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Poker Star Mike McDonald Goes All in at Bybit-Powered WSOT

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Poker players who cross over to cryptocurrency trading are seeing astounding success out of the gate — for example, a trading team comprised of poker players and captained by poker star Mike McDonald placed in the top three in the recently concluded World Series of Trading (WSOT). A total overlay prize pool of $1.27 million in cryptocurrency was paid out to the winners of the inaugural edition of the global crypto trading competition powered by Bybit, in which 135 teams and 12,368 participants joined from around the world.

Poker star McDonald  commented, “A lot of poker players are good at making financial decisions while limiting the role that emotion plays — that would be one of the skills that transfers particularly well to trading. There will be times when crypto prices will hit the roof or post massive dips. Do you follow the herd or stick to your own strategy? Just like in poker, the choice is yours. Jump tables or stick to yours and play the game skillfully.”

Poker is a game that tends to reward strategic thinking, mental endurance and emotional resilience — traits that happen to work equally well for crypto trading. Practiced with discipline, these traits can very well generate desirable results in both fields. Here are some of the common traits of winning poker players and profitable crypto traders:

  • Make +EV Decisions: Trading strategy deals with risk/reward ratio, similar to how poker players make expected value calculations for each hand when they consider whether to bet, check, call, raise or fold.
  • Don’t Go on Tilt: The calm and imperturbable demeanor synonymous with poker players tends to help them during volatility, when they are able to think and trade without giving in to impulses.
  • Hand Selection: In poker, just like in crypto trading, you can’t play your cards randomly. You have to understand the situation, process the chances of winning, and decide whether you want to fold or play further. Read the charts like you would interpret the body language of your opponent, and plan your next steps based on what is favorable to you.
  • Bankroll Management: Even the best poker player or crypto trader can go through a lean spell. Knowing how to manage the money in your account is essential, to ensure that you always have funds available to trade effectively.

Bybit CEO Ben Zhou noted, “If you’re a beginner in crypto trading, the gurus will advise you to research thoroughly about the types of crypto assets, not putting all your eggs in one basket, and trading per your risk appetite and bankroll management needs. It’s similar to how a beginner in poker would typically study the game: up skill, start with low-level stakes and take calculated risks while devising strategies that suit them best. Similarly, we have been putting a lot of our energy into educational content where we show our clients how to properly manage risks and perform technical analysis.”

The WSOT is a major global trading competition powered by Bybit, one of the fastest growing cryptocurrency derivatives exchanges, with more than a million registered users. The global event is open to traders worldwide where Bybit’s platform is available. The ranking system of WSOT is based on the profit/loss ratio, regardless of trading volume, thus paving a level playing field for all participants. The next edition of WSOT is expected in 2021.

About Mike McDonald:

Mike McDonald (born Sep 11, 1989) is a star poker player. McDonald is the youngest person to win an event on the European Poker Tour (EPT) and the youngest person to win an event on the Epic Poker League (EPL).

Mike is now involved with Betshares/PokerShares, facilitating novelty bets on many niche products including WSOT. He has been involved in Bitcoin since 2014.

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Cryptocurrency

Slotland Entertainment Rolls out Dazzling New Slot, 8 Crystals, Across Multiple Brands with new Cryptocurrency Integration

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Slotland Entertainment is raising the stakes for online casino players with the launch of their dazzling new slot game, 8 Crystals. Available across three major platforms – Slotland, CryptoSlots, and CryptoWins – this visually striking 3×3 Mega Matrix slot with 9 paylines has an array of enticing features, including Free Spins with Wilds, Double Wilds, and a Bonus Game which is triggered by hitting just one Free Spins scatter.

The game’s mesmerizing design features vibrant glowing purple and blue backgrounds, swirling nebula-like clouds, and geometric crystal shapes, immersing players in a world of luxurious, cosmic beauty.

“As a bonus for the launch, Slotland, CryptoSlots and CryptoWins are offering up to 88% Match Bonuses on deposits until April 4th, 2025. Players can also take advantage of a $15 FREE CHIP and other promotions to make their gaming experience even more rewarding!” says Michael Hilary, Slotland Manager.

