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Interview with SOFTSWISS COO Andrey Starovoitov about iGaming and Crypto

SOFTSWISS offers comprehensive software solutions to online casinos and bookmaking websites. The company was the first to integrate crypto payments into its Online Casino Platform. SOFTSWISS COO Andrey Starovoitov agreed to answer some of our questions regarding the potential of cryptocurrencies in iGaming.
- Hi Andrey, thank you for taking the time to answer some questions. SOFTSWISS is the first online gambling software company to start working with cryptocurrencies as early as 2013. What makes SOFTSWISS’ solution more advanced compared to others?
First and foremost, it would have to be our experience and expertise in dealing with cryptocurrencies, as well as understanding the potential opportunities crypto gambling presents for the operator. We made sure to incorporate crypto into all possible aspects of our product solutions. They are designed to manage cryptocurrencies with ease and enable the flexible integration of new coins for operating purposes.
Today SOFTSWISS offers not only a set of individual products but also an entire ecosystem to start crypto gambling operations from scratch. The product line includes important elements such as an Online Casino Platform, Game Aggregator, the Sportsbook Platform, the Jackpot Aggregator, a Jackpot as a Service solution, the Affilka affiliate platform. Another important advantage is the partnership with CoinsPaid, which offers a crypto payment processing gateway and a business crypto wallet.
All products are adapted to work with cryptocurrencies. For example, the Game Aggregator has already had 44 game studios customising their portfolio to use the most popular coins like Bitcoin, Etherium, Litecoin, Tron, Dogecoin, etc. The Online Casino Platform is the backbone of crypto operations and, in conjunction with crypto processing by CoinsPaid, allows operators to launch payments in any altcoins on the market.
Crypto betting, in general, is mainstream. Everyone was stunned by the recent news that world-famous Canadian rapper Drake bet over $1 million in Bitcoin on a Super Bowl LVI match. The SOFTSWISS Sportsbook is fully adapted for this purpose. Our experience working with the strongest crypto brands on the market allows SOFTSWISS to be at the top of the crypto gambling niche. Understanding trends in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology undoubtedly allows us to state that our products are currently leading the way in the B2B sector when it comes to crypto gambling solutions.
- SOFTSWISS offers both White Label Solution and Crypto Casino Solution. What are the advantages of Crypto Solution and who would you advise to consider this option?
The Сrypto Solution is worth considering for all operators, as cryptocurrencies give access to a wider audience and more countries than the standard fiat currencies. The crypto audience is young and marketing to it is an investment into the future, an opportunity to enter something long-term. Crypto is here to stay.
But I would point out that it is the current market leaders, who should consider looking into crypto. We are at a turning point in the gambling industry. The gap between classic casinos and second-wave crypto gambling casinos such as Stake, Roobet, BC.GAME, Duelbits, Rollbit is now too evident. The young audience of the new casinos is very different from the classic online casino.
We can highlight a strong demand for community building among players through forums, integrated casino chat rooms, increased interest in competitive elements, and a surge in new channels of engagement via streaming on Twitch and TikTok. And these are just a small part of these differences. It will be quite difficult to catch up with these new crypto casinos if market players miss out on the opportunities crypto offers, as new leaders in this niche emerge.
One of the significant benefits of using cryptocurrencies is the Conversion Rate and the Acceptance Rate (the rate that reflects the percentage of successful deposits). These rates are significantly higher when compared to fiat methods, as the average acceptance rate on the SOFTSWISS Online Casino Platform is close to 99%. Funds transfer speed is also better in comparison with some fiat methods.
With Cryptoprocessing by CoinsPaid, we credit crypto to the player’s balance immediately, even if the transfer itself has not reached the CoinsPaid crypto wallet yet. Moreover, we minimise risks with various advanced tools. In addition, it is worth noting that the transaction cost in crypto is significantly cheaper than in fiat currencies.
All of these factors directly impact the player conversion rate and, consequently, the operator’s success.
- Crypto projects often involve high risks. How do you help your crypto clients develop and avoid risks in the iGaming industry?
