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XDA Launches!

[London, November 2023] Andria Evripidou, a former executive at Revolut and Yapily, and current Chief Banking Officer at Xace, has announced the launch of a unified solution for Crypto and Banking. The platform is built with speed and streamlining in mind, allowing Gaming firms of any license to easily access Crypto and Payments with just one application.

XDA.io will address the growing demand for a more accessible and user-friendly banking and cryptocurrency ecosystem within the gaming community. Built after many years of experience in both iGaming and banking, Evripidou was keen to integrate a new product targeting the boom in crypto within gambling.

The product itself fills a significant gap in the market, by accommodating all types of gaming licenses globally with one streamlined onboarding and compliance process. Furthermore, launching with an international vision, the XDA.io platform is backed by some of the world’s biggest correspondent banks and crypto liquidity providers, bringing a stable risk appetite to ensure an undisrupted service.

In just a matter of days, the company already counts some of the worlds’ biggest crypto casinos as clients, providing OTC and a platform for liquidation at industry leading rates, seamless link to bank accounts with multiple currencies and the ability to send money globally, without limitation.

Commenting on the launch of XDA.io, Andria Evripidou said

I am thrilled to introduce XDA.io to the gaming, banking and crypto community. With the rapid adoption of crypto in gaming, it's time for a financial platform that caters to the unique needs for both crypto and fiat accounts in one gaming friendly place.

About XDA.io:

XDA provides the perfect gaming friendly crypto-payments combo. Launched by former Revolut and Yapily executive Andria Evripidou, who additionally brings experience from Xace.io, XDA is filling a gap for the global crypto gambling ecosystem.

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Skill-Based Games: Market Overview, Growth, and Opportunities

In the evolving landscape of online and mobile gaming - skill-based games are emerging as a powerful trend that appeals to players who seek more than just luck-based outcomes. Skill-based games allow players to influence the outcome through their abilities, strategy, and decision-making, offering a compelling alternative to traditional chance-based games like slots or roulette.

This sector is not only reshaping the gaming industry but also attracting attention from investors, developers, and operators looking to tap into its significant growth potential.

Skill-Based Gaming Market Overview

Skill-based games span a wide variety of genres, from puzzle and trivia games to action-packed eSports titles, giving players the sense of control and engagement they crave. Unlike traditional casino games that rely solely on random outcomes, skill-based games reward players for their knowledge, reflexes, and experience. This interactive dynamic has helped fuel the rapid rise in demand for these games.

The integration of skill-based elements into gaming has opened doors for developers to create games that offer a new type of engagement, combining entertainment with strategic challenges. Popular titles like Candy Crush and Trivia Crack, alongside competitive mobile eSports games such as PUBG and Clash Royale, have been major drivers of the market’s expansion.

Market Size and Growth Potential

The global skill-based gaming market has experienced explosive growth in recent years. According to a report by Grand View Research, the market was valued at approximately $16 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7% from 2024 to 2030. This upward trajectory is driven by the increasing demand for mobile games, the rising popularity of eSports, and the broader shift in player preferences toward games that require skill and strategy.¹

Key regions driving this growth include North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with mobile platforms leading the charge. In North America alone, mobile skill-based gaming accounted for over 50% of the region’s total gaming revenue in 2023, according to Newzoo’s Global Games Market Report.² This surge is attributed to the widespread availability of smartphones, mobile internet penetration, and the growing interest in competitive gaming.

Additionally, the convergence of real-money gaming and skill-based mechanics is creating a hybrid gaming ecosystem that appeals to a broader audience. Many gaming operators and platforms are integrating skill-based elements into their offerings to diversify their portfolios and cater to the growing market segment.

Opportunities and Challenges in the Skill-Based Gaming Market

The skill-based gaming market presents a wealth of opportunities for developers, operators, and investors. With a growing player base that is eager for more interactive experiences, developers have the chance to innovate in game design, offering new mechanics that reward skill over chance. Additionally, platforms that embrace skill-based games can attract a loyal, engaged audience willing to spend more time and money on games that offer a sense of achievement and mastery.

However, the market also comes with its challenges. Regulatory frameworks governing skill-based games vary widely from one jurisdiction to another, especially when real-money elements are involved. Ensuring that games meet the legal requirements for skill-based classification, while balancing the entertainment factor, requires careful consideration. Moreover, maintaining a fair competitive environment is crucial to building trust among players and sustaining long-term growth.

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How XDA Can Support the Skill-Based Gaming Industry

XDA is uniquely positioned to help companies in the skill-based gaming market overcome challenges and capitalise on opportunities through our specialised corporate banking services.

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Our expertise in the financial technology space allows us to support the unique needs of the skill-based gaming industry, ensuring compliance and efficiency at every stage. As the skill-based gaming market continues to grow, companies need reliable, efficient solutions to manage payments to developers, service providers, and other key stakeholders.

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XDA offers tailored corporate banking services designed to streamline your B2B payment processes. Whether you are expanding your business or optimising financial operations, contact XDA today to learn how our expertise can help you manage payments and drive success in the skill-based gaming industry.

Sources

1. Grand View Research, “Skill-Based Games Market Size & Share Report, 2024-2030” accessed October 2023

2. Newzoo, “Global Games Market Report 2023” accessed September 2023, https://newzoo.com/resources/trend-reports/newzoo-global-games-market-report-2023-free-version

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Tobique Gaming Licence Requirements and Application

In the dynamic world of online gaming, securing a reliable and advantageous gaming licence is a critical step for operators aiming to carve out a successful niche. Among the plethora of options available, the Tobique gaming licence, issued by the Tobique Gaming Commission in New Brunswick, Canada, stands out for its blend of efficiency, affordability, and comprehensive support. This guide delves into the essentials of acquiring a Tobique gaming licence, tailored for those looking to navigate the iGaming industry's regulatory landscape with ease.

