Date: 16.01.2025

by Bartosz Burzyński

Virtual sports betting: Everything you need to know

Virtual sports are one of the fastest-growing segments of the betting industry. Designed to provide quick and accessible entertainment, they have become a popular choice among recreational players. In this article, we will explore what virtual sports are, how betting on them works, and their advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional sports betting.

What Are Virtual Sports?

Virtual sports are computer-simulated sporting events that mirror real-world disciplines, such as football, horse racing, tennis, basketball, greyhound racing, or car racing. Today, operators offer an extensive range of these events, sometimes providing over a dozen virtual sports disciplines to choose from. This diversity is made possible by providers who constantly create new virtual sports categories to expand the segment.

These virtual events are generated using advanced algorithms and computer graphics, enabling a realistic recreation of the games. The key feature of virtual sports is their independence from external factors such as weather, player injuries, or scheduling. This allows players to place bets at any time of the day or night, with results available within minutes after the game starts.

Virtual sports rely on random number generators (RNGs) to ensure fairness and randomness in outcomes. Each event is produced based on complex algorithms that take various variables into account, such as team or player statistics. While the results are random, the simulations consider probabilities that reflect the stats and quality of the participants.

Types of Bets

Just like traditional sports betting, virtual sports offer a variety of betting options. Popular types include:

  • Match outcome bets – predicting the win, loss, or draw.
  • Over/under bets – wagering on the number of goals or points scored.
  • Exact score bets – predicting the precise final score.
  • Special bets – such as the first goal or point margin.
  • HT/FT bets (Half-time/Full-time outcomes).
  • Race winner bets – selecting the victor in a racing event.
  • Top 3 race finish bets – predicting podium placements.

Operators often provide extensive betting markets for virtual sports. For instance, a single virtual football match might offer over 100 betting options, depending on the bookmaker’s platform.

Virtual sports betting is widely available across most bookmaker platforms, both online and in physical locations. Due to the rapid nature of virtual events, players can place hundreds of bets within an hour.

Advantages of Virtual Sports

  • Accessibility and Speed
    One of the biggest advantages of virtual sports is their 24/7 availability. Players don’t need to wait for real-world sports events—virtual games occur every few minutes, providing a quick gaming experience.
  • Independence from Reality
    Virtual sports eliminate risks associated with injuries, weather changes, or event cancellations. This makes them a stable and predictable form of entertainment.
  • Variety of Disciplines
    Virtual sports cover a wide range of disciplines, continuously expanding with new offerings. Players can bet on football, horse racing, greyhound racing, basketball, tennis, and even cycling.
  • Simplicity
    For newcomers, virtual sports are easier to understand and less demanding compared to traditional sports betting, which often requires in-depth analysis and knowledge of teams and players.

Disadvantages of Virtual Sports

  • Lack of Real-World Interaction
    Unlike traditional sports betting, virtual sports are entirely detached from reality. The absence of real players and teams can make the games feel less exciting for some players. Additionally, bookmakers rarely have the rights to use actual team names or player names, which diminishes the experience for fans looking for an authentic feel.
  • Dependence on RNG
    Outcomes in virtual sports are entirely reliant on random number generators. While algorithms are designed to be fair, players might feel a lack of control over the game’s progression.
  • Limited Analysis Opportunities
    For players who enjoy analyzing team form, statistics, or tactics, virtual sports might seem too simple and predictable. Although operators have started offering head-to-head stats and league tables, the available data is still far less comprehensive than in traditional sports.

Comparison of Virtual and Traditional Sports Betting

Virtual sports are a modern and dynamic form of betting that is gaining increasing popularity in the market. While they offer several advantages, such as accessibility and simplicity, they are not without drawbacks that can affect player experience. Compared to traditional sports betting, virtual sports provide different opportunities and challenges. Choosing between the two forms depends on the player’s preferences, risk tolerance, and gaming strategy.

Are Virtual Sports the Future of Sports Betting?

Virtual sports are increasingly viewed as one of the key growth areas for sports betting, thanks to their accessibility and fast-paced nature. Technology enables the creation of realistic simulations that attract players with impressive graphics and diverse betting options. Their 24/7 availability, regardless of sports seasons or real-world events, makes them an attractive solution for filling gaps in betting offerings. For bookmakers, virtual sports are a way to engage younger, tech-savvy audiences accustomed to fast-paced digital solutions.

However, despite their growing popularity, virtual sports are unlikely to replace traditional betting. Many players still value the excitement of real-world sports events and the ability to analyze real data, which is absent in virtual simulations. The future of sports betting may lie in balancing both forms, with virtual sports becoming a significant complement to traditional offerings.