CryptoGames has recently integrated Polygon (MATIC) into its platform. This strategic move is designed to significantly enhance the user experience by leveraging Polygon’s advanced blockchain technology, which offers faster transactions and reduced costs.

Polygon, formerly known as Matic Network, was established in 2017 by blockchain developers Jaynti Kanani, Sandeep Nailwal, and Anurag Arjun. It quickly gained recognition as a leading Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum. It addresses critical issues such as high transaction fees and network congestion by processing transactions on its sidechains. This process effectively bundles multiple transactions into a single submission to the Ethereum mainchain, reducing costs and enhancing transaction speeds.

Polygon’s modular Software Development Kit (SDK) enables developers to create and connect Ethereum-compatible decentralized applications (dApps) on custom sidechains. It supports various scaling solutions like Plasma Chains, zk-Rollups, and Optimistic Rollups. Polygon’s Proof of Stake (PoS) chain allows participants to stake MATIC tokens to validate transactions, engage in network governance, and earn rewards.

Despite facing a security vulnerability in 2021, Polygon demonstrated resilience by raising $450 million in February 2022 from prominent investors like Sequoia Capital India, Tiger Global, and Softbank Vision Fund. This funding aims to bolster its infrastructure and expand its services.

The integration of Polygon (MATIC) into CryptoGames is driven by its exceptional ability to handle high transaction volumes with minimal fees. This is crucial for an online casino that prioritizes fast and cost-effective transactions. This integration ensures that players benefit from quicker and cheaper transactions, significantly enhancing their overall gaming experience.

Polygon’s widespread popularity and robust security measures make it an ideal choice for CryptoGames. By supporting a well-known cryptocurrency, CryptoGames facilitates an easier transition for users. This forward-thinking approach positions CryptoGames at the forefront of the industry, ready to leverage future advancements in blockchain technology.

The inclusion of Polygon (MATIC) brings numerous benefits to CryptoGames. Users can enjoy faster and more cost-effective transactions, which enhances the efficiency and enjoyment of their gaming experience. With Polygon (MATIC) as a supported currency, CryptoGames offers increased accessibility, providing more options for betting and transacting on the platform.

Moreover, Polygon’s advanced security ensures that users can place their bets with confidence, knowing that their funds are protected. This robust security framework is essential for maintaining trust and satisfaction among CryptoGames’ user base. By integrating Polygon, CryptoGames continues to stay ahead of its competitors, offering cutting-edge solutions that appeal to a broad audience of cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

CryptoGames, established in 2020, is a leading online cryptocurrency-based casino licensed and regulated by the Government of Curacao. The platform offers a diverse range of games, including Dice, DiceV2, Roulette, Blackjack, Lottery, Video Poker, Plinko, Minesweeper, and Keno. Supporting multiple cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Monero, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum Classic, Dash, Solana, Binance Coin, NeoGas, and now Polygon (MATIC), CryptoGames ensures a seamless and engaging gaming experience for both new and seasoned players.

CryptoGames prides itself on transparency and fairness through provably fair mechanisms, guaranteeing random and unmanipulated outcomes. The casino features a competitive house edge and offers various bonuses and rewards, including faucet bonuses, random vouchers, daily and weekly challenges, and a monthly wagering contest with substantial rewards. The VIP membership program provides exclusive benefits such as a lower house edge, increased exchange limits, and access to a VIP chat room, further enhancing the user experience. By integrating Polygon (MATIC), CryptoGames reaffirms its commitment to providing an advanced, secure, and user-friendly platform for cryptocurrency gaming.

Macau welcomed approximately 2.6 million visitors last month, representing about 76 percent of the visitor numbers from the same month in 2019. Despite a monthly decline of 4.4 percent, there was a significant yearly increase of 14.4 percent, highlighting a recovery trend in tourism.  

Based on the from the Statistics and Census Service, Macau faces challenges in extending visitor stays, with same-day visits reaching 1.35 million, a 23 percent increase from the previous year. In contrast, overnight visitors totalled 1.25 million, marking a modest yearly rise of 6.3 percent. The higher rate of same-day visits indicates a need for strategies to encourage longer stays. 

