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whale-battlepass

Whale.io Launches Battlepass Season 3 with More Crypto Cashback

If you are still on the hunt for unique crypto offers, our news stories always try to keep you updated. This one might just get your attention. Whale.io has officially launched Battlepass Season 3, a major upgrade to its rewards system that combines cashback, crypto bonuses, and gamified progression into one of the most generous loyalty programs in online crypto gambling.

Designed to make every wager more rewarding, the new Battlepass introduces 11 ranks, 101 levels, and cashback rates of up to 11% daily and 11% weekly, setting a new benchmark for player incentives in the Bitcoin casino scene.

A Ton of Unique Rewards to Explore

Battlepass Season 3 is built around progression. Players begin as Rookies and advance through ranks like Warrior, Legend, and King before reaching Immortal. This is the pinnacle of Whale.io levels, and it does come with amazing rewards to boot. Every level unlocks instant crypto rewards, while every rank brings exclusive bonuses and a permanent boost to cashback rates.

The progression system ensures that every session counts. Whether betting on slots, live tables, or sports, players earn experience points (XP) that fuel their climb through the ranks. With 101 total rewards to unlock, Season 3 guarantees that consistent play translates into measurable value.

Cashback That Scales with Every Bet

One of the defining features of Whale.io’s new Battlepass is its dynamic cashback model. As players rise through the ranks, their daily and weekly cashback rates automatically increase, with the top-tier Immortal rank offering 11% daily and 11% weekly cashback, which is among the highest in the industry.

Cashback applies to all wagers, win or lose, and is instantly paid in cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and TON. This gas-free payout system ensures smooth and immediate transactions, giving crypto gamblers full control of their earnings and transparency in every reward.

For casual players, it offers steady progression and daily crypto returns. For high rollers, it delivers elite-tier cashback and prestige.

Exclusive Rewards for Battlepass Holders

Accessing the full Battlepass experience requires a one-time payment of $1.99 or 4,999 $WHALE tokens, unlocking all 101 levels and 11 ranks of bonuses. Once activated, players can progress freely, earning increasing cashback rates, crypto rewards, and exclusive perks along the way.

The system is straightforward: buy the Battlepass, play your favorite games, level up with every bet, and claim rewards as you go. With each milestone, you not only earn bonuses but also move closer to the coveted Immortal rank, where maximum cashback and elite status await.

ai-dealer-bethog

Fast-Rising Crypto Casino Bets on AI with the Launch of Its First “Intelligent” Blackjack Dealer

Crypto casino operator BetHog has introduced what it describes as the first artificial intelligence-powered blackjack dealer, marking a step forward in the industry’s use of machine learning to personalize online gambling.

The launch featured a digital dealer named “Sunny”, an animated avatar designed to mimic the interaction and engagement of a human croupier. BetHog said the technology enables players to be greeted by name and to engage in short conversations, creating a more personal form of gameplay than traditional virtual tables.

BetHog described the development as an early glimpse of what the future of online casinos looks like. Chief executive Nigel Eccles, who co-founded the company alongside Rob Jones in 2024 after both helped establish FanDuel, said the move signaled the beginning of a new category in online casino gaming driven by AI.

It is nothing short of mind-blowing how quickly AI is being integrated into sectors traditionally driven by human interaction. By combining machine learning, real-time analytics, and blockchain infrastructure, operators such as BetHog are nearing the lines where they can redefine how players experience risk and reward. But it goes even deeper than that.

A Strong Push for Acceptance and Recognition

Like most blockchain-based casinos, BetHog is not currently licensed to operate in the United States, where crypto casinos remain outside regulated gaming frameworks. Nevertheless, the sector has increasingly grown to become an informal testing ground for technological innovation in gambling, particularly around artificial intelligence, gamification, and blockchain integration.

To accompany the launch, BetHog introduced a promotional campaign in which Sunny is programmed with “five secrets.” Players who uncover all of them stand a chance to win a $50,000 prize. While the offer serves a clear marketing function, it also highlights how AI-driven engagement could become central to user retention strategies in the crypto gambling space.