As I see it, the potential risks in the case of cryptocurrencies are negligible and barely different from those of a classic casino. Of course, some operators are wary due to their lack of experience in using cryptocurrencies, but SOFTSWISS is the right partner to help reduce the risks to a minimum by providing expertise and innovative product solutions.
Among possible risks, the only thing that operators may be concerned about is the fear that cryptocurrencies are too volatile and their exchange rates can vary significantly. For example, this could lead to losses in settlements with gaming operators. The functionality of the SOFTSWISS Online Casino Platform will allow the game itself to be run on fiat, while the player balance will be fixed in crypto. This makes it possible to perform all settlements with game providers based on fiat currencies and minimise the potential risk of loss on exchange rate differences.
Secondly, this is more of a concern than a risk, I would call the traffic sources. Indeed, crypto traffic is still emerging and is in an active growth stage at the moment. It is different to the, if we can now call it that, ‘classic online casino audience’. There is definitely an opportunity for operators to convert existing fiat traffic into crypto through tech solutions like Utorg, Changelly, or Moonpay, which let you buy cryptocurrencies directly from a casino site. Streaming also works great for a crypto player acquisition, as streaming services often have a younger target audience.
- What cryptocurrencies does the SOFTSWISS Crypto Casino Solution support? How are the supported cryptocurrencies selected and can we expect new additions?
The SOFTSWISS Crypto Casino Solution enables operators to work with any coins, primarily due to the platform’s flexibility and the integration with Cryptoprocessing by CoinsPaid.
While CoinsPaid enables casinos to instantly convert payments from players into any of 20 fiat currencies. This way the player’s fiat balance is not subject to volatility and is fixed at the time of deposit.
The SOFTSWISS Online Casino Platform can convert the player’s crypto balance into fiat at the time of betting. Casino players can play any game with their crypto balance, even if it (the game) does not support crypto.
This approach is used by all market leaders in crypto gambling and has a number of undeniable advantages. It provides access to a larger number of gaming studios and producers for players who typically prefer to deposit and play in crypto.
The second advantage is that adding new coins is much faster and does not depend on the game provider. And finally, the risks in the case of crypto value volatility are reduced, as the payment to the game producers is based on fiat currencies.
The fast process of adding new coins is important. Already we are seeing a gaming community forming around specific coins, such as Tron, and the emergence of new high-growth cryptocurrencies, such as Shiba Inu, requires an immediate response from operators to market demands.
- If we look at the Game Aggregator’s 2021 statistics, we can see that the share of crypto from all currencies has doubled: from 20% to about 40%. How do you explain this growth in popularity of crypto among players? Are there any advantages to using cryptocurrencies compared to regular money?
It is safe to say that we have seen the second wave of crypto gambling and the re-emergence of the concept of crypto gambling itself in 2021. The rapid rise in the value of Bitcoin led to the growth of crypto adopters globallyand, consequently, the crypto casino audience. But the key factor was the entry of so-called crypto dice operators like Stake, Roobet, BC.GAME, Duelbits, Rollbit into the iGaming market as we know it. Crypto dice operators had already established a community of crypto adepts. They primarily presented in-house developed games (for example, Stake Originals) based on provably fair technology that allows them to verify the fairness of winnings. The confluence of these circumstances has influenced a resurgence of interest in crypto gambling.
On the player’s side, the use of cryptocurrencies offers a number of advantages, mainly speed and ease of use in the case of payouts. Anonymity is also a significant factor for a part of the audience.
- Is there room for novelty in the iGaming industry? Can blockchain technology further revolutionise it or are the opportunities offered by cryptocurrencies mostly exhausted already?
In my view, blockchain technology will significantly impact the industry in the near future. There are clear indicators of it and it will be the audience’s demand for innovations that will improve the player experience, and it’s not just the use of cryptocurrencies in gambling. We are only just arriving at the formation of the crypto-gambling niche. Things like blockchain-based decentralised casino, NFT, and provably fair technology will be integrated into the market in the foreseeable future. By the way, SOFTSWISS is already considering the introduction of NFT technology in gambling.
