iSport Genius 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 Co-Founder Nathan Rothschild 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?
NR: The incredible spread of attendees is always a highlight of SBC’s conferences. Having decision makers from so many successful companies in the industry all in the same place presents exceptional networking and new business opportunities. As there are few opportunities to have access to so many potential deals under the one roof, I’m expecting a hectic few days!
It will also be exciting to be a part of the largest Betting on Sports Conference to date with a really impressive line-up of speakers. Having an hour long session dedicated to innovation in data is a reflection on the importance and centrality of data-based products in the overall offering of sportsbooks.
SBC: What are you promoting at Betting on Sports?
NR: We’ll be promoting iSport Genius, which is the world’s most comprehensive sports data platform and includes a range of highly effective, fast and easy to understand consumer engagement tools for sportsbooks. Our offering is completely customisable and we undertake all technical work on behalf of clients which has proven to be a big win – we’re known to jump to the top of product roadmaps.
We also come to #boscon2017 full of momentum, having just signed Australia’s largest sportsbook, Sportsbet (the Australian arm of Paddy Power Betfair). Additionally, our first major client, Ladbrokes, has just announced an early extension to our partnership of two years despite being in the middle of an initial three year agreement, demonstrating the value and proven performance of iSport Genius.
SBC: Where can betting work together more closely with sport?
NR: I think the answer to this question is based on the premise that betting can provide an additional level of engagement and excitement to a sporting event, particularly for those who enjoy a punt.
For those who don’t enjoy gambling that is certainly not a problem but there needs to be a responsible provision of service to ensure the experience is one of ‘informed entertainment’. Where the leagues and the wagering brands come together to ensure that this experience is indeed an enjoyable one is certainly a positive development.
SBC: What sports betting partnership has stood out in the past 12 months?
NR: With so many successful partnerships between the betting industry and a whole variety of sports, whether mainstream or otherwise, around the world, this is a tough one, but one relationship does stand out, and that’s Sky Bet.
A clearly ‘strategic’ relationship, supporting football and horse racing directly in line with its domestic betting revenues, they’re also able to exploit the tie-in with the broadcast side of the Sky brand, and even looking to replicate that approach beyond the UK market, into Italy.
SBC: Describe your perfect sporting event
NR: Without doubt watching my beloved Carlton Blues win the AFL Premiership back home at the MCG! I have been a Carlton supporter since birth and thankfully I have already witnessed success at the ‘G’ in 1995, but 22 years on is a drought far too great for my liking so I’m ready for it all over again. As a club, we have been down both on and off the field in recent years, but with a really good group of talented youngsters I don’t think this dream is too far away.
