations, and extensive portfolio of virtual sports products. Inspired is a five-time Virtual Sports EGR Supplier of the Year winner and a brand we should not forget to mention here, as it has some of the best-looking virtual sports choices on the market. Their offerings include:
- Virtual football, horse racing, greyhound racing, and many other sports.
- Partnerships with major sportsbooks to integrate virtual sports with live betting platforms.
- Wide global reach, with their games available in betting shops, online casinos, and mobile platforms.
We liked Inspired Entertainment’s Mike Tyson Boxing product – the graphics were pretty good in this realistic simulation. Inspired also has a good virtual American football option, something that we have seen bettors seeking more regularly
BetConstruct
BetConstruct is another major player in the virtual sports betting space. The company provides a wide range of virtual sports and fantasy sports products, designed to offer fast-paced, visually engaging simulations. Key features of their offerings include:
- A variety of virtual sports like soccer, basketball, horse racing, and tennis.
- Advanced RNG technology to ensure fair and unpredictable outcomes.
- Customizable content for operators to tailor the experience to their users.
Kiron Interactive
Kiron Interactive, better known only as Kiron, is one of the leading virtual sports companies operating from Johannesburg and London. It got up and running in 2001 and has a portfolio of fifty-one options, working with more than one hundred and forty international clients, winning the EGR B2B Top Virtual Sports Supplier award in 2021. Their portfolio covers multiple sports, including:
- Virtual football, horse racing, greyhound racing, and cycling.
- A sophisticated system for real-time betting and virtual game integrations.
- Strong emphasis on detailed 3D animations and realistic sports simulations.
SBTech
Known for its sportsbook platforms, SBTech has also entered the virtual sports market. They offer:
- A range of virtual sports options, with football, basketball, and horse racing being some of the popular choices.
- Integration of virtual sports into traditional sports betting platforms, allowing for seamless transitions between live and virtual events.
- Their product line is optimized for both desktop and mobile users.
Leap Gaming
Leap Gaming is another Malta-based supplier that functions from Birkirkara and one that we have mentioned before at GOSUBETTING. It also makes pretty decent slot games but gets best recognized for its D virtual sports, especially its virtual football leagues, country-specific ones. Their virtual sports include:
- Football, tennis, basketball, horse racing, and greyhounds.
- Hyper-realistic animations and state-of-the-art modeling to enhance user engagement.
- Flexible integration options for online sportsbooks and gaming platforms.
Golden Race
Golden Race is well-known for offering affordable and easily deployable virtual sports betting solutions. They are particularly strong in markets where traditional sports betting may not be available 24/7. Some of their offerings include:
- Virtual football leagues, horse racing, motorbikes, and dog racing.
- Lightweight software that can be integrated into existing betting platforms.
- A focus on providing realistic betting markets, including over/under, handicaps, and in-play options for virtual events.
Betradar (Sportradar)
A division of Sportradar, Betradar offers a broad range of virtual sports products, supported by its data-driven insights from live sports. Their virtual offerings include:
- Virtual football, basketball, horse racing, and more.
- They use data from actual sports to enhance the realism and betting options within their virtual games.
- Advanced in-play betting features for virtual events give users a more dynamic experience.
1X2 Network (1X2 Gaming)
1X2 Network specializes in virtual sports betting products, with a focus on delivering high-quality experiences across various sports. Their games are known for their simplicity, fast-paced nature, and broad appeal. Their key virtual sports offerings include:
- Football, tennis, rugby, and motorsports.
- Easy integration with online gaming platforms and customizable options for operators.
- Strong RNG technology to ensure fairness and randomness in outcomes.
VSoftCo
VSoftCo is known for its development of sophisticated virtual football games. Their primary focus is on providing a realistic football betting experience, but they also offer other sports. Their products feature:
- Virtual football leagues with advanced AI simulating realistic match outcomes.
- A strong emphasis on graphics and user-friendly interfaces.
- Integration options for online and land-based operators.
If there’s one thing all these developers do very well, it’s ensuring that safety features are front and foremost of any services delivered.
Is virtual sports betting safe?
Safety in sports betting is usually best achieved by checking for certifications of any sportsbook you’re considering using. Certification ensures the integrity, fairness, and reliability of the betting platform. Here are the safety aspects to consider and why certification matters:
Account safety and security – Of course, you also need to consider the safety of your money and personal details. As long as you stick to betting with well-respected, licensed operators, you’ll be highly unlikely to encounter any account-related safety issues.