To celebrate the release of 8 Crystals, Slotland.eu is making waves with its expanded cryptocurrency options. Players can now use Ether (ETH)USD Coin (USDC), and Tether (USDT) to deposit and withdraw funds, making crypto transactions faster, more secure, and incredibly flexible.

  • Ether (ETH): As the second-largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin, Ethereum provides popularity and availability across the crypto world, though transactions can be slower and more expensive.
  • USD Coin (USDC): This stablecoin is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, offering low-cost, fast, and predictable transactions, ensuring a smooth experience for players without the worry of price fluctuations.
  • Tether (USDT): With higher liquidity, Tether is widely accepted, making it easy for players to convert or cash out across multiple exchanges.

8 Crystals is sure to be a must-play for any casino enthusiast, so don’t miss out on these incredible bonuses.

The post Slotland Entertainment Rolls out Dazzling New Slot, 8 Crystals, Across Multiple Brands with new Cryptocurrency Integration appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Bitline and Everi Announce Crypto Liquidity for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts in Industry First Development

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Bitline, the only provider for casino chip access directly from cryptocurrency, has announced its first major collaboration in the U.S. casino market, teaming up with Choctaw Casinos & Resorts through its collaboration with Everi’s CashClub, the leading financial access services suit for casino payments. This collaboration introduces cryptocurrency and digital assets as a new source of liquidity for casino patrons and marks the first time that such a functionality has been enabled within the American gaming industry.

Leveraging Everi’s CashClub’s comprehensive payment infrastructure, Bitline’s solution is able to efficiently board, screen and verify patrons looking to leverage their digital assets whilst also allowing patrons to move screened assets into custody within minutes. Bitline’s integration with Everi’s CashClub, will enable the technology for the benefit of Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, and is the first time that such a functionality has been possible in the U.S. regulated casino market.

The collaboration works to cater to the growing demand for greater cryptocurrency and digital asset integration within the casino industry. The collaboration between Bitline and Everi’s CashClub forms a transferable blueprint that offers casino operators and their patrons an alternative way to manage funds, access liquidity, and leverage the benefits of cryptocurrency and other digital assets.

This milestone reflects a strategic shift in how casino operators view and manage financial interactions with their guests. The introduction of cryptocurrency as a liquidity solution provides additional options for guests and lays the foundation for  Choctaw Casinos & Resorts as it looks to the future of gaming sector finance, setting a new standard in financial accessibility and convenience.

“Working with Choctaw Casinos & Resorts and Everi’s CashClub to make this a reality is a historical moment for both the casino and blockchain industries. Bitline was conceptualized to advance the gaming sector and offer a wider variety of financial options for the casino industry,” said Richard Jones, CEO at Bitline. “We’re entering an era where digital assets can fundamentally enhance the gaming experience, providing casino operators with a future-ready financial framework that can expand and evolve as the industry does. This collaboration is just the beginning of our vision to modernize casino payment capabilities on a global scale.”

“We are excited to be the first casino in North America to offer our guests another way to play,” said Thomas McDonald, Senior Director of Cage and Credit at Choctaw Casinos & Resorts. “Through our long-term relationship with Everi, a leader in fintech solutions, we will continue to invest in innovative offerings that provide the discerning gaming VIP access to funds in a safe and secure manner.”

 The Choctaw Casinos & Resorts integration represents only the first phase of Bitline’s broader mission to bring cryptocurrency solutions to casinos and casino patrons worldwide. As cryptocurrency and digital assets continue to gain traction in the gaming sector, Bitline’s easy to integrate and patented payment model stands poised to become a key player in transforming gaming finance. Future plans include expanding  services across other major casinos and gaming markets, both domestically and internationally, establishing cryptocurrency as a new standard feature of the gaming experience.

The solution is to be formally rolled out on March 7, 2025, with the first transaction taking place at Choctaw’s Durant, Oklahoma, location.

The post Bitline and Everi Announce Crypto Liquidity for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts in Industry First Development appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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SOFTSWISS Reveals Crypto Betting Shift in 2024: Altcoins Command Nearly Half of Crypto Bet Sum

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As Bitcoin’s value skyrocketed in 2024, crypto betting saw a significant shift, shaking up the iGaming industry. Altcoins now account for nearly half of all crypto wagers. SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider and pioneer in crypto gambling, unveils Bitcoin’s game-changing impact in its annual ‘State of Crypto’ overview.

