Kiron Interactive’s Head of Marketing, Patrick Eriksen, on why the future of sports betting isn’t long-form odds and live matches. It’s short-form, always-on, instant-return gameplay.

Short-form content has changed everything. We no longer wait for results, we scroll, we swipe, we move on.

Yet, most sports betting still takes 90 minutes to settle.

Most sportsbooks still rely on long-form bets, match winners, final scores, total points, with outcomes that take an hour or more to resolve.

Advertisement

That may suit traditional punters, but for modern players it’s increasingly out of step.

Virtual sports flip the script. Matches play out fast, bets settle in minutes, and the action never stops. They offer the sports betting equivalent of short-form video.

Operators who have added virtuals are already seeing the benefit. They’re gaining faster engagement, a wider player base, and stronger retention. For those who haven’t, the opportunity remains wide open.

Fast by design. Ready for now.

Today’s audiences are used to fast-moving, always-available entertainment. Whether it’s videos, games or live streams, the expectation is instant access and quick outcomes. Virtuals deliver both.

Players engaging with virtuals tend to prefer faster outcomes and simpler formats. Many are looking for quick resolutions and low-friction experiences. They don’t want to sit through a full match. Virtual matches last just a few minutes, with a wide range of betting markets to explore.

Advertisement

And it’s not only about speed. Simplicity matters too. There’s no fixture list to follow, no downtime between games, and no dependence on real-world scheduling. Players can place a bet, get a result, and move on. All of this takes less than five minutes.

That’s why virtuals align so well with how players consume content today.

Short sessions. Easy returns. Ongoing engagement.

Unlike traditional sports, virtuals aren’t restricted by time zones, calendars, or matchday delays. They run 24/7, all year round.

We regularly see player activity climb when real events are off the board, whether that’s during the off-season or on a quiet weekday afternoon.

Because matches are short and always available, virtuals invite casual, repeat engagement. Players dip in for a quick play, try new markets, and often come back for more.

Advertisement

This leads to higher bet frequency and longer session times. It gives players more reasons to stay and explore. And in today’s landscape, where acquisition costs are rising, that kind of stickiness is key.

Like short-form media, virtuals offer fast, familiar loops that players can jump into anytime. They’re fast, easy to understand, and satisfying to return to. That’s how today’s audiences engage with content across the board. And that’s why this format feels familiar to digital-first players.

The next wave of virtuals

In regions where virtuals are already well established, we’re seeing a new phase of innovation.

This includes live-style virtuals with in-play markets, branded leagues with recognisable identities, and hybrid formats that combine sports with game mechanics.

At Kiron, we’re building visually rich, quick-play virtual formats that reflect how audiences already consume mobile and interactive content.They give operators a new way to deliver something fresh and distinctive. And in a category where standing out matters, that’s a big advantage.

Advertisement

A proven way to meet the moment

As always, the best results come when content is engaging, responsible, and designed with the player experience in mind. Virtuals aren’t throwaway content. They’re a core pillar of the modern sportsbook experience.

They work alongside live sport by keeping the lobby active when real matches aren’t taking place. They’re easy to access, simple to understand, and always available.

Virtuals aren’t just catching up with the way people play. They’re meeting it head-on.