How bettors use modern technologies for their predictions in sports disciplines: an overview

In the modern world, sport is no longer just a spectacle. Gone are the days when we sat down in front of the TV and watched a match. Today, sport is a real ecosystem, where analytics and new technologies are present. All this is intertwined with the emotions of the fans. Sports fans don’t just watch their favorites. They also actively develop their own statistics, make predictions, discuss the likely outcome of competitions, and exchange their own views on the possible outcome. For example, on the 1xBet platform, you can analyze the game, compile analytics, and make predictions. What do bettors use for their own predictions today? Read more in the article.

Bettors’ technological tools: data collection, processing, and visualization 

Bettors use different technologies for sports predictions. First, they collect information about the teams participating in tournaments, then compare the data. Automation and artificial intelligence are often used for processing. With the help of these tools, a logical prediction is made. Thanks to technology, data is not only automated, but also visualized for convenient analysis.

Fans are already familiar with graphs and other technological solutions. Now, complex indicators are becoming understandable. The use of algorithms and machine learning makes it possible to independently model the possible outcome of a match and predict the results of competitions. It is even possible to predict the dynamics of changes in each team.

Below is a table showing the technologies most often used by analysts and bettors for prediction.

Work direction	Technologies and methods	Purpose of use
Information gathering	API, scraping, databases	Obtaining statistics on matches and players
Processing	Python, R, SQL	Cleaning and structuring data to build clear analysis
Analytical models	Various machine versions, artificial intelligence	Evaluating player performance, predicting match outcomes
Visualization	Tableau, matplotlib, seaborn, interactive dashboards	Visualizing trends, probabilities, and statistics
Scenario modeling	Monte Carlo, probability simulations	Evaluating different scenarios and match outcomes
Collective analysis	Forums, chats, shared tables, and bots	Jointly testing hypotheses, sharing results, and improving predictions

Thus, it is evident that bettors create a comprehensive forecasting system using available technological solutions. Data is collected, processed, and verified using modern analysis methods. This allows fans to see a clear picture. As a result, forecasts become more accurate, which influences the betting process itself and attracts more thrill seekers.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning in the hands of fans

Since the advent of machine learning, sports have taken on a new dimension. Whereas all this was previously inaccessible, it is now possible to use a tool such as artificial intelligence. All you need is a PC, laptop, or smartphone and a stable internet connection. Now fans can quickly see which team is likely to win and which is not. Predictions have become more thoughtful; previously, everything was based on intuition. For example, if a striker makes more than three shots in 20 minutes of play, the team has a better chance of winning.

Some fans have gone even further: they use neural networks based on the results of previous matches. Such models can predict the outcome of a match and even the details of a tournament. For example, the probability of a specific player scoring a goal, how many cards players will receive per match, etc.

However, fan analytics remain flexible: they quickly test different hypotheses and adapt their prediction models. As a result, their predictions are more accurate than those of professional analysts, which has been proven in practice more than once. 

Social analytics

Fans usually create groups in which they interact with each other. They gather in forums and join football communities. They exchange data, share secrets, and compare the results of their predictions. Such forums allow them to broaden their horizons and learn about new technologies. For example, one fan might use machine analysis, another might use visualization, and so on. This is very convenient because if one fan makes a mistake, the others will correct them and offer advice. As a result, they arrive at an accurate prediction.

Data visualization: from tables to interactive dashboards

Without visualization, even the most accurate data is just a bunch of numbers. Without a visual representation, any algorithms are not so easy to understand. That’s why fans are learning data visualization tools to turn complex numbers into understandable graphs, charts, heat maps, and dashboards.

Visualization provides:

• a quick assessment of trends in a team’s play;
• identifies patterns on which the forecast is based;
• compares predictions and actual results;
• identifies deviations from the expected result and adjusts the model.

Bettors use different types of graphs. For example, heat maps. They show the areas of player activity on the field. This makes it possible to understand which areas are most often used by attacking lines. Line graphs and charts show changes in statistics. Interactive dashboards combine several indicators at once. Fans can even predict shots, see the impact of player substitutions, and analyze ball possession at the same time. 

This approach makes predictions more accurate and intuitive. 

Real-time predictions

Real-time predictions are a common practice. Modern technologies allow fans to perform instant analysis. What can be tracked in real time::

• changes in the pace of the game;
• the number and accuracy of tasks;
• positional pressure of teams;
• physical indicators of players, namely dynamics.

The use of real-time analytics allows predictions to be adjusted directly during the match. If a team increases the pressure in the middle of the game, this can change the final result. During real-time predictions, coaching decisions can be monitored. Fans can create their own scenario models: “If the goalkeeper is replaced and a key defender receives a card, the team’s probability of winning decreases by X%.” This approach turns watching a match into an interactive analytical game, where predictions become live and dynamic.

Application of video analytics

Computer vision and video analytics are tools that soccer fans have begun to use frequently when making predictions. Previously, such technologies were only used by professional clubs and television companies. Now they have become available to amateurs. A neural network can recognize objects: the ball, players, and areas of the field. This helps to determine the tactics of the teams. This is what fans use in the prediction process. For example, with their help, you can:

• find out how often a team uses flank attacks;
• calculate the average speed of players’ movement on the field;
• assess the effectiveness of pressing.

With the help of the OpenCV and TensorFlow libraries, bettors have learned to create their own models. They automatically process video footage and generate statistics. Some even publish player movement maps and dynamic heat zone graphs, which they then compare with the outcome of the match.

In this way, computer vision turns fans into real researchers who are able to analyze video footage just as well as professional analysts.

Biometric-based forecasting is an interesting innovation

Biometrics is a novelty in forecasting. Many bettors have mastered biometric data, which also helps in forecasting. This field is called neuroanalytics. It combines sports statistics, analysis of player condition, and spectator emotions.

Bettors study publicly available data on athletes’ heart rates, recovery speeds, and fatigue levels. This is important because if an athlete is tired, they will be of little use on the field. They will not be able to lead the team to victory; on the contrary, they will drag it down.

Some go even further: they have learned to track and control their own emotions. Smart bracelets and fitness trackers are used to help track heart rate while watching a match. This allows fans to understand how they perceive the game. In the future, such data can be used for collective predictions, where the emotional reactions of thousands of viewers become an additional indicator of the probability of the outcome.

Gamification and educational analytics

Some bettors turn prediction into a form of intellectual game. As for gamification, it attracts the audience and helps develop analytical thinking.

Fan prediction leagues are created, and new participants are attracted. Everyone presents their model, and competitions are held within the fan club. Each active participant receives points and ratings. This turns dry analytics into an interesting, dynamic competition. Here, it is important not just to “guess” but to justify the prediction statistically.

Gamification is directly related to educational analytics. Nowadays, it has become fashionable to learn programming, machine learning, visualization, etc. Football fans share information with each other, analyze mistakes, and learn new things. In fact, such clubs are very interesting, and if you love sports so much that you are ready to learn new things, you will definitely be welcome there.

The future belongs to technology 

The future of analytics lies in the combination of technology, artificial intelligence, and emotional experience. Bettors actively use AI algorithms, computer vision, and stream data. This helps them make accurate predictions. You can start learning about these things today:

• virtual reality;
• artificial intelligence;
• collective platforms.

All of this will create a new fan culture and take fans to a new level where they can make their own predictions.