According to the 2024 annual crypto industry report, with its market capitalisation soaring to approximately 1.8 trillion euro, Bitcoin alone accounted for more than half of the total cryptocurrency market value, further solidifying its influence in both traditional and digital financial ecosystems. SOFTSWISS experts analysed data from over half of a thousand brands to reveal relevant crypto tendencies that evolved during 2024.

 

The Big Picture: Stable Growth in the iGaming Landscape

SOFTSWISS data shows that the Total Bet Sum, encompassing both fiat and cryptocurrency, grew by 35.9% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Similarly, the Total Bet Count experienced the same growth rate, reflecting a strong upward trend in overall betting activity.

A detailed analysis since 2022 highlights a significantly faster rise in fiat bets compared to crypto. During 2024, the Fiat Bet Sum surged by 40.1%, showcasing its stable growth. Meanwhile, a more cautious approach toward crypto payments has resulted in a slower growth rate for the Crypto Bet Sum. This shift contributed to a 2.5-percentage-point (p.p.) decline in the crypto share[1] in 2024, emphasising the increasing dominance of fiat transactions in the betting landscape.

 

[1] Based on data from ongoing projects

 

Bitcoin’s Exchange Rate Impact

SOFTSWISS data confirms that cryptocurrency continues to play a significant role in iGaming payments. In 2024, the Crypto Bet Sum increased by 18.7% compared to the previous year. However, the Crypto Bet Count declined by 12.8%, indicating a more cautious approach to crypto betting amid Bitcoin’s rising exchange rate.

The surge in Bitcoin’s value also drove a 1.4x increase in the average crypto bet in 2024, while the average fiat bet remained stable. This trend highlights a strong correlation between the total wagered sum and fluctuations in cryptocurrency exchange rates.

Vitali Matsukevich, Chief Operating Officer at SOFTSWISS, comments: “The sharp appreciation of Bitcoin in the final quarter of 2024 led to a more conservative approach among players toward crypto betting. At the same time, the increased value of Bitcoin resulted in higher average bet amounts, positively impacting the overall Crypto Bet Sum. As Bitcoin’s exchange rate fluctuates, players are anticipated to continue adopting a more cautious approach when wagering their Bitcoin.”

Altcoins Make up Nearly Half of Crypto Wagers

Altcoins’ share growth is another significant trend gaining momentum during 2024. According to SOFTSWISS data from operators reporting in crypto, the top five cryptocurrencies in iGaming – Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, and Dogecoin – have consistently formed the top 5 ranking over the years. However, their market dynamics have shifted significantly.

In 2023, altcoins represented only 26.8% of total bets, but this share surged to almost half in 2024, reflecting a growing preference among crypto players for alternative digital assets. In 2024, Bitcoin’s share dropped by over 17 percentage points, while Tether increased by 7.3 p.p., Litecoin grew by 6.5 p.p., and Ethereum rose by 3.4 p.p.

 

A new trend is emerging in iGaming, where established brands like Rollbit and Shuffle leverage proprietary tokens to enhance player engagement. These gaming-specific tokens offer seamless integration, reduced volatility, and exclusive perks, fostering innovation in payments and business growth. By creating internal ecosystems with unique rewards and potential external partnerships, proprietary tokens strengthen player loyalty. However,  developing these tokens requires significant resources, including substantial marketing budgets, to build trust and encourage adoption.

Vitali Matsukevich, Chief Operating Officer at SOFTSWISS, summarises: “Bitcoin’s rate surge in 2024 has driven higher average crypto bet sizes, yet the decline in total crypto bets suggests players are diversifying and managing risks more cautiously. The growing adoption of altcoins and proprietary gaming tokens highlights a shift toward more stable and engaging financial ecosystems. For operators, balancing fiat and crypto while leveraging payments innovation will be crucial for sustained growth in the evolving iGaming landscape.”

 

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS complies with a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

The post SOFTSWISS Reveals Crypto Betting Shift in 2024: Altcoins Command Nearly Half of Crypto Bet Sum appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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