iGaming Moving from Skype: What Are The Options?

It’s something of a sad time for the computing and telecommunications world. Skype, one of the first and most popular desktop communication services, is to cease functioning in May. It marks nearly 22 years since first entering the market, with unprecedented success following its 2003 launch. Now, Microsoft is bringing the curtain down on the service to the chagrin of a number of industries.

While the closure of Skype has been a long time coming for those in the know, the iGaming industry, in particular, is bracing itself for a difficult breakup. Many other industries have migrated to services like Teams, Google Chat, and Slack, but the online gambling world has been happy to retain its intense relationship with its original partner.

So what does the move away from Skype mean for the iGaming industry in 2025, including brands and experts?

Brands Using Other Communication Methods Already

When discussing the iGaming industry in relation to Skype, it’s important to note that brands are not those likely to be affected. While some brands would certainly have been using Skype for internal communications, many would be more inclined to use closed community systems like Slack in order to have better maintenance of those with access.

In fact, you can already see how some of the best gambling sites have been employing more private systems for both internal and customer comms. Stake, which has been rated by affiliates as one of the best US sites, for example, uses Telegram for communications around its challenges for players. Skype just didn’t serve the purpose for brands.

However, for ancillary businesses in the industry, there will be a seismic shift. Affiliates and content agencies largely use Skype due to the ability to engage and communicate with clients and content creators outside of their company instantly, with only an email address needed. Now, it seems that they will have to change their approach to keep pace.

What Will Replace Skype for iGaming Experts?

At the moment, it looks as if another Microsoft product will be the one to step in to fill the void left by Skype. Microsoft Teams is a big part of why its former competitor is being put out to pasture. The parent company didn’t feel that they needed two competing instant messaging and video calling apps in their catalogue and decided to nix one.

A lot of professional agencies will be looking to shift to Teams for all internal comms. However, for those still needing to interact with freelancers and clients on a regular basis, it’s likely that there will be a need to use multiple products. For the external interactions, it’s likely that Google Chat and Google Meet will fill the void left by Skype.

Another example of one of the services that could step in is one that has already been mentioned. Telegram is the third most popular messaging app, with 950 million active users worldwide. If agencies are looking for a tried and tested method that provides a little more professional oversight, encryption, and personalization than something like WhatsApp, it could be a strong option.

The End of an Era for a Stalwart of Computer Communications

At the end of the day, this is not just a difficult period for the iGaming industry. Rather, it’s a sad day for the world of tech. Skype has been an ever-present for the 20 years it has existed. For many, it was their first introduction to using instant messaging, video calling, and audio calls on a computer. As such, it should be acknowledged that this is a momentous occasion in the digital space.

It appears that Microsoft is attempting to build a new future, but it doesn’t make it any easier for many in a number of industries to say goodbye to a trusty servant. What is clear, though, is that in its place a new service will become the dominant entity. Who it is is yet to be decided, but Skype’s parent company will certainly hope that its other communications software Teams takes the mantle after making a controversial decision as they have.