What are virtual sports?
Virtual sports are computer-simulated versions of real competitions (football, horses, dogs, basketball, motorsport, tennis, etc.). They look like real broadcasts, but results are determined by a random number generator (RNG) rather than real athletes or fixtures. That means events can run 24/7 on a fixed schedule or on demand.
How fairness actually works
Licensed operators must meet technical standards for remote gambling. In the UK, the Gambling Commission’s Remote Technical Standards set requirements for software integrity, security, and the generation of random outcomes; testing must be performed by approved third-party labs. Similar expectations exist internationally, often mapped to GLI standards used by regulators worldwide. Independent labs such as eCOGRA and GLI test and certify RNGs to demonstrate unpredictability and lack of bias.
Major content providers you’ll see on crypto books
- Sportradar/Betradar Virtual Sports: always-on portfolios and even in-play virtuals like ball-by-ball tennis designed for live betting.
- Inspired Entertainment: long-running “Virtuals” suite for retail and online channels.
- Kiron Interactive: broad catalog of virtual sports and number games for retail, online and mobile.
- Golden Race: extensive virtual football leagues and other sports at scale across shops and websites.
- Playtech: virtual sports engines powering simulated leagues, venues and players across channels.
These are middleware suppliers; crypto sportsbooks integrate their feeds and markets, while the outcome logic and animations remain provider-side.
Pricing, RTP, and what that means for you
Unlike real matches, virtual events are pure RNG with a built-in return-to-player (RTP) and house edge. Some providers allow operators to configure RTP within approved ranges, which is why two sites can feel “tighter” or “looser” on the same title. Always hunt for the RTP or payout note in game info or help pages when it’s available.
Key takeaways
- You cannot “beat team news” or insider info here; outcomes are probabilistic draws.
- Your long-run results will gravitate toward the product’s RTP minus any additional margin from markets you choose.
- Short-term streaks are variance, not a signal that a game is “hot” or “cold.”
Virtual vs. esports vs. live sims
Virtual sports are computer-generated and RNG-resolved. Esports are real-human competitions in video games; markets move on form and news. Some books also host simulated “instant” games that resemble arcade plays — those too are RNG products, not esports. Understanding this taxonomy helps set expectations about strategy and volatility.
What to check before you bet on a crypto sportsbook
Licensing and jurisdiction
Confirm the operator is licensed where you are and see whether its license explicitly covers virtual sports and testing. The UKGC, for example, mandates technical standards and third-party testing for remote gambling software.
Game testing and certificates
Look for visible references to eCOGRA, GLI, or another approved lab and, ideally, per-title or per-suite certificates or attestations.
Who built the virtuals
Identify the content supplier in the game lobby or info panel. Providers like Sportradar/Betradar, Inspired, Kiron, Golden Race, and Playtech publish public overviews of their virtual products and mechanics.
RTP and rules
Scan the help section for RTP statements, market eligibility, settlement rules for voids, and any bet limits that apply to virtuals. Some providers note RTP configurability for operators, which affects your long-run expectation.
Payments and timing
Crypto deposits and withdrawals can require network confirmations, which may cause you to miss time-boxed events or promotions. Pre-fund if you plan to bet on short-interval schedules.
Responsible gambling
Use deposit and time limits, keep a session log, and take cooling-off breaks. Virtuals run continuously, so pacing yourself is essential.
Common markets you’ll encounter
Moneyline or winner markets, each-way and place terms in racing-style titles, totals and correct score in football, and point-by-point or set betting in in-play formats like virtual tennis. Providers advertise 24/7 availability and very short turnaround between events, which is why bankroll discipline matters.
Simple bankroll plan for RNG products
- Decide your maximum loss per day or week and stick to it.
- Use small, fixed stakes per event to smooth variance.
- Avoid chasing losses; there is no informational edge to exploit.
- Log every session’s stake volume versus results and compare across titles; prefer games with disclosed, higher RTP where available.
FAQ
Are virtual sports “fair” on reputable crypto books?
Fairness depends on certified RNGs and regulatory oversight. Look for a license that references remote technical standards and for third-party test house seals such as eCOGRA or GLI.
Can I use live-match betting strategies on virtuals?
Not really. Markets like in-play virtual tennis mimic live flow, but outcomes still come from RNG. Treat it like an RNG game with betting markets skinned as sports.
Why do the same virtual games feel different across sites?
Because some providers let operators configure RTP within a permitted band, and sites may choose different settings. Check game info or provider FAQs if listed.
