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Esports player engagement: Latency Vs Delay

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How does latency impact the success of the esports market? Is the industry paying this issue enough attention?

Regardless of whether it’s esports or traditional sports betting, latency is a critical issue that must always be considered in your market offering. The current levels of latency and delay in esports means that punters are at a significant disadvantage when they place bets – to the point that it detracts from the overall experience. Improving latency and delay is essential to achieving parity with the broader sports betting sector, and the future growth of esports betting more broadly.

The most important differentiator between esports and traditional sports is not latency but delay. Latency only refers to the common and often unavoidable situation where the video stream is lagging behind the real time gameplay. Delay, however, is an intentional feature in esports, used as a tool to increase the Tournament Organiser’s control over the broadcast content.

Purposely inputting delay is an industry standard these days and has a direct impact on player engagement. TO’s are constantly trying to find the right balance for delay, as they need to manage competitive and betting integrity against risk, while maintaining broadcast quality.

Although the issue of latency is being handled well in industry, the issue of delay is not. Many industry stakeholders are not attempting to overcome this challenge at all. It’s not just a matter of a few seconds, but many video streams can have up to 10 minutes delay!

The scale of this issue is completely different to any latency related issues. The impact it’s having on player engagement is game changing and I believe it’s an aspect that needs a lot more attention from our sector.

How important is the tier of tournament as a factor when influencing the impact of latency or delay in betting markets?

In esports, latency levels are heavily influenced by the tier of tournament or match. The lower tier esports leagues with more niche gaming titles typically will not have an official data supplier. There is no mass data feed for everyone to access. For matches like these, the punters, operators, players and spectators are all receiving their information from one place; the online stream, meaning no unfair edge when comparing data speed to stream speed. In situations like this, nobody has an advantage, so issues of delay and latency are far less problematic.

The biggest risks to gaming integrity are usually observed in the highest tiers of esports. Top level games that are being broadcast all over the globe and have official data feeds are where the issues of latency and delay have the biggest impact.

The delay between video feed and odds feed is most disparate with MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games such as League of Legends or DOTA 2.

MOBA games usually consist of continuous gameplay for 40 – 50 minutes with no pauses or rounds. Even with delays of up to 5 minutes, a lot can happen that will change the dynamic of the game and moreover, change the final result. This puts the operator at a greatly increased risk, making it unfair for punters using the stream content to make bets from irrelevant odds.

Games such as Counter-Strike and Valorant are ‘rounds based’ games, meaning their gameplay is a lot more fragmented. So, with a 5-minute delay, the viewer will only be 1 or 2 rounds behind at most which is typically not enough of a window to impact the final result of an entire match. Added to this the fact that punters are only allowed to bet on one round at a time, the opportunity to benefit from the time delay is notably minimised.

What can the key stakeholders in the top tier of esports do to decrease delay in the streams whilst still upholding the highest standards to sports integrity?

In esports there will always be an element of delay to ensure broadcast quality and the integrity of competition – particularly to prevent stream sniping and cheating during games. With this in mind there are two different approaches to this: decreasing delay or aligning data with this delay.

For broadcast and integrity reasons you can only reduce the delay to a certain level, but that still doesn’t get to the heart of the problem. Punters are still behind not by seconds, but by several minutes. And it’s the top tier esports events, particularly ones with exclusive data feeds, that have the biggest disparity of information between operator and punter. Which in turn stifles the live betting potential of the biggest events of the year.

The more equitable solution for the industry would be to align the delay of the data feed with that of the stream. It sounds very simple right?

Applying this change in a way that parallels the sports betting ecosystem not only creates a fairer environment for the end user, the punter, but unlocks so many more opportunities for live engagement.

Official rights holders should think carefully and partner with companies that will create a fair ecosystem and who give betting operators the best ability to not only maximise revenues but who can deliver the best customer betting experience. This status quo has gone on for too long with suppliers of non esports specific betting products holding rights packages for some (not all) tournaments and throttling betting turnover and user experience.

Even with no perceived delay, operators using suppliers with quality products will still be able to price markets efficiently, while giving the punters a better overall experience.

How does latency impact sports integrity and how can it be improved going forward?

The answer to this question is a double-edged sword: Latency and Delay.

For esports and its general viewing experience, latency plays a key role. Most data providers are already utilising advanced technology to optimise every part of the streaming process and keep latency levels to a minimum. I don’t believe there to be too much of an issue there.

The core challenge is associated with Delay. We’ve heard from many stakeholders in the industry who say that there is a major problem with unfair betting in esports because punters are being supplied old information.

Most esports bettors prefer to watch the live match stream while betting, enhancing their in-game experience. However, when they notice that the odds on screen are not accurately reflecting the streamed gameplay, players understandably become discouraged from further engagement as the levels of credibility are impacted.

Sports integrity and fairness are important factors but not the only side effect of delay in esports. Being able to create an exciting experience for the punter is business critical. They need to be able to interact with the gameplay in as close to real time as possible. Statistics show that matches with the biggest delays also have the lowest betting volume, further demonstrating the need for improvement in this area. Latency itself is not a problem, the current industry level is under 10 seconds which is not perfect but is not problematic as most people don’t have the means or knowledge to be able to exploit that level of latency. The key to enhanced customer experience and the highest levels of sports integrity is in being able to better manage the delay, keeping the most up to date data possible displayed on the screen.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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The State of iGaming 2025: 11 Drivers of the Industry (Part 2)

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In the second chapter of State of iGaming 2025, the Atlaslive team takes a closer look at what’s defining the next phase of industry growth. From evolving player protection tools to greener operations and new tech horizons, these drivers reveal how iGaming is preparing for a smarter, more responsible 2026.

