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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
