We speak to Anthony Kaminskas, Founder of AK BETS, about the ongoing issue of feeds in the bookie industry.

Having released as a rails bookie in 2021, then relocating to an online sportsbook soon after, issues regarding the quality of feeds are a continuous pain point for AK BETS, just like many other bookies. Here, we discuss the issue and what can be done as a result.

OLBG: Can you break down the main problems that you have as a bookie with feeds? In an ideal world what should they resemble?

AK: There are only a handful of feed providers in the market and all will be approaching prices from different angles. My background is Risk & Trading, in addition to pro betting, and, more laterly, bookmaking. I 'd be very particular about my requirements from a feed both in-play and pre-off since the right circulation of margin is vital. And I have not yet discovered a feed that is precisely factoring in changing bookie costs by item. This lack of dynamism is annoying for me as an operator as I'm expected to bake a cake without all the needed ingredients.

OLBG: How big (or little) is the problem of amount over quality?

AK: The industry has progressed to worth quantity more than quality and my belief is that it's gone way too far. It's now pure amount, producing too lots of acquired markets nobody wants or bets on. The sweet area for me is reigning back amount and including a little more quality into the mix.

OLBG: What makes a feed bad? Who gains from them being the manner in which they are?

AK: Feed rates that does not precisely aspect in altering bookmaker expenses by product is initially bad for the bookmaker who needs to absorb these ineffectiveness. What's bad for the goose is ultimately bad for the look with the ripple effect being a poor experience for clients - be it rates, stake limits or account closures.

OLBG: How does this impact your company design?

AK: It's challenging to put a number on it, but offered our size at present we are required to work within these restrictions with little option of improving something we think isn't sufficient. We can only lead our horses to water, we can't make them drink.

OLBG: And how does it impact your relationship/dealings with other stakeholders? (Partners, affiliates, competitors etc)

AK: Very little effect per se. We determine what we want to pay for a deal considering all variables and it depends on others whether they wish to deal or no deal. Regarding rivals everyone is essentially utilizing the same 4 or five feeds for most sports so there's little differentiation, especially in-play. We incentivise our consumers with our Big Prices tab, immediate withdrawals, fast customer care and our complimentary bet clubs, all of which sit outdoors basic rates feeds.

OLBG: What effect would better feeds have on punters?

AK: It would provide bookmakers more self-confidence in their prices which, in turn, implies less barriers to consumers putting a bet without friction.

OLBG: You've spoken about developing your own feed - how reasonable is that?

AK: I have actually had a few conversations with individuals about this over the last month. My background is in trading and expert gaming. My computer skills are close to absolutely no. I can open and mess around with Excel and that's about it. But I 'd be really anal about my price feed requirements and how to optimise them. I essentially need somebody I can bark at to develop what I desire.

OLBG: Do you believe that's something other bookmakers should consider?

AK: I think pricing precision has become lesser over time in an industry that's gotten a little lazy about the fundamentals. These concerns get a little untidy when you begin considering data and rights holders. But I'm passionate about accurate, optimised rates throughout the life cycle of a market and believe the market leaves too numerous crumbs on the table by not concentrating on this subject more.

OLBG: Do you think they would have an interest in one that you built?

AK: For sure. It's all about the bottom line at the end of the day.

OLBG: Do you see this changing the short to mid term future?

AK: Simply put, no I don't. That's what's caused me discussing developing our own.