Mainland China remains the largest source of visitors, contributing 1.73 million arrivals in April, a 25.3 percent increase from the previous year. However, the number of visitors traveling under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) saw a slight yearly decline of 3 percent, totalling 793,351. 

Hong Kong visitor numbers decreased by 22 percent year-on-year, down to 581,646. In contrast, Taiwan saw a substantial increase in visitors, up 120.6 percent to 73,460. Compared to 2019, visitation from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan reached 74.2 percent, 83.5 percent, and 80 percent, respectively, indicating varying degrees of recovery across these regions. 

's efforts to boost international tourism are yielding positive results, with international visitor numbers rising by 92 percent year-on-year to 208,297, or about 89 percent of April 2019 levels. South Korea contributed nearly 38,000 visitors, approximately 61 percent of pre-pandemic levels, while the Philippines accounted for 35,800 visitors, about 87 percent of the 2019 figures. 

From January to April 2024, Macau recorded a total of 11.47 million visitors, achieving about 83 percent of the visitor numbers seen in the same period of 2019. This data reflects a strong recovery trajectory, although it also underscores the need for continuous efforts to fully restore tourism to pre-pandemic levels.  

Macau's visitor statistics for April 2024 indicate a significant recovery in tourism, driven by increases in both same-day and overnight visits, particularly from mainland China and Taiwan. The substantial growth in international visitors highlights the success of 's efforts to attract tourists from diverse regions. However, the disparity between same-day and overnight visitors suggests that further initiatives are needed to encourage longer stays and enhance overall tourism revenue. 

The latest  sportsbook report for the first quarter of 2024 reveals a significant shift towards real-time betting among sports bettors. This trend, which boosts engagement and offers higher margins and faster capital turnover for operators, underscores the profitability of live betting in the sports betting industry. 

According to the report, the transition from desktop to mobile betting continues to accelerate, with mobile devices now accounting for 90 percent of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), up from 86 percent a year ago. This growth highlights the crucial role of mobile-friendly betting solutions in the market. Operators focusing on mobile integration and user experience are well-positioned to capture a larger market share, reflecting the changing dynamics in consumer behaviour. 

The report also said that traditional sports remain popular among bettors, with some shifts in preference. Football continues to lead in revenue, while tennis has moved ahead of basketball to claim the second spot. The Super Bowl's influence is evident, as American football has entered the top five, showcasing the impact of major events on betting patterns. Ice hockey maintains its strong appeal, indicating consistent interest from the betting community. 

SOFTSWISS Sportsbook has shown remarkable growth in Q1 2024. Trading volume increased by 246 percent compared to Q1 2023, and revenue surged by 251 percent year-over-year. The platform also recorded consistent month-on-month growth of 136 percent in Q4 2023, highlighting its rising popularity and efficiency. 

Alexander Kamenetskyi, Director of SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, remarked, “The trends we observe in the first quarter of 2024 emphasise the adaptability and growth of our platform while highlighting the critical dynamics of player preferences and technological advancements.”  

The Q1 2024 report from SOFTSWISS Sportsbook underscores significant trends in the , particularly the growing dominance of live and mobile betting. As the platform continues to expand and adapt to changing market demands, its focus on enhancing user experience and providing innovative tools for operators positions it for sustained success in the dynamic sports betting landscape. 

In a recent gathering of industry experts, the closing panel of "Market Expert Insights" discussed cross-border advertising bans in the gambling industry. The panel featured Robert Zammit, Partner at WH Partners; Quirino Mancini, President of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL); Joerg Hofmann, Senior Partner at Melchers Law; and Cosmina Simion, Managing Partner at Simion & Partners.

Robert Zammit addressed the "headache" that marketing teams face when dealing with the diverse legal requirements of different jurisdictions. Quirino Mancini, President of IMGL, lambasted the country's “draconian” advertising ban on gambling operators as "pure legal nonsense." He criticised the Cinque Stelle (Five Star) Movement's hasty implementation of the ban, which was enforced by AGCOM, a telecoms watchdog with no prior experience in gambling regulation. "It was something that came out of the blue," Mancini said, emphasising the lack of research and stakeholder consultation.