According to industry experts, such developments may hint at a new form of digital interactivity, one that reduces operational costs associated with live dealers while sustaining a sense of human-like presence. Yet, the use of AI in online gambling also raises questions around transparency, fairness, and data privacy, areas where regulation remains minimal.

If the experiment succeeds, it could redefine what online gambling looks like. That is, less as a static game of chance and more as a continuously learning digital experience, built on algorithms that know their players almost as well as they know the odds.

underdog-crypto

Crypto.com and Underdog Forge Path for $500M U.S. Prediction Market Industry

The worlds of digital finance and sports are seemingly converging again for enthusiasts in some states. Underdog, a fast-growing fantasy and sports gaming company, has struck a deal with Crypto.com to bring sports prediction markets to 16 U.S. states. For regions still resisting traditional sports betting, this collaboration may provide a fresh entry point for fans who want to engage with the action in new ways.

Good Old Trading, But for Sports Fans

At the core of the partnership is Crypto.com Derivatives North America (CDNA), a federally registered exchange that specializes in sports event contracts. These contracts will sit directly on Underdog’s platform, effectively transforming sports speculation into a regulated trading environment. As Crypto.com’s Travis McGhee noted, this approach broadens access while positioning sports prediction as more than just betting. It is now much closer to financial trading with a sports twist.

The design mimics a marketplace more than a sportsbook. Instead of placing a fixed wager, users can buy or sell outcomes based on supply, demand, and sentiment. These are the same forces that drive financial markets. It’s an approach tailored for younger, tech-savvy audiences already comfortable with crypto exchanges and retail investing apps.

Eyes on States Like California and Texas

The significance of this move is amplified by geography. California, Texas, and Florida, the three most populous U.S. states, remain closed to commercial sportsbooks. Florida, in particular, is tightly controlled by the Seminole Tribe, which has a near-monopoly on gambling.

Prediction markets sidestep some of these hurdles because they fall under federal oversight rather than state-by-state gaming rules. For operators, this could reduce friction and open doors that have so far been locked by politics, tribal compacts, or lengthy regulatory battles.

Market analysts are already projecting serious potential. A recent estimate suggested that prediction markets could generate $555 million in 2025. That number pales in comparison to the $16 billion U.S. online betting market in 2024. However, the growth curve forecasts a sector quickly moving from experimental to mainstream.

Big Bets on the Future for Underdog

With this deal, Underdog becomes the first major sports-first operator to lean fully into prediction markets. Its CEO, Jeremy Levine, has argued that sports are the natural frontier for this format, and the company wants to be at the heart of that transition. By blending the adrenaline of betting with the strategy of trading, Underdog is positioning itself to capture a new demographic of players.

Competition is inevitable. Robinhood, Kalshi, Polymarket, and FanDuel are already testing similar waters, and DraftKings has hinted at its own ambitions. Still, Underdog’s early alignment with Crypto.com, which is one of the best-known crypto brands worldwide, gives it both credibility and reach.

If the bet pays off, prediction markets could emerge as a hybrid space where Wall Street meets Las Vegas. For sports fans, that means more than a new way to gamble but also a new way to play the markets.

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How Tether Became the Most Popular Stablecoin for Casino Players

Tether, a cryptocurrency that is backed one-to-one by the United States dollar, has become the leading digital currency for online casino players. Recent developments show that Tether’s position remains unchallenged. It holds approximately sixty to sixty-six percent of the global stablecoin market share, far ahead of competitors like USD Coin. Its widespread use across major platforms makes it easy for players and casinos to transact reliably.

Tether transactions are not only reliable but also fast and affordable. On networks such as Tron, payments typically arrive in under a minute and cost only a few cents. That speed and low-cost appeal to players who want secure, seamless access to their money without delays or hefty fees.

