Cryptocurrency
Things That Could Affect the iGaming Industry in 2022
META: Take a look at our list of things that could affect the iGaming industry in the coming years.
Like a lot of other industries, the iGaming industry is often at the whim of advances in the wider world. World events, advancements in technology and consumer trends all have some sort of effect on online casinos and other betting platforms. And, in turn, the iGaming industry will have to learn to adapt.
But it’s a lot easier to handle things when you know what’s coming. It’ll make adapting your betting stores a lot more efficient to get ahead of developing trends, instead of playing catch up with the changing waves in the industry.
So, with that in mind, take a look at our list of things that could affect the iGaming industry in the coming years, and see how your business can adapt.
Virtual Reality is being pushed
Virtual reality is a big idea that is turning a lot of heads in Silicon Valley. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg envisions a world where people hold meetings in their virtual worlds and give granny a call with an avatar.
We’re a few years away from that, and in the meantime, virtual reality developers should focus on the demographic that is most likely to love it: gamers.
There are attempts to break into virtual reality gaming, and they’re slowly gaining traction. As more games hit the market, more VR rooms showcase their potential, more VR headgear will arrive and the virtual playground will open up.
And, if history is to repeat itself, some of the first games to hit the platform and be accepted will be casino games. Online casinos are already trying to up the immersion on their games, with live dealers and chat rooms. Why shouldn’t we upgrade that to appearing as though you’re actually sitting at the casino table? It’s sure to bring down the price of flights to Vegas.
Cryptocurrency is becoming mainstream
Slowly, cryptocurrency is finding its footing. People are learning the jargon, learning to avoid the scams, and are looking for ways they can use their newfound currency.
So far, short of buying a Tesla, there aren’t many options for the practical use of cryptocurrency except converting it into the national currency – except one place: online casinos.
More and more online casinos are accepting the likes of Bitcoin, Dogecoin, BEP20 token and more to make their deposits to online casinos. The main perk can be seen right away: it’s instant. Without the red tape of the bank to go around, players only need to wait minutes to gain their betting fodder, and don’t have to wait the standard 3-5 working days to then see the results of their winnings in their account.
As crypto becomes more popular and accepted, more industries will see the use of crypto and iGaming will no longer be one of two main uses of crypto, so it makes sense to adapt your site to accepting it now.
Regulations are slackening
World government attitudes to iGaming are changing. Famously stubborn anti-gambling countries like the Netherlands are changing their minds on the idea, and their regulations to match. In 2021 the Netherlands launched their own regulated gambling market, changing the law from an outright ban of all gambling in some places, to an allowance for online gambling. Meanwhile, South Africa and other African countries are telling their citizens that no gambling businesses will open in the country, but they can gamble online.
Even in the US, more and more states are accepting online gambling. So, what gives?
Well, taking New Jersey as an example, the launch of online gambling just before the worldwide lockdowns shut all of Atlantic City’s casinos, allowed the state to gain over $300 million in tax revenue. Since then, a lot of other states have followed suit, turning to online gambling as a means of recovering the country’s economy.
eSports are taking off
eSports are incredibly popular right now – and it makes sense. Everyone was surprised when the first YouTubers started playing games, asking “Who would watch that?” Fast forward and the top YouTuber and Twitch streamer are gamers, and some of the richest YouTubers are gamers. It only stands to reason that fans who love watching games for the fun of it, are likely to come out in droves to watch gaming competitively.
We might be a while away from entering the Olympics, but when you have investors transporting teams of players all around the world to win millions of dollars, you don’t need a medal.
And this means betting opportunities. The point is competitiveness, which means betting on the outcome. The great thing about this is that there is a lot to bet on. Customers don’t need to just stick to “winner” or “loser” but most kills, fastest run and all the millions of other concepts the gaming community has come up with over the years.
A lot of sports betting platforms have already started to adapt to this, offering eSports as a category alongside football, basketball and other traditional sports in a beautiful merging of nerd and jock.
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Cryptocurrency
Slotland Entertainment Rolls out Dazzling New Slot, 8 Crystals, Across Multiple Brands with new Cryptocurrency Integration
Slotland Entertainment is raising the stakes for online casino players with the launch of their dazzling new slot game, 8 Crystals. Available across three major platforms – Slotland, CryptoSlots, and CryptoWins – this visually striking 3×3 Mega Matrix slot with 9 paylines has an array of enticing features, including Free Spins with Wilds, Double Wilds, and a Bonus Game which is triggered by hitting just one Free Spins scatter.
