Following the boom of crash-style games a few years ago, and the current disruption of prediction markets in the US sports betting scene, providers and operators are always on the lookout for new products to bring in new audiences to the iGaming scene.
One of these new products can be found in CCTV betting, which hit the internet earlier this year. However, the simple product does raise concerns about privacy, compliance and unpredictability.
What is CCTV betting?
CCTV betting is a relatively new vertical that was first launched in January of this year. It allows players to watch traffic live streams and bet on the outcome, such as how many vehicles pass or turn right in the given amount of time.
The streams bounce between public traffic cameras, city webcams and third-party feed providers “who handle licensing and compliance” from cities around the world, including Tokyo, New York, London, Bangkok and Paris.
Within each of the different categories, players can bet on Under (3x payout), Over (3.60x payout), Range (2.25x payout) and Exact (18x) markets (for example, how many cars turn left).
To give the idea its credit, it is fun, engaging, has caught the attention of streamers and has the hallmarks of a good idea: indeed, it is simple yet effective and innovative.
What are the potential issues with CCTV betting?
The first pitfall, however, is the potential invasion of privacy. Different countries have different laws about filming in public. In the UK, this is not illegal unless the footage is being used in an illegal way.
As CCTV from the UK is currently being wagered on via offshore gambling companies that do not hold a UK licence, such as Stake and Roobet, there could be an argument that this would break the law. But it is not explicitly obvious where any contention for this would come from.
Perhaps more alarming is the risk of collusion.
The current providers offering CCTV betting switch between random camera feeds every minute to ensure the content stays fresh – and also to reduce any chance for collusion at the locations.
However, this does open the door for copycat bad actors to enter the space and use the momentum of current CCTV betting operators to launch less-compliant products. It would be all too easy for a provider or bettor to organise actors based around the cameras to ensure that particular results come in, such as how many people cross a street.
The format appeals to the curiosity and desire to see what's happening in the world around us that is a key part of human nature
Alternatively, there is also the risk of pre-recorded footage being uploaded by providers with the results noted down for particular bettors to induce ‘clippable’ reactions for social media, and thus generate more hype around the products. This would be far more likely from a less-compliant copycat.
Is CCTV betting really live?
Finally, there is the risk of catching legitimate crimes and accidents through traffic webcams.
The latest road casualties report in the UK found that 29,467 people were killed or seriously injured in traffic incidents in 2024.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that up to 50 million people are seriously injured in traffic incidents each year, with “many incurring a disability” from it. Around 1.2 million people are killed each year, with this also being the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years.
Many of these CCTV betting providers market their products as being live and in real time, but there is no mention of any production control measures to cut the feed in case there are any incidents on the stream.
Where do we go from here?
CCTV betting has already proven to be very popular with players with crypto operators such as Roobet and Stake. The format appeals to the curiosity and desire to see what’s happening in the world around us that is a key part of human nature.
The voyeuristic aspect of ‘spying’ through public cameras also has its appeal, creating a unique opportunity for players to bet on people who have no idea they are even being watched, let alone contributing to a game being played by thousands of anonymous strangers at once.
This might mature into a Big Brother-style game, where participants in an enclosed area are aware their actions are being wagered on, but are unaware of specifically which ones are being offered in that moment.
Alternatively, some of the providers offering CCTV betting are leaning more towards virtual gaming, which do not come with these compliance and safety issues.
Ultimately, innovation is incredibly important for every industry, but it should not be at the risk of player or participant safety. Time, strategy and the real-time choices the wider industry makes will determine exactly where this new betting phenomenon ends up.
Some trends have come and gone. Spribe's Aviator, however, was a simple idea that went on to generate billions. Prediction markets were a slight tweak on a traditional format but have taken over the US. How will the CCTV betting trend pan out?
