Bookie Q

We speak to Anthony Kaminskas, Founder of AK BETS, about the ongoing problem of feeds in the bookmaker industry.


Having launched as a rails bookmaker in 2021, then moving to an online sportsbook shortly after, issues relating to the quality of feeds are a consistent pain point for AK BETS, similar to the majority of other . Here, we go over the issue and what can be done as an outcome.


OLBG: Can you break down the main issues that you have as a bookie with feeds? In an ideal world what should they resemble?


AK: There are just a handful of feed providers in the industry and all will be approaching rates from different angles. My background is Risk & Trading, in addition to pro gambling, and, more laterly, bookmaking. I 'd be very particular about my requirements from a feed both in-play and pre-off due to the fact that the appropriate distribution of margin is essential. And I have not yet encountered a feed that is accurately factoring in changing bookmaker expenses by product. This absence of dynamism is irritating for me as an operator as I'm expected to bake a cake without all the essential ingredients.


OLBG: How huge (or little) is the concern of quantity over quality?


AK: The industry has developed to worth amount more than quality and my belief is that it's gone way too far. It's now pure amount, producing too many derivative markets nobody wants or bets on. The sweet spot for me is reigning back quantity and including a little more quality into the mix.


OLBG: What makes a feed bad? Who gains from them being the method that they are?


AK: Feed pricing that doesn't properly aspect in altering bookie costs by product is at first bad for the bookmaker who has to soak up these inadequacies. What's bad for the goose is eventually bad for the look with the knock-on effect being a bad experience for clients - be it rates, stake limits or account closures.


OLBG: How does this affect your organization model?


AK: It's tough to put a number on it, however offered our size at present we are forced to work within these restrictions with little option of improving something we believe isn't sufficient. We can just lead our horses to water, we can't make them consume.


OLBG: And how does it affect your relationship/dealings with other stakeholders? (Partners, affiliates, competitors and so on)


AK: Very little effect per se. We calculate what we want to spend for an offer factoring in all variables and it depends on others whether they wish to deal or no offer. Regarding competitors everybody is essentially using the exact same four or 5 feeds for many sports so there's little differentiation, particularly in-play. We incentivise our consumers with our Big Prices tab, instantaneous withdrawals, fast consumer service and our complimentary bet clubs, all of which sit outside fundamental rates feeds.


OLBG: What impact would much better feeds have on punters?


AK: It would give bookies more self-confidence in their pricing which, in turn, suggests less barriers to clients positioning a bet without friction.


OLBG: You've discussed constructing your own feed - how reasonable is that?


AK: I have actually had a couple of discussions with people about this over the last month. My background remains in trading and expert betting. My computer abilities are close to no. I can open and mess around with Excel and that has to do with it. But I 'd be very anal about my price feed requirements and how to optimise them. I generally need someone I can bark at to develop what I desire.


OLBG: Do you believe that's something other bookies should think about?


AK: I think rates precision has actually become lesser over time in a market that's gotten a little lazy about the fundamentals. These concerns get a little untidy when you begin factoring in data and rights holders. But I'm enthusiastic about precise, optimised rates throughout the life cycle of a market and believe the industry leaves too numerous crumbs on the table by not concentrating on this subject more.


OLBG: Do you think they would have an interest in one that you constructed?


AK: For sure. It's everything about the bottom line at the end of the day.


OLBG: Do you see this changing the brief to mid term future?


AK: In short, no I don't. That's what's led to me talking about building our own.