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Monkey Tilt Takes Bitcoin Casino Experiences Beyond the Screen

The playbook for online casinos and crypto casinos in general is pretty much standard right now. But we are always on the lookout for fresh takes on the genre, and there is one that might just be a defining moment for the industry in 2026.

Monkey Tilt, a relatively new entrant into the space, is carving out a different identity in the crypto casino space, and it is doing it with a playbook that looks closer to entertainment branding than traditional gambling marketing. Instead of leading with bonuses and game lobbies, the company has focused on visibility, culture, and partnerships that stretch well beyond the screen.

A Crypto Casino Brand Players Can Instantly Recognize

Since its launch, Monkey Tilt has built a reputation as more than just another bitcoin gambling site. Backed by massive funding, the company is investing heavily in brand recognition and lifestyle appeal. The goal is not only to attract players looking for crypto casino games, but to become a name that feels embedded in the broader digital and cultural conversation.

In a crowded market where many platforms offer similar games and payment methods, this feels like a golden goose. Standing out increasingly means building a personality and presence that players remember, even when they are not actively gambling.

Using Poker as a Growth Engine

A major part of that positioning comes from Monkey Tilt’s connection to the poker world. Early on, the company aligned with PokerGO, and this elevated its exposure to a global audience of poker fans, professional players, and major tournaments.

Why? Well, poker audiences tend to overlap with bitcoin gamblers who are comfortable with digital wallets, online competition, and higher-risk, skill-based formats. Embedding itself in the poker ecosystem and relying solely on performance marketing, Monkey Tilt can tap into an audience that already understands both online play and alternative payments.

Big-Ticket Activations to Reel You In

Monkey Tilt has also stepped outside the digital casino environment with attention-grabbing real-world campaigns. Its collaboration with West Coast Customs produced the “Tilt Truck,” a custom-built mobile casino and entertainment space designed to travel to major events.

The truck debuted during Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans through a partnership with Complex, a media brand known for its influence in youth and pop culture. Visitors explored the branded space and took part in a headline vault challenge tied to a potential $1 million prize. Even without a winner, the activation generated social buzz and positioned Monkey Tilt as a crypto casino brand willing to show up in unexpected places.

Our takeaway? Maybe the next phase of growth in bitcoin casinos could be a mixture of cultural relevance and real-world presence, working alongside what happens on the reels or at the tables.

draftkings

You Can Now Use Crypto at DraftKings, but with a Twist

For Bitcoin casino regulars, the latest move from DraftKings is another reminder of how differently traditional gambling operators handle digital assets compared with crypto-native platforms. The headline is simple on the surface. Customers in a handful of states will be able to turn cryptocurrency into cash and then use that cash to fund a betting account. The reality, especially for Bitcoin gamblers, is a lot more layered.

Crypto Access Arrives, But Only After Conversion

DraftKings is introducing a system that lets players in Illinois, Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Vermont convert cryptocurrency into US dollars for deposits. On paper, that sounds like progress. In practice, it means crypto still never actually touches a wagering account.

Unlike crypto casinos, where you deposit BTC, wager in crypto, and withdraw back to your wallet, DraftKings requires a full conversion step first. The operator has not detailed which coins will be supported, but major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum are the obvious candidates. Even so, once the conversion happens, players are back in the traditional banking world, using fiat balances inside a tightly regulated sportsbook ecosystem.

In many ways, this setup feels more like a bridge to the old system than a step into a new one.

Why This Matters in a Restricted US Market

This change is happening against a backdrop of shrinking payment flexibility in regulated US betting. DraftKings previously pulled back from credit card deposits for sportsbook play, and several states have strict rules about how gambling accounts can be funded. Bank transfers, debit cards, and retail cash deposits are common, but they do not exactly fit the lifestyle of players who primarily move funds in and out of crypto wallets.

Direct crypto betting remains rare in the US regulatory framework. Across many states, operators have had to keep digital assets at a distance. Some bettors have worked around this by buying gift cards with crypto and redeeming them for betting credit, which adds friction and extra steps. DraftKings’ crypto-to-cash route simplifies the process but still keeps everything firmly off-chain by the time wagers are placed.

The Tax Reality

Here is where crypto casino veterans will immediately spot a key difference. On most crypto gambling platforms, players can move funds between wallets and sites without triggering a taxable sale, as long as they are not converting to fiat. With DraftKings’ model, the very act of turning crypto into dollars to fund an account is considered a taxable event under US rules.

If the value of the coins has gone up since they were acquired, that conversion can create a capital gain. Depending on how long the crypto was held, that gain could be taxed at either short-term income rates or lower long-term capital gains rates. Either way, every deposit that starts with selling crypto potentially adds a tax reporting obligation.

DraftKings’ approach may feel like a compromise. While US operators clearly see the demand from crypto users, regulated sportsbooks are far from the fully crypto-native gambling experience many Bitcoin players already consider standard.

cryptocasino

Big Upgrade for CryptoCasino.com as Platform Expands Web3 Gambling Features

CryptoCasino.com has stepped back into the spotlight with a full platform relaunch, using the stage at the International Casinos Exhibition in Barcelona to show how serious it is about competing in the top tier of crypto gambling. The timing follows a strategic investment from SharpLink Gaming earlier this year, a move that gives the project deeper roots in the regulated iGaming world while still keeping its crypto-native identity intact. For many modern players, that combination matters. It suggests a platform trying to balance the speed and flexibility of blockchain tech with the operational maturity of a traditional gambling company.

