Motorsports are some of the most unpredictable sports in the world. Once the race kicks off, there is no way of knowing which driver has what it takes to make it to the finish line. And this unpredictability attracts fans and bookies in equal measure.
After all, placing wagers on the races makes watching them even more exciting. Moreover, bookies have been quick to offer generous online betting offers, which have lowered the cost of wagers.
But has the increased ability to bet on the races influenced how people view this sport? We look at the relationship between the two and how fans can capitalize on the emerging opportunities.
Explaining Betting Offers
You may have heard of betting offers, but it may be unclear what they entail and what value they offer punters. These are incentives that bookies offer to punters by virtue of signing up on a site or using the site to place wagers. As such, they can take the following forms:
- Signup bonuses – punters get this after registering an account.
- Deposit bonuses – these are additional funds available to punters who have put money in their accounts.
- Referral bonuses – these apply to punters who have encouraged others to sign up with a bookie.
Additionally, bookies offer loyalty programs and seasonal promotions to their existing client base. The goal is to reduce the wager requirements so punters can have more disposable income for bets. The bookie also benefits from increased customer attraction and retention, which is essential in today’s competitive market.
The betting offers vs motorsport engagement tradeoff
On its own, motorsport is highly engaging, thanks to record speeds that help fans feel like they are living vicariously through the drivers. But this sport is not just about who can reach the highest speeds. It’s also about strategy. Fans get to watch as the drivers do their best to balance between speed and calculated maneuvers, aiming to get ahead without making costly mistakes.
The drivers also coordinate with their teams for things such as pit stops – everyone plays a role in this process such that a slip-up in one area spills over to the rest of the race.
Bookies have upped the excitement by allowing fans to back their predictions with wagers. What’s more, they now offer bonuses to new and returning players, which cuts back on the typical entry costs. So, how has this affected this sport?
More engagement
In the past, fans would sit back and watch the action from their homes. If they wanted to place wagers, they would do so by looking for the bookies physically. Soon, this changed, thanks to the introduction of online bookies that could accept wagers from people anywhere and at any time. However, there was one issue – while the wagers were reasonable, some people were still left out as they did not have much money to use on the bets.
Betting offers have changed this scope by reducing the cost of wagers and topping this with monetary rewards. As such, more people are placing wagers, which makes them more invested in the outcome of the races.
A bigger following
Motorsport has always been popular as people like tuning in to watch the cars, marvel at the designs, and listen to the roar of engines – it is a spectacular sensory experience that appeals to many people. And with affordable wagers on offer, the sensory experience becomes even more exciting. More people have started placing wagers on the races.
As they follow up on their predictions, they also get to watch what makes the sport so alluring. Many of them have become fans, which has resulted in a bigger audience for this sport.
A bigger community
Sports are not just about the sportspeople. In fact, they heavily rely on their fan bases. After all, without fans, there is no viewership or marketing potential, which eliminates the profitability of sports. Nurturing sports communities is thus an essential part of ensuring that a sport remains sustainable.
On their part, motorsports teams do this by engaging their fans with updates, behind-the-scenes footage, community forums, and backstories. Bookies have also been aiding in this by providing forums where people can discuss their favorite drivers and teams, their predictions, and everything in between.
Since wagers are now affordable, more people can be part of these online communities, which has led to the growth of the motorsport fan base. Fans also get to be in spaces where they can openly share their passion for the sport and meet other people who share similar interests. It is a win-win for everyone.
Year-round excitement
Before online betting was a thing, motorsport fans would have long periods between races where they had nothing to do but wait. Now, bookies engage fans throughout the year by availing them with the following:
- Odds – these change as the races draw closer. But fans can start making their picks months before the race, which increases their anticipation. Those who make their wagers early on often have the chance to get the most competitive odds, which translates to higher profits.
- Updates – as drivers prepare for the races, a lot can change. Teams change, management changes, people get injured, weather conditions take a turn for the worse – nothing is ever guaranteed. Bookies share this information with punters, who get to analyze their predictions, giving them something to work with as they wait.
Bookies have also introduced live streaming and betting, which allow punters to make real-time decisions based on the races as they unfold.
How to use betting offers
As a motorsport fan, the idea of spending less money may have you excited. But before accepting any offer, read the eligibility and wagering requirements. These will help you determine if you qualify for the reward and what you must do to get it. If all checks out, use the extra money wisely by making calculated wagers based on research.
