What Is the Difference Between REST and WebSocket APIs in Sports Betting?
The sports betting industry is driven by data, odds updates, live scores, player statistics, and in-play events all need to move fast and accurately. Behind every modern sportsbook platform is an API architecture that makes this real-time data exchange possible. Two of the most commonly used technologies are REST APIs and WebSocket APIs. While both play an important role in sportsbook platforms, they serve very different purposes. In this blog, we’ll explore how REST and WebSocket APIs differ, why both are relevant in sportsbook platforms, and how choosing the right one can impact performance, scalability, and user experience. We’ll also look at how Sports Betting API Integration strategies often combine both approaches to deliver seamless betting experiences. What Is a REST API and How Does It Work in Sports Betting? REST (Representational State Transfer) APIs follow a request–response model. A client, such as a sportsbook frontend or mobile app, sends a request to the server, ...