Cryptocurrency
9M 2023 Crypto in iGaming Landscape: Moderate Growth Amidst Fiat Rise
SOFTSWISS’ latest analysis indicates that the cryptocurrency segment is experiencing slower growth compared to the broader iGaming industry. The pioneer in offering cutting-edge crypto iGaming software presents insights into the latest crypto gaming trends.
The analysis is founded on the data collected across 530+ brands powered by the company. It takes into account the in-game currency conversion capabilities, enabling SOFTSWISS clients to seamlessly involve players with cryptocurrency holdings in games originally tailored for fiat only.
IGAMING MARKET GROWTH
During the first three quarters of 2023, the iGaming market consistently grew. In absolute terms, the total wagered amount showed a 36.6% increase compared to the same period of the previous year, while the number of bets saw an even more impressive growth of almost 50%.
STATE OF CRYPTO
In the comparative analysis of crypto bets spanning the first nine months of 2023 and the same period of the previous year, a noteworthy 18.7% monetary growth is observed. At the same time, the number of crypto bets has surged by 66.4% since 2022. Simultaneously, the share of crypto in the Total Bets Sum demonstrated a slight decrease by 4.3 p.p. to finally settle at 28.5%.
Diving deeper into the analysis, which has been ongoing since the beginning of 2022, it becomes evident that the sums of crypto bets experienced incremental growth from quarter to quarter during this period, but their share in the Total Bets Sum decreased slightly, primarily due to the more impressive quarter-to-quarter increase in the sums of fiat bets.
Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, comments: “An 18% increase in crypto bet sums may appear very modest when juxtaposed against a more substantial 45% expansion in fiat bets during the first three quarters of 2023. Taking into account the state of crypto in other spheres, such as fundraising, where the third quarter showed its worst results since the end of 2020, the position of cryptocurrencies in iGaming could be evaluated as comparatively stable at the moment.”
FLUCTUATING CRYPTO BET
The analysis of the average bet presents an engrossing picture. While the average fiat bet remains stable, hovering around 0.82 euro during the first three quarters of 2023 as well as in the same period of 2022, the average crypto bet lost almost 30 p.p. on average, displaying a quarter-to-quarter variability. It initially increased from 1.56 euro at the end of 2022 to 1.88 euro in Q2 2023 but subsequently declined to 1.59 euro in Q3 2023. Such fluctuations can be attributed to the inherent volatility in cryptocurrency rates and market expectations.
SOLID TOP OF CRYPTOCURRENCIES
The Top 5 most used digital coins in iGaming remained unchanged since the beginning of 2022.
During the first three quarters of 2023, the cryptocurrency distribution structure is as follows:
- Bitcoin – 74.9%
- Ethereum – 8.9%
- Litecoin – 6.0%
- Tether – 4.6%
- Dogecoin – 3.0%
In the world of digital currencies, Bitcoin has witnessed the most substantial growth, marked by a 3.9 p.p. increase in its share compared to the first three quarters of the previous year. Conversely, Ethereum experienced a decline, losing 6.3 p.p. in its market share during the same period.
Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, summarises: “Due to their technological nature and relatively recent emergence, cryptocurrencies are developing within a rapidly changing landscape, pivoting on diverse economic and societal factors. At the moment, we are observing their moderate popularity among players in the growing fiat segment, and the results of the final quarter of 2023 hold increasing fascination. Being the ‘number one’ crypto solutions provider, SOFTSWISS remains committed to imparting its expertise on the relevant trends in iGaming.”
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international iGaming company supplying ISO 27001-certified software solutions for managing gambling operations. The expert team, which counts 1,400 employees, is based in Malta, Poland, Georgia, and Belarus. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.
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.
Cryptocurrency
SCCG Management Announces Sponsorship Partnership with Hoppa! Card
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.”
Compliance Updates
Payhound Selects Chainalysis’ Crypto Compliance Solution for Regulatory and Operational Safety
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.
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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