Tag: Crypto

Tether’s Record Asset Freeze and the Growing Regulation in Crypto Finance

Reading Time: 2 minutes

It has been a long-time coming, but crypto finance is maturing. Large issuers are becoming more deeply connected to global rules, and the rails that move digital dollars around the world are now firmly on regulators’ radar. A glaring showcase of this was when Tether froze more than $500 million in USDT connected to a suspected betting and money-laundering network in Turkey, in one of the largest asset freezes the crypto sector has seen.

CEO Paolo Ardoino said the action followed direct outreach from law enforcement. Tether reviewed the information, determined it fell within legal requirements, and moved to block the funds. The case adds to a growing list of interventions by the stablecoin giant, which says it has frozen more than $3 billion in assets over similar issues.

Dealing with the Inevitability of Regulatory Attention

USDT has become a core tool for moving money across crypto platforms because it is fast, dollar-pegged, and widely accepted. That combination makes it useful for everything from trading to funding accounts on digital platforms that operate outside traditional banking hours. But the same features that make stablecoins convenient also attract regulatory attention when funds flow through high-risk channels.

This latest freeze shows how much the landscape has shifted. Crypto was once framed as beyond the reach of traditional financial controls, yet major issuers like Tether now work closely with global authorities and can shut down large pools of funds when required. For everyday users, that is a reminder that stablecoins may run on blockchains, but the companies behind them still operate within legal systems.

With more than $187 billion USDT in circulation, Tether sits at the center of crypto liquidity. When it acts, markets notice. Enforcement actions of this size highlight both the scale of stablecoin adoption and the increasing pressure on major players to monitor how their tokens move.

Record Profits Regardless

While tightening cooperation with regulators, Tether is also expanding aggressively. The company reported around $10 billion in profit in 2025 and has been channeling that capital into a wider mix of assets and industries.

Recent investments include $150 million into Gold.com and a $100 million stake in Anchorage Digital, a federally regulated US digital asset bank. It is also funding Bitcoin mining operations and backing projects in areas like decentralized communications and artificial intelligence.

The strategy points to a company that is no longer just issuing a stablecoin but building a broad digital asset empire. As Tether’s reach grows, so does its influence over the infrastructure that underpins much of the crypto economy. While it gets crypto into the hands of more people, including online gamblers, there is still concern about whether it will fall back to what crypto gamblers were avoiding in the first place.

Crypto Casino Monkey Tilt Raises $51M and Rethinks Gambling Marketing

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Fast-rising crypto gambling operator Monkey Tilt is taking an unconventional route in the bitcoin gambling space, building its name through culture and spectacle as much as through gameplay. Since launching just a little over a year ago, the crypto-first casino has been rolling out a brand strategy that looks more like a media and lifestyle play than a traditional online gambling expansion.

Turning a Crypto Casino into a Culture Brand

Backed by $51 million in funding, including investment from Pantera Capital, Monkey Tilt has made it clear that it is not chasing growth through standard casino marketing alone. The company is aiming at bitcoin gaming, entertainment, and youth culture to become a recognizable lifestyle brand rather than just another wagering platform.

The unique outlook shapes everything from its partnerships to its live appearances, helping it stand out in a fast-growing but increasingly crowded crypto gambling market. But that is not all that it has going for it.

One of Monkey Tilt’s earliest strategic moves was aligning with PokerGO, the dominant poker streaming platform. PokerGO not only joined the company’s funding round but also connected the brand to a global network of professional players, tournaments, and avid poker fans.

That relationship places Monkey Tilt directly in front of a serious poker audience, a natural overlap with bitcoin gamblers who are often drawn to skill-based, high-stakes formats. Instead of relying purely on digital ads, the company embedded itself within an established poker ecosystem that already commands loyalty and international reach.

Bitcoin Gaming Hits the Road

While many crypto casinos live entirely online, Monkey Tilt pushed into the physical world through a high-profile collaboration with West Coast Customs. The partnership produced the “Tilt Truck,” a custom-built mobile casino and entertainment vehicle designed to grab attention well beyond typical gambling channels.

The truck made its public debut during Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans as part of an activation alongside Complex, a major youth culture media brand. Visitors stepped inside to explore the space and try a headline-grabbing vault challenge that teased a $1 million prize. No one walked away with the top reward, but the event generated buzz, social coverage, and a strong visual identity tied to the Monkey Tilt name. Undeniably, it might just work for the company and other operators who might try out the approach.