Understanding the Tobique Gaming Licence

The Foundation: Tobique First Nation, known for its commitment to responsible and transparent gaming practices, offers a regulatory framework that not only supports the economic development of its community but also sets a high standard for operators, software providers, and platforms in the gaming industry.

The Benefits: A Tobique gaming licence is lauded for its straightforward acquisition journey, competitive cost structure, and rapid issuance. These attributes, combined with a unique taxation system, make it a compelling choice for gaming entrepreneurs​​​​.

Key Requirements for Operators

1. Company Formation and Taxation: Prospective licensees should prepare for various costs, which fluctuate based on the licence type and business scale. The unique tax structure of the Tobique licence aids companies in navigating the industry's swift financial growth​​.
2. Licence Application Process: Tobique stands out for its swift licensing process, allowing the formation of a new company in approximately ten business days and licence acquisition in four weeks. This process covers a broad spectrum of online gaming activities, setting a pace that is unparalleled in the industry​​.
3. Documentation and Compliance: A rigorous set of documents is required to ensure applicants' integrity and credibility. This includes a comprehensive KYC procedure to fast-track the licensing process while mitigating potential delays​​.
4. Bank Account Set up: Ensure your have a suitable bank account for Tobique Gaming Licence that is friendly to your business type.
5. Financial and Operational Integrity: Demonstrating financial stability is paramount, requiring evidence such as bank statements. Moreover, applicants must showcase their experience and qualifications in the online gambling sector through necessary personal and corporate documents​​.
6. Website and Policy Compliance: By the licensing process's conclusion, having a functional, compliant website is obligatory. Applicants are also expected to have robust internal policies covering AML, responsible gaming, privacy, and anti-fraud measures​​.

Application Steps: A Closer Look

• Documentation: The first step involves gathering and submitting detailed documentation to prove identity, residency, and financial stability, among other criteria.
• Due Diligence: Following submission, the Tobique regulatory authority conducts comprehensive background checks on all key personnel.
• License Issuance: Successful applicants receive their licence, officially allowing them to conduct online gambling operations within Tobique's regulatory framework​​.

Conclusion

The Tobique gaming licence emerges as an exemplary choice for both budding and established operators in the iGaming sector, thanks to its streamlined application process, robust compliance guidelines, and extensive coverage of gaming activities.

Revolutionising iGaming: The Cryptocurrency Advantage

In the ever-evolving world of online gaming, innovation is the name of the game, and cryptocurrencies are emerging as the latest winning strategy. Licenced iGaming businesses, encompassing online casinos, sports betting platforms, and more, are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies to revolutionise their operations, particularly in handling player funds and payouts. In this article, we'll delve into how these businesses are leveraging digital currencies to enhance their offerings and why it matters.

XDA was the first player to understand the shifting dynamics in the iGaming space and introduced tailored crypto settlements accounts, to give us a strategic advantage in our industry.

Seamless Transactions

One of the most significant advantages of crypto currencies in the iGaming industry is the speed and ease of transactions. Traditional banking methods can be cumbersome, with delays in deposits and withdrawals frustrating players. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others allow for near-instantaneous transactions, significantly improving the user experience. This efficiency has become a magnet for iGaming operators and players alike.

Global Accessibility

iGaming has a global audience, and players from different corners of the world often face currency conversion hassles and cross-border payment fees. Cryptocurrencies transcend geographical boundaries, making the man ideal solution. Players can deposit and withdraw in their preferred crypto, eliminating the need for conversion and fees. This not only attracts a broader player base but also reduces operational costs for iGaming businesses.

Enhanced Security

Security is paramount in the iGaming industry, where players entrust their personal and financial information to these platforms. Cryptocurrencies, with their blockchain technology, offer a high level of security. Blockchain's decentralised nature and cryptographic encryption ensure transparency and reduce the risk of fraud and data breaches, instilling trust among players.

Anonymity and Privacy

Cryptocurrencies provide a level of anonymity that traditional payment methods cannot match. Many players value their privacy when engaging in online gaming activities. By allowing players to use pseudonymous wallets, iGaming operators respect this need for privacy while still ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Statistics That Speak Volumes

To understand the growing impact of cryptocurrencies in iGaming, consider the numbers:
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1. A report by Crypto Gambling News found that, in 2020, the cryptocurrency gambling market was estimated to be worth approximately $40billion.
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2. Fortune Business Insights predicts that the global online gambling market will reach $158 billion by 2028, with cryptocurrencies playing a significant role in this growth.
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3. Leading iGaming operators like Bit Starz and Fortune Jack have embraced cryptocurrencies as a core part of their offerings, show casing their popularity in the industry.

Conclusion

The integration of cryptocurrencies into iGaming has reshaped the landscape, offering players an enhanced gaming experience and operators a more efficient and secure means of managing funds. The statistics and trends clearly show that cryptocurrencies are here to stay in the iGaming industry, and businesses that embrace this digital revolution are poised to reap the rewards. As technology and licenses, like the Tobique Gaming Licence, continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting developments at the intersection of crypto and iGaming in the years to come. So, whether you're a player looking for convenience or an iGaming entrepreneur seeking a competitive edge, it's time to bet on cryptocurrencies.