Cryptocurrency

Poker Star Mike McDonald Goes All in at Bybit-Powered WSOT

Published

4 years ago

September 16, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Poker players who cross over to cryptocurrency trading are seeing astounding success out of the gate — for example, a trading team comprised of poker players and captained by poker star Mike McDonald placed in the top three in the recently concluded World Series of Trading (WSOT). A total overlay prize pool of $1.27 million in cryptocurrency was paid out to the winners of the inaugural edition of the global crypto trading competition powered by Bybit, in which 135 teams and 12,368 participants joined from around the world.

Poker star McDonald commented, “A lot of poker players are good at making financial decisions while limiting the role that emotion plays — that would be one of the skills that transfers particularly well to trading. There will be times when crypto prices will hit the roof or post massive dips. Do you follow the herd or stick to your own strategy? Just like in poker, the choice is yours. Jump tables or stick to yours and play the game skillfully.”

Poker is a game that tends to reward strategic thinking, mental endurance and emotional resilience — traits that happen to work equally well for crypto trading. Practiced with discipline, these traits can very well generate desirable results in both fields. Here are some of the common traits of winning poker players and profitable crypto traders:

Make +EV Decisions: Trading strategy deals with risk/reward ratio, similar to how poker players make expected value calculations for each hand when they consider whether to bet, check, call, raise or fold.
Don’t Go on Tilt: The calm and imperturbable demeanor synonymous with poker players tends to help them during volatility, when they are able to think and trade without giving in to impulses.
Hand Selection: In poker, just like in crypto trading, you can’t play your cards randomly. You have to understand the situation, process the chances of winning, and decide whether you want to fold or play further. Read the charts like you would interpret the body language of your opponent, and plan your next steps based on what is favorable to you.
Bankroll Management: Even the best poker player or crypto trader can go through a lean spell. Knowing how to manage the money in your account is essential, to ensure that you always have funds available to trade effectively.

Bybit CEO Ben Zhou noted, “If you’re a beginner in crypto trading, the gurus will advise you to research thoroughly about the types of crypto assets, not putting all your eggs in one basket, and trading per your risk appetite and bankroll management needs. It’s similar to how a beginner in poker would typically study the game: up skill, start with low-level stakes and take calculated risks while devising strategies that suit them best. Similarly, we have been putting a lot of our energy into educational content where we show our clients how to properly manage risks and perform technical analysis.”

The WSOT is a major global trading competition powered by Bybit, one of the fastest growing cryptocurrency derivatives exchanges, with more than a million registered users. The global event is open to traders worldwide where Bybit’s platform is available. The ranking system of WSOT is based on the profit/loss ratio, regardless of trading volume, thus paving a level playing field for all participants. The next edition of WSOT is expected in 2021.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

About Mike McDonald:

Mike McDonald (born Sep 11, 1989) is a star poker player. McDonald is the youngest person to win an event on the European Poker Tour (EPT) and the youngest person to win an event on the Epic Poker League (EPL).

Mike is now involved with Betshares/PokerShares, facilitating novelty bets on many niche products including WSOT. He has been involved in Bitcoin since 2014.

Cryptocurrency

SOFTSWISS Survey Q3’24: 58% Cite Crypto as Key Driver in New Markets

Published

4 weeks ago

November 22, 2024

George Miller

softswiss-survey-q3’24:-58%-cite-crypto-as-key-driver-in-new-markets

Reading Time: 4 minutes

SOFTSWISS, a tech company and pioneer in crypto gaming with over 15 years of experience, conducted a survey revealing that the majority view crypto as a key driver for growth in new markets. Experts also analysed this year’s crypto bets to share the latest insights.

Bitcoin recently reached a historic high, getting closer to 90,000 euro per coin. However, during the third quarter of 2024, it faced its sharpest drop in several years. SOFTSWISS experts examine how these market shifts have influenced iGaming performance in the quarterly ‘State of Crypto’ analytics.

A Quarter of the World’s Population Engages in iGaming

Global iGaming statistics indicate that approximately 26% of the world’s population were ever engaged in iGaming. By 2028, the iGaming market is projected to reach 243.2 million users, with a market volume nearing 130 billion euro, a substantial portion of which is expected to involve cryptocurrency.

