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Will Bitcoin Halving Influence iGaming? SOFTSWISS H1’2024 Overview

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The second quarter of 2024 was marked by a historical event: the Bitcoin halving. Did this event affect the iGaming market? SOFTSWISS shares insights in its quarterly “State of Crypto” overview.

What is Bitcoin Halving?

The Bitcoin halving occurs approximately every four years or every 210,000 blocks, reducing the reward for mining new blocks by 50%. Since Bitcoin’s launch in 2009, there have been four halving events: in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024. These events are crucial for maintaining Bitcoin’s scarcity and controlling inflation, ensuring the total supply never exceeds 21 million coins. Historically, each halving has been followed by a rise in Bitcoin’s price due to reduced supply and increased scarcity.

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According to blockchain experts the recent halving may lead to new regulations that ensure fairness, responsible gambling, and anti-money laundering measures in the crypto-driven iGaming sector. The halving is also expected to increase Bitcoin’s value, potentially benefiting Bitcoin-friendly iGaming brands. The adoption of crypto-friendly solutions can enhance player trust and transparency.

Post-Halving iGaming Market Overview

SOFTSWISS experts analysed the data gathered from around 250 crypto-friendly brands powered by the company that engaged in crypto transactions during the first half of 2024. The index increased by 13% since the beginning of the year. 

In absolute terms, the Total Bet Sum, encompassing both fiat and crypto, grew by 46.6% in the first part of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year. The Total Bet Count showed an even greater increase, surpassing 51.7% in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023.

Ongoing analysis since early 2022 indicates that fiat bets are experiencing more growth compared to crypto bets. Comparing the first half of 2024 to the same period in 2023, the Fiat Bet Sum increased by 65.2%

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Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, shares his opinion: “The increasing wealth of the middle class boosts disposable income and spending on entertainment. Technological advancements make online games and various payment methods more and more accessible. The expansion of regulated markets where iGaming is being legalised provides a stable and secure environment for both operators and players. These elements together foster a thriving industry, encouraging innovation, competition, and a broader reach to diverse audiences.” 

Cautious Approach to Crypto Gaming

In the first half of 2024, the Crypto Bet Sum shows a modest 2.3% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. As fiat rates grow much faster than crypto rates, the share of crypto bets noticeably decreased in 2024, settling at 20.6%.

 

At the same time, the H1 2024 Crypto Bet Count shows a decrease of more than 20% year-on-year. Notably, the review of the first quarter of the year showed a relatively stable position of the Crypto Bet Count.

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Andrey Starovoitov, adds: “The anticipated impact of the Bitcoin halving on the market, coupled with the strengthening of the Bitcoin exchange rate in the first half of the year, may lead to a more cautious attitude among players towards using cryptocurrencies. However, the average crypto bet is increasing, positively impacting the overall Crypto Bet Sum. As Bitcoin’s exchange rate fluctuates, we expect some players to adopt a more careful approach to using their Bitcoins.”

Analysing crypto bets reveals that around 93% are facilitated via the in-game currency conversion tool, which allows operators to engage players with cryptocurrency assets in games originally designed for fiat. The proportion has remained stable through the first half of the year. The operators who adopt the tool are gaining a competitive edge in the market.

Bitcoin’s Share Drops

Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Dogecoin create the top five most popular cryptocurrencies in iGaming. This list has remained stable over the years, with some shifts in their rankings.

Bitcoin experienced a decline of around 23 p.p. in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023. This could be attributed to the strengthening Bitcoin exchange rate and players’ commitment to save it.

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The shares of other cryptos, on the other hand, have significantly increased in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023. Litecoin and Tether demonstrated growth of 8.9 p.p. and 7.1 p.p., respectively. Tether climbed to fourth place in the ranking, overtaking Dogecoin behind.

 

Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, summarises: “Confirming experts’ anticipations, the iGaming industry is experiencing active growth, with a fifth of all bets coming from the crypto segment. The intriguing fluctuations in Bitcoin’s position promises both increased profits and a more cautious attitude toward spending. However, every challenge brings its own opportunities. The key to success lies in adapting by investing in employee training and software development, integrating crypto processing, and ensuring your platform remains secure throughout the process.”

 

 

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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 23,500 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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Week 8/2025 slot games releases

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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

Tom Horn Gaming is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest Hold & Win slot game, Majestic Coins. ​ This high-volatility 3×3 slot takes players on a winning quest, where shimmering coins, respins, and grand jackpots lead to massive wins. Set against a sleek black 3×3 reel grid with 5 win lines, Majestic Coins offers classic slot excitement with a modern twist.

Hold, Win, and Grab Jackpots in Tom Horn’s Majestic Coins Slot

Candy Links Bonanza 2 is the newest slot game from Stakelogic, inviting you to wander through magical realms filled with delightfully sweet treats. Amidst this charming backdrop, two 5×5 grids are placed side by side. The grid on the right is where all the gameplay unfolds, while the other grid collects coins. Forming lines of coins wins their values and activates the powerful Wheels of Fortune!

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You are in for a sweet treat with Candy Links Bonanza 2, the latest release by Stakelogic

Step into a world where opulence meets nature in Zillion’s latest release, Royal Crown Fruits – a dazzling slot experience filled with vibrant fruit symbols, golden crowns, and thrilling rewards. With 20 winning lines, the game blends classic charm with modern excitement, offering players a chance to strike royal-sized wins.

 

Big Time Gaming is back with its most exhilarating instalment yet. Max Megaways III invites players to gear up and embark on a high-stakes Arctic mission that’s shaken, stirred, and loaded with epic rewards. In this 6-reel Megaways™ slot, players get up to 117,649 ways to win, and that’s just the start of the action. Armed with MegaDozer™ mechanics, Free Spins, and a treasure trove of bonuses, Max Megaways III is set to deliver edge-of-your-seat excitement like never before.

