Sports Betting: How Offline Games Moved into Virtual Reality

Entertainment07 Apr, 2025

Modern sports betting has evolved significantly from what it was just a decade ago. It is even more distinct from ancient bets, which were more like informal wagers between acquaintances. In recent years, with the development of the internet, numerous online platforms have emerged worldwide, allowing users to easily connect and place bets. This is especially important for African countries, where the traditional bookmaker system is not well-developed. For countries like Ethiopia, bettors can now use a trusted bookmaker in Ethiopia 1xBet, enabling them to place quick bets on various sports.


From Ancient Greek Totalizers to Modern Betting Platforms

Historical records suggest that the first sports competitions between the best athletes took place in Ancient Greece. These were the spectacular Olympic Games, featuring horse races, running events, and wrestling matches. It was during this period that primitive forms of totalizers emerged, as confirmed by archaeologists in ancient manuscripts.

Over time, sports competitions evolved, and Ancient Rome introduced gladiator fights, which were accompanied by informal, chaotic betting among spectators. However, the persistent interest in predicting sports results eventually led to the rise of organized betting platforms, such as 1xbet.et/mobile.

The first documented betting odds were established in England over 200 years ago. During this time, William Ogden, a horse racing enthusiast, introduced odds-based betting, allowing bettors to calculate their potential winnings. In 1850, Fred Swindell and Leviathan Davis officially registered the first bookmaker company, which focused not only on placing bets but also on predicting outcomes and sharing probabilities with the public.


Modern Online Betting

Today, sports betting has expanded into various types, offered by major betting platforms like 1xbet.et/en/line. The most popular types include:

  • Accumulator (Express Bets) – A combination of multiple bets on different events. To win, all selected outcomes must be correct. If even one bet is incorrect, the entire accumulator is lost. The advantage of this type of bet is its high odds, leading to larger potential winnings. However, it carries a higher risk since one mistake results in a total loss.
  • System Bets – Consist of multiple combinations and events, increasing the chances of winning. Unlike accumulators, not all selections have to be correct for a payout.
  • Single Bets – The simplest type of bet, where a user selects the outcome of one event. The process is straightforward: choose the event, select the outcome, enter the stake amount, confirm the bet and wait for the result.

Beyond the increasing number of bet types, live betting in real time has become widely available. This enhances the betting experience and attracts more users, as anyone with internet access can now place bets instantly. Moreover, players can watch live sports broadcasts while betting during the event.


What’s Next for Betting?

Sports betting is an exciting form of gambling that offers the potential for profit. However, success requires strong analytical skills, in-depth sports knowledge, and the use of advanced technology to make informed bets. Experts predict that this industry will continue growing, driven by innovations and new opportunities.

Already, betting platforms are integrating cutting-edge technologies like:

  1. Blockchain – Enhances security and prevents funds from being blocked.
  2. Smart Contracts – Ensure transparent and automated payout distribution.
  3. Artificial Intelligence – Improves betting predictions and odds calculations

For example, with blockchain and cryptocurrencies, users don’t have to worry about account restrictions, while smart contracts guarantee fair and automatic winnings distribution. In summary, the future of sports betting is heading towards greater security, speed, and accessibility, making it even more appealing for users worldwide.



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