When we think of horse racing, we usually imagine an age-old sport that’s tied to newspapers, not a digitally forward sport. But things are changing in the industry at a rapid pace.
Horse racing has been around us for thousands of years, but over the past couple of decades, we’ve seen a decline in its fanbase. Why? Well, younger generations, who grew up with phones in their hands from the first month, show lower interest in a sport like horse racing.
But the horse racing industry, despite how tied to old traditions it is, it’s not immune to tech innovations. This means that the rise of mobile tech is also changing modern horse racing. The good news is that the change is for the better. The sport is advancing and futureproofing right now, and in this article, we’ll discuss more about the mobile tech impact on the Sport of Kings.
Real-Time Betting, Data, and Live Streams
There is no denying that horse racing is popular, just because of betting. Betting and horse racing go hand-in-hand. It’s safe to say that the horse racing industry wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for betting. However, betting has changed over the last couple of decades thanks to advancements in mobile technology.
Nowadays, people don’t have to go to the actual venue to place a bet. Instead, they can wager on their favorite horse through their mobile phone. This isn’t something revolutionary nowadays, since mobile betting is everywhere, but a few decades ago, this change infused new life into the sport.
Why is mobile betting a big deal? Well, the entire industry lives off betting. Racetrack purses, maintenance, owners, and jockeys are all paid just because of betting. Mobile betting opened the gates of the sport to the entire world. This means that there are more bettors nowadays, especially from places where there weren’t any horse races, than ever before.
All of this betting revenue goes towards the growth of horse racing as a sport. But mobile betting apps aren’t just about placing odds. They also allow you to browse entries, check odds, get data on horses, and some even have live-streaming options. People also browse horse racing predictions by TwinSpires.com before they make a bet and get more information through such apps, and all with a focus on making a wiser and more informed bet.
So, mobile betting apps not only made horse racing wagering more available but also made it safer, more beginner-friendly, and more educational.
Bringing New Audiences (Especially Younger Fans)
We talked about this at the beginning, but we have to dig deeper. Just because mobile betting and streaming make horse racing so accessible, it draws people who might never have considered it before. In most cases, it attracts younger audiences, people who are used to apps, instant data, and fast entertainment. These younger audiences are REALLY important for the horse racing industry, just because these people are the future of the sport, especially after the decline of horse racing we’ve seen in terms of its fanbase.
So, horse racing went from an extremely local sport saturated only in certain places like the US, UK, China, Australia, to a global sport where horse racing enthusiasts can watch races and bet on them without going to an actual track.
Enhancing the Trackside Experience
Advancements in mobile technology allowed fans to enjoy horse racing in a better way. Yes, this technology is even changing how people experience racing both at the racetrack and at home. Tracks and organizers use special apps and digital platforms to integrate things like geolocation, in-venue promotions, food or beverage ordering, seat upgrades, and even advanced VR technologies that improve the overall track experience.
Tickets are now stored digitally on your phone, along with your bets, and other important updates around the race. It’s basically cleaner, faster, and much more convenient.
Data, Analytics, and Smarter Decisions
Data is now everywhere. We have very capable AI chatbots that can analyze huge piles of data in seconds, and information is available with a few taps on your phone. Even though we don’t notice, data improved analytics, which means that it improves our decision-making process.
Mobile apps track all kinds of things like horse pace, previous runs, competition, form, weather forecast, trainers, and many other things. This helps both casual and serious fans to make more informed decisions.
Horse racing is a sport where a lot of factors come into play, and even having all of this data won’t guarantee that you’ll make a wiser decision. However, people feel more in control, which improves their betting experience and introduces more money into the industry.
Future Challenges
There isn’t one innovation that is 100% smooth or that doesn’t have any drawbacks. For a long time, racing culture was built around being at the track, drinking champagne, and wearing a tailor-made suit. Mobile apps changed that.
Some fans worry that there will be fewer people attending horse racing events, but in reality, we still see events like the Kentucky Derby that attract more than 150,000 people in 2 days.
There is also pressure on racecourses to balance tradition and innovation, but overall, there are more positives than negatives. This is the right path for the horse racing industry, and a necessary one that will decide whether horse racing will go on to live another thousand years.