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Cryptocurrency

Roundtable: The future of cryptocurrency

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Cryptocurrency has really taken off over the past few years within the iGaming industry and has established an important foothold in the world of online casinos.

We spoke to Andrey Starovoitov – Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, Daniel Heywood – Co-founder of NuxGame, and Matt Sahakian – CSO at Technamin, to talk about what the future holds for cryptocurrency and why it is now a hugely vital part of the industry.

 

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How widespread is the use of cryptocurrency in online casino and sportsbook and does it have mass appeal?

Andrey Starovoitov (AS): The use of cryptocurrencies in gambling is a sustained trend that is only getting stronger from year to year. Today, we can see a certain segment of crypto casinos getting a strong foothold and taking over a considerable market share. Crypto casinos are certainly a flagship of our client portfolio along with major fiat casinos. In terms of figures, cryptocurrencies have grown 10% year-on-year to make around 35% of the SOFTSWISS turnover. This is an evident growth indicator on the back of the major coin price volatility, which shows a gradual progressive increase of player interest in this type of deposits.

Daniel Heywood (DH): There has been significant uptake in cryptocurrency adoption in various industries in recent times, including finance, IT, e-commerce and more. Additionally, outside of its use in the corporate world, it has been championed by thousands of private citizens who regularly use cryptocurrencies. This is a far cry from the image crypto had only a few years ago and serves as a testament to its growth.

Matt Sahakian (MS): I think that at this point, crypto is inseparable from our industry. Most reputable online casinos are now offering crypto payment methods and the ones that are not doing so, surely have it in their short-term roadmaps. Online sportsbooks jumped in on the trend a bit later than online casinos, but are certainly catching up as we see the rise of crypto sports betting in the industry.

 

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What are the biggest advantages of using crypto for operators and players when placing wagers online?

AS: First of all, operators gain access to a whole new younger audience which generally does not overlap with the traditional fiat casino segment. The use of cryptocurrencies often gives a certain level of anonymity, which, in turn, attracts VIP players and high rollers.

On the level of operations, all crypto casino metrics such as acceptance rate, conversion rate and others are much higher compared to those of fiat casinos. For instance, the SOFTSWISS acceptance rate (successful to attempted deposits ratio) is 99% for cryptocurrencies.

All of the above is just a smidgen of the benefits from using crypto in iGaming. The main advantage is that crypto is an ever-growing trend we’ve been observing over the last five years.

DH: There are lots of benefits for both players and operators, with the speed of transaction being the most obvious. Because there is no intermediary involved in the transaction process things can be completed far quicker and with fewer steps involved, in comparison to traditional payment methods. The added – and significant – spin-off from the removal of that intermediary is the subsequent lowering of fees, making the process more streamlined and cost-effective.

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MS: The foremost advantage is the added layer of security that these currencies bring, thanks to the blockchain technology they are based on. Security is always of paramount concern to both operators and players, and crypto puts both minds at ease. The decentralised nature of these currencies also amounts to higher degrees of anonymity which players prefer when it comes to their information and transaction history.

 

In which markets are a cryptocurrency solution particularly relevant?

AS: In fact, when asked which is the most popular market for cryptocurrencies in gambling, at SOFTSWISS we highlight that crypto falls into a separate new market. And it makes sense, as the differences between the crypto and fiat audiences are quite significant – the demand for transaction processing speed, availability of provably fair technology games, high game limits and even top game lists are totally different in these two segments. In general, the geography of crypto gamblers is pretty vast – Canada, Germany, LatAm (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina), and Asia.

DH: Cryptocurrencies are relevant across the world. There is no market in which they’re not playing an increasingly important role. However, they are aiding in the expansion of the iGaming industry in developing countries in particular. This is mostly due to the strict banking rules and restrictions within these jurisdictions that cryptocurrencies remedy.

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MS: We’re seeing the Asian market as well as certain areas of the LatAm market embracing crypto, along with Africa and the USA. Mexico is also big on blockchain, being included in the top 50 countries where crypto is most popular. Countries like Greece, Denmark, Sweden, Romania, and the UK are also joining in on the trend.

 

Is it all about Bitcoin, or are other cryptocurrencies commercially viable?

