The Qatar World Cup sparked significant payment activity and betting transactions, particularly in England.
Payment Levels and Engagement:
During the tournament, England’s matches stood out in terms of payment levels, with the England vs France game generating substantial payment activity. At its peak, there were 11,000 payments per minute (PPM) recorded before kick-off. This high level of engagement highlights the enthusiasm and anticipation among fans.
Pub Transactions Surge:
Pubs in the UK experienced a significant surge in payments during the Qatar World Cup, witnessing a 200% increase compared to a typical Saturday evening. This rise in transactions, with a total of 600,000 payments processed, indicates the extent to which fans gathered in pubs to enjoy the matches while making payments for various goods and services.
Busy Betting Periods:
Weekend evening games emerged as the busiest periods for betting transactions. Fans were actively placing bets during these matches, with the final between France and Argentina standing out as the most bet-on match in the tournament. This particular game reached a peak of 11,500 PPM, and over £2.8 million in payments were processed, amounting to a total authorized value of over £50 million.
Comparison to Previous Tournaments:
Comparing the Qatar World Cup to the 2020 Euros, it is evident that the payment activity significantly increased. A combined total of 67.8 million payments were processed for FIS’s top gambling merchants on match days, representing a 30% increase. This growth in transactions emphasizes the evolving nature of the sports betting industry and the growing enthusiasm among fans to engage in online gambling.
Implications for Operators:
Alex Morgan-Moodie, Director of Verticals at WorldPay, emphasized the importance of a seamless payments journey for operators. As the football season continues, with the busy domestic festive season fixture calendar approaching, pub and gaming merchants must invest in providing the best user experience. A smooth payments journey can act as a differentiator, attracting and retaining customers in a highly competitive market.
The Qatar World Cup showcased the significant impact of football tournaments on payment levels and betting transactions. England’s matches, in particular, drove substantial engagement, with high payment activity recorded. Pubs experienced a surge in transactions, and the final match between France and Argentina stood out as the most bet-on game. The data highlights the need for operators to prioritize a seamless payments journey to enhance the overall user experience and capitalize on the busy football season ahead. By embracing these trends and optimizing payment processes, operators can leverage the enthusiasm of fans and maximize their business opportunities.