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19% Crypto Bets Growth: SOFTSWISS Reveals Digital Coin Results for Q1 2023
In January 2023, SOFTSWISS, the leading technology provider for iGaming, was recognised as ‘Crypto Company of the Year’ by the prestigious International Gaming Awards. As a pioneer in crypto gaming, every quarter, the company analyses the crypto gaming market and shares valuable industry insights. This time, among key indicators, the expert team unveils what the average crypto player portrait looks like.
The Q1 crypto results are based on the data from over 700 brands powered by the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator and the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform.
Q1 2023: The Big Picture
In Q1 2023 the Total Bets indicator increased by 44.66% compared to the same quarter the previous year and by 2.24% compared to the preceding quarter. This data demonstrates a steady growth trend in the iGaming market.
In absolute terms, the sum of wagers in crypto also shows positive growth over the course of the last year. In the first quarter of 2023, the share of bets in digital coins accounted for 30%. Q4 of 2022 showed 9% volume growth in Total Bets in crypto compared to the first quarter of the same year. Q1 of 2023, on the other hand, showed a more significant volume growth – 19%.
Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS comments: “Despite the global events of 2022, which have undoubtedly caused most digital coins to fall in value, we are now seeing them rise in value again. For that reason, we are observing both growth in the iGaming market in general and also an increase in the sum of bets made by crypto players. We expect digital coins to remain in stable use by players in 2023 and could see more significant growth with a combination of two factors: competent retention of players and the absence of strong volatility in the crypto market.”
Most Used Digital Coins
Compared to Q4 2022, the top 3 most used digital coins remain the same: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC). However, their shares have changed – Bitcoin is up by 1.9 p.p. at the expense of smaller digital currencies, while Ethereum remained the same.
Looking at the development of digital coins over a longer period, the changes in the shares of digital coins are more substantial. From Q1 2022, BTC increased by 3.72 p.p., whereas ETH lost 5.01 p.p. The fall in the share of the third leading digital coin, LTC, occurred by 1.36 p.p.
The final shares for Q1 2023 are as follows:
- BTC – 76.5%
- ETH – 8.4%
- LTC – 5.1%
Tether (USDT) took a share of 5.1% for the first time, in turn, Dogecoin (DOGE) rates fell by 1 p.p. compared to the previous quarter, taking a 2.5% share at the end of Q1 2023.
Among other currencies that showed an increase in the share of Total Bets – Ripple (XRP), Tron (TRX) and Cardano (ADA).
The Crypto Player Portrait
Diving deeper into the industry insights, SOFTSWISS has defined the average crypto player portrait. Based on the Q1 data and available data from player profiles, 65% of the crypto audience is male and 35% female.
The percentage of age groups of the crypto players who have indicated their age on their online casino profile is as follows:
Thus, the core audience of digital coins in iGaming is in the 31-50 age range. It makes up 70% of the audience that uses crypto.
Moreover, more than half of crypto GGR per Q1 was formed by bets made on mobile devices: 64% of mobile users vs. 32% of desktop ones.
This data may become crucial when choosing a strategy for growing an existing iGaming brand or launching a new one. As SOFTSWISS experts note, interest in starting crypto projects is high, even when crypto demonstrates quick changes and might be unpredictable. Nevertheless, Q1 statistics indicate that 2023 is shaping up to be a year of positive development for projects related to digital coins.
Max Trafimovich, Chief Commercial Officer at SOFTSWISS, summarises: “Over the last few years we have seen a steady increase in demand for crypto-ready solutions, be it for launching a casino or a sports betting venture. It’s undeniable that some crypto iGaming operators have drawn much attention and accolades on a global level. Besides crypto, such operators also happen to be at the forefront of various other innovations, those going beyond the payments aspect. SOFTSWISS will remain the ultimate partner on this frontier with new crypto-oriented technologies, top-level service, and security.”
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international iGaming company supplying certified software solutions for managing gambling operations. The expert team, which counts 1,500+ employees, is based in Malta, Poland, Georgia, and Belarus. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.

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The Chiliz Group acquires OG Esports, reuniting with original co-founders to launch new era
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Chiliz Group acquires 51% of OG Esports, investing to grow the team, expand operations, and strengthen fan and player engagement.
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Xavier Oswald, a former co-founder and shareholder of OG, becomes CEO, while OG co-founders Johan “n0tail” Sundstein and Sébastien “Ceb” Debs launch a new strategic project consolidating the team’s competitive foundation.
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Socios.com becomes the exclusive platform for $OG Fan Tokens, $OG will act as the showcase for blockchain-based utility.
