Poll results: Guaranteed lays are an unnecessary risk
Almost two thirds of respondents to this week's eGR poll say the risk of offering online punters guaranteed lays is too great
Operators should not expose themselves to greater risk by offering online punters guaranteed lays in a bid to address growing frustration over restrictions and betting limits, say the majority of respondents to this week’s eGaming Review poll.
Coral recently pledged to lay up to £5,000 on any Channel 4 race and £2,000 on any race above Class 4 handicap in a bid to appease disgruntled punters who have long complained about being limited by bookmakers, whose trading teams are viewed by some to have played things safe in recent years.
But while welcoming larger stakes may help sportsbooks improve turnover and stand out in an increasingly competitive market, almost a two thirds of respondents (63%) said the greater exposure to risk outweighed any potential reward.
Coral’s move only applies to its land-based shops, but the subject of restrictions and betting limits has gained traction in the mainstream media of late.
And combined with the continued decline in horseracing betting volumes, Coral’s relatively aggressive stance may put pressure on bookies to follow suit with 37% of respondents believing there are benefits to be had.