Why Sports Betting UX Is Broken - And How to Fix It | Mark Phillip, MetaBet

What’s really stopping casual fans from placing their first bet? It’s not regulation. It’s UX.

In this episode, we welcome back Mark Phillip, founder of MetaBet and Are You Watching This?!, for a no-filter conversation on the real levers that move the needle in sports betting product design.

Mark shares bold, actionable insights on how sportsbooks can ditch intimidating interfaces, reduce cognitive overload, and design emotion-first, player-centric journeys that drive both acquisition and retention. From simplifying American odds to building personalised betting funnels based on fandom, this episode is a goldmine for product leaders, UX teams, and iGaming execs who want to unlock the next wave of growth.

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KEY MOMENTS:

00:00 - Introduction to Sports Betting UX

01:34 - Simplifying Betting Odds: The Problem with Minus 110s

04:16 - Micro Betting and Fantasy Apps Impact

06:55 - Psychological Barriers for Casual Bettors

08:54 - Betting Insurance: A European Perspective

11:07 - Reimagining the Betting Experience

13:46 - From Acquisition to Retention: User Experience Strategies

17:27 - Closing Thoughts and Key Insights

This episode includes discussion on:

Sports betting UX design, sportsbook user experience, simplifying betting for casual fans, American odds explained, how to improve betting conversion, betting product personalisation, casual bettor acquisition strategy, betting UX trends 2025, sportsbook retention tactics, iGaming product innovation, fan engagement and betting, PrizePicks vs traditional sportsbooks, behavioural design in gambling apps.

Welcome to “15M Mastery,” the ultimate show for iGaming professionals, hosted by industry veteran Dmitry Belianin. With over 17 years of experience, Dmitry brings unparalleled insights and wisdom from top industry experts in just 15 minutes. Each episode delivers actionable strategies from all iGaming verticals to improve your personal and business performance. As the founder of Belianin, Dmitry also shares his expertise in nurturing high-potential iGaming startups. Subscribe to “15M Mastery” for concise, high-value content and stay ahead in the competitive world of iGaming.