A new analysis by sports odds intelligence firm Bettormetrics has revealed that top U.S. sportsbooks are struggling with longer suspension times during college football games compared to NFL games, potentially leaving millions in revenue on the table. The report, which examined data from week eight of the college football season and week nine of the NFL season, found that operators' suspension times were on average 8.7% worse during college games.
Suspension time, the period when sportsbooks temporarily halt betting to adjust odds based on in-game events, is a critical factor in the sports betting industry. Longer suspension times can lead to reduced betting opportunities and potentially lower revenues for operators. The analysis showed that while companies like DraftKings and FanDuel performed well during NFL games, they experienced significant drop-offs in efficiency during college football matchups.
The implications of this efficiency gap are substantial, given the estimated $800 million in gross gaming revenue generated during the college football season. Sabin Brooks, Bettormetrics' Chief Revenue Officer, emphasized that mastering suspension times in college games could create a "flywheel of better product, customer experience, and sportsbook profitability."
The disparity in performance between NFL and college football betting operations highlights the challenges faced by sportsbooks in managing the larger volume of college games and the potential limitations in data availability and quality for collegiate sports. Robert Urwin, Bettormetrics' co-founder and CEO, noted that while there are more college games each weekend, the significant difference in suspension times suggests room for improvement in the industry.
As the sports betting market continues to grow and evolve, this analysis underscores the importance of operational efficiency in capturing market share and maximizing revenue potential. Sportsbooks that can improve their suspension times for college football may gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining customers, ultimately leading to increased profitability in this lucrative segment of the sports betting market.
