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.

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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

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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.”

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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.

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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.

Bitcoin has shattered records, soaring past €100,000 per coin, marking a pivotal moment in cryptocurrency history. SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider with over 15 years of expertise and a trailblazer in crypto integration for iGaming, unveils the transformative trends set to redefine the digital currency landscape.

According to Statista, the global cryptocurrency market’s revenue is estimated to reach almost €44 billion in 2025, with an expected 861 million users. SOFTSWISS experts spotlight the major forces shaping the crypto future. 

How Will Regulation Evolve?

As cryptocurrency adoption grows, experts anticipate global regulations to tighten to address security, transparency, and misuse. Key areas of focus include AML (Anti-Money Laundering), KYC (Know Your Customer), and investor protection, requiring businesses to implement robust compliance measures.

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Companies must adapt to diverse regional regulations, such as Europe’s MiCA framework or US oversight by the SEC and CFTC. While compliance increases operational costs, it enhances credibility, fosters trust, and creates opportunities to attract institutional investors and expand into regulated markets, positioning businesses for sustainable growth.

Financial Security with Crypto Investments

Bitcoin’s growing acceptance and institutional interest demonstrate its evolving role as a significant financial asset. With nations like the US exploring its use as a reserve asset, Bitcoin is increasingly seen as a store of value and a hedge against traditional market fluctuations. These trends reinforce its potential as a strategic component in a forward-looking investment portfolio.

Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, comments: “While crypto remains a risky asset, its long-term growth potential and increasing institutional adoption suggest it could be a valuable addition to a diversified retirement portfolio. The key is understanding the asset, investing consistently, and viewing it as a long-term strategy rather than a short-term speculation.”

Consider this strategy based on the past decade: saving €100 per month over ten years would result in €12,000 with little to no return if kept in a bank or at home. However, investing that same €100 monthly in Bitcoin could have transformed those €12,000 into over €120,000. This remarkable growth illustrates Bitcoin’s potential to significantly enhance long-term savings or provide substantial financial security for retirement.

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Is Crypto a New Payment Standard?

The era of cryptocurrency as a purely speculative asset has passed. Businesses and consumers now demand real utility, with crypto payments rapidly becoming an industry standard. The adoption curve is evolving – what was once considered an alternative is now a necessity. Seamless, low-cost, and fast transactions are no longer merely advantages; they have become fundamental expectations.

Max Krupyshev, CEO at CoinsPaid, comments: “The shift from holding to spending will be one of the biggest transformations of 2025. At CoinsPaid, we see real businesses using crypto payments every day. It’s not just about holding anymore – it’s about spending. Expect more companies to accept and settle in crypto, making it as easy as using a credit card. And yes, customised tokens are part of this too – they’re fun, they’re liquid, and they work.”

Proprietary Tokens for Player Engagement

An influential trend in iGaming established brands like Rollbit and Shuffle leveraging proprietary tokens to enhance player engagement. These gaming-specific tokens offer benefits like seamless platform integration, reduced volatility, and exclusive perks, driving innovation in payment methods and business growth.

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Proprietary tokens allow casinos to create internal ecosystems with unique bonuses and advantages, potentially extending to external partnerships, such as voucher rewards with major brands. This strategy boosts marketing efforts and strengthens player loyalty. However, developing and maintaining a proprietary currency requires significant resources, including a substantial marketing budget to build trust and encourage adoption. These challenges can divert focus from the core mission of delivering quality entertainment and gaming experiences.

The experts summarise: “The crypto industry has always been about pushing boundaries, and 2025 will be the year we stop talking about potential and start seeing real-world utility at scale. This year crypto stops being just an asset class and starts being the backbone of global finance. The focus is shifting to utility, efficiency, and real-world integration, and the companies that adapt will lead the next wave of innovation. The future of payments isn’t coming – it’s already here.”

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds 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.

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NBA superstar Tristan Thompson is the latest big name to partner with Sportsbet.io, the world’s favorite crypto-first sports betting site, as its newest global ambassador.

Thompson, a Cleveland Cavaliers center and 2016 NBA Championship winner, will bring his star power and passion for cryptocurrency to the Sportsbet.io community for the next two years.

The Canadian basketball legend will be sharing his views on the latest action for Sportsbet.io, where fans will have the opportunity to take part in some exclusive promotions.

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Tristan Thompson, Sportsbet.io ambassador, said: “Sportsbet.io brings together my two biggest passions: sports and cryptocurrency. I’ve been following the crypto sector for some time now and have seen how transformative it can be. There’s no better place to combine that with my love of sports than Sportsbet.io.”

Shane Anderson, Director Partnership, Content and Brand, Yolo Entertainment, the operator of Sportsbet.io, added: “We’d like to give a huge Sportsbet.io welcome to Tristan, an elite athlete whose passion for both basketball and cryptocurrency makes him a perfect match for us. We’re thrilled to have him on the team, and we already have some exciting plans in the works. Watch this space.”

Thompson’s crypto credentials are already well established; he’s been a vocal supporter of Bitcoin, and recently celebrated as it reached a new all-time high in price.

He will be providing weekly betting tips on a range of sports, including NFL, MLB, European soccer, tennis, golf, UFC and boxing.

The partnership with Thompson marks another exciting new chapter for Sportsbet.io, which has earned a reputation for both its innovative approach to gaming, and its star-studded line-up of ambassadors, including cricket legend Brett Lee, Kenyan rapper King Kaka and many more.

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Sportsbet.io is also an official partner of LALIGA and Newcastle United.