AS: Indeed, we are observing new coins ascending against a gradual Bitcoin decline in the crypto basket, but this does not mean that it is the Bitcoin that is losing its appeal but rather that other cryptocurrencies are gaining momentum as a gambling deposit method. According to our partners’ research, customer interests are shifting towards “stable coins”. Facing the crypto winter, most crypto traders have already sold the most volatile cryptocurrency as we are living in the “cash is king” times. USDT is the leader amongst stable coins, followed by BUSD. As a result, in 2022 we saw that Bitcoin was not the ultimate GO-TO choice for payments. But don’t get me wrong, it is still huge as only Bitcoin offers indisputable decentralisation and freedom of payment. It fell from 65% to 49% in transaction count on average, but marks much lower levels for new casinos with a younger player base.

DH: Bitcoin is of course the obvious leader within cryptocurrency, but there are an increasing number of options for both players and operators. Clients are using an increasingly diverse range, featuring projects such as Ethereum, Solana and Tether and others in order to offer the widest range of payment choices available.

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MS: There was a time when Bitcoin was stealing the thunder in the world of crypto. However, that’s not the case today. There are nearly 10,000 active cryptocurrencies out there. Granted that not all of them are as popular or even used, many of them like Ethereum, Binance USD, Dogecoin, Tether and XRP are just as popular with bettors as Bitcoin. That’s the thing with these currencies. You never know which one is going to take the lead.

 

What does the future hold for using сrypto in online gaming? Is it a passing trend or here to stay?

AS: Overall, despite the volatility we are observing, the crypto gambling segment and its audience will continue to grow, as it is the speed, simplicity, and a certain level of anonymity that players value most in cryptocurrencies. We can clearly see an increasing interest in this niche, and a growing number of operators, including top tier ones, are adding crypto to their payment methods.

DH: Cryptocurrencies are categorically here to stay; by now I’m certain most can agree on that. As the crypto industry evolves, new and more innovative solutions are emerging and are competing for their “15 minutes of fame.” This in turn drives more innovation. A few of these are no doubt just a passing trend, yet some will stay with us long-term and become part of the furniture in the industry.

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MS: When Bitcoin was released as the first open-source software and blockchain currency back in 2009, many people thought it would be a passing trend. It has been more than a decade now, and look where we are with these currencies today. Much like any other phenomenon, it is impossible to tell where crypto is going, but a decade-long popularity and expansion are clear indicators that this is a journey which we must follow closely.

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Cryptocurrency

United States Online Gambling Industry Research 2023-2029: Cryptocurrency Gains Momentum, Rising Popularity of Esports, Operators Capitalize on Mobile-First Platforms

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Cryptocurrency

SCCG Management Announces Sponsorship Partnership with Hoppa! Card

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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.”

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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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Compliance Updates

Payhound Selects Chainalysis’ Crypto Compliance Solution for Regulatory and Operational Safety

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Fintech crypto company Payhound has selected Chainalysis, the blockchain data platform, to safeguard operations from exposure to malicious activity and uphold strict compliance standards.

With a strong commitment to combating illicit activities and a regulatory obligation to safeguard its customers, Payhound has chosen Chainalysis as part of its compliance and risk management strategy. This collaboration underscores Payhound’s dedication to maintaining top-tier regulatory compliance and security standards within the industry.

Chainalysis is leading the way in establishing a safe global economy built on blockchains through its blockchain data platform, which assists businesses and governments in making informed decisions and protecting their customers. By implementing Chainalysis solutions, companies gain access to a suite of investigation, compliance and risk management tools.

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Michele Santulin, Regional Director Mediterranean Area at Chainalysis, said: “In today’s crypto market, where trust is key to success, companies like Payhound need to take advantage of blockchain’s built-in transparency and use advanced blockchain analysis solutions to maintain strict adherence to regulations, protect their brands, and last but not least, offer reliable services to their customers. We are thrilled to support Payhound in that mission.”

Elton Dimech, Managing Director at Payhound, said: “Chainalysis is an invaluable resource for companies such as Payhound. Their forensic data and analytical approach, allowing for continuous crypto transaction monitoring, has proven indispensable in an effort to adhere to our own AML and Compliance obligations.”

The post Payhound Selects Chainalysis’ Crypto Compliance Solution for Regulatory and Operational Safety appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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