Cryptocurrency
The future of crypto gambling: how SOFTSWISS is driving the iGaming industry forward
Cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies have had a significant impact on the development of the iGaming industry and online betting particularly in recent years. The first to see the potential of cryptocurrencies in gambling was SOFTSWISS, an international company with Belarusian roots.
“SOFTSWISS as a fast growing company has always been interested in new technology and innovation. We had been closely following the development of cryptocurrency since 2011,” says Ivan Montik, the Founder of SOFTSWISS. — “We had a fairly young company at the time and an equally ambitious team. So we decided to focus on developing crypto solutions for classic casino and in the spring of 2013 added special features for the SOFTSWISS Online Casino Platform and processing for bitcoin gambling. There was nothing like it on the market at that time except for a few one-page dice games.”
SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to offer the B2B market a turnkey crypto solution for running a casino. This coincided with the crisis in Cyprus, when bitcoin showed serious growth and drew attention as an interesting tool not only for geeks and IT professionals, but also for businesses. However, in iGaming cryptocurrency was still considered a dark horse. Even the seasoned players of the gambling industry did not know or understand the full potential of the new currency at the time.
“Initially, SOFTSWISS was the first to introduce bitcoin and blockchain into the operation of gambling,” notes Andrey Starovoitov, Chief Operating Office at SOFTSWISS. — “It was SOFTSWISS that first recommended providers to include cryptocurrencies in the list of currencies available in casino games to accept bets.”
“We were the ones who first sponsored and helped organise the bitcoin seminar at the ICE Totally Gaming conference in London in 2014, where there were panel discussions and I spoke to the iGaming guys,” Ivan continues. — “We tried to tell the industry that it was cool and to open their eyes to the fact that cryptocurrencies were the future of iGaming. The main objective was to convince providers to add bitcoin as a full-fledged betting currency without exchanging it for euros.”
The pioneers in crypto gambling were Bitstarz, 7Bit Casino and BetChain, well-known and successful companies now. These were the first brands to start taking bets in bitcoin, taking advantage of the SOFTSWISS Online Casino Platform and cryptocurrency solution.
This segment of the casino industry existed separately for a long time, until the year 2020-2021 when a radical change occurred. This is when so-called ‘dice sites’, which were not online casinos in the classical sense, but offered players their in-house developed games: roulette, crash games, etc., came into the limelight. One of the important components of these companies was the provably fair feature, based on cryptographic algorithms, which allowed players to verify the outcome of a bet. Among them were crypto gambling giants such as Stake and BC.Game.
“Dice sites have long been known in the industry, but have always had an isolated place amongst other iGaming projects. We saw great potential in collaborating with them and expanding their gaming content. So we decided to use the knowledge we already had and offer them a complete ecosystem of products, including Game Aggregator, Affilka and Sportsbook. So in 2020 the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator partnered with several new crypto projects — Stake .com, Roobet, BC.Game, Rollbit. Their performance has been staggering. In the first few months, the count was in the millions of GGR. There is no other example in my practice of gaining momentum and showing such rapid growth,” says Andrey.
“We started communicating with them, offering to diversify their content with SOFTSWISS, adding to their existing games hundreds of new brands, brought together in the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator. We had a large set of providers that, thanks to their cooperation with SOFTSWISS, were open to cryptocurrency betting. So since our partnership, crypto betting rates have been breaking one record after another,” adds Ivan.
One of the benefits of the dice sites has been the use of more effective marketing tools borrowed primarily from cybersports (CS:GO, Dota 2). Created by guys who knew these games and their audience from the inside, they offered the younger generation exactly what they wanted: engagement, demonstration of skills and elements of competition with rivals, rather than slots that produce results you cannot influence. New brands have learned how to attract and retain this audience in online casinos through new formats, gamification and niche social platforms such as Twitch streaming.
“We are seeing a landmark shift in the gambling audience. It is getting younger whereas classic casino brands are mainly geared towards the mature player. The competitive element is very much in favour of and attracts the younger generation,” Andrey concludes. — “It can be easily seen by the popularity of eSports and games where several people can play at the same time. And while marketing experts in many companies are struggling with the question of how to attract a young audience, the new brands have already found a way to do it.”
