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Will Bitcoin Halving Influence iGaming? SOFTSWISS H1’2024 Overview
The second quarter of 2024 was marked by a historical event: the Bitcoin halving. Did this event affect the iGaming market? SOFTSWISS shares insights in its quarterly “State of Crypto” overview.
What is Bitcoin Halving?
The Bitcoin halving occurs approximately every four years or every 210,000 blocks, reducing the reward for mining new blocks by 50%. Since Bitcoin’s launch in 2009, there have been four halving events: in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024. These events are crucial for maintaining Bitcoin’s scarcity and controlling inflation, ensuring the total supply never exceeds 21 million coins. Historically, each halving has been followed by a rise in Bitcoin’s price due to reduced supply and increased scarcity.
According to blockchain experts the recent halving may lead to new regulations that ensure fairness, responsible gambling, and anti-money laundering measures in the crypto-driven iGaming sector. The halving is also expected to increase Bitcoin’s value, potentially benefiting Bitcoin-friendly iGaming brands. The adoption of crypto-friendly solutions can enhance player trust and transparency.
Post-Halving iGaming Market Overview
SOFTSWISS experts analysed the data gathered from around 250 crypto-friendly brands powered by the company that engaged in crypto transactions during the first half of 2024. The index increased by 13% since the beginning of the year.
In absolute terms, the Total Bet Sum, encompassing both fiat and crypto, grew by 46.6% in the first part of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year. The Total Bet Count showed an even greater increase, surpassing 51.7% in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023.
Ongoing analysis since early 2022 indicates that fiat bets are experiencing more growth compared to crypto bets. Comparing the first half of 2024 to the same period in 2023, the Fiat Bet Sum increased by 65.2%.
Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, shares his opinion: “The increasing wealth of the middle class boosts disposable income and spending on entertainment. Technological advancements make online games and various payment methods more and more accessible. The expansion of regulated markets where iGaming is being legalised provides a stable and secure environment for both operators and players. These elements together foster a thriving industry, encouraging innovation, competition, and a broader reach to diverse audiences.”
Cautious Approach to Crypto Gaming
In the first half of 2024, the Crypto Bet Sum shows a modest 2.3% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. As fiat rates grow much faster than crypto rates, the share of crypto bets noticeably decreased in 2024, settling at 20.6%.
At the same time, the H1 2024 Crypto Bet Count shows a decrease of more than 20% year-on-year. Notably, the review of the first quarter of the year showed a relatively stable position of the Crypto Bet Count.
Andrey Starovoitov, adds: “The anticipated impact of the Bitcoin halving on the market, coupled with the strengthening of the Bitcoin exchange rate in the first half of the year, may lead to a more cautious attitude among players towards using cryptocurrencies. However, the average crypto bet is increasing, positively impacting the overall Crypto Bet Sum. As Bitcoin’s exchange rate fluctuates, we expect some players to adopt a more careful approach to using their Bitcoins.”
Analysing crypto bets reveals that around 93% are facilitated via the in-game currency conversion tool, which allows operators to engage players with cryptocurrency assets in games originally designed for fiat. The proportion has remained stable through the first half of the year. The operators who adopt the tool are gaining a competitive edge in the market.
Bitcoin’s Share Drops
Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Dogecoin create the top five most popular cryptocurrencies in iGaming. This list has remained stable over the years, with some shifts in their rankings.
Bitcoin experienced a decline of around 23 p.p. in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023. This could be attributed to the strengthening Bitcoin exchange rate and players’ commitment to save it.
The shares of other cryptos, on the other hand, have significantly increased in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023. Litecoin and Tether demonstrated growth of 8.9 p.p. and 7.1 p.p., respectively. Tether climbed to fourth place in the ranking, overtaking Dogecoin behind.
Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, summarises: “Confirming experts’ anticipations, the iGaming industry is experiencing active growth, with a fifth of all bets coming from the crypto segment. The intriguing fluctuations in Bitcoin’s position promises both increased profits and a more cautious attitude toward spending. However, every challenge brings its own opportunities. The key to success lies in adapting by investing in employee training and software development, integrating crypto processing, and ensuring your platform remains secure throughout the process.”
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post Will Bitcoin Halving Influence iGaming? SOFTSWISS H1’2024 Overview appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Gate.io and AWS’s ‘Gateway to Championships’ Brings Blockchain to the Forefront with FC Internazionale Milano Partnership
The event also brought together industry leaders, sports icons, and blockchain innovators for an evening that not only celebrated technological advancements but also paved the way for a historic and transformative partnership in blockchain and sports.
Panel discussions, moderated by Kristen Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of Rockrose, explored the profound impacts of blockchain technology on the global market. Thought leaders provided insights into the evolving landscape of Web3 and contributed their expertise, highlighting the transformative potential of blockchain across various sectors. Together, they examined key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of Web3.
