Baltics
Maxim Krupyshev : Players are attracted by bitcoin for its working principle
Representatives of European gambling industry are successful bitcoin users: such payments take up to 80% of all transactions. It was stated in the interview of a co-founder of Cubits – company focused on bitcoin processing – Maxim Krupyshev to Riga Gaming Congress. We talked to him about advantages of cryptocurrency introduction in gaming business as well as the most suitable jurisdictions for its implementing.
Interviewer: Riga Gaming Congress (RGC)
Speaker: Maxim Krupyshev (M.K.)
RGC: What are the steps of a gambling company that wants to introduce cryptocurrency in payments system?
M.K.: It’s as easy as ABC if desired by business. You need to find a partner to explain all pros and cons. The procedure of company verification and agreement signing is similar to the integration of conventional payments methods. Notwithstanding, you should understand the striking difference between two ways of bitcoin usage: as a means of payment and as a cryptocurrency. The majority of our clients use bitcoin as an intermediary for deposits and money withdrawal for players having no direct contact with cryptocurrency. There exist a lot of variants from a business aspect and a technical aspect of integration – so as to satisfy requirements of each enterprise.
RGC: What legislative difficulties can representatives of European gambling business face if they want to employ cryptocurrencies in a payments system?
M.K.: License requirements should be taken into account. Curaçao, Great Britain, Canada, the Isle of Man and the Philippines aren’t against bitcoin. Malta hasn’t approved it yet but is on the way of making a decision by the end of 2017. From a legal point of view, for an operator, bitcoin is a payments means. Money transactions through this channel are similar to any others.
RGC: Whose jurisdiction is the most loyal to cryptocurrency transactions and why?
М.К.: If we take gambling business, it’s Curaçao. The majority of bitcoin based operators work namely with this license. I think that Maltese authorities’ approval will change the situation. We all know that huge gamers of this market take Curaçao license for granted and in the majority of cases have several of them, including Maltese one.
RGC: How will the introduction of cryptocurrency in business benefit payments system?
M.K.: Bitcoin is an international payments method. An operator doesn’t need to worry about payments system introduction in exotic countries. Also, changes in a company strategy cannot decline the operator. In fact, bitcoin is only a technology so even in case of some problems with your provider you can always find a new one. Bitcoin is cheaper and generally less risky in terms of fraud.
RGC: Volatility of many cryptocurrencies is pretty high (to put it mildly). In one day, the price can either increase or drop. How can business based on a cryptocurrency payments system avoid losses in case of adverse circumstances?
M.K.: In fact, business faces no danger. An operator doesn’t experience price ups and downs as bitcoin performs the role of a payments method, not an asset currency. In business, payments appear as a balance currency of players, which is the same in case of payoffs.
RGC: How popular are cryptocurrency payments among representatives of European gambling business?
M.K.: It is widespread although different brands give different pictures of themselves. Some paint themselves as bitcoin casinos, some don’t reveal practicing this payments system. It is notable that in European brands, a bitcoin payments segment varies from 1-2 to 70-80% of all money flow depending on a brand focus. In Europe, everyone knows about bitcoin: ask any Uber driver – they won’t hesitate to tell the difference between bitcoin and litecoin. If a brand offers advantageous conditions of bitcoin payments, there will be no shortage of bitcoin gamers.
RGC: How will the introduction of cryptocurrency in payments system of gambling business benefit average users?
M.K.: Players are attracted by bitcoin for its working principle. You don’t need to store it somewhere, for instance, in a casino or a bank, but on a phone, a laptop, etc. because bitcoin doesn’t require one place. For example, in one day, a gamer can play on different platforms all over the world and process immediate transactions among them. By nature, bitcoin is a toy while the idea of its application is a game. To some extent, it perfectly fitted in the gambling business. So, “Will your brand accept bitcoins?” isn’t a question anymore. The point is “When?”
Maxim Krupyshev will deliver a speech at Riga Gaming Congress on October 12. Don’t hesitate to register for the event in order to broaden your knowledge of cryptocurrency possibilities in the gambling industry.
Baltics
CT Interactive has concluded a key deal with Twinsbet.lt
CT Interactive has concluded a key deal with Twinsbet.lt, marking a significant milestone in its strategic expansion across the Baltic region. The deal, primarily focused on the Lithuanian market, signifies CT Interactive’s commitment to enhancing its footprint in Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia.