The Chiliz Group, the world’s leading blockchain provider for the sports and entertainment industry and operator of Socios.com, today announced it has acquired a 51% controlling stake in OG Esports, one of the most iconic and innovative names in global esports.
Founded in 2015 by legendary Dota 2 players Johan “n0tail” Sundstein and Sébastien “Ceb” Debs, OG is the first team in history to win back-to-back titles at The International. Since then, OG has expanded into Counter-Strike, Honor of Kings and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, building one of the most successful and culturally significant organisations in esports.
OG has a track record of delivering a fan-driven culture through innovation and launched the $OG Fan Token in 2020. The $OG Fan Token recently became the first esports Fan Token to surpass a $100 million market capitalization, driven by surging global demand for digital fan assets. Having delivered exclusive voting rights, VIP experiences, merchandise, and direct access to the team for fans worldwide, $OG represents a thriving $100m+ digital fan economy.
As part of the acquisition, Xavier Oswald will take on the role of CEO of OG, guiding the organisation into its next chapter, while co-founders Johan “n0tail” Sundstein and Sébastien “Ceb” Debs will lead a new strategic project consolidating the team’s competitive foundation, driving innovation at the intersection of esports and Web3.
At the same time, Socios.com will become the exclusive wallet and engagement platform for $OG Fan Tokens, establishing $OG as the flagship example of the new fan economy. The token will now showcase how fan assets can evolve – serving as the blockchain layer for tickets, merchandise, in-stadium perks, and digital content, while also integrating real-world assets and club revenues through mechanisms like buybacks to deliver deeper influence and tangible value to supporters.
Through The Chiliz Group’s global network of more than 80 leading sports properties, OG will now be able to expand into new countries and markets, building a larger international footprint and new commercial opportunities. Backed by the financial strength of a global group, OG will become more resilient and sustainable, ensuring long-term stability while focusing on what matters most: players, fans, and innovation.
More details about the acquisition will be released in the coming weeks.
“OG has always been about community and innovation, and since 2020 it has demonstrated that Fan Tokens can create genuine economic value and meaningful engagement,” said Alex Dreyfus, CEO and Founder of Chiliz. “With a $100 million fan token economy already established, OG represents the perfect case study for what’s truly possible when we place Fan Tokens at the centre of the fan economy. This acquisition allows us to showcase the next evolution – Fan Tokens 2.0.”
“This marks the start of a bold new era for OG,” said Xavier Oswald, incoming CEO of OG. “With Chiliz as our majority partner, we can scale our teams, grow our global community, and unlock a new dimension of engagement through the $OG Fan Token. We’ve always believed that fans should be at the centre of everything we do, and now we have the tools and the backing to make that vision a reality.”
“With Chiliz, we share a common vision based on strong values: passion, transparency, and the power of communities.” said Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, co-founder and historic figure of OG Esports. “From winning back-to-back Internationals to competing against OpenAI Five in a world-first showcase of human-AI collaboration, OG has always been about pushing boundaries. This alliance will allow us to stay true to our identity while continuing to grow.”
“This agreement marks the beginning of a new competitive cycle,’ added Sébastien “Ceb” Debs, two-time world champion with OG. “We want to once again become a major force on the international stage and inspire a new generation of players and fans. With the support of Chiliz, we now have the means to build an ambitious and sustainable project.”
The post The Chiliz Group acquires OG Esports, reuniting with original co-founders to launch new era appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Summer 2025 Cybersecurity Review with Atlaslive: Phishing Remains a Top Threat
Phishing has once again proven to be the leading cyber threat in 2025. In Q1 alone, the APWG logged 1,003,924 phishing attacks, the highest number since late 2023. Compared to 2023, weekly phishing volumes have jumped 180%, while the use of infostealers distributed through phishing emails rose by 84% in 2024.
The takeaway is clear: phishing is no longer a background issue. It’s a direct path to credential theft, account compromise, and business disruption. Atlaslive’s Information Security Lead, Maksym Shapoval, shares why phishing attacks remain so damaging and what companies can do to defend against them.
Phishing in 2025: The Persistent Threat
Phishing works because it’s simple. Attackers impersonate trusted sources to trick victims into giving away passwords, card details, or personal data. These campaigns now arrive through email, SMS (“smishing”), and even voice calls (“vishing”), and many are indistinguishable from legitimate corporate messages.
Major Incidents This Summer
Recent events illustrate phishing’s reach:
- Google — A phishing chain starting with Salesforce CRM led to data exposure.
- Cisco — Hit by voice phishing that gave attackers access to client data.
- Booking — Targeted by ongoing campaigns since late 2024.
- UK Tax Authority — £47 million lost, with 100,000 people affected.
