Should you build your sports betting platform in-house, or is outsourcing the smarter play?
The global IT outsourcing reached $744 billion, with 64% of tech leaders now outsourcing key projects — betting platforms included. The sports betting software market hit $5.3 billion in 2024 — and it's projected to soar to $12.5 billion by 2033, growing at a 10.2% CAGR.
Right now, gambling markets like the U.K., Germany, and the U.S. are growing rapidly. According to Statista, mobile betting now accounts for 64% of all wagers — making mobile-first development not just preferred, but essential. Today’s bettors expect real-time odds, rewards and achievements, and seamless mobile app experiences—as highlighted by TGM Research).
What Makes Sports Betting Software So Complex?
This isn’t your average app build. Betting software demands a rare mix of speed, accuracy, and airtight compliance. It demands:
Real-time Data Integration: Odds must change in real-time.
- Regulatory Geo-Fencing: Project must follow local laws.
- Multi-Currency Support: Users expect seamless fiat and crypto wallet integration.
- Live Video Streaming: Live translation is a must-have during events for engagement and retention.
- AI Predictions & Smart Bets: Intelligent, algorithm-driven betting is rapidly gaining popularity.
These things can be tricky to deliver. You need a team of engineers, designers, QA, and compliance experts. That’s expensive. And slow to build from scratch.
As Peter Drucker once said:
“Do what you do best — and outsource the rest.”
Outsourcing: Why it might be the best move
1. Access to Specialized Domain Expertise
Betting platforms require more than software development—they demand deep knowledge of real-time odds sync, fraud detection, geo-compliance, and more.
Outsourced partners like Smartexe come with organic teams who’ve built betting apps, handled live KYC flows, WebSocket latency, and implemented fraud detection before. No ramp-up. No trial-and-error.
2. Faster Launch
While you’re hiring and onboarding, your competitors are already live.
Outsourcing teams accelerate the delivery of MVPs, enable quick user feedback loops, and support continuous iteration. They bring:
- Pre-built frameworks
- Live data feed integrations
- KPI dashboards
- Secure payment modules
You test faster. You launch faster. You win earlier.
3. Built-in Scalability
Can your platform handle Super Bowl traffic? World Cup surges?
Outsourcing partners often deliver:
- Cloud-native architectures
- Microservices
- Auto-scaling infrastructure
- Regional load balancing
Unlike freelancers, augmented companies like Smartexe embed teams directly into your workflow. Remote engineers join your Slack and Zoom calls, attend product planning meetings, and scale with you as your user base grows. And when you need to scale, they’re already in place.
4. Cost Efficiency
Avoid the fixed cost burden of full-time engineers. Pay for what you need—when you need it. In 2024, companies reported 60–70% cost savings through outsourcing.
Regions like Eastern Europe and Latin America offer elite engineering talent at rates 40–60% lower than in the U.S., without sacrificing quality.
Outsourcing Challenges (And How to Mitigate Them)
1. Compliance & Regulation
Betting laws differ widely across markets—covering age verification, licensing, and geo-restrictions.
Solution: Choose vendors with proven regulatory experience and understand DGE, MGA, and GDPR, compliance audits, and regular reporting.
2. Communication & Time Zones
Miscommunications, such as language barriers, delayed responses, or time gaps, can hinder progress.
Solution: Partner with nearshore teams (e.g., Europe, Israel) and establish overlapping working hours. Also, you may set up hybrid teams with guaranteed live coverage for major events.
3. Poor Domain Knowledge
If generalist teams build basic bet slips... that couldn’t handle live odds or micro-betting structures and cause expensive fixes later.
Solution: Choose teams with sports betting experience — not just fintech or generic web. Keep in mind, Smartexe’s devs have shipped betting platforms with real-time updates, KYC flows, and event-triggered bets.
4. Data Security & IP
You're dealing with sensitive financial and user data.
Solution: Work with ISO-certified vendors, use end-to-end encryption, and maintain strict access control policies.
In-House vs Outsource Key Differences
| Factor | In-House | Outsourcing |
| Cost | High salaries + infrastructure | Up to 70% less; pay for what you use |
| Speed to Market | Slow (hiring ramp-up) | Fast (pre-built teams and tools) |
| Domain knowledge | Builds over time | Instant access to niche expertise |
| Control | Full control, high cost | Needs robust and communication |
| Quality & Security | Internal standards | Varies—depends on vendor & audit protocol |
Trends to Watch in Sports Betting Development
- AI & Machine Learning – Used for fraud detection, smart odds, and personalized user recommendations
- Micro-Betting – Enables wagers on events within the game, like the next goal or play
- Esports Betting – Gamified platforms supporting tournaments and real-time streams
- AR/VR Features – Enhanced UIs with overlays, immersive betting environments
Final Verdict: Should You Outsource?
Sports betting isn’t forgiving — you need precision, speed, and 24/7 uptime. The right outsourced team can help you win fast… but the wrong one? It’ll cost you time, trust, and market share.
YES — If you want speed, expertise, scale, and flexibility. If you care about launching fast — and doing it right.
NO — If you’re not ready to build trust, manage remote collaboration, or enforce security and compliance protocols.
Outsourcing is not a shortcut. It’s a strategy. If done well — it’s your competitive edge.
Reach out to see what organic teams we have available for you today.
Like this article? Follow me and Smartexe on LinkedIn for insights on tech leadership, recruitment strategies, and managing high-performing teams.
