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Picking the Right ICO Investments: The Essential Guide
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Initial Coin Offering earned the reputation as a legitimate way of fundraising. In this guide, I will explain the essentials on how to pick the right ICO investments.
Initial coin offerings have become the norm when companies want to raise money to fund their projects. For investors, it’s an opportunity to get tokens that can then be sold later on at a profit. With hundreds of ICOs coming up every other year, it is critical that an investor knows what to do once they decide to invest.
How to Read a Whitepaper?
If you are intending to invest in an ICO then you know one of the first things to do is read the project’s whitepaper. Knowing that there is a whitepaper isn’t enough for an investor; knowing what to look for or how to read it is what matters. This article will guide you on how to do it.
So, what’s a whitepaper?
A whitepaper is a document prepared by a company or project team whose content explain to the readers how the company intends to handle a given project that appears complex. The main reason is to assist readers to understand the project, get the solutions or make decisions.
Take note of the words “to understand the project” and “make decisions”- this is the core business of reading the whitepaper.
The ICO whitepaper will give you all the information concerning:
- The project and why it is necessary
- Issues or problems the project seeks to address
- Current solutions and how the ICO seeks to improve them.
- Project description and roadmap
- Technical details of the project.
- The project team and their expertise
- The ICO funding (token sale)
Now, how do you read the whitepaper so as to get the best out of it for the purpose of making investment decisions?
Examine the introduction – it will tell you about the project and why it is necessary. Read this carefully to get the context of the ICO ideas. The introduction will put forward the problem and its background in general. Do not skip this part, as it is here that the project’s appeal is established and credibility defined.
The product – to understand an ICO means you need to understand their product. When reading an ICOs whitepaper, find out the following:
- Product Definition
- Current solutions and how the ICO seeks to improve them
- Project description details
- Technical details of the project
I will tell you how to do it, but generally, knowing the product entails getting the above four key areas.
The project team and their expertise – this essentially means you need to know who is behind the project. Research them and establish whether they have the expertise necessary for the project.
The ICO funding (token sale) – this section should be where you get information on the ICOs funding details. I’ll talk about this later on in this article, but essentially, you are looking at how much is required and how it should be raised.
The whitepaper will conclude by giving a roadmap and may include a call to action message. If you read the whitepaper well, this call should not be difficult to make.
The Team
When looking to invest in an Ico, getting to know the team should involve more than you knowing their names and checking out their LinkedIn or Facebook accounts.
It is important to undertake a thorough research on each of the team members to find out more that could shed light on their capability to deliver what the project promises.
Before you go on to invest in that ICO, ask these questions about the team.
- Who is on the management team and can they lead the rest f the team to successful project implementation?
We acknowledge that the team works together with a goal of delivering the project. However, a team that lacks great leadership personalities often ends up failing.
So, when researching the team, take time to find out a little more about this group. Get to know what experience they have as project leaders (they usually have links to Linkedin profiles). Did the project on which the individual took a leadership role succeed?
Are they known for their accountability? Or did any of them face questions about fraudulent activities? Suspicious pasts are clear red flags for you. Finding more about this part of the team will give you the confidence to get going with the investment or not.
- Do the team members exhibit expertise in the ICOs business niche?
An ICO project whose team members have the experience required to see the project off is better that one whose members do not have any experience. Look at the portfolio of each member to see whether their expertise relates to the ICOs intended niche. If not, it’s a signal the team may not deliver.
- Is the team list complete with all the necessary experts?
Once you have checked out and researched the people indicated as the ICO team, it’s time you asked yourself whether what is presented is all there is to be for the team. The team could be missing some very vital members. Find out whether the ICO leadership has plans to fill such roles. Go to the ICO project’s career/jobs page and find out if the advertised posts relate to the missing roles. What you should be interested in are key roles like those of project developers, engineers, designers, and marketers.
- Who are the advisors?
Although this may not ultimately tell you about how/whether the ICO will succeed, it is always good to know who makes up the advisory team. Find out how the advisors relate to the project team. Look out for interviews they give, social media posts and how they generally view the ICO. Such advisors can have a positive impact on the project’s token value at the ICO or later when the token starts trading.
What is the product?
This is one of the main considerations to make. You should strive to understand the product being offered by the ICO.
Well, here is what you need to know about the product before you decide to put your bucks on it.
Product Definition – a simple definition of the product is the first thing. This is where the company explains the issues or problems the project seeks to address. Take note of what the project refers to as issues or problems they wish to solve. Can you picture the issue and relate them to the current market? Try to find out business-related issues that can be addressed in the future. Also, examine how the project’s technology is explained in relation to the issues pointed out. An example in mind here is the Crypterium that is in the Fintech niche. The ICO defines its project as a mobile crypto bank that will have a credit sub-token.
