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
Armchair Online BV Launches CryptoCasino.com and $CASINO Token to Disrupt Blockchain Betting
Armchair Online BV, an experienced online gaming firm, are ready to revolutionize the world of blockchain gambling with their groundbreaking CryptoCasino .com platform and $CASINO token.
Led by an experienced team that has built multiple successful iGaming operations in the world of sports betting, poker, and affiliate services, CryptoCasino will deliver an unmatched betting experience for crypto users.
A World-Class Crypto Casino
Partnering with the largest gaming studios in the world, CryptoCasino will feature over 6,000 online slots and table games, a live dealer casino, premium sportsbook, eSports betting hub, racebook, and more, all available to be bet on with 25+ of the largest cryptocurrencies in the world.
To cater to the future of crypto betting, the site will allow for both traditional registration and Web3 connectivity. By connecting instantly with wallets such as MetaMask or Trust Wallet, players can seamlessly deposit and withdraw funds within seconds.
With a player-first focus, the site also includes 24/7 live chat support and an industry leading VIP program that offers a wide range of loyalty incentives that reward players on a daily basis.
Set to Be the World’s #1 Telegram Casino
CryptoCasino is catering to the over one billion unique Telegram users by building a Telegram Casino integration that allows anybody to immediately join and begin playing with just one click.
With Telegram gaming growing rapidly, CryptoCasino’s integration with the platform will offer a direct connection to millions of players around the world. The integration will provide the perfect blend of security, seamless connectivity, and social gaming that can rapidly grow into one of the best domains in online gaming today.
The $CASINO Token Offers Benefits to Holders and Players
To complement the launch of the CryptoCasino betting platform, the business is also launching an ERC20 token called $CASINO that will serve as the basis of the ecosystem.
With the $CASINO token sale launching October 15 at token .cryptocasino .com, buyers will be able to purchase their tokens directly from the secure Web3 sale site by connecting their wallets.
There are several benefits to buying and holding $CASINO tokens.
Buy Back and Burn: Each month, 50% of the net profits from CryptoCasino will be used to purchase $CASINO tokens from the open market. They will then be burned, decreasing supply and creating scarcity for the token.
Staking Rewards: Holders will be able to stake their $CASINO tokens each month for an APY up to 10%, allowing them to gain a passive income stream directly through the staking platform found on the site.
Exclusive Player Bonuses and Airdrops: Holders will be able to use their $CASINO tokens on the CryptoCasino platform to receive incentives such as a 200% deposit bonus, 15% cashback on bets made, and much more.
Partnerships with the Best in the Industry
Having grown several iGaming businesses over the past two decades, the CryptoCasino team understands that the key to rapid growth comes from partnerships with trusted names in the online gaming business.
That is why CryptoCasino has partnered with several major names in betting and blockchain including Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, Betby, Oddin.gg, Decubate, Covey, Fireblocks, and others.
As a fully licensed platform under Curacao and Anjouan gaming authorities, the platform will provide the highest level of player safety and security, complying with all regulatory statutes for the best crypto betting experience possible.
$CASINO Token Sale and CryptoCasino Platform Launching Soon
The $CASINO token sale will begin on October 15, with a special VIP round available to those using a password that can be found on the social channels found below. Unrestricted access will be available to all on October 17.
The CryptoCasino .com platform will be launching on November 19th for both the online and Telegram casinos.
Cryptocurrency
How MiCA is Paving the Way for a Safer and More Transparent Crypto Industry Protecting Investors and Innovators
With the advent of the MiCA regulation, the European crypto landscape is poised for major changes. According to Mike Romanenko, CVO and Co-Founder of Kyrrex, MiCA is set to enhance transparency and protection for investors and innovators, while also creating new opportunities for crypto players throughout Europe.
The rationale of MiCA in the current crypto landscape
The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is a transformative milestone aimed at enhancing transparency, investor protection, and integrity of the crypto market. This regulation is not merely about compliance. It is an opportunity for crypto businesses to build credibility, foster innovation, and protect their investments.
Given the need for trust and reliability in the crypto sphere, MiCA’s requirements are designed to help businesses attract hesitant investors and align with traditional financial institutions. A proactive engagement with MiCA not only helps fulfill regulatory demands but also positions European crypto companies as global pioneers in setting regulatory benchmarks for the industry.
MiCA’s role in setting transparency and investor protection standards
The regulation introduces disclosure rules, ensuring that issuers of crypto-assets provide detailed and accurate data about their projects. This includes clear descriptions of their identity, project details, rights and obligations of investors, the underlying technology, and associated risks. By mandating such disclosures, MiCA enhances transparency and allows investors to make well-informed decisions.
In addition, MiCA emphasizes operational resilience and market integrity. Crypto-asset service providers are required to implement IT systems, cybersecurity measures, and governance frameworks to mitigate operational risks and safeguard investor assets. Trading platforms and intermediaries must adopt surveillance mechanisms and transparent trading rules to prevent market abuse. These measures work towards creating a secure environment for digital asset transactions, increasing investor confidence in the market.