Milena Tsankarska, CCO at CT Interactive, expressed her confidence about the collaboration, stating: “We are thrilled to partner with Twinsbet.lt, a reputable player in the market. This strategic alliance aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver cutting-edge gaming experiences to players across the Baltics.”
Antonio Donov, Business Development Manager EMEA at CT Interactive, said: “Twinsbet.lt’s dedication to providing top-quality gaming services resonates with our own values. This collaboration opens up new avenues for growth and innovation, allowing us to cater to the diverse preferences of players in the region”.
Through this deal, games like Chili Fruits, Coffee Magic, Pot-o-Luck, 40 Treasures, Lucky Clover and more will become available at Twinsbet.lt.
“This collaboration with CT Interactive underscores our commitment to delivering unique gaming experiences to our customers. By leveraging CT Interactive’s expertise and innovative solutions, we are confident in our ability to elevate the gaming landscape in Lithuania and beyond”, commented a Gunnar Vilk COO of Twinsbet.lt.
Baltics
MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit Announces Final Agenda for 2024 Event
HIPTHER, the premier event organizer in the iGaming and Technology sectors, is thrilled to unveil the final agenda of the highly anticipated MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit, packed with expert-led sessions and significant networking opportunities. Scheduled for June 4-5, 2024, at the Hilton Tallinn Park, this annual event serves as the leading platform for learning and networking in the Baltic and Nordic regions. Hosted yearly in a Baltic capital, it attracts top professionals from the iGaming, blockchain, fintech, and artificial intelligence communities.
This year’s event promises to foster groundbreaking discussions and provide actionable insights across several dynamic sectors. The summit will feature an impressive lineup of topics, including “Regulatory Evolution in iGaming: Adapting to the Baltic and Nordic Standards,” “Global Stakes: Navigating iGaming Regulation in Serbia, the USA, Spain, and Austria” and “Financial Evolution: Merging Traditions with Fintech and Blockchain Innovations.”
The MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit serves as the main hub for industry leaders to connect, share ideas, and explore new partnerships. The summit’s strategic location rotates among the capitals of the Baltic states, underscoring its importance and central role in shaping the tech and gaming landscapes in the region.
Zoltan Tuendik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER, stated, “We are proud to host another edition of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit. Each year, we strive to surpass the expectations of our attendees, providing them with invaluable insights and networking opportunities that are second to none. This year’s agenda is especially significant, tackling some of the most pressing issues facing the industries of our focus.”
Highlights of the summit include:
- Expert panels discussing the integration of new regulatory frameworks and technological innovations.
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders and policymakers.
- Interactive workshops designed to provide hands-on experience in dealing with current challenges and leveraging emerging opportunities.
In addition to the comprehensive conference sessions, the summit will host several networking events, including welcome drinks and exclusive evening parties, offering attendees the chance to form lasting connections with peers and industry leaders.
Professionals from across the globe are invited to join this landmark event to gain deeper insights into the future of these rapidly evolving industries and to network with fellow experts in a collaborative setting.
For more information and to register for the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit, please visit https://hipther.com/events/tallinn/
Baltics
New Survey Reveals 80% of Lithuanians Would Welcome a Ban on Gambling Ads
Eight out of 10 Lithuanians would approve of a ban on gambling ads in the country, a new survey revealed.
The survey commissioned by public broadcaster LRT was carried out by the public opinion and market research company Baltijos tyrimai. It showed that 80% of respondents aged 18 years and over are in favour of a complete ban on gambling ads in Lithuania and just 15% would oppose the move.
It has transpired that approval of the gambling ad ban was greater among women than men – 86% against 72% respectively. The move has also wide support among residents aged over 50 (84%) and by people with greater than secondary education and with monthly household income of up to EUR 1100 (85%). Opponents of the ban often include men (21%), young people under 30 years of age (23%), rural residents (18%) and people with unfinished secondary education (30%). 1115 adult residents of Lithuania were polled on 15-25 March.
In mid-March, parliament began to consider amendments to the law on gambling, which, if adopted, would prohibit gambling advertisements as of 1 January 2025.
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