Entertainment
Is crypto gaming growing in the UK?
A video game controller surrounded by bitcoins photo – Free Pro gaming Image on Unsplash
The UK is witnessing a significant increase in crypto gaming, a trend that’s reshaping digital entertainment. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, its integration into the gaming industry is creating new opportunities and challenges for players, developers, and regulators alike.
Growing popularity and market expansion
Recent data shows a clear increase in crypto gaming in the UK. With a crypto adoption rate of around 11-12% among online gamers, the UK is leading the way in Europe. This growth is part of a larger global trend, with the overall blockchain gaming market expected to grow at a remarkable rate of 58.51% annually from 2024 to 2028.
The expansion is particularly evident with crypto gambling, which has seen a 25% increase in platforms over the past year. While UKGC-regulated casinos don’t accept cryptocurrencies, residents can still legally use them at offshore casinos, also known as non-Gamstop sites. These gambling sites are regulated and offer consumer protections, making them a popular choice for many players.
Non-Gamstop casinos are significantly boosting the crypto-gambling market, which is estimated to be worth about $250 million by 2024. Interest in Bitcoin casinos has increased, quadrupling between 2019 and 2021, and by 2022, about 4% of all online gambling searches were related to crypto.
Technological advancements fuelling growth
Blockchain technology is at the heart of this change, providing a level of transparency and fairness that was hard to achieve before. Smart contracts are streamlining game rules, making online gaming safer and easier. Experts believe these technological improvements will push the online gambling industry, including crypto casinos, to grow by over 10% each year.
UK developers are leading the charge in innovation. For example, Unstoppable Games launched “Influence,” a blockchain game, in June 2023, showcasing the country’s commitment to enhancing the crypto gaming space.
Regulatory landscape and government initiatives
The UK government is playing a key role in shaping the future of crypto gaming. They recognize the potential of blockchain and are working to position the UK as a global leader in crypto innovation. In April 2022, the government announced plans for a financial market infrastructure sandbox to encourage investment and creativity in the sector. In the 2023 Spring Budget, the government allocated £3.5 billion to support tech and science initiatives, focusing on establishing the UK as a leader in Web3 technology.
Additionally, crypto exchanges operating in the UK must comply with strict regulations enforced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). These exchanges are required to register with the FCA and implement robust Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.
This includes collecting and verifying personal information such as full name, date of birth, residential address, and official identification numbers from users. Exchanges must also monitor transactions and report any suspicious activity. Gamers using UK-based exchanges can expect thorough identity verification processes as part of these regulatory compliance measures.
Consumer adoption and preferences
The rise of crypto gaming in the UK isn’t just about technology; it reflects changing consumer preferences as well. A study involving 2,000 gamers, including participants from the UK, found that 46% liked blockchain features in their favorite games. This trend is especially strong among younger players, who are drawn to the play-to-earn model and the idea of owning in-game assets.
According to the FCA, about 2.3 million UK citizens owned crypto in 2021, an increase of about 0.4 million from 2020. This growing familiarity with cryptocurrencies is likely driving interest in crypto gaming platforms.
Challenges and future outlook
Despite the growth, the crypto gaming industry in the UK does face challenges. In October 2023, the FCA categorized cryptocurrencies as “restricted mass market investments,” which could affect growth in the sector. Additionally, the industry needs to address concerns about the quality and creativity of blockchain games to keep players engaged over time.
Looking ahead, experts are optimistic about continued growth in the UK’s crypto gaming sector. PwC predicts a solid 15% annual growth rate for the UK’s cryptocurrency gaming market over the next five years, fueled by technological advancements, growing player adoption, and evolving regulations.
Conclusion
Crypto gaming is definitely on the rise in the UK, driven by tech innovations, changing player preferences, and supportive government policies. As the industry evolves, it has the potential to create new experiences for players and opportunities for developers and investors. However, its continued success will depend on overcoming regulatory hurdles, ensuring consumer protection, and delivering engaging, high-quality gaming experiences.
