SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Paddy Power has become the first bookmaker to offer ChatBot on Facebook Messenger, after going live with a new product provided by Onionsack.
The industry-first ChatBot, powered by the Onionsack SaaS messaging platform, enables customers to login to their Paddy Power betting account, check balances and place wagers via Facebook.
Once connected to the Paddy Power Facebook Messenger bot, customers can compose a message detailing the bet they wish to place, which the Onionsack platform is able to understand and execute.
Customers can also use the mobile messaging app to receive personalised sporting updates through push notifications, alongside access to Paddy Power’s videos, blogs and podcasts.
Michael Healy, Product Director at Paddy Power, said: “We know our customers love mobile messaging apps so having a ChatBot on Facebook Messenger is the obvious first step into the ChatBot marketplace. We’re delighted to be the first bookmaker to market in such an exciting area.”
“Nearly all of Paddy Power’s customers are on Facebook, and now they can actually place a bet through the Facebook Messenger app with ease. Our customers will be able to request odds and receive push notifications tailored to their own betting interests, plus enjoy a daily serving of Paddy Power mischief and entertainment.”
Jonathan Power, Onionsack CEO, added: “With nearly the whole world connected to Facebook, the logical step is to allow customers to place a bet through the social media giant’s Messenger app.
“Our innovative transactional bot allows exactly that, providing punters with an even easier way of betting through instant messaging. We expect more bookmakers to launch their chatbots in the near future, as it provides a simple and more personalised way of betting.”
