SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Ahead of Betting on Sports 2017 (12-15 September), Bookies.com Managing Director Matthew Glazier, part of the ‘Super Affiliates’ session at next month’s event, spoke to SBC News about what he’s looking forward to at #boscon2017, where betting can work together more closely with sport and what sports partnership has stood out over the last 12 months.
SBC: Why is it important for you to speak at Betting on Sports?
MG: There are many affiliates and operators attending the conference. Having worked in both spheres, I can hopefully provide some insight for both panel discussions. Regarding Super Affiliates, there can be an in-depth discussion of the current affiliate landscape and an examination of the relationship between operators and affiliate partners. For the cricket panel discussion, we can look at the recent Unibet sponsorship and how this sport can potentially create uplift for the coming years.
SBC: What are you looking forward to at Betting on Sports?
MG: The opportunity to be part of another successful SBC event. I greatly enjoyed participating in BOFCON at Stamford Bridge and it will be an opportunity to attend more panel discussions and playing a fuller role in proceedings. It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with old faces, former work-mates and discuss the latest issues of the day. There is a great roll call of talented professionals in attendance and it’s likely to be the biggest SBC event thanks to the great work that the guys put in.
SBC: Where can betting work together more closely with sport?
MG: It’s a tricky question. Betting’s relationship with sport will always be slightly uneasy given that there should be a focus on youth development for each sport, particularly when it comes to international level. The English FA recently severing ties with betting companies illustrates that many sports governing bodies are trying to distance themselves from betting. The betting industry generally needs to take a more responsible attitude, although some operators have already started moving in this direction.
SBC: What sports betting partnership has stood out in the past 12 months?
MG: It’s clear that bookmakers are diversifying with the different sports that are seeing investment and sponsorship. Unibet were recently involved in the Giro d’Italia, while we have seen the same operator move into cricket sponsorship. I was also impressed by Unibet (again) and their sponsorship of Aston Villa’s shirt, especially the special markets that were created for the beginning of the football season. I enjoyed seeing Betfred sponsoring the World Snooker Championship again and they tend to do that particularly well if you visit the Crucible.
SBC: Describe your perfect sporting event
MG: I enjoy a day of hospitality at the races, football or cricket like anyone else. However, I’m ultimately a grassroots football fan and love nothing better than following Tranmere Rovers on the road. At BOFCON, I could hot foot it to Aldershot on the train and watch Rovers in the National League play-offs. Stood under a huge oak tree in the away end while the rain poured down, Micky Mellon’s side did the business with a 3-0 win.
