EnergyBet is sponsoring Betting on Sports 2017, the second edition of the largest international sports and betting trade conference at Olympia Conference Centre in Kensington.
Ahead of the 12-15 September event, we spoke to the company’s Head of Acquisition Norbert Varga about what he is looking forward to at #boscon2017, his perfect sporting event, and how sports and betting can work better together.
SBC: What are you looking forward to at Betting on Sports?
NV: I’m particularly looking forward to the CEO Panel – Embracing the challenges of a changing global industry. Not only will there be some extremely insightful speakers, but the subjects to be covered, like improving the public’s perception of the betting industry by working with sporting partners and industry consolidation, are areas that are of considerable interest to us at Energy right now.
In addition, I will also be watching Super Affiliates – Navigating the new business landscape, very closely – as understanding and evolving to suit the changing nature of affiliates is something that Energy is very focused on too. Of course, Marketing – Changing Dynamics in Strategy& Planning, is another must see for me, as I am sure there will be plenty of very useful inspiration there.
The best thing about Betting on Sports though, is the incredible networking opportunity that it presents. Few other events enable you to meet and talk with such a range of innovative and committed industry talent, in an atmosphere that really encourages relaxed and genuine discourse.
SBC: What are you promoting at Betting on Sports?
NV: The past year has been incredible for EnergyBet. Not only did we win the SBC Rising Star in Sports Betting award last time, but we have also since won the inaugural Malta iGaming Excellence in Customer Service Award, and we have been shortlisted for the 2017 Global Gaming Awards in the Digital Operator of the Year category. This year’s Betting on Sports will allow us to show everyone how far EnergyBet has come in just over one year.
SBC: Where can betting work together more closely with sport?
NV: That is a good question, but one that is quite hard to answer, simply because there are so many ways in which I feel relationships between betting companies and sports can improve. Betting is one of the key ways that fans interact with their teams and clubs, and providing a seamless, safe, and exciting experience is so beneficial to everyone; the fans, the sports clubs and the betting operators.
With the emergence of new technologies, and the increasingly high expectations of the younger generations, I think that sports clubs and betting companies will have to approach things in a much more integrated manner – really working together on everything from technology and marketing, to user experience and promotions.
This is one of the main reasons that EnergyBet, as a company, is always so keen to attend conferences like Betting on Sports 2017 – because it is such a great way to find new opportunities, services, products and people, who will help make this closer integration possible.
SBC: What sports betting partnership has stood out in the past 12 months?
NV: It must be our partnership with David Haye for his huge fight against Tony Bellew at the O2 Arena back in March. Not only was the result of the fight a worldwide headline making shocker, but the opportunity to work with him came at the last minute, so the entire team at Energy had to work like crazy to maximise the effectiveness. The partnership was dramatic and, in the end, when Haye left the ring like a hero, every one of us felt proud.
SBC: Describe your perfect sporting event
NV: It would have to be watching the World Cup, in a VIP lounge with a great view, surrounded by people having a great time. For me, sports and socialising are inseparable – it is the sheer thrill and enjoyment that people experience when they come together to support their team, that is so beautiful. At EnergyBet, we understand this, and try to reflect it in what we offer customers.
