Sportsbet.io unveils Telegram betting bot

Sportsbet.io has launched an AI betting bot which allows players to place bets directly through blockchain-powered messaging app Telegram.

Telegram has around 200 million monthly active users and those with existing Sportsbet.io accounts can now place bets using Bitcoin in languages including English, Russian, Chinese and Turkish.

The firm hopes the app integration will allow users to experience Sportsbet.io without the need to access the desktop website.

The bot is currently live for the 2018 World Cup and punters can type in separate commands to view their balance, place bets and check on active bets.

Sportsbook director Joe McCallum said: “Telegram is an immensely popular instant messaging service, particularly among the crypto community, and it is important we reach our customers wherever it easiest for them.

“Players can place their wager in just a few touches without the need to access our main website. It couldn’t be simpler and is already proving popular throughout the World Cup.”

The betting bot was an idea sparked by Coingaming Group CEO Tim Heath during an internal hackathon.

Gabriel Kolawole, the Sportsbet developer behind the app, added: “Built with Elixir, the bot server takes advantage of all the features the open telecom platform has to offer.

“It’s great to think that a product which began life as an idea during a hackathon will now help take the Sportsbet.io experience to the next level.”