Gamification is changing how users build long-term health habits

StepBet is a platform that blends personalized step goals with group competitions and financial incentives. Operated by WayBetter, which specializes in behavior change games, the company believes this innovation can drive long-term behavior change in the fitness landscape. Kerri Walsh, Chief Business Development Officer at StepBet, spoke with Athletech News about how gamification can foster consistency, community and motivation in fitness.

StepBet tailors daily step goals to individual activity levels and incorporates a financial component that makes staying active more engaging. The company has paid out millions of dollars in winnings to users.

“B“By making fitness a rewarding habit rather than a chore, we help individuals stay motivated,” Walsh told ATN. “Our platform is designed to tap into intrinsic and extrinsic motivation—people love the satisfaction of hitting their goals, but the financial incentive gives them that extra push to stay committed.”

Research has shown that financial rewards can be a strong motivator for behavior change, but StepBet wants to ensure that these incentives lead to sustained engagement rather than just short-term participation.

“Our challenges typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, striking the perfect balance between immediate motivation and long-term habit formation,” Walsh said. “We want people to start a challenge and feel that sense of accomplishment, but the real goal is to create a stepping stone for a more active lifestyle.”

She added that StepBet’s dynamic goal-setting model ensures that the challenges remain accessible yet effective. “We take into account a person’s past activity levels and gradually push them toward improvement, making the experience both achievable and rewarding.”

The platform’s setup, where friends invite friends, also helps strengthen engagement and foster long-term participation. This ecosystem makes movement more enjoyable and habitual.

“Community is at the heart of StepBet,” Walsh explained. “Our in-app social features allow users to share progress, exchange motivational tips and hold each other accountable. The camaraderie built through these challenges is what keeps people coming back.”

Beyond motivation, Walsh also sees StepBet as a tool for reshaping how people perceive fitness. “Many people think of exercise as something they ‘have’ to do, but we’re changing that mindset,” she said. “StepBet reframes movement as something fun, social and rewarding.”

Looking ahead, Walsh foresees continued advancements in wearables, AI-driven personalization and interactive social connections shaping the future of fitness.

“We are committed to investing in these areas to stay ahead of the innovation curve,” she stated. “Technology is evolving rapidly and we see a future where fitness platforms like ours become even more adaptive, intuitive and integrated into people’s daily lives.”

She emphasized that StepBet is designed for a broad range of users. “Whether you’re just starting out, a seasoned fitness enthusiast, or simply looking for a new way to stay motivated, StepBet is for everyone. Movement should be accessible, fun and rewarding for all.”