Poll results: Readers doubt PokerStars' sportsbook potential

PokerStars’ soon-to-be-launched sportsbook is unlikely to prove a hit with customers, according to respondents to this week’s eGaming Review poll.

Last week the operator revealed it was to launch an online sportsbook on its dot.com site in H1 2015 following on from parent company Amaya Gaming’s claims earlier this month that plans to develop a proprietary sportsbook product were “on track”.

Confirmation of a PokerStars branded sportsbook marks a significant step away from the operator’s poker-only past, with the firm also in the process of rolling out a branded casino.

eGR understands the primary aim of the PokerStars’ sportsbook will be more of a retention tool aimed at keeping poker-playing customers from leaving the site, rather than as an acquisition tool aimed at competing with the likes of bet365 and William Hill.

However, 39% of respondents to this week’s poll believe the sportsbook will not generate any meaningful revenues for the firm despite the Rational Group’s proven track record of software development and significant marketing clout.

A further 33% considered that while the product may prove to be a marginal success, the majority of customers are more likely to remain with existing brands that already have an established presence in the sports betting market.

Meanwhile, the remaining 28% of respondents believe the product will be hugely popular and take a significant share of the sports betting market.