Current solutions and how the ICO seeks to improve them – as a prospective investor, once you understand current problems, you need to get to know of the current solutions in the market. Why are they ineffective and need to be improved? Look at what the ICO says about their competitors’ solutions and technological failures; here you are looking for reasons why what is there isn’t good enough and the ICO could have a better idea.
Project description details – in this section, your attention should be on exactly what the project is. You should be asking: What is this ICO? Take a keen interest in how the ICO proposes to be unique in what they will try to accomplish. You should understand all the key proposals and find out if they are feasible. Ask yourself if the solutions are unique and can be implemented.
Technical details of the project – After gaining insights into how the project plans to solve given issues, this section should actually make you literally see how everything works. Remember, this part of the whitepaper consists of several technical terms. You should, therefore, ensure you research terms and analogies that you do not understand. Ensure you note down information about the blockchain technology, toke type, and security. Be thorough.
The Blockchain Technology
Investing in an ICO should be more than just knowing the product or team behind it. You should know what blockchain technology the ICO project will use. Key questions you need to ask should be:
Is the blockchain technology behind the project just P2P money? Is it a kind of distributed ledger technology or like Ethereum’s “smart contracts”?
Find out whether the blockchain protocol open-source and based on the proof-of-work consensus mechanism or is it based on the proof-of-stake consensus algorithm? There is even the Proof-of-Importance method.
Knowing the kind of blockchain will help you have an idea how you could engage with the ICO project in the future and whether you are likely to gain any rewards other than the resale value of the coin.
How does the Company plan to Raise Capital through ICO?
ICO startups usually use crowd sales as a means of raising capital for the project.
- Find out if the tokens will be sold at an exchange site
- Distributed to investors who make investment with the company
Moreover, it is good to find out if there any venture capitalists associated with the ICO.
Find out about the total number of token coins the project has earmarked for sale. Do they have a hard cap and are the coins pre-mined? Read about distribution strategies for the tokens.
What Tokens does the Company Launch?
Before you invest in that ICO you have identified, take time to find out about the type of coin token the project will launch. Find out whether it is purely a crypto coin i.e. currency or does the token have any other value attached to it?
It is important to understand the token type, because if you don’t, then it becomes hard for you to evaluate what potential that coin has as an investment. So you will need to find out whether the ICO token is in the category of stable coins, utility coins, security/equity coins or just an app coin.
Therefore, read about all the above tokens to determine which one you are about to invest in.
Read Reviews and other People Opinion towards the ICO
When looking to invest in an ICO it may pay to take time to read what other people think of the ICO. Although you will find a lot of information from the ICOs own marketing strategies, these are often one-sided.
Therefore, it is advisable to join cryptocurrency forums like BitcoinTalk, Reddit and other social media platforms to read or listen to what others have to say about the ICO. You will most likely gain valuable insights into the ICO and possibly, get one or two red flags you missed during your own research.
However, take caution against blindly following the advice given on social media or opinion reviews, you may be misled.
Bottom line!
Investing in ICOs is always risky business. Therefore, before you decide to undertake any cryptocurrency venture, it is advisable that you research to identify serious projects from hastily organized ones that may simply be out to get your money. However, the nature of cryptocurrency means there can never be a surety that a given project will succeed. Invest only that which you could afford to lose if things go wrong.
Source: European Gaming Media and Events
The iGaming industry is advancing at breakneck speed, driven by technological innovation and evolving player expectations. Itai Zak, Executive Director of iGaming at Digicode, emphasizes the importance of bridging client aspirations with customized business solutions. Key trends shaping the future of iGaming include live dealer games, blockchain integration, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), enhanced personalization, and shifting regulatory environments. Let’s delve into how these trends influence the industry, presenting new opportunities while paving the way for future growth.
A Closer Look at Emerging Trends
- Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are revolutionizing the online gaming experience, blending the best aspects of land-based casinos with the convenience of virtual gaming. Players can now engage with real-life dealers via high-definition video streams, enhancing the social component of online gambling. This bridge between physical and virtual casinos introduces interactive features like live chat and immersive gameplay. Industry leaders like Evolution Gaming and NetEnt are setting new standards in player engagement with innovative game formats and top-tier studio setups, redefining the realism and appeal of live gaming.