Web3 Gaming Infrastructure Evolves as Golem and Salad Push Decentralized Compute Forward

Reading Time: 2 minutes

As crypto gambling and Web3 gaming platforms continue to scale, the infrastructure powering them is becoming just as important as the games themselves. A new collaboration between Golem Network and Salad.com is could potentially show how decentralized computing could play a central role in the next phase of Web3-native gaming ecosystems.

Rather than pitching theory, the partnership focuses on live, production-level testing. Salad, a GPU cloud marketplace that aggregates idle computing power from devices around the world, is beginning to mirror parts of its existing workloads onto Golem’s decentralized compute network. It is a unique test of whether permissionless infrastructure can reliably support real-world demand while reducing reliance on centralized cloud providers.

Why Infrastructure Matters for Web3 Gaming and Crypto Casinos

Modern crypto casinos and blockchain games depend heavily on compute-intensive systems. Live dealer streaming, AI-driven game logic, real-time odds engines, and provably fair mechanics all require scalable and cost-efficient backend infrastructure.

Decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) like Golem present a compelling alternative. By sourcing compute from a global pool of independent providers and settling transactions in crypto, these networks offer a model that aligns naturally with Web3 principles of transparency, accessibility, and borderless participation.

It further creates a unique opportunity for crypto-based settlement, and decentralized coordination can simplify payments, billing, and rewards. These are all areas that still rely on centralized systems despite their distributed compute layer.

Putting Web3 Compute to the Test

In a recent announcement, Salad confirmed it has begun deploying a range of existing customer workloads onto Golem’s protocol. These include AI inference, 3D rendering, and simulation-heavy tasks, all services already supported within Salad’s platform.

Instead of building new use cases from scratch, the engineering teams are directly mapping current demand onto Golem’s decentralized marketplace. With this, they get to evaluate performance, reliability, and settlement efficiency under real operating conditions, while exploring how crypto-native payments could lower overhead and increase flexibility.

Salad CEO Bob Miles described the initiative as a step toward turning long-held decentralized computing concepts into practical infrastructure. By combining Salad’s global device network with Golem’s permissionless execution layer, the teams are exploring how workloads, revenue flows, and reward systems could operate fully on Web3 rails.

Salad CTO Kyle Dodson also noted that the architectural similarities between the two platforms made the integration a natural fit. This is particularly critical as Salad prepares to introduce crypto payments, a feature frequently requested by users.

The Salad–Golem collaboration is just one of the notable ones across the tech industry, where companies are increasingly blending Web2 user experiences with Web3 infrastructure rather than attempting abrupt transitions. Major cloud providers like Microsoft and Google Cloud are already experimenting with blockchain tooling, validator services, and decentralized data platforms. At the consumer level, ecosystems such as TON demonstrate how Web3 incentives can scale when integrated into familiar environments.

These hybrid models offer a clear path forward, and we cannot wait to see how they take shape in 2026.

Memecoin Market Rebound Signals New Opportunities for Online Crypto Casinos

Reading Time: 2 minutes

2026 is finally here, and memecoins seem to be making a remarkable comeback, and the trend is already influencing online crypto casino activity. After a challenging year marked by fading interest and intermittent rallies, community-driven tokens are posting substantial gains, reigniting excitement among traders and crypto gambling enthusiasts.

This has been quite rapid. In just a few days, memecoins added more than $8 billion in market capitalization, bringing the total to nearly $47 billion. Trading volumes have surged alongside prices, driven in part by short liquidations and renewed retail participation.

What It Means for Crypto Casinos

The early memecoin surge is close enough to patterns seen in previous bull cycles, often preceding larger rallies later in the year. Historically, this has created opportunities for online crypto casinos to capitalize on heightened player activity. Platforms that accept memecoins for deposits and wagers are likely to see spikes in user traffic, particularly in promotions, leaderboard competitions, and high-stakes token-based events.

Top performers in the current rally highlight the momentum. PEPE surged 65.6%, including a 34% gain in just 24 hours, DOGE broke a multi-year downtrend with a 20% increase, while SHIB rose 18.9% on the week. Other popular tokens, including BONK and FLOKI, are also seeing gains. There is, consequently, widespread market optimism, which can directly translate into growth for online casino ecosystems where these tokens work as payment options.

How to Approach It

Several indicators suggest this could be a pivotal moment for online crypto casino engagement. On-chain data shows accumulation in popular memecoins, social sentiment on platforms like X has turned sharply bullish, and retail inflows are increasing. These factors can drive higher wagering activity, particularly in blockchain-integrated games and jackpot competitions where token volatility amplifies both risk and reward.

Even so, market experts caution that the rally could still prove short-lived if trading volumes decline or macroeconomic pressures intensify. However, if momentum continues, the memecoin market capitalization could approach $69 billion within the first quarter.