- Although cryptocurrencies are increasingly more popular and becoming mainstream, some people are still sceptical about their reliability. Do you see a long-lasting future for cryptocurrencies? Is crypto gambling just another passing trend, or is it here to stay?
I understand people’s scepticism about crypto. It is hard enough to understand how, in the modern world, something can have a huge value with essentially no connection to anything physical. Cryptocurrencies are a soap bubble to such people, but that’s not entirely true. We are seeing major changes in the global economy, where the value of an asset is influenced by the general public’s hype, interest, and trust. Bitcoin is certainly here to stay, and though the technology has aged, it has inherent value and has established trust among its community of users.
Obviously, cryptocurrencies are with us forever, and I don’t see any factors affecting the decline in interest. Naturally, some fluctuations in the value of Bitcoin, as the most popular and, I would say, the most basic cryptocurrency, could affect the interest of some as an investment tool. However, as the experience of previous fluctuations shows, the subsequent growth attracts more new adopters. Overall, we are witnessing iterative growth in both value and audience volume.
The price and value of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies is driven by the demand for ease, speed and cost of a transaction.These factors provide the underlying value of cryptocurrencies in the world to its audience. It is hard to imagine whether it would be possible to transfer a large amount of fiat currency between different continents at the same speed and cost per transaction that cryptocurrencies provide. For this reason, despite the speculative peaks in Bitcoin’s value, we will see a steady trend of new audience growth in the future.
SOFTSWISS offers easy solutions to iGaming operators. The company’s products include several other services beyond its leading crypto integration solution, such as its Game Aggregator, bringing together more than 150 casino game vendors, or the Jackpot Aggregator, allowing iGaming brands to launch custom jackpot campaigns and promotions to enhance customer experience.
Find out more about SOFTSWISS!
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Winning Best Affiliate Manager: What It Really Takes to Win in iGaming 2025

Every year, the AskGamblers Awards bring together the leading minds of the iGaming world to spotlight the most impactful brands and standout professionals in the industry. Held in Belgrade, the 2025 edition once again celebrated innovation, growth, and excellence across the affiliate and online casino space.
Among the winners was Kristina Shkredova, Affiliate Team Lead at Boomerang Partners. She was named Best Affiliate Manager by the AskGamblers expert jury — a title awarded to standout leaders who deliver results and put partners first.
The Role of Personality
Kristina’s victory in the prestigious Best Affiliate Manager 2025 award confirms the axiom that the importance of personalities in the success of iGaming brands is undeniable. She has been with Boomerang Partners since its inception as a marketing agency and has become one of the brightest personalities in the industry.
Kristina Shkredova: “I am thrilled to receive the Best Affiliate Manager award and would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Nikola, the AskGambler’s account manager assigned to me, as well as to the entire AskGamblers team. This accolade is not just a professional achievement but a testament to our beautiful partnership, founded on shared values, aspirations, and a mutual sense of humor.
Having been with Boomerang Partners since the very beginning, I feel profound and deep love for our affiliate marketing agency and am honored to be a part of this incredible journey. I am immensely proud of the work we have done and eagerly anticipate the new peaks we are set to conquer.”
Successful Cases
Industry experts know that the affiliate marketing sector is highly competitive. That’s why many people opt for tried-and-tested strategies, even though they don’t guarantee success. However, Kristina’s experience shows that the willingness to take risks and set ambitious goals — ones that might initially seem unrealistic — can pay off.
Her portfolio includes several instances of partnering with affiliates who had no prior experience with sports traffic. These partners recognized the risk of venturing into an unfamiliar area. Yet, the strong partnership with Kristina and the backing from Boomerang Partners persuaded them that it was worth the attempt.
The outcome? These partners are now generating significant volumes of sports traffic, having tapped into a vast ocean of opportunities. They have no regrets about leaping.
Trends and Development of the Affiliate Marketing Industry
The development of modern technologies has a profound impact on the industry and the competitiveness of brands. Kristina’s work clearly shows that it is not only technology and a variety of offers that contribute to success. She believes that the key trend is maximum sincerity and openness in communication with partners. This enables the establishment of long-term, trusting working relationships and fosters a loyal base of partners.