The game’s mesmerizing design features vibrant glowing purple and blue backgrounds, swirling nebula-like clouds, and geometric crystal shapes, immersing players in a world of luxurious, cosmic beauty.
“As a bonus for the launch, Slotland, CryptoSlots and CryptoWins are offering up to 88% Match Bonuses on deposits until April 4th, 2025. Players can also take advantage of a $15 FREE CHIP and other promotions to make their gaming experience even more rewarding!” says Michael Hilary, Slotland Manager.
To celebrate the release of 8 Crystals, Slotland.eu is making waves with its expanded cryptocurrency options. Players can now use Ether (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), and Tether (USDT) to deposit and withdraw funds, making crypto transactions faster, more secure, and incredibly flexible.
- Ether (ETH): As the second-largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin, Ethereum provides popularity and availability across the crypto world, though transactions can be slower and more expensive.
- USD Coin (USDC): This stablecoin is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, offering low-cost, fast, and predictable transactions, ensuring a smooth experience for players without the worry of price fluctuations.
- Tether (USDT): With higher liquidity, Tether is widely accepted, making it easy for players to convert or cash out across multiple exchanges.
8 Crystals is sure to be a must-play for any casino enthusiast, so don’t miss out on these incredible bonuses.
The post Slotland Entertainment Rolls out Dazzling New Slot, 8 Crystals, Across Multiple Brands with new Cryptocurrency Integration appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BitLine
Bitline and Everi Announce Crypto Liquidity for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts in Industry First Development
Bitline, the only provider for casino chip access directly from cryptocurrency, has announced its first major collaboration in the U.S. casino market, teaming up with Choctaw Casinos & Resorts through its collaboration with Everi’s CashClub, the leading financial access services suit for casino payments. This collaboration introduces cryptocurrency and digital assets as a new source of liquidity for casino patrons and marks the first time that such a functionality has been enabled within the American gaming industry.
Leveraging Everi’s CashClub’s comprehensive payment infrastructure, Bitline’s solution is able to efficiently board, screen and verify patrons looking to leverage their digital assets whilst also allowing patrons to move screened assets into custody within minutes. Bitline’s integration with Everi’s CashClub, will enable the technology for the benefit of Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, and is the first time that such a functionality has been possible in the U.S. regulated casino market.
The collaboration works to cater to the growing demand for greater cryptocurrency and digital asset integration within the casino industry. The collaboration between Bitline and Everi’s CashClub forms a transferable blueprint that offers casino operators and their patrons an alternative way to manage funds, access liquidity, and leverage the benefits of cryptocurrency and other digital assets.
This milestone reflects a strategic shift in how casino operators view and manage financial interactions with their guests. The introduction of cryptocurrency as a liquidity solution provides additional options for guests and lays the foundation for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts as it looks to the future of gaming sector finance, setting a new standard in financial accessibility and convenience.
“Working with Choctaw Casinos & Resorts and Everi’s CashClub to make this a reality is a historical moment for both the casino and blockchain industries. Bitline was conceptualized to advance the gaming sector and offer a wider variety of financial options for the casino industry,” said Richard Jones, CEO at Bitline. “We’re entering an era where digital assets can fundamentally enhance the gaming experience, providing casino operators with a future-ready financial framework that can expand and evolve as the industry does. This collaboration is just the beginning of our vision to modernize casino payment capabilities on a global scale.”
“We are excited to be the first casino in North America to offer our guests another way to play,” said Thomas McDonald, Senior Director of Cage and Credit at Choctaw Casinos & Resorts. “Through our long-term relationship with Everi, a leader in fintech solutions, we will continue to invest in innovative offerings that provide the discerning gaming VIP access to funds in a safe and secure manner.”
The Choctaw Casinos & Resorts integration represents only the first phase of Bitline’s broader mission to bring cryptocurrency solutions to casinos and casino patrons worldwide. As cryptocurrency and digital assets continue to gain traction in the gaming sector, Bitline’s easy to integrate and patented payment model stands poised to become a key player in transforming gaming finance. Future plans include expanding services across other major casinos and gaming markets, both domestically and internationally, establishing cryptocurrency as a new standard feature of the gaming experience.
The solution is to be formally rolled out on March 7, 2025, with the first transaction taking place at Choctaw’s Durant, Oklahoma, location.
