Leading Irish bookmaker, Paddy Power, has become the first in the industry to launch the Onionsack-powered Facebook Messenger chatbot that will allow punters to place bets directly via their Facebook Messenger mobile application.
“With nearly the whole world connected to Facebook, the logical step is to allow customers to place a bet through the social media giant’s Messenger app,” explained Jonathan Power, founder and chief executive of Irish developer, Onionsack.
Powered by the Onionsack Saas messaging platform, customers will be able to log into their betting accounts, check their balance and place bets. Customers will need to write a detailed message about the bet they wish to place and the platform will interpret this and carry out the transaction on their behalf. Customers are also able to receive personalised sports updates via push notifications that offers a more personalised user experience and can access blogs, podcasts and videos from Paddy Power.
“We know our customers love mobile messaging apps so having a ChatBot on Facebook Messenger is the obvious first step into the ChatBot marketplace,” stated Michael Healy, product director at Paddy Power. “We’re delighted to be the first bookmaker to market in such an exciting area.”
“Nearly all of Paddy Power’s customers are on Facebook and now they can actually place a bet through the Facebook Messenger app with ease. Our customers will be able to request odds and receive push notifications tailored to their own betting interests, plus enjoy a daily serving of Paddy Power mischief and entertainment.”
Onionsack is expecting to launch their chatbot with more bookmakers in the future as betting companies continue to look for improved ways to personalise their customer’s betting experience. The developer already works with Tote UK/Betfred, Ladbrokes, William Hill and the French Pari-Mutuel Urbain.