Speaking of loyal partners, Kristina highlights another interesting trend. She notes that companies in the industry are now demonstrating greater creativity in organizing joint activities with their partners. These activities include, for example, joint retreats, trips, and dinners that are transformed into spectacular shows. This helps bring the parties closer together.
Boomerang Partners, by the way, has its own unique initiative that fosters an exceptional approach to partners: the annual global traffic tournament, the Golden Boomerang Awards.
From February to May 2025, Boomerang Partners hosted the second season of the Golden Boomerang Awards. Compared to the first season, the number of participating teams from around the world increased from 226 to over 400. Awards were presented in 11 categories, and the award ceremony took place at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, thanks to Boomerang’s strategic partnership with the renowned AC Milan. For affiliates, this event was truly unforgettable, as the ceremony was combined with a networking event.
Kristina predicts a significant surge in the demand for sports traffic. Many brands in Boomerang Partners’ portfolio are already focusing on it, and the agency is open to collaboration opportunities in this space.
In 2024, Boomerang Partners saw a remarkable +194% growth in sports traffic across its affiliate ecosystem, along with a +120% year-over-year increase in new affiliate sign-ups. The agency’s effectiveness is undeniable, and Kristina plays a crucial role in driving these successes.
The Role of the Team and the Boomerang Partners’ Culture
It’s essential to note that Kristina’s victory is not solely a result of her personal qualities, but also the environment in which she works. Boomerang Partners fosters a culture that encourages the development of strong industry knowledge in affiliate managers and nurtures their leadership skills. Each team member can rely on internal support, flexibility in problem-solving and goal-setting, as well as active involvement in business processes. This collaborative environment contributes to efficient work and tangible results.
What’s Next
Kristina is honored to receive the Best Affiliate Manager 2025 award from AskGamblers, but she recognizes that there is still much work to be done. Boomerang Partners regularly participates in major industry events, showcasing its presence with a dedicated booth. Kristina actively attends these events, always prepared to engage with potential partners. She’s now focused on new partnerships and strategic moves that will help Boomerang Partners stay ahead as a top-tier sports affiliate program.
The post Winning Best Affiliate Manager: What It Really Takes to Win in iGaming 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Independent evaluation shows Ygam training is ‘highly effective’ for practitioners

Health and Social Care practitioners saw a 72% increase in their ability to recognise gaming and gambling harms in children and young people after completing Ygam’s training, an independent evaluation has revealed.
The independent evaluation, conducted by Rocket Science, highlights the ‘vital role’ of Ygam’s programme in equipping practitioners with the knowledge and tools to recognise, support, and signpost those at risk. It emphasises the importance of Ygam’s work as many practitioners initially have limited awareness of the risks that gaming and gambling can pose to children and young people.
The report reveals data that shows that, in 2024, Ygam not only frequently met, but also exceeded, its monthly targets in relation to the children and young people reach of trained delegates, achieving an overall reach of 166% of the intended target. Ygam trained 1,957 practitioners reaching an estimated 199,467 children and young people. Key deliveries of the training included clinical and non-clinical staff at Alder Hey Children’s and frontline teams at the children’s mental health charity Place2Be.
The evaluation provides strong evidence that Ygam’s training is highly effective and well-suited for Health and Social Care practitioners. Participants reported significantly increased knowledge of gaming and gambling harms after completing the training. The findings also indicate that the programme enhances practitioners’ ability to recognise the signs of harm in children and young people, as well as their confidence in signposting and offering appropriate support when concerns arise.
Data collect from pre, and post workshop surveys showed their knowledge of gaming and gambling harms increased from 14.8% to 95.1%. There was also strong evidence to suggest their confidence in communicating with children and young people about gaming and gambling had increased (from 20.4% to 91.9%), as well as their ability to signpost and support those who may be experiencing harm (from 18.5% to 92.8%).
The evidence also suggests that the increase in knowledge is enduring insofar as most respondents reported high levels of knowledge regarding gambling and gaming in children and young people at both three months (57.8%) and six months (75.0%) following the workshop.