The privacy that Tether offers is another strong attraction. Many online casinos that accept Tether do not require identity checks. This appeals to players in regions with strict banking rules or where accessing traditional services is challenging. Tether’s ease of use and flexibility have helped it become popular among casino platforms and their users.

As it stands, Tether is supported on several blockchain networks, including Tron, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, and Ethereum. It is used by more than twenty-five million wallets and handles over seventy-five billion dollars in daily trading volume. Those numbers put it ahead of most other stablecoins and even rival cryptocurrencies in terms of activity.

Growing and Expanding Amid Major Shifts

Some emerging regulatory shifts seem to complicate Tether’s future in the U.S. The newly passed Genius Act, for instance, requires stablecoin issuers to maintain audited reserves backed by safe assets. Because of earlier transparency concerns related to Tether reserves, this law could limit its operations in the U.S. unless it improves its compliance practices.

But is that enough to stop its growing popularity, especially in the crypto casino space? Well, maybe not. Tether is also aggressively expanding globally despite its dollar backing. The digital currency is already forming partnerships and making investments abroad, including recently acquiring a stake in the Spanish platform Bit2Me, which may help it grow its reach even in markets with stricter rules.

For crypto casinos across the world, this dominance means easier onboarding for players, higher transaction volumes, and reduced payment friction. Platforms that support Tether can continue to attract a global audience without the hurdles of slow transactions, high fees, or strict geographic restrictions. The liquidity and familiarity of Tether will also allow casinos to process large withdrawals smoothly, which strengthens trust between players and operators.

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US Authorities Clear the Way for Polymarket and Potential Crypto Betting Growth

The closure of federal investigations into blockchain-based prediction market Polymarket has sent a strong signal across the crypto betting world. This is especially true for the United States, where regulatory uncertainty has long shadowed decentralized betting platforms.

Earlier this month, both the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) officially ended their probes into Polymarket’s operations. The investigations, launched during the Biden administration, centered on allegations that Polymarket had allowed US-based users to place bets despite a 2022 settlement that required strict compliance with CFTC rules.

The case intensified after the 2024 elections when FBI agents raided CEO Shayne Coplan’s residence in New York, seizing his devices amid concerns over potential violations. Coplan later described the raid as a politically motivated action. Now, with the investigations closed and no charges filed, Coplan declared it a clear vindication for Polymarket and a pivotal moment for the rapidly growing decentralized crypto betting market.

Ongoing Shifts in the Regulation of Crypto

The resolution of these high-profile cases coincides with a broader political shift under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has adopted a more innovation-friendly stance towards cryptocurrencies and blockchain finance. The administration’s approach is seen as a move to position the United States as a global hub for crypto innovation, including decentralized betting markets.

With key figures like Brian Quintenz, a blockchain advocate and former member of Kalshi’s board, tapped for top regulatory roles, the tone from Washington now favors a growth-oriented, pragmatic approach. The end of the Polymarket probes reflects this change. It is set to be an impactful victory for the crypto betting community, which has long called for clear guidelines rather than punitive crackdowns.

The Next Chapter

Freed from regulatory overhang, Polymarket now has the chance to expand its presence in the US market, potentially through official registration or partnerships with licensed entities. Backed by investors like Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund and collaborating with Elon Musk’s X and xAI, Polymarket is positioning itself for a new era of crypto-powered event betting.

Yet, this massive step also gives us a glimpse of the very tricky balance that decentralized platforms must strike. While innovation and transparency remain their strengths, ensuring compliance and maintaining ethical standards are vital for long-term growth.

For crypto betting enthusiasts, the Polymarket case represents a regulatory breakthrough. But it also serves as a reminder that the future of decentralized finance depends on embracing innovation responsibly. With institutional support now seemingly on their side, platforms like Polymarket may help shape the evolving landscape of blockchain-powered betting.