Fairness and RNG testing – We’ve seen that virtual sports outcomes are determined by Random Number Generators (RNGs), which must produce unpredictable and fair results. Certified platforms are independently tested by reputable agencies like eCOGRA or iTech Labs to ensure that the RNG is not rigged or biased. This independent testing guarantees that each virtual event’s outcome is truly random, giving all bettors an equal chance.
Regulatory compliance – Certified betting platforms adhere to strict regulations set by gambling authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority. These bodies ensure that the platform is subject to third-party audits, it operates legally to display full compliance with gambling laws, it acts transparently and follows industry best practices, protecting users from unethical practices.
Player protection – Certification often includes measures to protect players, such as responsible gambling features (e.g., deposit limits, self-exclusion options) and secure transactions. Certified platforms must implement data encryption and strong privacy policies, ensuring the bettor’s personal and financial information is safe.
Transparency
A certified virtual sports betting site must provide clear terms and conditions, including how bets are processed, payout rates, and bonus rules. This transparency helps bettors make informed decisions, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or disputes over winnings.
Prevention of fraud – Certification ensures that the platform is regularly audited to prevent fraudulent activities like game manipulation or unfair advantages for certain users. This gives bettors confidence that the games are conducted with integrity and without exploitation.
Of course, none of these safety measures have any true meaning if you can’t bet on virtual sports legally in the first place.
Is virtual sports betting legal?
Sports betting is a form of gambling, and gambling is illegal in some jurisdictions. There are many countries where gambling is legal, however, and in those countries, it will be legal to bet on virtual sports.
If a licensed and legal sportsbook offers virtual sports betting, you can be sure that they’ve sourced their product and software from regulated and certified providers.
Let’s take a quick look at legality question marks around betting on virtual sports in some of the bigger gambling countries:
United Kingdom: In the UK, virtual sports betting is legal and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. The UK is known for its well-established sports betting industry, and many sportsbooks offer betting markets.
Australia: Australia also has a regulated sports betting market, and betting on virtual sports is perfectly legal through licensed operators. The country’s regulatory bodies, such as the Northern Territory Racing Commission, ensure the legality and fairness of these platforms.
Canada: Canada introduced new legislation in 2021 allowing single-event sports betting, which includes simulated sports. Prior to this, bettors were limited to parlay bets. Now, Canadians can legally bet on individual virtual sports matches through provincial lottery operators and online sportsbooks.
European Union: In many EU countries, sports betting is legal and regulated. For example, Spain, France, and Germany allow betting on virtual events through licensed operators, though the specifics of taxation and licensing vary across member states.
United States: Sports betting in the US has become more widely legal since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). However, the legality of virtual sports betting varies by state. In states where sports betting is legal, such as New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, licensed sportsbooks offer betting markets for multiple virtual sports.
Where sports betting is still unregulated, the law has some grey areas. Residents of those states can place bets with offshore bookmakers, but those offshore bookmakers are prohibited from making gambling-related financial transactions.
In contrast, states with restrictive gambling laws, such as Utah and Hawaii, do not allow any form of sports betting, including on virtual sporting events.
Countries with strict or prohibited betting regulations
On the other hand, some countries have either restricted or completely banned sports betting, including virtual sports, due to cultural, religious, or political reasons:
China: Sports betting is largely prohibited throughout China. The only legal form of gambling in mainland China is through government-sanctioned lotteries. Betting on simulated sports or any other sport through unlicensed or offshore sportsbooks would be illegal.
India: Sports betting is technically illegal in most parts of India, except for certain states such as Sikkim and Goa where local laws permit gambling. Despite this, many Indians participate in online sports betting through international platforms, though these activities operate in a legal grey area.
Middle Eastern Countries: In countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iran, betting of any kind is prohibited due to religious laws that forbid gambling. These countries strictly enforce anti-gambling regulations, and bettors caught engaging in illegal betting can face severe penalties.
Is official legality an issue for prospective bettors?
Many international sportsbooks allow users from various countries to place bets on virtual sports, regardless of local regulations, which creates a legal grey area in some regions. Often these bookies are referred to as offshore bookmakers.
