The modern sports and betting market cannot be imagined without quality data. Real-time match scores, accurate odds, player statistics, and archival data — all of this forms the basis of betting applications, analytical services, and sports media. Here, sports APIs come to the rescue — tools that allow integrating this data into any digital projects.
Who is this useful for?
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for developers — to create applications and websites;
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for betting platforms — to calculate and update odds;
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for sports media — to publish statistics and live results;
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for analysts — for forecasts and research.
There are different solutions on the market: PARI API and a more universal platform API-sport. Let’s break down the differences.
What is API-sport?
API-sport is one of the most popular platforms for working with sports data. The service provides:
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live results in real time;
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match and player statistics;
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archival data for many years;
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data on transfers, lineups, tournament tables.
History API-sport it started with supporting football, but today the platform covers dozens of disciplines: from basketball and tennis to esports. It is used by thousands of projects around the world because it combines three important qualities — wide coverage, speed of updates, and flexible integration.
PARI API
PARI API is primarily designed for the needs of betting platforms and developers who work with bet calculations and odds updates. Through this service, you can access essential data without which it is impossible to build a modern betting application. It provides odds and all changes occurring in real time, which is especially important for live betting.
The API also allows tracking match results, analyzing team lineups, and detailed player statistics. Additionally, information on transfers, disqualifications, and injuries is available — information that directly affects forecasts and the dynamics of odds.
Supported sports
The API features popular disciplines:
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football, hockey, basketball, tennis;
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individual esports categories.
However, the coverage of sports is less than that of API-sport, and the speed of data updates is lower.
Technologies and formats
PARI API supports standard protocols:
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REST and WebSocket;
- JSON and XML formats. But there are fewer ready-made SDKs and detailed documentation than with API-sport.
How to access the API?
To work with any sports API, whether it is API-sport or PARI API, the first step is to register on the official website. After registration, the user is provided with a unique access key (API key), which is needed for all requests to the service. Next, it is necessary to choose a tariff based on the tasks: some are satisfied with basic functionality, while others need live data and advanced integration capabilities. With API-sport, the registration process and obtaining the key is as simple and transparent as possible, and detailed documentation helps quickly connect the service to the project.
10. RapidAPI, SportRadar, and other platforms provide access to BetsAPI and Livescore API through their channels. This is convenient for developers who need ready-made integrations and reliable SLAs.
Sometimes the data from these APIs can be found through aggregators like RapidAPI or SportRadar. This is convenient if you are working with several APIs in one project, but it should be noted that the functionality through third-party services is often limited. For example, access to live results or archived data may be restricted, and the speed of information updates is lower than with direct connection.
12. Free plans usually include limited access to historical data and basic statistics. Paid subscriptions unlock:
API-sport offers both free and paid tariffs. The free tariff allows you to test the service, obtain basic data, and make a limited number of requests per day — this is enough for small projects or prototypes. Paid tariffs provide access to dozens of sports, live data, archived statistics, and expanded request limits, making the API convenient for large projects, betting platforms, and analytical services.
17. Number of requests per minute/hour
PARI API has limitations on the number of requests and the speed of data updates, which sometimes makes it less convenient for dynamic applications where instant response to changes is important. API-sport in this regard looks more flexible: here there are high limits, fast update speeds, and the ability to choose a tariff based on the specific needs of the project — from a small startup to a large platform with thousands of users.
API Integration
Connection examples
Python:
import requests
url = «https://v3.football.api-sports.io/fixtures»
headers = {«x-apisports-key»: «YOUR_API_KEY»}
response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
print(response.json())
JavaScript:
fetch(«https://v3.football.api-sports.io/fixtures», {
headers: { «x-apisports-key»: «YOUR_API_KEY» }
})
.then(res => res.json())
.then(data => console.log(data));
Integration into CMS and mobile applications
API-sport easily connects to WordPress, Android, and iOS through ready-made libraries and plugins. PARI API has fewer such solutions.
Using live data via WebSocket
WebSocket provides instant updates without delays. This is especially important for live betting. API-sport has this tool developed better than PARI API.
Where is it used?
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Betting and odds scanners — automation of calculations.
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Sports analytics and forecasts — processing of statistics.
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Media and fan applications — real-time score updates.
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Fantasy Sports and esports — creating virtual teams.
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Big Data and BI systems — analytics of large data sets.
Advantages and disadvantages
API-sport
API-sport is distinguished by a wide range of capabilities and high reliability. Firstly, the platform covers dozens of sports, including football, basketball, tennis, hockey, baseball, esports, and many others, allowing it to be used for a variety of projects — from betting platforms to sports media.
Secondly, the API provides high data update speed, including live results and odds changes, which is especially important for applications that work with dynamic real-time information.
In addition, the service provides ready-made SDKs and detailed documentation, which significantly simplifies the integration process for developers, allowing them to quickly connect the API to websites, mobile applications, and analytical systems.
Finally, the flexible pricing system allows you to choose the appropriate package depending on the project’s needs — from free basic access to professional tariffs with extended functionality and increased request limits.
PARI API
PARI API is primarily focused on working with betting platforms, providing direct access to odds. This means that users can track changes in odds and build their own betting calculation models.
However, the service has significant limitations. Firstly, the number of supported sports is limited — the coverage is less compared to platforms like API-sport, which reduces the versatility of use.
Secondly, the data update speed is lower than that of competitors. For applications where instant reaction to changes in live betting is important, this can be a serious drawback. And finally, integration capabilities are limited: fewer ready-made SDKs, code examples, and documentation, which complicates connecting the API to websites, mobile applications, or analytical systems compared to more versatile services.
In summary
PARI API can be useful for narrow tasks related to odds and results. But if you need a service with a wide range of disciplines, high speed, and convenient integration, then API-sport is the best choice. It is suitable for developers, analysts, betting platforms, and sports media.
Registration: https://app.api-sport.ru/register
Our TG channel with updates: https://t.me/apisportru.
FAQ
Is there free access to API-sport?
Yes, the service provides a free plan with limited requests.
What sports are supported?
API-sport covers dozens of disciplines, including football, hockey, tennis, basketball, baseball, and esports.
Is the API suitable for betting?
Yes, the data can be used for calculating odds, forecasts, and integration with betting platforms.
How to connect the API to the application?
Through REST requests or WebSocket. There are code examples for popular languages.
Can the API be used for predictions?
Yes, thanks to player statistics, match data, and archival information, API-sport is excellent for forecasting systems.
How is API-sport better than PARI API?
With broad coverage of sports, high update speed, and convenient integration.