The post Bitline and Everi Announce Crypto Liquidity for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts in Industry First Development appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Cryptocurrency
SOFTSWISS Reveals Crypto Betting Shift in 2024: Altcoins Command Nearly Half of Crypto Bet Sum
As Bitcoin’s value skyrocketed in 2024, crypto betting saw a significant shift, shaking up the iGaming industry. Altcoins now account for nearly half of all crypto wagers. SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider and pioneer in crypto gambling, unveils Bitcoin’s game-changing impact in its annual ‘State of Crypto’ overview.
According to the 2024 annual crypto industry report, with its market capitalisation soaring to approximately 1.8 trillion euro, Bitcoin alone accounted for more than half of the total cryptocurrency market value, further solidifying its influence in both traditional and digital financial ecosystems. SOFTSWISS experts analysed data from over half of a thousand brands to reveal relevant crypto tendencies that evolved during 2024.
The Big Picture: Stable Growth in the iGaming Landscape
SOFTSWISS data shows that the Total Bet Sum, encompassing both fiat and cryptocurrency, grew by 35.9% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Similarly, the Total Bet Count experienced the same growth rate, reflecting a strong upward trend in overall betting activity.
A detailed analysis since 2022 highlights a significantly faster rise in fiat bets compared to crypto. During 2024, the Fiat Bet Sum surged by 40.1%, showcasing its stable growth. Meanwhile, a more cautious approach toward crypto payments has resulted in a slower growth rate for the Crypto Bet Sum. This shift contributed to a 2.5-percentage-point (p.p.) decline in the crypto share[1] in 2024, emphasising the increasing dominance of fiat transactions in the betting landscape.
[1] Based on data from ongoing projects
Bitcoin’s Exchange Rate Impact
SOFTSWISS data confirms that cryptocurrency continues to play a significant role in iGaming payments. In 2024, the Crypto Bet Sum increased by 18.7% compared to the previous year. However, the Crypto Bet Count declined by 12.8%, indicating a more cautious approach to crypto betting amid Bitcoin’s rising exchange rate.
The surge in Bitcoin’s value also drove a 1.4x increase in the average crypto bet in 2024, while the average fiat bet remained stable. This trend highlights a strong correlation between the total wagered sum and fluctuations in cryptocurrency exchange rates.
Vitali Matsukevich, Chief Operating Officer at SOFTSWISS, comments: “The sharp appreciation of Bitcoin in the final quarter of 2024 led to a more conservative approach among players toward crypto betting. At the same time, the increased value of Bitcoin resulted in higher average bet amounts, positively impacting the overall Crypto Bet Sum. As Bitcoin’s exchange rate fluctuates, players are anticipated to continue adopting a more cautious approach when wagering their Bitcoin.”
Altcoins Make up Nearly Half of Crypto Wagers
Altcoins’ share growth is another significant trend gaining momentum during 2024. According to SOFTSWISS data from operators reporting in crypto, the top five cryptocurrencies in iGaming – Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, and Dogecoin – have consistently formed the top 5 ranking over the years. However, their market dynamics have shifted significantly.
In 2023, altcoins represented only 26.8% of total bets, but this share surged to almost half in 2024, reflecting a growing preference among crypto players for alternative digital assets. In 2024, Bitcoin’s share dropped by over 17 percentage points, while Tether increased by 7.3 p.p., Litecoin grew by 6.5 p.p., and Ethereum rose by 3.4 p.p.
A new trend is emerging in iGaming, where established brands like Rollbit and Shuffle leverage proprietary tokens to enhance player engagement. These gaming-specific tokens offer seamless integration, reduced volatility, and exclusive perks, fostering innovation in payments and business growth. By creating internal ecosystems with unique rewards and potential external partnerships, proprietary tokens strengthen player loyalty. However, developing these tokens requires significant resources, including substantial marketing budgets, to build trust and encourage adoption.
Vitali Matsukevich, Chief Operating Officer at SOFTSWISS, summarises: “Bitcoin’s rate surge in 2024 has driven higher average crypto bet sizes, yet the decline in total crypto bets suggests players are diversifying and managing risks more cautiously. The growing adoption of altcoins and proprietary gaming tokens highlights a shift toward more stable and engaging financial ecosystems. For operators, balancing fiat and crypto while leveraging payments innovation will be crucial for sustained growth in the evolving iGaming landscape.”
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS complies with 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 27,800 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 SOFTSWISS Reveals Crypto Betting Shift in 2024: Altcoins Command Nearly Half of Crypto Bet Sum appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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