“What we are seeing now is the second wave of crypto gambling that has already come to us. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain are the reality that can no longer be denied. There are still a lot of opportunities for development in this field. Unfortunately, there is often no space for innovation due to strict licensing and regulation. And that leaves the entire industry at a disadvantage. — “But SOFTSWISS already offers innovative and unparalleled solutions for crypto gambling. You just have to take advantage of them if you want to be on the crest of the new wave, rather than watching the most interesting things unfold from the shore.”
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As the European crypto community prepares for the implementation of the MiCA, Kyrrex is organizing an online X panel to discuss the potential impact and future trajectory of the industry under this new regulatory framework.
The panel “Is MiCA that Bad? The Future of Crypto in Europe,” will take place on November 14, 2024, at 12:00 CET on X Spaces.
This event aims to offer an in-depth examination of the challenges and opportunities that MiCA presents, drawing on the expertise of industry leaders and stakeholders.
Key speakers for the discussion include Mike Romanenko and Kevin Plumpton from Kyrrex,
Tomer Warschauer Nuni from Kima Network, Andrea Zapparoli Manzoni from H4ckManac, Thanos Tsavlis from Cyberscope, and Anoop Nannra from Trugard Labs. Their insights will help attendees understand how MiCA may reshape the crypto landscape and what this means for different segments of the market.
“As MiCA ushers in a new regulatory era for the crypto industry, open discussions are crucial for navigating this transition effectively. By bringing together voices from various sectors, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and proactive approach to the opportunities and challenges ahead,” said Mike Romanenko, CVO & co-founder of Kyrrex. “Engaging in conversations like these helps ensure that the community is informed and prepared for the future of crypto in Europe.”
The panel will be structured to encourage interaction and participation, allowing attendees to submit questions and engage in a discussion with the panel. Topics are expected to include compliance, innovation, and strategies for navigating the evolving regulatory environment.
This event offers professionals, enthusiasts, and stakeholders an opportunity to gain a clearer perspective on what lies ahead as MiCA begins to take effect. It will also provide a space for dialogue and knowledge-sharing, fostering a greater understanding of the potential impacts on the crypto sector in Europe.
Panel “Is MiCA that Bad? The Future of Crypto in Europe” details:
- Date: November 14, 2024
- Time: 12:00 CET
- Platform: X Spaces
The post Kyrrex to host online panel discussion on MiCA and the future of crypto in Europe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Cryptocurrency
United States Online Gambling Industry Research 2023-2029: Cryptocurrency Gains Momentum, Rising Popularity of Esports, Operators Capitalize on Mobile-First Platforms
The “United States Online Gambling Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities 2019-2029F” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.
The United States Online Gambling Market was valued at USD 9.5 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 15.99 billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 8.90%
The United States online gambling market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by a combination of factors. One key driver is the increasing legalization of online gambling across various states. As more states recognize the potential economic benefits and tax revenues associated with online gambling, they are passing legislation to allow for its operation. This has created a favorable regulatory environment, enabling online gambling operators to enter the market and offer their services to a wider audience.
Technological advancements have also played a crucial role in the market’s growth. The widespread availability of high-speed internet and the proliferation of smartphones have made online gambling more accessible than ever before. Consumers can now conveniently access a wide range of gambling options from the comfort of their own homes or on the go, leading to increased participation and engagement.
Furthermore, the growing consumer demand for online gambling has fueled market expansion. The convenience, variety of games, and potential for significant winnings have attracted a large and diverse customer base. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the shift towards online gambling as traditional brick-and-mortar casinos faced temporary closures and restrictions. Overall, the United States online gambling market is poised for continued growth as more states legalize and regulate the industry, technology continues to advance, and consumer demand remains strong.
Expansion of Mobile Gambling
One of the prominent trends in the United States online gambling market is the expansion of mobile gambling. With the widespread adoption of smartphones and the increasing availability of high-speed internet, more consumers are turning to mobile devices for their gambling activities. Mobile gambling offers convenience and flexibility, allowing players to access their favorite games anytime and anywhere.