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration
Blockchain technology is transforming iGaming by offering unparalleled transparency and security. With blockchain’s ability to enable provably fair gaming, players can verify that each round is fair via an immutable ledger. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum facilitate faster, more secure transactions, catering to tech-savvy players who value privacy. Platforms like Bitcasino.io are leading the way, leveraging blockchain to ensure fairness and seamless payments. However, the rise of blockchain also attracts regulatory attention, requiring operators to balance innovation with compliance as governments navigate this new technology.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and ML are instrumental in enhancing player experience and operational efficiency. AI algorithms analyze player behavior in real-time, offering personalized game recommendations and promotions. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots provide instant customer support, improving user satisfaction. AI-driven predictive analytics also help operators fine-tune marketing strategies based on player preferences. Companies like Bet365 are already using these technologies to stay ahead of the competition, offering more personalized and efficient gaming experiences.
- Richer Personalization and Engagement
Personalization has become crucial for iGaming operators looking to boost player satisfaction and retention. By leveraging data analytics, companies can offer tailored game recommendations, dynamic bonuses, and individualized promotional offers. This level of engagement enhances the player experience and strengthens loyalty. Industry pioneers like DraftKings and FanDuel push the envelope by offering highly customized features, such as personalized fantasy sports leagues and bespoke betting options.
- Regulatory Changes and Market Expansion
The constantly evolving regulatory landscape offers both challenges and opportunities for iGaming operators. As more regions legalize various forms of online gambling, companies gain access to new markets. With their large populations and increasing internet penetration, emerging markets like Brazil and Nigeria represent lucrative opportunities. However, navigating the diverse regulations in these markets requires agility and strict compliance with local laws to succeed.
- Enhanced Payment Solutions
With digital transactions becoming the norm, the demand for fast, secure, and flexible payment methods is skyrocketing. From digital wallets to instant banking and cryptocurrencies, players expect payment solutions that offer convenience and security. This growing demand is driving innovation in payment processing, giving operators more opportunities to streamline the transaction process while building trust with users.
Future Implications
The Expanding Role of AI and Blockchain
AI and blockchain are not just current trends, but they are poised to play an even more significant role in iGaming’s future. As AI technology evolves, more sophisticated algorithms will emerge, enabling real-time adaptation to player behavior and preferences. Blockchain’s application may extend beyond transparency and security, transforming game mechanics and player interactions potentially redefining how games are designed and played.
Shifting Player Preferences
Player expectations will continue to evolve toward immersive, interactive experiences. As Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) become more mainstream, they will significantly influence the future of iGaming. Players will demand more engaging, lifelike environments, pushing the industry to create innovative game formats and features that offer deeper immersion and entertainment value.
Regulatory Developments
The regulatory environment will continue to evolve, and iGaming operators must stay agile to navigate future changes. New regulations may increasingly emphasize responsible gaming and player protection, influencing platform design and operational practices. A more harmonized regulatory framework across jurisdictions could provide stability while requiring operators to prioritize compliance.
Integrating Emerging Technologies
Technologies like 5G and edge computing are set to revolutionize iGaming by enabling faster, more reliable connectivity. This will allow for more complex game designs and real-time player interactions, opening new avenues for innovative gaming experiences. As these technologies mature, operators will have greater opportunities to differentiate their offerings. The potential of these emerging technologies to revolutionize iGaming is truly exciting and promising for the industry’s future.
Final Thoughts
The iGaming industry is on the cusp of significant transformations, driven by technological advancements and shifting player demands. Innovations like live dealer games, blockchain integration, AI, ML, and enhanced personalization are just the beginning. As the industry evolves, staying ahead of these trends will be critical for operators looking to thrive in an increasingly dynamic environment.
At Digicode, we are constantly exploring new technologies and refining our solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our focus on adaptability and foresight ensures that our clients are not just keeping pace with the industry—they’re leading it.
The post Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
A partnership between game developer Turbo Games and iGaming solution provider and aggregator Slotegrator began in November 2022 via the APIgrator game integration solution. Since then, the collaboration has been developing successfully — and now it’s time to analyze what made it successful.
Turbo Games has noticed how the new technologies spreading throughout the industry can work for the good of brand transparency and player loyalty: “We can already see how blockchain technology has made it possible to make betting checks more accessible to players. All you need is a blockchain-hash and a decoder service. We think we will continue to move in this direction. Many traditional online casinos do not offer the possibility to check the bet. Sooner or later we all have to come to this. Perhaps the development of artificial intelligence will help here, because we are already seeing its involvement in all spheres of human life.”
Turbo Games specializes in provably fair games. Provable fairness is a concept where players can verify their wins or losses using blockchain technology — the outcome of the game is dictated by a smart contract and is absolutely random, barring the possibility of any human involvement. Using cryptographic hashing algorithms, the gambling site and the player’s device both generate seeds (random strings of numbers). Players receive a key that allows them to check the results; if the results are the same as the game round they witnessed, it proves that there was no foul play.