SOFTSWISS data shows that during the 9 months of 2024, the Total Bet Sum, including both fiat and crypto, increased by 43.1% compared to the same period of 2023. Simultaneously, the Total Bet Count showed even more impressive growth, surpassing 44.5%.

An in-depth comparison analysis since 2022 demonstrates fiat bets are rising much more rapidly than crypto. A comparison between the first nine months of 2024 and the same period of the previous year revealed that the Fiat Bet Sum achieved a 50.4% boost. The conservative approach toward payment methods has resulted in Crypto Bet Sum growing at a slower pace compared to fiat and has led to a modest 4-percentage-points (p.p.) decline in the crypto share in 2024.

^[1] Based on data from ongoing projects[

Potential of Crypto in iGaming 2025

According to the SOFTSWISS iGaming Trends 2025 Report, cryptocurrency is set to remain one of the preferred payment methods within the sector. Based on the company’s survey, 58% of respondents identified crypto as the primary driver of growth in new markets, underscoring its essential role in shaping the industry’s future.

Vitali Matsukevich, Chief Operating Officer at SOFTSWISS, reflects on the possibilities of crypto: “Integrating crypto payments allows iGaming businesses to operate globally, delivering greater speed and convenience. With iGaming’s naturally borderless reach, this expands platforms’ access to a wider international audience, boosting their global growth potential.”

“What is more, crypto transaction fees can be almost three times lower compared to traditional fiat gateways, allowing iGaming businesses to save on processing costs and reinvest that capital”, adds Max Krupyshev, CEO of CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid.

SOFTSWISS data confirms stable interest in crypto. In the first nine months of 2024, the Crypto Bet Sum increased by 15.2% compared to the same period the previous year. A long-term quarter-by-quarter analysis reveals a consistent growth pattern, though the third quarter of 2024 saw a 9 p.p. decline from the previous quarter. The drop aligns with the decline in the exchange rates of major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum, which occurred in the third quarter.

Meanwhile, the Crypto Bet Count rose by 16.2% in Q3 2024, indicating stable interest in crypto gaming. This combination reveals that while engagement in crypto betting remains steady, the total wagered sum is closely correlated to fluctuations in cryptocurrency exchange rates.

Altcoins Share Growth

The top five most popular cryptos in iGaming have remained stable over the years, with some shifts in the ranking order. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, and Dogecoin are the most popular among crypto players. While altcoins accounted for only 25.1% of bets over the first nine months of last year, their share increased significantly to over 47% during the same period in 2024.

Bitcoin’s share dropped by 22 p.p. during the nine months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. At the same time, Tether and Litecoin saw the most impressive share growth, with over 8 p.p. and 7.8 p.p., respectively. Ethereum strengthened by 4.9 p.p.

Another impactful trend reveals some casinos, like Rollbit and Shuffle, utilise their own iGaming tokens to boost player engagement. Tokens designed specifically for gaming offer enhanced compatibility across platforms, lower volatility, and exclusive perks for users. Crypto drives the development of new payment methods and business growth.

Vitali Matsukevich summarises: “Crypto offers iGaming operators key advantages beyond lower costs and global reach. Blockchain enhances safety and fairness through transparency and traceability, with each transaction and game result permanently recorded and tamper-proof. Partnering with trusted crypto experts allows operators to harness these benefits, positioning themselves for growth and effectively navigating market shifts.”

The new SOFTSWISS iGaming Trends 2025 Report offers more insights about crypto in the ever-evolving iGaming sector. The visionary report is free to download via the link.

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 SOFTSWISS Survey Q3’24: 58% Cite Crypto as Key Driver in New Markets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Cryptocurrency

Kyrrex to host online panel discussion on MiCA and the future of crypto in Europe

Published

1 month ago

November 11, 2024

George Miller

kyrrex-to-host-online-panel-discussion-on-mica-and-the-future-of-crypto-in-europe

Reading Time: 2 minutes

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

Published

2 months ago

October 10, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

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.