Operators are capitalizing on this trend by developing mobile-responsive websites and dedicated mobile applications. These platforms provide a seamless and optimized gambling experience, with user-friendly interfaces and a wide range of games tailored for mobile play. The convenience of mobile gambling has attracted a new segment of players who prefer the flexibility of betting on the go.
Emergence of Live Dealer Games
Another significant trend in the United States online gambling market is the emergence of live dealer games. Live dealer games bridge the gap between online gambling and the traditional casino experience by offering real-time interaction with professional dealers through high-definition video streaming.
Players can participate in games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, enjoying the social aspect and immersive atmosphere of a land-based casino from the comfort of their homes. The popularity of live dealer games can be attributed to the desire for a more authentic and interactive gambling experience. Players can chat with the dealers and other participants, creating a sense of community and enhancing the overall entertainment value. The advancements in technology, such as improved video streaming capabilities and enhanced user interfaces, have contributed to the growth of this trend.
Integration of Cryptocurrency
The integration of cryptocurrency as a payment method in the United States online gambling market is gaining traction. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum offer advantages such as enhanced security, faster transactions, and reduced fees compared to traditional payment methods. This has led to an increasing number of online gambling operators accepting cryptocurrencies as a form of payment. The use of cryptocurrency in online gambling appeals to a tech-savvy audience that values privacy and decentralization.
It also enables players from jurisdictions with strict gambling regulations to bypass restrictions and participate in online gambling activities. As the adoption of cryptocurrencies continues to grow, it is expected to have a significant impact on the online gambling market, providing players with more options and operators with increased flexibility in payment processing.
Integration of Esports Betting
Esports betting is gaining momentum in the United States online gambling market, driven by the growing popularity of competitive video gaming. Esports refers to organized multiplayer video game competitions, where professional players compete for prizes. The integration of esports betting allows players to wager on the outcomes of these competitions, adding an additional layer of excitement and engagement.
Esports betting appeals to a younger demographic that is passionate about gaming and follows esports events closely. The availability of live streaming platforms and dedicated esports betting websites has made it easier for players to participate in this form of gambling. Operators are expanding their offerings to include a wide range of esports titles, tournaments, and betting options to cater to the growing demand.
SCCG Management, a leading advisory firm in the global gaming industry, has announced a sponsorship partnership with Hoppa! Card, a pioneer in crypto payments and banking solutions. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the payment landscape for the gambling industry with a strong focus on crypto technology, leveraging SCCG’s extensive ecosystem of over 120+ client partners and its global presence across all major regions.
Through this partnership, SCCG Management will support Hoppa! Card in delivering their innovative crypto payment and banking solutions to a wider audience within the gaming industry. The synergy between SCCG’s expansive network of client partners and Hoppa! Card’s cutting-edge financial technology aims to enhance the efficiency and security of managing complex payment needs in the gambling sector.
Hoppa! Card’s flagship products, including the Exclusive Global Soft KYC High Limit Crypto Offramp VISA Card and the Unique Payment Gateway, are designed to meet the most challenging payment requirements. The VISA Card offers high limits and the highest possible privacy standards with anonymous cards, ensuring global accessibility with both virtual and physical card options. The Payment Gateway provides seamless processing for various crypto and fiat transactions, eliminating chargebacks and non-acceptance of cards, while catering to all gaming licenses and jurisdictions.
Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management, said: “Partnering with Hoppa Card allows us to provide our clients, as well as our global network of operators and platform providers, with crypto-focused payment solutions that are crucial in today’s fast-evolving gaming industry. Their innovative products align perfectly with our mission to drive strategic growth and maximize revenue for our partners.”
Igor Lavrih, CEO of Hoppa Card, said: “We are excited to kick off the partnership with SCCG, merging our payments expertise with their deep market insights to explore new opportunities and drive innovation. We look forward to the synergies our partnership with SCCG will bring forward, delivering unique payment solutions in the gaming industry to an array of growing and established businesses.”
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