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New Operator Looks to Redefine Crypto Casinos with Profit Sharing and AI Innovation

Qzino, a fast-rising new entrant into the market, is shaking up the crypto iGaming space with the launch of its groundbreaking casino platform. By combining traditional online casino gameplay with AI-driven features and a unique profit-sharing model, the platform turns players into genuine stakeholders. Unlike standard casinos, Qzino distributes 50 percent of its total revenue back to token holders, offering players a real opportunity to profit from the platform’s success.

Leveraging AI and Blockchain

Qzino is built by an experienced team of more than 100 specialists with deep expertise in blockchain technology, iGaming, and product development. The platform runs on a custom-built engine designed for seamless user experiences, fast gameplay, and smooth interaction. What sets it apart further is its integration of AI technology. AI helps personalize the gaming experience, optimize user interfaces, and enhance engagement by suggesting games, refining gameplay mechanics, and ensuring that every session feels intelligent and tailored.

In addition to technology, legal transparency is a core pillar of Qzino’s offering. The platform operates under the Anjouan gaming license, adhering to international regulations and providing players with a secure, compliant environment.

Profit Sharing, Community Growth, and a Telegram Mini-App

One of the most exciting aspects of Qzino is its profit-sharing system. Rather than offering temporary promotions or bonuses, the platform shares half of its revenue with token holders. This creates a real financial incentive for users to engage not just as players but as partners who benefit from the casino’s growth and success.

Qzino’s rollout begins with a Telegram-based mini-app, designed as an easy, gamified entry point for users. The mini-app allows players to participate for free, offering daily spins on the Wheel of Luck. Prizes include USDT vouchers and points that will later convert into tokens during the platform’s launch phase. Users can also take advantage of a referral program that rewards them for bringing friends into the ecosystem. Importantly, all points and vouchers earned in this mini-app will transfer to the full platform when it goes live in autumn 2025.

Roadmap to Launch and a New Era for Web3 Gaming

Qzino’s roadmap is as ambitious as it is innovative. The upcoming “mining season” will gamify early participation, allowing users to accumulate points based on activity, tasks completed, and referrals. These points will directly impact the allocation of tokens during the Token Generation Event (TGE).

Post-launch, Qzino will introduce a range of engaging features, including a dividend pool that pays out regularly to participants, weekly crypto lotteries, and other mechanisms designed to reward loyalty and activity. Qzino aims to become one of the top five global crypto casinos within its first 18 months of operations. Beyond being a place to play, Qzino represents a shift in the Web3 gaming space. It offers a platform where users are not only players but also stakeholders in its future.

ripple-xrp

Ripple CTO’s Lucky Spin Triggers Wild XRP Price Theories

In the world of cryptocurrency, even the most innocent-looking posts can ignite a storm of speculation. That is exactly what happened when David Schwartz, the Chief Technology Officer of Ripple, shared a photo of a slot machine on June 1, 2025. What appeared to be a lighthearted casino win quickly became the center of a heated discussion within the XRP community.

David Schwartz posted a picture of a slot machine showing a win of $1,458.30, accompanied by a simple caption: “Jackpot.” The machine also displayed a possible grand payout of $11,106.78. At face value, it seemed like nothing more than a personal moment shared on social media. However, those familiar with the Ripple executive’s past behavior saw it differently.

Within minutes, fans and followers began interpreting the image as something more than just a celebratory snapshot. Some speculated that the larger figure, $11,106.78, might be a hint about XRP’s

Reading Between the Lines

Regardless of David Schwartz’s intention, the XRP community meticulously examined every detail. The specific numbers on the slot machine became a focal point. One enthusiast boldly declared, “$11,106.78 XRP confirmed,” treating the amount as a potential forecast or symbolic marker. This level of interpretation might seem exaggerated to outsiders, but it reflects the community’s habit of searching for deeper meaning in every interaction involving Ripple’s key figures.

The XRP community is known for its deep engagement with Ripple leadership. Over the years, David Schwartz has developed a reputation for sharing cryptic messages, puzzles, and thought-provoking content. His popularity has led many to believe that nothing he posts is without purpose.