In some ways, we can liken it to the conditions that fueled the explosive memecoin-driven surge in 2021. Crypto casino operators can jump on this as an opportunity to attract players, increase deposits, and create new token-based promotional strategies. The extent to which this will happen will chart the course for yet another year of sustained optimism regarding the future of crypto-powered iGaming and the crypto sector as a whole.

Elantil Bets Big on Online Poker with EvenBet Partnership

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Elantil, a next-generation iGaming technology company, has made a strategic move into the fast-growing world of crypto poker through a new partnership with EvenBet Gaming. The collaboration introduces Elantil’s first poker product to its online marketplace, positioning the company at the intersection of digital innovation, blockchain adoption, and online entertainment.

It all comes at a time when cryptocurrency is reshaping how players engage with online poker. By integrating EvenBet’s award-winning platform, Elantil now enables operators to offer seamless poker experiences that support major digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. That means players can enjoy access to faster transactions, enhanced privacy, and borderless gameplay across multiple jurisdictions.

Leveraging A Crypto-Ready Poker Ecosystem

EvenBet Gaming brings over two decades of experience powering online card rooms across global markets. Its software currently serves 200 operators and 72 million players in 41 countries, with more than 40 poker variants available, including popular mixed games like Omaha Hi/Lo and H.O.R.S.E.

Crucially, the system’s cryptocurrency compatibility allows operators to connect with new demographics. This is especially true for the growing segment of Bitcoin poker enthusiasts seeking alternatives to fiat-based platforms. This takes poker from a traditional game of skill to a global, decentralized entertainment experience.

The integration also grants Elantil’s partners access to EvenBet’s shared network, allowing them to launch independent poker rooms or join existing pools that share player databases and tournaments. This liquidity model increases engagement, ensures vibrant competition, and enhances profitability for both operators and players.

Built to Grow

Elantil’s marketplace was built to connect iGaming operators directly with trusted software providers, offering a customizable and transparent contracting model. According to John Debono, Chief Technical Officer at Elantil, the integration represents a flexible and cost-effective way for operators to enter the booming online poker and crypto gaming sectors.

EvenBet Gaming CEO Dmitry Starostenkov described the collaboration as a strong vote of confidence in his company’s technology. He noted that being the first poker provider featured on Elantil’s marketplace underscores a shared commitment to scalability, reliability, and innovation.

Crypto.com’s Blockchain Betting Ambitions Hit Legal Roadblock in Nevada

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Crypto.com’s ambitious plans to enter the U.S. sports betting market have encountered a major obstacle after a Nevada federal court judge denied the company’s request to continue offering sports prediction contracts in the state.

The Singapore-based exchange, best known for its global cryptocurrency trading platform and partnerships with major sports brands, has been seeking to integrate blockchain technology into sports wagering. By introducing smart contract-based sports outcome markets, Crypto.com hoped to establish a regulated foothold in multiple U.S. jurisdictions. One of the markets the company was planning on starting with was Nevada, a state long considered the epicenter of legal gambling in America.

A Case of Interpretation?

In a ruling that caught industry observers off guard, U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon refused to grant Crypto.com an injunction that would have allowed the company to continue operating its sports outcome contracts. The decision followed a ban issued in June 2025 by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), which argued that the company’s sports-based products should be classified as federally regulated financial instruments rather than traditional gambling products.

The NGCB maintained that these contracts fell under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)’s jurisdiction, effectively blocking Crypto.com from offering them under Nevada’s state gambling laws. However, Judge Gordon disagreed with that interpretation, concluding that Crypto.com’s contracts did not meet the legal definition of “swaps” under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA).

According to court filings, Gordon noted that an “outcome” was not equivalent to an “occurrence” or “non-occurrence,” which would make it subject to CFTC oversight. “They’re just different things,” he said, emphasizing that not all prediction contracts fall within the purview of federal commodities regulation.

The Fight Is Not Over Yet

This ruling represents a setback not only for Crypto.com but also for the growing number of crypto-based betting startups exploring new ways to merge decentralized finance (DeFi) with sports wagering.  The operator has since announced plans to appeal the ruling before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, signaling its intent to continue challenging state-level restrictions that could limit the rollout of blockchain-based prediction markets.

The case adds new urgency to a broader regulatory debate now taking place at the federal level.  While the CFTC previously allowed Kalshi to operate similar markets, Crypto.com’s bid to follow suit has been met with tighter scrutiny. The discrepancy has raised questions about regulatory consistency and whether traditional gambling laws are equipped to handle decentralized, blockchain-powered financial products. Still, some more changes will certainly arise from all this.

