New Survey: User Experience Determines Gaming Platform Choices

The constantly rising number of online betting and gaming options undoubtedly offers consumers more choices. However, a fresh survey suggests that the experience they get on a platform may be just as important as the markets themselves or the possible payouts. Almost 8 in 10 Users Switched Platforms Digital experience company Fullstory released its 2026 Gambling & Gaming Survey on September 22, based on a survey of more than 1,000 US consumers. The research looked at the way people use online gaming, betting, and prediction platforms and what truly influences their decisions. One surprising discovery was the large number of consumers willing to change platforms. Namely, according to the survey, 77% of respondents said they had switched from one gaming platform to another because of the user experience, with ease of use cited by 44%. 53% Consider Prediction Markets As Well The survey also emphasized the growing competition between traditional sportsbooks and prediction markets. More than half of bettors (53%) said they always or often compare prediction markets or gaming platforms before placing a bet. Since the comparison can happen at a fast pace, operators cannot afford to offer a complicated or confusing experience. Roughly 60% of respondents said they were changing how often they used traditional sportsbooks because of prediction markets. Within that group, 35% said they were using sportsbooks less often, while 25% said they used both types of platforms for different events. Sports remained the most popular category among prediction market users, followed by financial and economic events, politics and elections, and entertainment. Bad Experiences, Another Major Factor As always, the level of trust behind a brand and its reputation also ranked as the top factor when consumers selected a platform. Around 60% of gamblers said they were interested in these elements when making a decision, followed closely by ease of use at 59%. Surprisingly enough, the potential payouts or odds offered by a certain platform were only cited by 51% of respondents. On the other hand, negative experiences were widely described as having a direct impact on choices. Fullstory discovered that 83% of respondents would be very or somewhat likely to stop using a gaming platform following a poor digital experience. This could mean anything from a process that is too complicated, also the leading reason cited for abandoning a prediction or leaving a platform, to slow speed or lack of clarity. Fast performance was identified by 51% of respondents as a key factor in returning to a platform, while 45% pointed to clear information about markets and payouts. Meanwhile, 79% considered real-time information and responsiveness extremely or very important when taking part in gaming or betting. Finally, the survey also found that personalization has an influence, although it ranked behind basic usability factors. Twelve percent said they had switched platforms because of personalized experiences, while 9% said interest-based recommendations would make them more likely to try a prediction market.