With the UK government’s focus on encouraging innovation in the crypto space and the country’s strong gaming culture, the UK is well-positioned to become a leader in the global crypto gaming scene. This combination of blockchain technology and gaming is set to reshape digital entertainment in the UK and beyond.
Entertainment
What are the best Welsh versions of Monopoly?
Monopoly is one of the most beloved board games in history, enjoyed and argued over by groups of players since the 1930s. The original board was named after streets in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the London version of the game is iconic, but now fans can find editions of just about any locale, from Hong Kong to Preston.
There are no fewer than six Welsh Monopoly games to choose from, including a Welsh-language version, and the newest, set in the mountainous locale of Snowdonia, which launched in Portmeirion earlier this year. Let’s check it out.
Rhifyn Eryri/Snowdonia edition
There’s no doubt that Monopoly is a phenomenon — it’s a sprawling empire of a franchise, with video games and theme parks, as well as a Monopoly casino site. A review describing this particular platform explains that it gets its name because it devotes an entire section to “custom Monopoly games”, giving players a hybrid board-game/casino experience. With the Monopoly name so widespread across game types and genres, it’s unsurprising to see the game take on not only the world’s great cities but also the wonders of the natural world. Released in March this year, the Snowdonia edition was launched with a special event at Portmeirion and Porthmadog.
The public was invited to suggest landmarks, towns, and organisations when the game was announced, and Yr Wyddfa took the prestigious “Mayfair” square on the board. The highest mountain in Wales is a national symbol and a major tourist attraction year-round – so arguably has the prestige to be able to take the place of one of London’s most affluent streets. At the other end on “Old Kent Road” is Ty Hyll (‘ugly house’ in English), the mysterious 15th century house in Betws y Coed. Legend tells that it was built overnight to pass a law that such rapid construction on common land meant the house could stay. In between are all manner of other iconic landmarks from the region.
Other Welsh Monopoly editions
But the Rhifyn Eryri/Snowdonia edition isn’t the only Welsh version of the classic game — there are actually five others. 2000 saw the release of the first Wales edition, featuring Brecon Beacons, Holyhead, and Caernarfon Castle, amongst plenty of other locations which reflect Welsh history, identity, and natural beauty. Although the rules for that edition came in Welsh and English, a Welsh language (Yn Cymraeg) version also hit the market in 2007, with a distinct board layout — players pass Ewch, rather than Go.
Monopoly fans can also work their way around the capital city of Cardiff, landing on the Millennium Stadium, the National Museum and Cardiff Castle, amongst many others. There are also editions for Anglesey, Swansea, and Newport.
Roots of Monopoly
Monopoly originated from “The Landlord’s Game,” created in 1904 by Lizzie Magie, an American game designer, to demonstrate the unfairness of land monopolies. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, Charles Darrow, an unemployed salesman, played a homemade version of the game with friends and decided to publish it.
He modified the rules and sold the game to Parker Brothers, who bought the patent from Magie and credited Darrow as the creator, launching it in 1935. Monopoly was a huge success, symbolising both the allure and pitfalls of capitalism, and has been providing rainy-day entertainment ever since.
The idea of owning an iconic mountain might seem a bit strange, but there’s no doubt that the Rhifyn Eryri/Snowdonia edition of Monopoly is an interesting and fun entry in the franchise. With many instantly recognisable landmarks, the region is well suited to the classic game.
Entertainment
Miles Jupp: On I Bang
SINCE Miles’ last tour finished at The London Palladium in 2017, he’s been in The Full Monty on Disney Plus, The Durrells and Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? on ITV, as well as a heap of episodes of Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and Have I Got News For You. He’s made an award-winning radio series and he’s published a novel. But for Covid, he would have played a lead at the RSC. Hey ho. Nevertheless, he’s done a play in the West End and played the Emperor of Austria and Europe in a Ridley Scott film and now he heads here to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven!