Underdog and Crypto.com Launch Sports Prediction Markets in 16 U.S. States

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The U.S. gambling industry continues to expand as Underdog, a fantasy and sports gaming operator, partners with Crypto.com to bring sports prediction markets to 16 states. The move is particularly significant because it targets regions where legal sports betting has not yet been adopted, offering players a new way to engage with the activity.

The partnership relies on Crypto.com Derivatives North America (CDNA), a CFTC-registered exchange that will supply the sports event contracts. These contracts will be fully hosted on Underdog’s platform, allowing players to trade on sporting outcomes in a regulated marketplace. Travis McGhee, managing director and global head of capital markets at Crypto.com, emphasized that CDNA was the first to offer sports event contracts and that teaming with Underdog ensures wider access to these innovative products.

By combining Crypto.com’s exchange infrastructure with Underdog’s sports-focused platform, the companies aim to provide a seamless and trusted experience that blends elements of financial trading with traditional betting.

Filling the Gaps in U.S. Sports Betting

The new prediction markets are particularly relevant in states where commercial sportsbooks remain blocked. California and Texas, the country’s two most populous states, still do not allow legal sports betting. Meanwhile, in Florida, the Seminole Tribe maintains exclusive control over sports wagering through its Hard Rock casinos and sportsbooks.

Prediction markets present an alternative since they operate under federal oversight rather than state gaming regulators. Analysts note that this structure could help platforms avoid the delays and legal battles that have slowed down sportsbook expansion in large markets.

Industry experts have naturally taken notice. Analysts estimated earlier this year that sports prediction markets could generate $555 million in revenue in 2025. While still far below the $16 billion generated by legal online sports betting in 2024, the figure highlights a rapidly growing sector with the potential to expand far beyond niche status.

Underdog Positions Itself as a Leader in Prediction Gaming

Underdog is the first sports-focused gaming company to fully embrace prediction markets, a space that is attracting attention from both the gambling and financial sectors. The company’s CEO, Jeremy Levine, has said that the future of prediction markets lies in sports, and Underdog intends to be at the center of that growth.

The platform allows users to buy and sell outcomes of sporting events, with odds adjusting dynamically based on market activity rather than a bookmaker’s line. This trading-style model appeals to younger and tech-savvy players, creating an experience that blends the thrill of sports betting with the strategy of financial markets.

Other major players are also exploring this field. Robinhood, Kalshi, and Polymarket already offer contracts on sporting events, while FanDuel recently announced a partnership with CME Group to explore financial event contracts. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins has also expressed interest in entering the space, signaling growing competition.

Still, Underdog’s partnership with Crypto.com gives it a strong early-mover advantage. The deal ensures access to 16 states and aligns the company with one of the largest names in crypto trading. As casino and sports betting audiences continue to evolve, this development signals the beginning of a new chapter where prediction markets could become a mainstream complement to traditional wagering.

France’s Surprising Crypto Shift Signals Global Growth Trends

Reading Time: 2 minutes

France’s far-right Rassemblement National has made a dramatic shift in its approach to cryptocurrencies, further demonstrating how digital assets continue to influence not only markets but also political ideologies around the world. About a decade ago, party leader Marine Le Pen strongly criticized Bitcoin, calling it a tool for global financial elites. Recently, she has proposed using France’s nuclear energy to mine Bitcoin domestically.

This revelation came during a publicized visit to the Flamanville nuclear power plant, where Le Pen endorsed the idea of installing mining rigs on Electricité de France (EDF) properties. She argues that underutilized or surplus electricity could be converted into a sovereign digital reserve.

Cautious Ambition

Despite Le Pen’s dramatic shift, France’s current government has long taken a more balanced approach to crypto. The country was a strong advocate for the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which established unified standards for consumer protection, licensing, and transparency across the EU.

But this commitment to regulation has not stopped France from becoming a central hub for blockchain activity in Europe. Paris has welcomed international exchanges, supported Web3 startups, and backed pilot programs in decentralized finance and tokenized assets. The country has even explored digital currencies through its central bank.

What sets France apart is its willingness to support innovation within a controlled framework. This strategic alignment of oversight and encouragement has positioned it as a digital leader in Europe. Now, with opposition voices like Le Pen also advocating crypto-forward policies, France could see a new era of digital policy where both government and opposition align on Web3 potential, though their motivations may differ.

The Crypto Quest for Global Acceptance

While Le Pen’s proposal is bold, it is not isolated. The proposal marks a sharp contrast to earlier rhetoric and mirrors a growing global trend where support for digital innovation is fast becoming a political advantage. Governments across the world are now starting to frame crypto not just as a financial tool but as an engine for policy and reform.

