SOFTSWISS analysis: Crypto iGaming experiences moderate growth amidst fiat rise

SOFTSWISS’ latest analysis indicates that the cryptocurrency segment is experiencing slower growth compared to the broader iGaming industry. The analysis is based on the data collected across 530+ brands powered by the online gaming software solutions provider.

The report takes into account the in-game currency conversion capabilities of the company's solutions, enabling SOFTSWISS clients to involve players with cryptocurrency holdings in games originally tailored for fiat only. 

iGaming market growth

During the first three quarters of 2023, the iGaming market consistently grew. In absolute terms, the total wagered amount showed a 36.6% increase compared to the same period of the previous year, while the number of bets saw an even more impressive growth of almost 50%. 

State of crypto

In the comparative analysis of crypto bets spanning the first nine months of 2023 and the same period of the previous year, a noteworthy 18.7% monetary growth is observed.

At the same time, the number of crypto bets has surged by 66.4% since 2022. Simultaneously, the share of crypto in the Total Bets Sum demonstrated a slight decrease of 4.3% to finally settle at 28.5%. 

Diving deeper into the analysis, which has been ongoing since the beginning of 2022, SOFTSWISS noted it is evident that the sums of crypto bets experienced incremental growth from quarter to quarter during this period, but their share in the Total Bets Sum decreased slightly, primarily due to the more impressive quarter-to-quarter increase in the sums of fiat bets.

Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, commented: “An 18% increase in crypto bet sums may appear very modest when juxtaposed against a more substantial 45% expansion in fiat bets during the first three quarters of 2023."

"Taking into account the state of crypto in other spheres, such as fundraising, where the third quarter showed its worst results since the end of 2020, the position of cryptocurrencies in iGaming could be evaluated as comparatively stable at the moment.”

Fluctuating crypto bet

The analysis of the average bet presents an engrossing picture. While the average fiat bet remains stable, hovering around 0.82 euro during the first three quarters of 2023 as well as in the same period of 2022, the average crypto bet lost almost 30% on average, displaying a quarter-to-quarter variability.

It initially increased from 1.56 euro at the end of 2022 to 1.88 euro in Q2 2023 but subsequently declined to 1.59 euro in Q3 2023. Such fluctuations can be attributed to the inherent volatility in cryptocurrency rates and market expectations. 

Solid top of cryptocurrencies 

The Top 5 most used digital coins in iGaming remained unchanged since the beginning of 2022. During the first three quarters of 2023, the cryptocurrency distribution structure is as follows:

• Bitcoin – 74.9%
• Ethereum – 8.9%
• Litecoin – 6.0% 
• Tether – 4.6%
• Dogecoin – 3.0%

In the world of digital currencies, Bitcoin has witnessed the most substantial growth, marked by a 3.9% increase in its share compared to the first three quarters of the previous year. Conversely, Ethereum experienced a decline, losing 6.3% in its market share during the same period.

Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, summarises: “Due to their technological nature and relatively recent emergence, cryptocurrencies are developing within a rapidly changing landscape, pivoting on diverse economic and societal factors."

"At the moment, we are observing their moderate popularity among players in the growing fiat segment, and the results of the final quarter of 2023 hold increasing fascination. Being the ‘number one’ crypto solutions provider, SOFTSWISS remains committed to imparting its expertise on the relevant trends in iGaming.”