Joerg Hofmann, Senior Partner at Melchers Law, pointed out the discrepancies between online and land-based gaming in the wake of these advertising restrictions and also highlighted the hypocrisy in the of these regulations, where operators regularly find loopholes to indirectly promote their brands. Cosmina Simion, Managing Partner at Simion & Partners, shared insights from Romania, where political elections and public opinion have led to increased taxes and restrictions on the gambling industry. "It's counterproductive to attack an industry which you are taxing more by putting more bans when you want their taxes at the end of the day," Simion argued, pointing out the broader impact on various industries, not just gambling.

The panellists agreed that the industry itself bore some responsibility for the current state of affairs. "The industry was the one that just got busy making money... and all of a sudden we realized that this was a bit too much," Mancini admitted. He called for increased dialogue between the industry and regulators to overcome mutual distrust and find balanced regulatory solutions.

A "lose-lose" situation

As the discussion concluded, the panelists underscored the need for evidence-based regulations and the importance of community messaging in advertising. "You can talk about the white market, the compliant market, the responsible market, as opposed to doing nothing," Simion urged, in efforts to avoid blanket advertising bans which are ultimately a “lose-lose” situation.

The panel highlighted the complex and often contradictory nature of cross-border gambling advertising regulations. It called for a more harmonized approach that balances the interests of operators, regulators, and the public while promoting responsible gambling practices. As the industry continues to navigate this challenging landscape, the insights from this panel serve as a beacon for future regulatory discussions.

The event was hosted by WHPartners and Payhound, with SBC as the strategic partner and sponsored by Sumsub.

Upcoming SiGMA event:  happening in Manila from the 2 to 5 June.Shirley Pulis Xerxen20 hours ago

Future of crypto in sports betting

The future of crypto sports betting is looking bright with the increasing adoption of cryptocurrency in online wagering. The advantages of using cryptocurrency for sports wagers are being recognized by more and more bettors, leading to a surge in the popularity of

Blockchain capabilities promise a revolutionized user experience, with smart contracts automating payouts while eliminating intermediaries, thus further reducing transaction fees. This, coupled with the rise of esports betting opportunities, is expected to cater to a new audience that is projected to grow exponentially over time.

Crypto-enabled platforms in sports betting

There are several success stories related to crypto sports betting that highlight the impact of cryptocurrency adoption in this industry. Crypto-enabled platforms are certainly gaining traction in sports betting. One such example is the Web3 Betting Platform, which has led the revolution in the adoption of cryptocurrencies in sports betting. It offers a seamless, decentralized betting experience, replacing the traditional systems of sportsbooks. The platform has experienced a staggering 30 percent year-over-year growth in 2024.

Another platform, CHIPS.GG, has successfully incorporated real stories from their community to explore the dynamic world where cryptocurrency meets sports betting. They offer unique betting options and bonuses, making them increasingly attractive to bettors.

In addition, major betting platforms around the world, such as BetOnline, Bovada, and MyBookie, have started accepting like Bitcoin. This significant shift towards cryptocurrency is a testament to its growing influence in the sports betting industry.

These platforms offer a comprehensive online betting solution, with a diverse range of betting options and superior user experiences. They are also leveraging the benefits of blockchain technology, such as data permanency and transparency throughout the entire betting process.

Using cryptocurrency in sports betting comes with potential risks and challenges.

Volatility Risk: Cryptocurrency prices fluctuate frequently, sometimes wildly. The dollar value of bets and winnings could change drastically and unpredictably.

Decentralization Tradeoffs: The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies means no central authority governs transactions or the storage of assets1. This can lead to issues with dispute resolution and accountability.

Fraud/Security Concerns: While blockchain technology ensures secure, transparent, and tamper-proof record-keeping, the unregulated environment has allowed various frauds. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research and choose reputable platforms.

Unclear Legality: The legal status of cryptocurrency varies by country, and regulatory changes can significantly impact market stability. It’s important to understand the legal implications of using cryptocurrency for sports betting in your jurisdiction.

Steep learning curve: Although cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology is revolutionizing the sports betting industry at a remarkable speed, understanding how to use cryptocurrency can be complex. Platforms enabled by cryptocurrency will certainly influence the future of online sports betting worldwide.

The benefits of utilizing cryptocurrency in sports betting, together with the potential of blockchain technology, make this an exciting era to participate in this rapidly changing market.

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