The evaluation also presented Ygam with some recommendations to enhance the reach and effectiveness of the programme. These include expanding training access to a wider range of frontline professionals, integrating content into existing safeguarding and mental health frameworks, and developing tailored resources for specific practitioner groups.
Sandy Thompson, Programme Lead for Health and Social care at Ygam, said:
“Being evidence-led is at the heart of everything we do. This evaluation does not just depict our impact but emphasises our heightened focus on reflection and improvement. Over the past year, we’ve embedded rigorous evaluation into every stage of programme delivery to ensure our work is both effective and responsive to the needs of health care practitioners and the young people they support.
“These insights have shaped our approach, informed our partnerships, and strengthened our commitment to continuous growth. As we look ahead, this evidence base will continue to guide our efforts to scale impact and drive meaningful change in the prevention of gaming and gambling harms.”
The post Independent evaluation shows Ygam training is ‘highly effective’ for practitioners appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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FBM Foundation donates an ambulance to improve accessible health care at the Baliwag City Hemodialysis Center

In a significant step towards accessible healthcare, the FBM Foundation joins forces with Alagang Estrella to empower the Baliwag City Hemodialysis Center (BCHC). As the first public-private health partnership in Central Luzon, BHCH benefits from this gesture and gets the chance to offer improved healthcare services to the local community.
The FBM Foundation reaffirms its commitment to community responsibility through its latest initiative, which aims to improve access to essential health services for those in need. The corporate social responsibility project of the FBM Group has partnered with Alagang Estrella to effectively carry out this mission.
The Alagang Estrella, a public service campaign led by Mayor Sonia Estrella and Vice Mayor Ferdie Estrella of Baliwag, Bulacan, delivers compassionate and proactive programs for the community. From health services to education, it aims to uplift the lives of every Baliwagenyo. BCHC, one of its key beneficiaries, is a modern dialysis facility that provides life-saving treatment to underprivileged patients in the area.
Mr. Philip Lim, President, and Ms. Anj Martinez, Vice President of the Baliwag Hemodialysis Center, were also present during the ambulance turnover ceremony and distribution of goods. Their presence highlighted the center’s strong partnership with the FBM Foundation and their shared commitment to improving the lives of dialysis patients in Baliwag. Mr. Allan Concepcion, General Manager of 5Seasons, also joined the event in support of the foundation’s ongoing efforts. His participation reflects the growing collaboration between the private sector and community-driven initiatives in advancing accessible healthcare for all.
The Baliwag City Hemodialysis Center is now one of the beneficiaries of this public campaign. This state-of-the-art dialysis facility, located in Baliwag, Bulacan, offers modern dialysis services, especially for financially challenged residents of the city. With a focus on improving healthcare services for the local community, the BCHC demonstrates the city’s commitment to providing compassionate and accessible healthcare to its citizens.
One ambulance with healing effects on thousands of lives
On July 14 2025, in collaboration with Alagang Estrella and 10 dedicated FBM Foundation volunteers, FBM Foundation donates an ambulance to ensure more convenient transportation for BCHC’s dialysis patients. This second ambulance donation by the FBM Foundation marks the continuous commitment and contribution of the project to facilitate better access to healthcare services.
The ambulance will be a safe and reliable vehicle for dialysis patients, ensuring timely access to medical services and easing the hassle of transportation.
“At FBM Foundation, we believe that access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege. This ambulance donation it’s a commitment to life, dignity, and hope for the communities that need it most.”, mentioned Pepe Costa, FBM Foundation’s Representative in the Philippines.
The FBM Foundation and Alagang Estrella’s collaboration is a testament to genuine public service, highlighting the shared hope in helping the Baliwag community. Both projects contribute to shedding light amidst the challenges in healthcare provision, strengthening the core of modern dialysis given by BCHC. This collaborative initiative contributes to community improvement visibly and aims to inspire future projects, challenging more people to lend a helping hand.
FBM Foundation continues its mission to create a lasting impact by promoting growth and well-being in communities around the world.
The post FBM Foundation donates an ambulance to improve accessible health care at the Baliwag City Hemodialysis Center appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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