While betting with these types of operators who allow bettors to bypass local restrictions is possible, engaging in offshore betting often carries legal risks. Indeed, engagement can lead to the potential for fraud and a lack of legal recourse, alongside the violation of local laws. Some countries actively pursue legal action against individuals who participate in offshore betting which, for some bettors, is a huge negative.
What are the negatives of betting virtuals with crypto?
Increases addiction risks – The constant availability and quick turnaround of virtual sports events can increase the risk of compulsive gambling. This can lead to harmful gambling behaviors, requiring strong responsible gambling tools and user education to mitigate.
Introduces a perception of low authenticity – The virtual nature of the events may feel less authentic compared to real-world sports betting, which could alienate traditional sports bettors. This perception might reduce the overall appeal of virtual sports betting for those who value real-world sports experiences.
Creates potential for user mistrust – Even with RNG fairness, some users may remain sceptical about the fairness of virtual sports results compared to live events. To negate this perception, platforms must invest heavily in transparency and certification to maintain trust.
Presents a lack of real-time human drama – Virtual sports lack the real-time human drama and unpredictability of live sports. This shortfall may result in a less emotionally engaging experience for bettors who thrive on live-action suspense and outcomes.
Comes with the risk of Cryptocurrency volatility – The volatile nature of crypto coins that give fluctuating values can affect the value of deposits and winnings. This volatility can be a blessing and a curse but it may deter risk-averse bettors who are uncomfortable with the unpredictability of crypto values.
Necessitates legality checks – We touched on this in the previous section. Local legality laws and regulations around online gambling always need deep consideration. If crypto betting on virtual sports isn’t legal for you, then it’s very likely any alternatives will be either.
Rules out some bet types or options – You can’t find types of bets that can give you an advantage in virtual sports betting in the same way you can with real-world alternatives, for example arbitrage betting and value betting. The options of using betting pools or a betting exchange don’t apply, either.
What’s the best alternative to virtual sports betting?
It would be easy to say that betting on live, real-world sports would be the most obvious alternative to virtual sports betting. But due to the software-driven nature of virtual sports, getting involved can feel more like gaming than betting.
So, it depends on what’s driving your interest. Is it mainly the sports and the associated bets that drive your involvement? If so, then real-world sports betting is your next step.
But if you’re more of a gamer, you’ll find that using your gaming experience on various options in casino gaming is a good alternative. Equally, virtual reality betting can be a good option.
What do the sportsbooks get out of offering virtual sports markets?
Aside from the almost guaranteed result of improving their profit margins from the bets placed on virtual sports, the bookies benefit in three key ways:
- They provide an extra service which keeps them competitive against their rivals.
- Any punters that do visit to bet on the virtual sports events may also end up betting on live events.
- Virtual sports betting can generate up to 20% of a sportsbook’s total revenue, especially during periods when live sports events are unavailable, such as during off-seasons or lockdowns.
Final thoughts: Is betting on simulated sports worth your time?
Originating in the early 2000s, virtual sports initially focused on horse racing but have since expanded to include a variety of sports.
The unique aspects of virtual sports betting – such as RNG-based outcomes, 24/7 availability, shorter event durations, and increased accessibility – offer a distinctly different experience from traditional sports betting. It caters to bettors looking for immediacy, simplicity, and convenience.
While there is no foolproof way to guarantee success in virtual sports betting due to the RNG-driven nature, you can adopt strategies like proper bankroll management, betting on familiar sports, and taking advantage of bonuses to improve your overall chances. The key is to manage risk, stay disciplined, and never chase losses.
There is considerable entertainment value for bettors seeking a form of sports betting for the thrill of immediate results and 24/7 availability.
Bettors are drawn by the balance of risk and reward factors where there are options to realise small, steady returns from low-odds or smaller incremental bets alongside the higher risk of long-shot bets. Using cryptocurrencies heightens the risk-reward factor.
One other major benefit is that you can eliminate the complexities and unpredictabilities associated with real-world sports. However, a fallout of this is that betting on a virtual version of a sport will lose you some of the emotional and analytical depth tied to following real athletes and teams.
This lack of emotional attachment to a chosen sport is where virtual sports betting falls short when compared to real-world betting. However, overall, there are enough positives to simulated sports to encourage many bettors to take part and, occasionally, pick up some nice wins to supplement the entertainment value.