The Kambi vs. SBTech Architecture

The rivalry between **Kambi** and **SBTech** (2010–2020) defined the technological infrastructure of the modern regulated sports betting industry. **Kambi** pioneered the **Pooled Network Model**, a centralized "Managed Trading Service" where all operators share the same odds, risk management, and liquidity. This provided high stability and protection against sharp bettors but resulted in a homogenized product where all sportsbooks looked identical. **SBTech** utilized a **Modular Hybrid Architecture**, offering a SaaS platform that allowed operators to customize margins, manage their own risk, and differentiate their pricing via APIs. The conflict culminated in the US market post-PASPA. While Kambi powered the initial wave of launches due to its turnkey speed, **DraftKings acquired SBTech in 2020** to achieve vertical integration. This shift from outsourcing (Kambi) to owning the tech stack (SBTech) signaled the industry's maturation from marketing-led skins to technology-led trading firms.