According to statistics from Turbo Games, the audience for provably fair games is mostly between 18 and 25 years old. However, there are also players aged 35-40 who prefer traditional games but would like to try something new, and have turned their attention to provably fair games.
There are good odds that the technology of provably fair games will become more popular, if not even commonplace, because it gives players a feeling of transparency and proves that the business is trustworthy without the need to search through dozens of reviews. Whereas many innovations in iGaming simply add entertainment, provable fairness addresses security concerns and reassures players that they’re not being exploited, which is invaluable.
Provably fair games are beneficial for both players and online casinos. Vadim Potapenko, Head of Sales at Turbo Games, comments: “It often happens that the users are not satisfied with the result, because gambling is not only about big wins, but also possible losses. By allowing them to check the fairness of a bet, we make life easier for platforms and players. Of course, this allows us to communicate with partners and users that we work honestly and that’s why they should trust our games.”
Ayvar Gabidullin, Business Development Manager at Slotegrator, adds that “this type of game is now becoming more and more popular and has great potential for both players and game providers in the future. On the part of the player, the advantage is that the player can always be sure that his game is fair and he can independently check any of his bets. And for the game provider, this also simplifies the process of implementing casino games, since now it will not be necessary to obtain the appropriate certificates from independent laboratories before launching new games, they can immediately enter the market with these games and where anyone can check the result and make sure that that there is no cheating with players. Many game providers are starting to look towards this type of game. And as far as I see, many operators are starting to think about adding these games.”
What do players in 2023 need? The iGaming industry is all about reputation and trust. Players have a huge number of platforms to choose from, making them pickier and pickier. There’s an abundance of forums where players leave reviews, so if players view a brand as untrustworthy, there are plenty of places they can share their opinion. Provable fairness not only stops that from happening, it provides evidence to the contrary, giving players something else to talk about.
Slotegrator also recommends investing time and effort into localization and creating an effective and detailed marketing strategy — before trying provably fair technology players need to get to the platform, and there is no acquisition without marketing.
ABOUT SLOTEGRATOR
Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.
The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.
The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.
Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.
More information: https://slotegrator.pro/
ABOUT TURBO GAMES
Turbo Games — a provably fair games provider that belongs to Turbo Stars company — has an ambitious goal to establish widespread recognition throughout the iGaming world. Even though it is young, the company consists of professionals who have been working on the brand for over five years and are even planning to introduce a new brand for a wider audience soon.
Turbo Games also works in Europe, India, and South Africa, where the company sees the most potential and expects the same “hype” as in Brazil.
The portfolio of Turbo Games consists of 21 titles, including well-known games like Mines, Crash X, DoubleRoll, Hi-Lo, and Plinko. The studio releases a game every month. However, not all games are developed from scratch. Wicket Blast and Spin Strike, the last two releases, are based on cricket and the Indian Premier League. Crash X remains the most popular fast game in the Turbo Games portfolio, and the studio reports that crash games enjoy stable levels of popularity. Overall, the main focus of the brand is provably fair games.
More information: https://turbogames.io/
Looking to take your career to the next level in the games industry? Then, Nordic Game Talents is the place to be! Games Factory Talents has teamed up with Nordic Game to bring you Nordic Game Talents.
From Oct 27-29, the online and interactive event is dedicated to recruitment and career building in the creative & games industry within the Nordic region. The event empowers participants to be part of a bigger community and motivates them to explore new paths in achieving their career goals.
Hiring creative & games studios – Supercell, Funcom, Panzerdog, Tactile Games, Gamecan, Fingersoft, Dazzle Rocks, Redhill Games to name a few from the Nordic region will be participating in the event. These studios will share information on their latest projects, work culture and what it takes to be part of their team. The individual games associations from Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Estonia will share insights through live sessions on the booming games industry in their respective countries. Career development topics pertinent to job seekers like – How to have a successful first interview, Creative Portfolio reviews will also be discussed.
Experienced game industry professionals and individuals beginning their careers from around the world are welcome to join the event. One-to-one interviews with the hiring studios can be scheduled through the event platform. A great opportunity to get to know the studios and network with game professionals from around the world.
Participating in the event
As a job seeker attending Nordic Game Talents, take a few minutes to fill out a simple registration form. After filling the registration form you will receive a link to the online event platform – PINE, to join the event on 27th October. Participants joining Nordic Game Talents will also receive a free-of-charge pass to the Nordic Game Conference.
To view the complete agenda, please click here and to learn more about the event please visit Games Job Fair
About Games Factory Talents
A Helsinki-based talent attraction agency dedicated to the games & creative industry. Our services include direct recruitment, organizing game job fairs and managing a community of game industry professionals through our GameDev Talent Board.
To learn more about Games Factory Talents visit – Games Factory Talents
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