VIP Dinner, Networking, and Celebrations
The event concluded with a VIP dinner and networking session, where attendees connected with industry and sports luminaries against the backdrop of a live DJ, creating an atmosphere of celebration and collaboration.
SOCCER2050: From On-Chain to On-Pitch
Additionally, Gate.io organized SOCCER2050, a separate football match highlighting its commitment to the sport and the community. The event was co-hosted with LTP on September 17 in Singapore, where several teams faced off in friendly football matches following a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Dr. Lin Han and representatives from LTP, Huawei Cloud, and Zodia Custody. This event further cemented Gate.io’s presence in the football world, fostering camaraderie and engagement among participants.
Disclaimer
This is a private event for professional knowledge sharing and networking purpose only. You should always seek independent professional advice before making any investment decisions. The products and/or services mentioned herein are only available to persons outside Singapore. Please be noted that Gate Group may restrict or prohibit the use of all or a portion of the Services from restricted locations. For more information, please read the applicable user agreements.
The post Gate.io and AWS’s ‘Gateway to Championships’ Brings Blockchain to the Forefront with FC Internazionale Milano Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Aristocrat Gaming
Record Progressive Jackpot at Over $2 Million and Climbing Up for Grabs at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
A record progressive jackpot of more than $2 million continues to climb on a $1 million Dragon Link slot machine by Aristocrat Gaming. The huge jackpot is up for grabs at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.
The $1 denomination Dragon Link slot is a single-site progressive (SSP) and is located in the high-limit slots area of the Hollywood casino, famous through the world for its iconic Guitar Hotel. The slot machine’s progressive jackpot increases independently from other Dragon Link slots at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and elsewhere.
The jackpot is climbing by an average of $7,000 per day and is on track to become one of the largest slot machine payouts in Seminole Gaming history and the largest Dragon Link jackpot ever awarded. Players at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood have a chance to be a part of jackpot history.
“It’s exciting to witness the Dragon Link jackpot grow to an unprecedented amount. The game has been a favorite since its release, and with this amazing prize now up for grabs, our players have the potential for a huge win,” said David Hoenemeyer, Chief Operating Officer of Seminole Gaming.
“We are incredibly proud of the fanfare Dragon Link has amassed over the years, and this historic milestone reinforces player excitement for the brand. The Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood team have been incredible partners and huge supporters of our $1 million Dragon Link offering. We can’t wait to be a part of the celebration of this record-breaking jackpot,” said Kurt Gissane, Chief Revenue Officer for Aristocrat Gaming.
Since its debut at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in June 2021, Dragon Link has consistently drawn in players with its exciting high-denomination offering, which includes a $25 minimum bet and a $2,500 max bet. The casino-resort was the first in the world to feature the $1 million Dragon Link progressive, and today, it remains one of the most popular high-limit slot games available.
The impact of Dragon Link on the gaming landscape has been immense, cementing its status as a player favorite. While Aristocrat Gaming continues to push boundaries with innovative offerings, the latest jackpot at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood represents a new milestone in gaming entertainment.
Chris Chapman
Xpoint Appoints Chris Chapman as CTO and Rahul Agrawal as VP of Engineering
Xpoint has announced two key appointments as it strengthens its leadership team.
Chris Chapman has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer and Rahul Agrawal has joined as VP of Engineering.
Chapman previously served as VP of Engineering at Xpoint and has been pivotal in leading the company’s engineering efforts, advancing its geolocation technology and ensuring the platform’s reliability and scalability. Prior to joining Xpoint, he held senior leadership positions at companies such as Sourcepoint, Integral Ad Science and Amino Payments, which he founded. In his new role, he will focus on driving innovation and ensuring that Xpoint remains at the forefront of geolocation and compliance solutions in the iGaming sector.
Agrawal brings over 25 years of experience in technology leadership, most recently serving as VP of Technology at PointsBet, where he advanced the development of the sportsbook and casino platform, built a global engineering team and integrated multiple technology partners, including geolocation providers.
His extensive background also includes being CTO at FaceOff and senior technology roles at Jump Ramp Games and High 5 Games. He will lead the Xpoint engineering team, focusing on operational excellence and the continued development of the supplier’s geolocation technology.
Manu Gambhir, CEO of Xpoint, said: “We are excited to promote Chris to CTO and welcome Rahul as our VP of Engineering.
“Chris has been an integral part of Xpoint’s success and his promotion to CTO is a natural progression as we continue to evolve. Rahul’s extensive experience in building and scaling technology platforms will complement Chris’s leadership and together, their expertise will drive the next phase of innovation for Xpoint as we continue to lead the geolocation and compliance space in the iGaming industry.”
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