Yet one sunny day in the middle of all this, he suddenly suffered a brain seizure. This led to the discovery of a tumour the size of a cherry tomato, and a rather pressing need to undergo major neurosurgery. Obviously, one doesn’t wish to make a big deal of it, but the experience has left him with a story to tell and a few things that he’d like to share with the room. So that’s exactly what he’s doing in his new show On I Bang – a tale about surprise, fear, luck, love and qualified medical practitioners.
Having received rave reviews by The Times, The Guardian and The Telegraph, On I Bang with Miles Jupp is one not to be missed here at the Torch, and tickets are selling like hot cakes. Awarded four stars and described as “Elegantly funny, terrible English account of a tumour” by The Guardian and awarded five stars by The Arts Desk 2024, this a performance that will be talked about for months to come.
Join Miles Jupp: On I Bang when he visits the Torch Theatre on Friday 10 January at 8pm.Ticket price: £25. For tickets phone the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.
Entertainment
How to improve your home in a cost of living crisis
Welsh households have faced an increase in the cost of living over the last few years. Between 2022 and 2023, nearly half of Welsh residents (43%) reported a worsening of their financial situation.
With bills ever on the rise, things like home improvements have taken a back seat in an effort to save money. However, making some improvements to your home can be advantageous and there are plenty of ways to make positive changes without having to break the bank.
Benefits of home improvements
Enhanced comfort
Your home should be a positive and comforting place to be. When there are aspects of your home that you’re not happy with, it can create a negative environment. As the cost of living crisis takes its toll on people’s mental wellbeing, creating a safe and comfortable space is more important than ever.
Increased house value
Perhaps the biggest advantage to home improvements – increasing the value of your home. It’s important to make your home as valuable as possible if you’re looking to sell. A few touch ups and improvements here and there can make a significant difference to your home and increase its value substantially.
Better energy efficiency
Swapping out older elements, like lightbulbs, for more energy efficient ones is a great way to not only improve aesthetics but also keep costs down in the long run.
How to improve your home for less
Get painting
Painting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to transform a home. A fresh coat of paint on a tired looking wall or a splash of colour in a dull room can make all the difference in a bedroom, living room, or hallway. Professional decorators in Wales cost around £15 to £25 per hour or £150 to £190 per day, but you can save a lot of money by doing it yourself.
Kitchens and bathrooms can also benefit from a lick of paint. Painting kitchen cabinets is an easy way to modernise the space and bathrooms can be completely revamped with a bit of colour.
Upcycle furniture
With platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Gumtree, it’s easy to find inexpensive furniture that you can transform into great pieces for your home. Instead of spending hundreds of pounds in IKEA, you can spend significantly less purchasing old furniture that with some cleaning, sanding, and painting, can be remoulded into a lavish piece for your home.
Swap out old lighting
Lighting can make a huge difference to the ambiance of a room. Consider replacing old bulbs with energy efficient warm white LEDs. Not only will the room have a cosier feel, but you’ll also be lowering your energy bills.
Add a touch of nature
Plants are a great way to make a house feel more like a home, and they have plenty of health benefits. To keep costs down, fake plants are a great alternative. They offer the same aesthetic benefits but are less expensive and require very little maintenance.
Home improvements worth spending more on
Some aspects of home improvements are better left to the professionals in order to get it right the first time.
Upholstery cleaning
Refreshing something you already own is almost always a cheaper and easier alternative to buying brand new. Professional upholstery cleaning services start from £49 per hour which is significantly cheaper than re-carpeting your entire house or purchasing a new sofa which could set you back thousands. By giving dull furniture a good clean, you can give your home a new lease of life.
Electrics and plumbing
Whilst there is a lot you can do yourself, it’s important to leave things like plumbing or electrical elements to the professionals as it can be difficult, or even dangerous, and getting it wrong could cost you considerably more in repairs. On average, the hourly rate of an electrician is £33 and a plumber is £32 per hour in Wales.
Small changes can have a big impact
Improving your home during a cost of living crisis is entirely possible as long as you’re smart about it. By doing things yourself or giving old items a new lease of life, you can massively cut down on costs and give your home the refresh that it needs.
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