Whether the numbers hold significance or the post was just a moment of harmless fun, it once again showcased the power of social media to spark conversation and speculation in the crypto world. Sometimes, in this space, a single word and a few digits can ignite a frenzy.

Crypto Culture and Casino Luck

This episode is yet another manifestation of an increasingly common crossover between digital finance and online gaming. The image of a slot machine win became more than just a celebration of good luck. It also became a canvas for market speculation. For crypto casino audiences, this moment is a perfect example of how quickly gambling and investing can blur in digital spaces.

The ripple effect of Schwartz’s post is another glaring sign of how moments can inspire debate, excitement, and theories. It reflects how emotionally invested the community has become, particularly in an environment where regulation battles and price volatility are part of daily life.

sharplink

SharpLink Gaming Makes Headlines with $425M Ethereum Move

SharpLink Gaming, a leading digital marketing firm in the U.S. sports betting industry, announced a major shift in strategy by raising $425 million through a private equity deal. The company revealed that it will now hold Ethereum (ETH) as its primary treasury reserve asset.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, SharpLink is recognized for its affiliate network, PAS.net, which connects users to regulated online sportsbooks and casinos in the U.S. Through its portfolio of state-specific domains, SharpLink specializes in performance-based marketing for the expanding U.S. gambling market.

Now, SharpLink is making a significant entry into the world of blockchain finance, becoming the first company listed on Nasdaq to undertake such a move. The recent capital raise was made possible through a Private Investment in Public Equity (PIPE) deal, spearheaded by ConsenSys Software Inc., the Ethereum-focused company founded by Joseph Lubin, who is also a co-founder of Ethereum. Following the completion of the deal, Lubin anticipates becoming Chairman of SharpLink’s Board of Directors.

This investment round also includes support from notable cryptocurrency investment firms such as ParaFi Capital, Electric Capital, Pantera Capital, Arrington Capital, and Galaxy Digital, which reinforces the company’s credibility within both the crypto and gambling tech sectors.

Rapid Gains for the Market

Following the announcement, the prices of Ethereum rose by approximately 3%, according to the BNC Ethereum Liquid Index, climbing from around $2,570 to nearly $2,647. However, the most dramatic movement was observed in SharpLink’s stock, which surged by over 400% in a single trading session, rising from under $7 to roughly $33.50.

SharpLink’s choice to utilize Ethereum as its treasury reserve asset stems from the network’s increasing institutional backing and practical applications. Ethereum offers robust liquidity, a mature blockchain ecosystem, and a wide range of applications in decentralized finance (DeFi), blockchain gaming, NFTs, and smart contracts.

These capabilities align with SharpLink’s digital-first business model and pave the way for future innovations, such as integration with decentralized apps (dApps), Web3 user experiences, and blockchain-driven loyalty or rewards systems specifically designed for U.S. gamblers.

Good News for the U.S. Online Gambling Industry?

SharpLink’s shift may signify a crucial turning point for online gambling companies operating in the U.S. By adopting Ethereum as a treasury asset, SharpLink is bridging the gap between traditional iGaming business models and decentralized finance. This move could encourage more operators and affiliates to explore crypto integration, whether through digital asset reserves, blockchain-based rewards programs, or NFT-driven user engagement strategies.

As more U.S. states continue to legalize and regulate sports betting and online casino games, companies that embrace both regulatory compliance and technological innovation will be best positioned to lead. SharpLink’s Ethereum strategy may serve as a model for how gambling businesses can future-proof their operations in a digital-first economy.

metaplanet

Metaplanet Expands to Florida with $250M Bitcoin Strategy

Regulated sectors like cryptocurrency gaming are more likely than ever to see significant impacts as more businesses start to see Bitcoin as a valid treasury asset. By taking a daring step into the American market, the Japanese investment company Metaplanet may be leading the charge for digital asset adoption in industries like online gambling and bank services.

Beyond mere geographic growth, Metaplanet’s US debut shows trust in the Western world’s developing legislative and financial frameworks that support Bitcoin. These regulations may finally pave the way for the widespread use of cryptocurrencies in sectors like online betting that straddle the border between finance and entertainment. And it all starts with the company in Florida.