Responsible Gambling Redefined

Responsible gambling has moved far beyond compliance checklists. Modern RG tools use behavioral insights and predictive data to help players manage time and spending. Subtle interventions, like break reminders or loss-limit alerts, are becoming key features for building player trust and keeping engagement healthy over time.

The Rise of Interactive Betting

Betting formats are multiplying, and players are engaging in new ways. Micro-bets, player props, same-game combos, and social leaderboards are turning wagering into real-time entertainment. The challenge now is clarity: platforms must balance choice with usability, giving players quick, simple access to complex markets.

Data at the Core

Data remains the invisible driver behind iGaming’s transformation. Real-time analytics now shape everything from live odds to fraud detection and personalized content. The leaders are those who don’t just collect data; they act on it instantly, adapting offers, managing risk, and improving retention on the fly.

Sustainability Takes the Stage

ESG principles are taking root across the sector. Operators are investing in green hosting, renewable energy, and transparent reporting, with regulators recognizing these commitments through official frameworks. Social impact, governance, and environmental action are becoming part of the industry’s identity.

Web3 on the Horizon

While regulation around crypto betting remains unsettled, Web3 continues to attract interest for its transparency and flexibility. Blockchain-based settlements, verifiable transactions, and digital rewards are redefining how trust and engagement can function. Once regulation aligns, its impact could be transformative.

iGaming in 2025 is evolving with purpose, fueled by innovation, guided by data, and anchored in accountability.

To see the full picture of where the industry is heading, read Part 1 and the complete Part 2 on Atlaslive’s blog.

This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.

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Elantil enhances marketplace options with Booming Games integration

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Pioneering platform solutions provider adds content from leading software studio to bring customers an even wider selection of games and engagement tools

Elantil, the disruptive platform solutions provider on a mission to supply a revolutionary new “strategic backbone” for the iGaming industry, has announced that it has further increased the options in its online marketplace after partnering with Booming Games.

Established almost a decade ago by a close group of friends aiming to become one of the finest software studios in the iGaming industry, Booming Games has gone from strength to strength in recent years and now boasts a full content line-up of over 150state-of-the-art casino releases.

Licensed and certified in 17 regulated markets, including Malta, Ontario and the UK, Booming Games offers localised content in a variety of market-specific currencies and languages while also assisting operators’ engagement efforts with its exciting promotional tools.

As such, the studio promises to be a flexible addition to Elantil’s Marketplace that will enable operators to extend their outreach and supply an even more thrilling experience to players – and best of all, partners are free to contact the provider directly and form their own custom contracts.

With this, ensuring operators have complete control over the content and services that they take on and that Elantil never dictates the terms or duration of any agreements, operators can keep their costs to a minimum while also benefiting from Elantil’s quick and hassle-free integrations.

John Debono, Chief Technical Officer at Elantil, said: “Elantil’s Marketplace has been designed to put control back in the hands of operators and provide a quick and cost-effective way for them to expand their services. By adding Booming Games to our content line-up, we’ll be able to provide more thrilling content to customers that can help them reach new audiences globally.”

Frederik Niehusen, Chief Commercial Officer at Booming Games, said: “By partnering with Elantil, we’ll be able to reach new customers and deliver our top-performing slots to even more players around the world. This collaboration represents another important step in expanding our global reach and continuing to provide high-quality, engaging content to our partners and their players.”

The post Elantil enhances marketplace options with Booming Games integration appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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MiFinity Strengthens Global KYC with Veriff’s Automated Proof of Address Integration

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MiFinity, the award-winning global eWallet provider, has announced the integration of Veriff’s new automated Proof of Address (POA) solution, enhancing its Know Your Customer (KYC) process with cutting-edge fraud prevention and compliance technology.

This latest development builds on MiFinity’s successful two-year partnership with Veriff for Proof of Identity (POI) checks. By integrating automated POA, MiFinity will soon deliver a streamlined, highly effective KYC experience that combines POI and POA verification in real time. For customers, this means faster onboarding, instant account-level upgrades upon completion, and a frictionless journey. For merchants, it strengthens MiFinity’s ability to support genuine customers globally while mitigating fraud risks across the value chain.

The Veriff solution uses AI and machine learning to verify documents, detect manipulation, and identify fraudulent activity in real-time. This ensures only legitimate customers gain access, while reducing manual intervention for MiFinity’s KYC team. The outcome is a faster, more secure, and scalable onboarding process that protects merchants, boosts compliance, and supports long-term growth.

Paul Kavanagh, CEO of MiFinity, commented: “Our partnership with Veriff has always been about raising the bar on compliance, fraud protection and customer experience. With this new Proof of Address solution, we were proud to be involved early in the product development process, helping shape a service that works for our markets and our users. By adopting it from day one, we’ve not only streamlined customer onboarding but also strengthened the safeguards that protect our merchant partners. It’s a win-win; customers get verified quickly and easily, and merchants can be confident that MiFinity is committed to fraud prevention, compliance, and delivering trusted financial services worldwide.”

The integration also reinforces MiFinity’s position as a forward-thinking payments company committed to implementing best-in-class technologies. By reducing friction for legitimate users while blocking bad actors, MiFinity ensures higher customer satisfaction, greater trust in its platform, and added value for its network of over 1,200 global merchant brands.

Through this collaboration, MiFinity and Veriff are setting new standards for digital onboarding in fintech – where security, speed, and compliance work hand in hand to drive growth across sectors such as eCommerce, travel, Forex, and beyond.

The post MiFinity Strengthens Global KYC with Veriff’s Automated Proof of Address Integration appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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