ChatBet enhances conversion and retention through a conversational betting performance channel

(AsiaGameHub) –   An innovative AI betting solution utilizing WhatsApp and Telegram is proving to significantly enhance operators’ ability to acquire and retain customers.

ChatBet, a platform allowing bettors to wager via WhatsApp or Telegram, is currently launching in Latin American markets and generating robust outcomes for its initial clients.

This AI bookmaker has released a report in collaboration with SBC Media detailing the product’s performance with its first wave of clients, highlighting improvements in crucial metrics like average revenue per user and player retention.

Josh Swerdlow, Founder and CEO of ChatBet, stated: “Operators require improved conversion rather than additional features. ChatBet converts natural user intent into a betslip within seconds, driving the increases we observe in both engagement and revenue. In certain instances, one in three users interacting with ChatBet generates a betslip, marking a substantial shift from traditional funnels.”

During the discussion, Swerdlow cited Everett Rogers’ 1962 Diffusion of Innovation theory, noting that new products usually find that 5% of the market immediately comprehends and adapts to them.

“We encounter users who immediately understand ChatBet. They bypassed menu options, required no guidance, and ignored tutorial videos we developed for others. Approximately 13.5% of users simply understood commands like ‘I want to place a bet on Liverpool to win.’ They grasped it instantly, which was a thrilling initial statistic for me.” This early adoption is significant as it demonstrates the speed at which users transition from curiosity to intent within a conversational setting.

Swerdlow recently discussed the technology and origins of ChatBet with SBC News, arguing that an increasing number of users prefer placing bets via conversational language instead of navigating traditional, spreadsheet-like interfaces.

While 13.5% of users grasp the concept instantly, others seek to become more accustomed to the technology before making it a habit. The ChatBet founder noted that since WhatsApp is used by 3.5 billion people globally each month, familiarity is easily achieved.

“Awareness is growing and users are adapting, leading to increased engagement time. A large proportion of users rapidly progress from their first message to expressing betting intent—defined as generating a bet slip—demonstrating that conversational interfaces lower the friction common in traditional navigation,” he explained. This engagement level offers greater opportunities to convert, re-engage, and monetize users relative to standard sessions.

ChatBet has partnered with Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, to integrate with its ad manager and ‘click to WhatsApp’ program, offering numerous advantages. Primarily, the Meta partnership lends credibility and authority to the solution’s market standing. Additionally, it enables operators to link advertising, conversation, and conversion into one measurable stream.

Furthermore, it guarantees compliance with advertising codes and standards, specifically those concerning gambling promotions.

Swerdlow clarified: “We established a relationship with Meta because the user initiates the dialogue, ensuring all operations comply with Meta’s WhatsApp Business rules and advertising policies. The user must message us first, requiring traffic to be driven to a one-on-one conversation or the WhatsApp channel number, where the user must press send.

“Once a message is sent, we have a 24-hour window to engage and message them for free. Beyond this window, sending a message would incur costs. Thus, our operations remain entirely within Meta’s regulatory framework.”

Despite the successful Meta partnership and its impact, Swerdlow acknowledged that some operators have challenged the ChatBet model. Operators question why they would want players to exit their app, seemingly contradicting standard retention strategies.

He pointed out that players inevitably use WhatsApp and spend more time there than in most sportsbooks. He explained that the ChatBet model simply adds a new user interface layer over the sportsbook, with the operator retaining control of PAM and backend tools.

“I ask operators: once players spend time in your app, where do they go next? They return to WhatsApp.”

This principle is central to ChatBet’s model. If consumers spend their time in messaging apps as their default environment, why not allow them to place bets there?

“Meta indicates that app installations are declining,” Swerdlow expanded. “When I observe people on the street, they are on their phones. But what exactly are they doing? Are they using an app? Playing a game? I would argue many are on WhatsApp.”

ChatBet and Swerdlow now plan to scale further with various regulated operators in Latin America. The next phase will focus on providing operators with greater control, insights, and performance from conversational betting, along with visibility into performance metrics ranging from conversation data to bet creation and revenue results.

“It involves continuing to grow and scale with our current product, empowering operators to improve conversion rates from one in three to two out of three users creating betslips.

“We provide the tools, dashboards, and all back-office and promotional capabilities. Operators can define brand personality, choosing between formal or informal tones, or whether it acts as an analyst or an enthusiastic sports bettor. We continue to scale as a conversational interface layer and performance channel.”

ChatBet is currently live with numerous operators throughout Latin America, delivering a measurable impact on acquisition, conversion, and retention.

Swerdlow concluded: “The true advantage lies in the feedback loop. We link the advertisement, conversation, intent, betslip, and revenue outcome. This provides operators with a performance channel that is measurable, optimizable, and scalable.”

To learn more about the impact of WhatsApp and Telegram betting via ChatBet, download the full report.