Florida continues to emerge as a leading hub for cryptocurrency innovation in the United States, thanks to its business-friendly climate and receptive stance on digital assets. The Metaplanet Treasury Corporation arm in the state opens with an initial capital injection of $10 million, with a roadmap to allocate up to $250 million internally, all without seeking external investment. The choice to fully self-fund reflects Metaplanet’s strong belief in Bitcoin’s long-term value and its strategic intent to be at the forefront of corporate crypto integration.

By establishing operations in Florida, the company aims to gain 24/7 operational reach while tapping into a fast-growing fintech and Web3 ecosystem. Florida’s evolving digital asset landscape provides agility for companies operating in emerging areas like crypto betting, where regulations are still evolving. The announcement comes just days ahead of the Bitcoin for Corporations 2025 conference in Orlando, where Metaplanet’s CEO will share insights alongside key industry leaders from MARA and Semler Scientific

A Solid Foundation and High Hopes for the Future

Metaplanet has invested 1,650 Bitcoin in the last month, increasing its total holdings to 5,000 BTC, with a valuation of more than $467 million. Their ambitious targets are to have 10,000 BTC by 2025’s end and 21,000 BTC by 2026. This aggressive approach has not gone unnoticed. Thanks to rising investor faith in its Bitcoin-centric strategy, Metaplanet’s stock has increased by over 1,200% in the last year.

Financial institutions are increasingly embracing Bitcoin in their portfolios, which might make it simpler for online gambling sites and sportsbooks to accept Bitcoin and other digital currencies. Three essential components for growing in a highly regulated business are enhanced financial ties, more predictable licensing frameworks, and higher user trust. This standardization might facilitate all three.

regulations-rules

Ohio Makes Significant Regulatory Move That Could Impact Crypto Betting

Ohio has recently sent a strong signal to the crypto gambling world, issuing cease-and-desist orders to Kalshi, Robinhood, and Crypto.com for allegedly offering unlicensed sports betting. According to the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), the event contracts from these operators are essentially sports wagers, which require licensing under state law.

The developing DeFi betting sector, including platforms that use blockchain technology to provide decentralized betting products, will want to take note of the OCCC’s judgment as a warning. It is very evident from Ohio’s position that crypto gaming sites might soon have to adhere to the same regulatory standards as regular sportsbooks.

According to OCCC Executive Director Matthew Schuler, buying contracts to predict the results of sporting events is the same as making a regular wager at a sportsbook. The distinction, however, is that these platforms do not comply with Ohio’s legislative criteria for consumer protection, such as accessibility to underage users.

Should We Expect a Fight?

Traditional state-regulated sectors and decentralized finance (DeFi) systems are becoming more and more at odds, and this regulatory action may point to a battle. This may already have started.

While Kalshi has already faced similar actions from Nevada and New Jersey, Ohio’s involvement marks a new and significant turn. Not only is Kalshi’s struggle against state authorities important for the platform, but it is also substantial for the broader cryptocurrency gaming market.

The platform’s leadership has maintained that state gaming authorities do not have authority over its event contracts, but rather the federal agency in charge of financial products, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). It is key for the business that financial goods remain differentiated from gambling.

Should Kalshi emerge victorious, it may clear the way for cryptocurrency platforms to keep providing event contracts, evading the requirements of specific state gaming laws. But if the courts agree with Ohio and other state regulators, platforms that combine crypto with betting will be subject to more scrutiny. This might lead them to restructure their operations to comply with local regulations or rethink their business models to avoid being classified as traditional sports betting.

Broader Implications

The outcome of these discussions will determine the long-term viability of DeFi betting in Ohio. Insiders and crypto fans alike can see that these regulatory steps will have far-reaching consequences. The industry’s response is already quite mixed especially with traditional gambling platforms eyeing the lucrative crypto sector. For now, we will need to wait out the legal battle.