Consumer protection is another critical focus of MiCA, which mandates fair pricing, clear communication, and measures to prevent fraud and market manipulation. Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regulations is enforced to combat illicit activities in the digital asset space.
To sum up, the following are the key standards established by MiCA:
- Clear disclosure requirements. Detailed whitepapers disclosing essential project information.
- Protective mechanisms. Robust IT systems, cybersecurity, and governance frameworks.
- Market integrity and transparency. Surveillance mechanisms and transparent trading rules.
- Consumer protection. Fair pricing, clear communication, fraud prevention, and market manipulation measures.
For example, a crypto-asset service provider under MiCA would need to provide a detailed whitepaper about the crypto-asset project, the rights and obligations attached to the crypto-asset, and information about the risks. Also, it would need to ensure transparent property valuation and compliance with AML regulations, thereby enhancing trust and security in the investment process.
Impact on cross-border market stability
By addressing the fragmented nature of digital asset regulation, MiCA aims to create a unified framework that enhances clarity for both investors and businesses in various jurisdictions. The regulation not only facilitates operations across the EU but also encourages other countries to implement similar rules by providing a clear legal structure for launching new tokens and services.
Following are insights into MiCA’s role in building market stability:
- Anti-money laundering (AML) rules. Under MiCA, there are solid provisions for AML and counter-terrorism financing. Crypto-asset service providers must implement AML controls, which is crucial in an industry often suspected of facilitating illicit activities.
- Operational resilience. It requires service providers to develop plans in place for cyber-attacks and other disruptions, which is essential in an industry where technology plays a crucial role.
- Market integrity. MiCA aims to prevent manipulation and insider trading within the crypto sphere. It sets rules for trading venues and participants, contributing to a more trustworthy market environment.
- Cross-border services. One of the key benefits of MiCA is the “passporting” mechanism. It allows service providers authorized in one member state to operate across the entire EU, facilitating the growth of a unified market and reducing administrative burdens.
European crypto companies can position themselves as global leaders in crypto regulation by fully integrating MiCA into their operations. A proactive approach could influence similar regulatory developments worldwide and establish EU standards as a benchmark for global crypto activities. For example, part of the Kyrrex ecosystem is REX, a regulated Virtual Financial Assets Services provider, proactively complies with MiCA standards as a part of its global strategy to emphasize the company’s commitment to providing secure and compliant crypto services.
As White Label solutions for businesses, we established SimplifyLabs. For companies seeking to enter the crypto-asset industry, SimplifyLabs provides a ready-to-use platform that includes extensive spot trading capabilities, mobile apps, custom nodes and vaults, and an admin panel. By leveraging Simplify’s White Label solutions coupled with robust transaction monitoring systems and expert legal guidance, companies can accelerate their journey toward MiCA compliance.
Challenges of MiCA’s implementation
Despite all the benefits described above, MiCA introduces some challenges that players in the crypto market must consider. While it aims to create a harmonized regulatory environment, the strict compliance rules can stifle innovation and impose significant costs on market participants. Businesses involved in the issuance, offering, or trading of crypto-assets, as well as those providing related services within the EU must integrate new compliance measures, which may require large investments in technology and legal support. Balancing between regulation and innovation is one of the primary hurdles in the effective implementation of MiCA.
Following is the list of MiCA’s challenges:
- Compliance costs. High costs of licensing and reporting obligations can deny entry for smaller companies.
- Innovation vs regulation. The risk of overregulation may curb innovation and experimentation within the crypto-asset industry.
- Global competitiveness. The EU’s approach might set a precedent, however, it imposes rigorous standards that could be challenging for international companies to fulfill.
For instance, a company aiming to issue e-money tokens must not only navigate MiCA’s regulatory rules but also allocate considerable resources to compliance. The success of MiCA will depend on how the market can adapt to the above challenges and find a balance between regulation, innovation, and the overall growth of the crypto-asset environment.
Future prospects for MiCA
The future of MiCA presents vast opportunities for innovative regulatory compliance and growth in the crypto-asset sector. Despite bringing some challenges, it possesses the potential to fortify the stability of crypto-assets while cultivating an environment where digital financial products gain enhanced credibility among users.
Governments and businesses may utilize this opportunity to pioneer advancements in the regulatory space, obtaining long-term benefits while fostering an ecosystem of transparency. Businesses, investors, and innovators should view MiCA not as an obstacle, but as a baseline for sustainable progress and innovation.
About Kyrrex
Kyrrex is a crypto ecosystem that provides a one-stop shop for bridging finance, payment, and trading operations with cryptocurrency on a single platform. Kyrrex is registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and its operations have been acknowledged and accepted by the SVG Financial Services Authority to provide crypto services with the goal of giving clients the flexibility to carry out all their crypto transactions under one roof.
REX, operating under the tradename Kyrrex, obtained the Malta VFA Class 4 License in 2021. Applying for such a license requires the applicant to demonstrate a deep understanding of the regulatory framework, provide detailed business plans, ensure compliance with the relevant AML regulations, and establish internal security measures.
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