Across the globe, political leaders are increasingly aligning themselves with pro-crypto narratives, recognizing digital assets as more than financial instruments. In recent election cycles, candidates have even used cryptocurrency platforms not only to appeal to younger, tech-savvy voters but also to signal progressive economic agendas. Campaigns are embracing digital finance for fundraising, policy promotion, and even operational transparency, using tools like blockchain to demonstrate accountability.

Government regulations are also evolving. Legislative frameworks are cropping up to provide legal clarity, attract innovation, and establish secure pathways for institutional and retail adoption.

Michigan Considers Legal Crypto Use in iGaming Amid Rising Enforcement

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Michigan is taking bold steps toward integrating cryptocurrency into its financial and energy frameworks, all while intensifying efforts to curb illegal online gambling. A new legislative package introduced on May 21 features four bills. The standout proposal (House Bill 4510) aims to allow the state’s pension funds to invest in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin through regulated exchange-traded products.

Proponents argue that such investments could diversify the state’s retirement portfolios and position Michigan as a forward-thinking player in the digital economy. The other bills in the package, including HB 4512 and HB 4513, focus on supporting crypto mining. They propose tax incentives for companies that repurpose capped or abandoned well sites, provided they meet environmental rehabilitation standards.

Crypto-Gaming Remains Off-Limits, but the Industry Is Gearing Up

Despite the state’s growing interest in digital assets, Michigan’s regulated online casinos are still prohibited from accepting direct cryptocurrency payments. However, this may change. Discussions are underway to consider crypto as a payment method within licensed platforms, and some operators are already preparing their systems for potential integration.

For now, this is pending approval by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). The move could, however, boost the state’s iGaming sector. Analysts suggest that allowing cryptocurrency transactions might attract younger, tech-savvy players who are more likely to use digital currencies.

Illegal Operators On State Crosshairs

As Michigan explores crypto innovation, regulators are also tightening oversight on the online gambling front. In a recent crackdown, the MGCB issued cease-and-desist orders to six offshore gambling sites for breaching the Lawful Internet Gaming Act.

Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB, emphasized the risk to consumers using unregulated sites, noting that such platforms offer no guarantees for fair payouts, responsible gambling tools, or basic player protections. He urged residents to avoid offshore casinos and stick with licensed operators.

It is recommended that players looking to use cryptocurrency for online gambling rely on verified Bitcoin casino directories. These help identify trustworthy options in a landscape where legal clarity and consumer safety are vital for the best customer experience.

Polymarket Cleared as US Authorities Drop Investigations

Reading Time: 2 minutes

In what is arguably a major win for the crypto betting community, both the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have officially dropped their investigations into Polymarket, one of the best-known Ethereum-based prediction market platforms. The news, first reported by Bloomberg and later confirmed by Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan, marks a dramatic turning point for one of the most high-profile crypto betting platforms in the United States.

Polymarket, which operates on the Polygon blockchain, allows users to wager on real-world outcomes. That includes everything from politics and global events to cryptocurrency prices and even celebrity gossip. The platform gained massive attention during the 2024 US presidential election, with billions of dollars wagered, often reflecting market sentiment before traditional polling caught up.

The Backstory

The controversy peaked last November when, just days after the US elections, FBI agents raided Coplan’s New York apartment in a dramatic early morning operation. Devices were seized as authorities investigated allegations that Polymarket had violated a 2022 agreement with the CFTC by permitting US-based users to place bets.

Despite the raid, Coplan maintained Polymarket’s innocence. In a recent social media post, he reflected on the ordeal, describing it as both traumatic and historic, a testament, he said, to Polymarket’s impact on American political discourse.

This outcome aligns with a broader trend in Washington, as President Donald Trump’s administration signals a more crypto-friendly stance. The dropping of several crypto-related investigations under Trump’s leadership suggests a regulatory environment that could be more accommodating for digital asset platforms, especially those involved in crypto betting and prediction markets.

Betting on a Regulated Comeback

With regulatory clouds lifting, Polymarket now appears poised for a potential return to the US market in a more official capacity. Analysts speculate that the platform could seek formal registration with the CFTC as a futures exchange or partner with licensed entities, paving the way for compliant operations in the States.

Meanwhile, Polymarket continues to expand its reach and visibility. Backed by Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, it recently announced a partnership with Elon Musk’s X and xAI to offer prediction insights on social media. This is a move that could redefine real-time betting engagement.

For the crypto casino and betting audience, this is a landmark moment. In addition to other recent trends and developments, the Polymarket case is even more proof of the shifting tides in crypto regulation and hints at a future where blockchain-based betting platforms may enjoy greater legitimacy in major markets, including the United States.