Play’n GO delves into the mysteries of ancient Egypt with the release of Myth of Dead, a visually stunning slot that combines engaging gameplay with the allure of legendary treasures. This 5-reel, 3-row game with 10 paylines offers a captivating journey into a world ruled by powerful deities and golden riches.

Unearth Ancient Riches in Myth of Dead

 

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Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has released Blast the Bass, a brand new title that immerses players into an adventure on the open seas. Set out in the deep ocean, Blast the Bass brings together engaging mechanics, big bonus features and fun graphics that entertain players on every spin. A salty old skipper acts as the Wild symbol and will substitute for all regular symbols to combine for winning lines.

Belatra’s Blast the Bass explodes onto the market

Push Gaming has launched Mad Blasta volatile, multiplier-focused, pay-anywhere game that builds crazy robots along with wild winnings. Set in the workshop of the Mad Tinkerer, quirky, colourful bomb symbols populate the reels, with eight or more required to award a win. Winning symbols are removed from play, and the cascade of replacement icons allows subsequent wins to be formed.

Push Gaming lights the fuse for explosive multiplier play in Mad Blast

Relax Gaming has revealed Glyph of Gods, an Egyptian-themed slot where hieroglyphs hold the key to wins. Bringing a fresh take on the much-loved Egyptian theme, this game features Glyph Positions which allow for Wild, Bonus, and Glyph symbols to land in dedicated spots, opening up multiple opportunities for big winning moments.

Relax Gaming transports players to an alternative Egypt in Glyph of Gods

Blueprint Gaming returns in style with Big Catch Even Bigger Bass, offering a plethora of modifiers to maximise players’ winning potential. After years of success with its iconic Fishin’ Frenzy™ series, Blueprint has moved from the ocean to a picturesque lake where a bait box of aquatic symbols take their place on the 6×4, 4,096 win matrix, nestled in a mountainous landscape.

Bigger Bass, Bigger Wins: Blueprint's latest catch

Amusnet announces the exclusive launch of 20 Wild Goals at Betano in Romania from February 20th to March 24th, 2025. 20 Wild Goals is a 5-reel video slot set in a stadium environment, offering 20 paylines. The Wild symbol, represented by a ball, expands to cover the entire reel, boosting the potential for higher wins. The tumbling reel feature adds a layer of excitement by removing winning combinations and increasing multipliers with each subsequent spin.

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Amusnet Deepens Collaboration with Betano for Exclusive Launch of 20 Wild Goals

 

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IGT Achieves Improved ESG Score from FTSE Russell

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International Game Technology PLC announced that it has achieved an environmental, social and governance (ESG) Score of 4.3 out of 5.0 from FTSE Russell, positioning IGT in the 97th percentile within the Travel and Leisure sector of FTSE Russell’s ESG Scores. This was an improvement from IGT’s previous ESG Score of 4.2 out of 5.0 in 2023, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to enhancing ESG performance.

“As a company committed to continually elevating our sustainability practices and leadership, IGT is proud to once again achieve an improved ESG score from FTSE Russell. Through our global Sustainable Play program, we execute sustainable practices and policies throughout our company and this improved score validates our ongoing efforts,” Wendy Montgomery, SVP of Marketing, Communications and Sustainability at IGT, said.

FTSE Russell’s ESG Scores and data model allows investors to understand a company’s exposure to, and management of, ESG issues in multiple dimensions. The ESG Scores are comprises an overall rating that breaks down into underlying pillar and theme exposures. Scores built on over 300 individual indicator assessments are applied to each company’s unique circumstances. The ESG Scores align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all of which are reflected in FTSE Russell’s ESG framework.

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Playtech’s Bingo Technology Powers Buzz Bingo’s Launch of Innovative Omni-channel Experience

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Playtech announced the launch of Buzz Bingo’s groundbreaking omni-channel bingo game, Big Money Live.

Big Money Live sets a new standard in the bingo proposition by seamlessly combining online and land-based players across all Buzz Bingo clubs into a shared and exciting experience, powered by a low latency video stream with an engaging live presenter.

Officially launched at the end of 2024, Big Money Live debuted with a record-breaking £100,000 prize pool, the largest omni-channel bingo prize in the UK. Players nationwide participated in the exciting new chapter of bingo history, enjoying the game from both the vibrant atmosphere of bingo halls and the comfort of their own homes, showcasing the flexibility of this bingo offering.

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Big Money Live is broadcasted from Buzz Bingo’s state-of-the-art studio in Derby and streamed live twice daily, seven days a week. Playtech, in collaboration with its ECM Systems platform, has worked closely with Buzz Bingo to develop a cutting-edge offering that caters to both digital and retail bingo enthusiasts. The seamless delivery of bingo games alongside live video enables entertaining and engaging features to be created around the core games, creating opportunities to attract new and younger audiences to play bingo together online and in-venue.

Marat Koss, VP of Interactive Gaming at Playtech, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Buzz Bingo on this project. Big Money Live represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the gaming industry. This collaboration showcases our ability to deliver top-tier technology solutions, such as the ECM handheld machines, that enhance player experiences across multiple channels, including online and retail. We’ve already received great feedback from the industry over this offering and functionality.”

Dave Evans, Chief Product Officer at Buzz Bingo, said: “The launch of Big Money Live marks an exciting new phase for bingo in the UK. Our partnership with Playtech has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, and we are confident that this game will attract more players and offer bigger prizes than ever before.”

Richard Kearns, Head of Bingo at Buzz Bingo, said: “This new concept is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between our teams and Playtech. We are dedicated to providing innovative and engaging bingo experiences, and Big Money Live is a perfect example of this commitment.”

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