How to Start a Sportsbook: Beginner’s Guide for 2025

If you’ve ever considered launching your sportsbook, 2025 might be the perfect time to take the leap. The sports betting industry is thriving, with technology making it easier than ever to set up a sportsbook. Whether you want to build a local operation or a global online sportsbook, there’s a massive opportunity to carve out your share of this booming market. And with OmiSoft as your trusted development partner, you can ensure your sportsbook is built for long-term success.

With the global gambling industry projected to hit $477.30 billion this year and 1 billion users expected by 2029, now is the time to act. Whether you need to launch a sportsbook or a crypto casino, the market offers massive potential for growth. User penetration is climbing to 12.3%, and the average revenue per user (ARPU) is $498.30, making sports betting a highly profitable business.

But where do you start? That’s where our beginner’s playbook comes in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps of launching a sportsbook in 2025—from choosing the right platform to attracting loyal bettors. With OmiSoft’s expertise in custom sportsbook development, you can build a platform that stands out and maximizes profits.  Ready to get in on the action? Let’s dive in.

Custom vs. White-Label: Which Model is Right for You?🤔

One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a white-label solution or build a custom sportsbook from scratch. Both options have their pros and cons, so let’s break them down in a way that actually makes sense.

White Label Sportsbooks: Fast, Easy, and Cost-Effective⚡

If you’re looking for a turnkey solution, a white-label sportsbook is your best bet. This option gives you a ready-made platform that you can brand as your own, so you don’t have to build everything from scratch.

Here’s what you get with a white-label sportsbook:

• Pre-built betting platform – Everything from the odds engine to payment gateways is already set up.
• Faster launch – You can go live in weeks instead of months (or even years).
• Lower costs – No need for a massive development budget—just pay a licensing fee.
• Ongoing support – The provider handles updates, security, and maintenance.

White-label sportsbooks are perfect if you want to hit the ground running without dealing with complex tech development. They’re ideal for startups who want a professional platform without the long wait or high costs. If you’re just looking for a short-term solution or a low-effort business, a white-label sportsbook might work. But if you want a long-lasting, highly profitable, and standout sportsbook, you need to go custom.  

The Custom Development Advantage: Full Control, Full Profits💰

Building a custom sportsbook is an investment in your long-term success. While it takes more time and money upfront, the benefits are undeniable. That’s why OmiSoft specializes in developing cutting-edge sportsbook platforms that are created to your requirements. Here’s why custom development is the superior choice:

1. Unique User Experience That Stands Out 🎨

With a custom-built sportsbook, you decide how everything looks and works. Want an innovative bet slip design? A completely different way to display odds? A loyalty program that’s never been done before? It’s all possible. You’re not limited by a one-size-fits-all solution—you create a sportsbook that is truly yours.

2. Higher Profits with No Revenue Sharing 📈

One of the biggest downsides of white-label platforms is that you have to keep paying the provider, whether through revenue sharing or licensing fees. With a custom sportsbook, you own the platform outright. No hidden fees, no revenue splits—just pure profit.

3. Full Control Over Features & Betting Options 🎯

Do you want to offer custom bet types, AI-powered odds, or a specialized VIP program? With white-label, you’re stuck with whatever the provider gives you. Custom development lets you innovate, add unique features, and adapt to trends without waiting on someone else.

4. Better Security & Compliance 🔒

Custom sportsbooks allow you to implement top-tier security features and tailor your compliance strategies based on the regions you operate in. White-label platforms use standard security measures, but with custom development, you can go above and beyond to protect your players and business.

5. Easier Scalability for Long-Term Growth 🚀

With a white-label solution, you’re limited by the provider’s technology and infrastructure. If you want to expand to new markets, add more sports, or integrate advanced AI tools, you’ll hit roadblocks. Custom sportsbooks are built to scale, meaning you can grow and adapt without restrictions.

6. No Dependence on a Third-Party Provider 🏆

Relying on a white-label provider means you don’t fully own your sportsbook. What happens if they go out of business? Change their pricing model? With custom development, you own everything—your platform, your data, your brand. No surprises.

Explore how our team successfully enhanced Betero’s blockchain-based sports betting platform, improving security, performance, and real-time data integration. Learn about the innovative solutions we implemented to reduce fraud, ensure seamless user experience, and support Betero’s rapid growth.

Yes, Custom Development Takes Longer—but It’s Worth It⏳

Let’s be honest: custom development requires more time, effort, and money upfront. However, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term effort. Instead of paying fees forever, dealing with limited customization, and struggling to stand out, you get a sportsbook that is 100% yours, built to your exact vision.

If you’re serious about success and want to dominate the sports betting market, custom development is the only way to go. It’s an investment in your future profits, control, and scalability.

So, before jumping into a white-label solution, ask yourself one question:
Do you want a generic sportsbook—or do you want to build something truly great?

Wrapping Up: Why Custom Development is Worth the Investment💡

Launching a sportsbook in 2025 isn’t just about entering a booming industry—it’s about staking your claim in a market full of opportunity. The sports betting world is evolving fast, and the choices you make now will define your long-term success.  Going custom isn’t just about avoiding the pitfalls of white-label platforms—it’s about creating something that’s truly yours.

And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. That’s where OmiSoft comes in, contact us for a custom sportsbook development solution. With a team of expert developers, industry know-how, and a passion for innovation, OmiSoft helps businesses like yours build fully customized sportsbooks that stand out. Whether you’re dreaming of AI-powered odds, interactive live betting, or a VIP system that keeps high rollers coming back, OmiSoft makes it happen—seamlessly and securely .

So, what’s next? The sports betting industry is only getting bigger, and the best time to launch is now. Take the leap, go custom, and build something extraordinary. The future of your sportsbook is in your hands—make it count.

By Yevhen Sakara

CBDO & Co-founder

Feb 20, 2025

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