These cases show that no sector is immune. Phishing remains the universal entry point for cybercrime.
iGaming in the Spotlight
The iGaming industry, already under strict regulation, faced its own high-profile breach in July 2025. One of the largest global betting groups confirmed a cyberattack that exposed 800,000 user records—including IP addresses, emails, and activity logs.
“The incident underscores why iGaming platforms are prime targets,” says Maksym Shapoval, Information Security Lead at Atlaslive. “They operate entirely online, process constant financial transactions, and handle vast volumes of personal data. The risks of social engineering attacks in this industry are significant.”
For operators, phishing protection must be built into platform security, staff awareness, and incident response. Even without stolen payment details, personal information alone can trigger damaging follow-up attacks.
How Businesses Can Defend Themselves: Tips from Atlaslive
Phishing exploits people as much as technology. A strong defense requires multiple layers:
- Authentication and Access Control — Enforce 2FA, limit privileges, use network segmentation, require dual approval for sensitive operations, and run regular audits.
- Email and Domain Security — Deploy DMARC, DKIM, and SPF; monitor lookalike domains; flag external emails.
- Endpoint Protection — Secure devices with MDM/EDR tools, monitor browsing activity.
- Incident Preparedness — Centralize reporting, define clear runbooks, notify staff quickly, and block malicious senders system-wide.
- Awareness and Training — Regular staff training, phishing simulations, and a culture of quick reporting.
- Governance — Make phishing defense a permanent part of company policy and audit it continuously.
Small, consistent measures across these areas drastically reduce both the chance of a successful phishing attack and the damage it can cause.
Conclusion
The summer of 2025 confirmed that phishing is still the launchpad for many of the world’s most serious cyber incidents — from global tech firms to public institutions and iGaming platforms. These attacks are growing sharper, more targeted, and more damaging.
For companies handling sensitive data and transactions, security cannot be treated as optional. Defending against phishing requires layered authentication, email controls, endpoint protection, training, and response plans. The businesses that prioritize resilience today will be the ones best equipped to safeguard their customers, their reputation, and their future.
This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.
The post Summer 2025 Cybersecurity Review with Atlaslive: Phishing Remains a Top Threat appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Kaizen Gaming announces Vassilis Gavroglou as its new Chief Human Resources Officer
Kaizen Gaming, one of the biggest and fastest-growing GameTech companies worldwide, announces the appointment of Vassilis Gavroglou as Chief Human Resources Officer. With more than 2,700 people of over 40 nationalities across 19 countries, the new CHRO will be responsible for shaping Kaizen Gaming’s HR strategy during a period of dynamic growth and expansion of the company’s global footprint.
Vassilis Gavroglou is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of international experience in sectors such as energy, technology, banking and consulting. He has served, among other roles, as Chief Human Resources Officer at Sunlight Group Energy Storage Systems, as HR Executive Director at OTE Group, member of Telekom Group, and Group HR Strategy Director at the National Bank of Greece. He holds degrees from the Athens University of Economics and Business and the London School of Economics.
The CEO of Kaizen Gaming, George Daskalakis, commented: “People have always been at the heart of our company, and we know that long-term success starts with taking care of our own. In less than a decade, Kaizen Gaming has grown from just a few dozen people in Greece to a thousands-strong international brigade while maintaining strong growth every year. This rapid expansion brings both opportunities and challenges, especially as we keep a firm eye on preserving and strengthening our people-first culture across our global footprint. With Vassilis joining as CHRO, a leader with deep expertise in transformation and talent development, I am confident we will enhance our people strategy and further support our international growth ambitions.”
The newly appointed Chief Human Resources Officer, Vassilis Gavroglou, added: “I am excited to join Kaizen Gaming, a company that not only innovates in technology but has been recognised as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Europe and has been certified as a Great Place to Work in many countries. The rapid expansion of the company into new markets creates a unique opportunity to build on a culture that invests in the development of its people and continues to attract the best in a rapidly changing technological backdrop. Further strengthening the high levels of people engagement, talent development and the digitalisation of HR operations are key to supporting Kaizen Gaming’s vision for sustainable innovation and global growth.”
Kaizen Gaming continues to be recognised as one of Europe’s and LATAM`s most attractive employers, being certified as one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work for™ in Europe 2024 and as Great Place to Work in both European and South American countries, including Brazil and Colombia. The company counts more than 700 software engineers in six technology hubs and over 90 agile teams developing pioneering online gaming products.
With technology and people at its core, Kaizen Gaming is preparing to move to the next stage of its international growth.
The post Kaizen Gaming announces Vassilis Gavroglou as its new Chief Human Resources Officer appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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