‘YesOrNo": New betting concept in France

The gaming industry is fundamentally innovation-orientated and does try things out. However, it is still relatively rare for something completely new to be launched specifically for the gaming community. The platform called ‘YesOrNo’, which went live in France at the end of September, is once again a real novelty after a long time: it combines simple and user-generated bets that can be placed quickly by saying yes or no, with social media and community elements. ‘A mixture of TikTok and Tinder,’ says the provider itself in a promotional video.

It goes without saying that social media and gambling have long been closely linked and influence each other:

• Influencers promote casino and betting platforms on Instagram and Twitch, while strategies and betting tips are exchanged in Discord or Reddit groups. Providers use social networks to advertise exclusive bonuses or odds and real-time updates on Twitter increase the reaction time of players in live betting. Gamifications, such as the sharing of successes or high scores, motivate interaction. User-generated content, for example in the form of individual betting challenges, creates a dynamic, betting-orientated community.
• So-called ‘yes/no’ bets, where there is a binary choice, are of course also nothing new. In fact, such a decision forms the basis of most betting options - from the question ‘Will team A win?’ to ‘Will a goal be scored in the first half?’ to ‘Will team X win the championship?’.

However, ‘YesOrNo’ takes these two elementary components of modern betting to a new level by combining the dynamic nature of social media content with the speed and interactivity of simple betting in a way that has never been seen before.

The focus on social interaction and quick decisions is particularly appealing to Generation Z, who use social media platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat on a daily basis to entertain themselves with clips and challenges. The platform could therefore strike a chord by transforming not only the gaming experience but also betting behaviour - from passive participation to active and creative user involvement. Let's take a closer look at this interesting approach below.

How exactly does YesOrNo work?

YesOrNo brings a breath of fresh air to the betting landscape by establishing a new concept that stands out from traditional offerings. Here are the key aspects of the platform at a glance.

1. Target group: YesOrNo is clearly aimed at inexperienced bettors who are looking for a simple, accessible way to immerse themselves in the world of sports betting. For more ambitious players looking for optimal odds and ideal strategic opportunities, the platform is likely to be less attractive.
2. App download: The first step to participating is to download the YesOrNo app from the App Store or Play Store. The online website is only used to provide information about the concept and the brand and not for placing bets.
3. Odds customisation for players: In contrast to traditional betting providers, where odds are primarily set by experts and algorithms, the values at YesOrNo are based on the users. The adjustment is made through the interaction of the community, which makes its betting decisions.
4. User-generated bets: Users create short videos (approx. 10 to 15 seconds) in which they suggest bets. For example, a member could declare during a match between PSG and Bayern: ‘Bayern will win.’ Other participants can then place their bet by swiping left (no) or right (yes). However, much more specialised markets can be created - there do not appear to be any stricter restrictions.
5. Betting options: Users can place single or combination bets on various sports such as football, basketball or rugby. The tips are offered in categories such as ‘Football Chain’ or ‘Volleyball’ to make navigation easier.
6. Prize pool mechanism: If the proposition supported by a user materialises, all participants who answered ‘yes’ share the prize pool of the losers' stakes.
7. Restrictions and sense of responsibility: To encourage responsible gambling, YesOrNo sets a monthly limit on spending per user. The maximum amount for a bet is 20 euros, with a weekly limit of 500 euros. There are also no bonuses to date.

Overall, YesOrNo combines innovative elements of the modern betting business and could therefore appeal to a new target group looking for entertaining and interactive opportunities.

Could YesOrNo also arrive in Germany?

Arriving in the sense of ‘finding favour’ and ‘taking off’, as social media is also a major topic in our country that is increasingly shaping our everyday lives. The concept of the platform, which offers interactive and playful betting, could potentially appeal to many users. However, the strict rules of the GlüStV of 2021, which have made it difficult to integrate such innovative formats, stand in the way of the offer.

However, it can be assumed that the appeal of this format, the motivational mechanisms and the great freedom in creating betting options are too difficult for the GGL to control. It is also easy to create bets whose outcome is based purely on luck: As is well known, the GlüStV takes a critical view of this in itself, which is why we do not offer more specialised event or entertainment bets.

Although player protection through spending limits in the app is a positive aspect, many parts of the offering would have to be adapted to German regulations. This could ultimately mean that a significant part of the original appeal would be lost. Aspects such as transparency, the size of the stakes and the options for limiting gaming activity would have to comply with German standards, which could necessitate a comprehensive overhaul of the platform.

Conclusion

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