What to Expect

The new version of CryptoCasino.com leans heavily into scale and token-driven engagement. The casino floor now stretches across thousands of crypto-friendly titles, while a fully built-out sportsbook layers in hundreds of betting markets for major events. At the same time, the platform is pushing hard on fast blockchain withdrawals, promoting near-instant payouts that feel closer to moving funds between wallets than waiting on a bank transfer.

At the center of the ecosystem sits the platform’s native $CASINO token. Rather than acting as a simple payment chip, it is woven into the loyalty system, giving players ways to stake, unlock VIP-style perks, and tap into ongoing promotions. The project also promotes a model where a share of platform performance feeds into token buybacks and burns, tying player activity to the long-term role of the token inside the platform.

The Ethereum Influence

Part of what gives the relaunch extra weight is the Ethereum connection behind the scenes. SharpLink has drawn attention for its exposure to ETH and its links to well-known figures in the Ethereum development world. That background feeds directly into how CryptoCasino.com presents itself, less like a standard online casino that happens to take crypto and more like a Web3 product built around wallet access and blockchain settlement from the start.

The platform highlights fast transactions, transparent processing, and flexible identity models that appeal to players who value privacy and control. This certainly speaks the language of users who are already active in DeFi, NFTs, or other on-chain ecosystems.

Appealing to the Next Generation of Crypto Gamblers

This relaunch is also about their audience. CryptoCasino.com is clearly aiming beyond traditional online casino players who occasionally use digital assets. The target is a newer wave of gamblers who are comfortable navigating token ecosystems, participating in gamified reward loops, and moving assets across chains as easily as they place bets.

To support that vision, the company has signaled interest in expanding beyond Ethereum’s main network over time. That means efforts like exploring Layer 2 integrations and additional blockchain support to meet players where they are.

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Early 2026 Guide for Crypto Casino Enthusiasts

As we settle into 2026, the search for the most promising cryptocurrencies is heating up once again as the industry gains more traction. Player focus has shifted from chasing every hype token to dabbling more in spotting projects with clear use cases and real adoption that can enhance gaming and payments.

From Bitcoin Layer 2 innovations to AI-driven platforms and community-focused tokens, a handful of projects are already gaining traction and could define crypto activity in gaming circles this year. Looking for a mix of utility and innovation? Well, these might deliver just that.

Layer 2 Solutions Taking the Lead?

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) continues to draw attention as Bitcoin’s first Layer 2 scaling solution, offering staking rewards of up to 41% APY. Its faster transaction capabilities make it particularly appealing for casino deposits and governance participation. Since its launch in May 2025, Bitcoin Hyper has steadily grown its ecosystem, combining scalability with meaningful utility for users.

Arbitrum and LiquidChain ($LIQUID) are also leading the way in multi-chain and Layer 2 adoption. Arbitrum boasts nearly 290 bridged projects with significantly lower transaction fees, while LiquidChain unifies liquidity across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, providing seamless cross-chain opportunities. That is perfect for crypto casinos exploring multi-chain payments.

For Lovers of Meme Tokens

Meme-based tokens remain a strong trend in early 2026. Maxi Doge ($MAXI) has emerged as a next-generation Doge-inspired token with staking rewards, community events, and gamified features appealing to Bitcoin casino audiences. SpaceXRP similarly leverages community engagement, offering interactive staking experiences tied to XRP news and missions.

Meanwhile, Solana-based Gassed Token introduces a playful “fart-to-earn” mechanic in its P2E ecosystem, reflecting the growing appetite for gamified crypto interactions alongside traditional online gambling.

AI Gaming

AI continues to be all the buzz, and blockchain has not been left behind in 2026, creating opportunities beyond simple token speculation. SUBBD ($SUBBD) offers AI-powered content creation with staking and creator incentives, while Vortex FX ($VFX) integrates AI-driven trading strategies with token-based governance. Render provides distributed GPU rendering solutions, and BMIC ($BMIC) delivers quantum-resistant wallet security.

DePIN and Web3 Integration

Decentralized networks and Web3 adoption are key to scaling crypto usage in gaming. Storj offers secure, decentralized cloud storage, while Toncoin integrates with Telegram, connecting millions of users and making crypto interactions accessible. Solana, as a high-speed Layer 1 blockchain, continues to support gaming applications with low fees and fast transactions, making it a strong foundation for online casinos and blockchain-based entertainment.

So, which one speaks to your needs?

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CoinPoker Expands Mobile Crypto Poker Access

CoinPoker, the leading decentralized crypto poker and casino platform, has officially expanded its mobile offering. Building on its Android experience, players can now access the full range of real-money poker games directly through any mobile browser, including Safari and Chrome, without downloading an app. This browser-based access makes it easier than ever for crypto poker players to stay in the action, whether they are on the go or at home.

This is quite a popular trend for many operators. Mobile accessibility has become a critical feature for crypto casino enthusiasts. Players expect fast gameplay, smooth transactions, and seamless wallet integration, and CoinPoker delivers on all fronts. The convenience of mobile poker with the transparency and security of blockchain technology does a great job at making up for the absence of dedicated apps.

$5,000 Mobile Monthly Freeroll Crypto Poker Boost for Players

CoinPoker is pairing its mobile upgrade with a $5,000 Mobile Monthly Freeroll. This rewards new players and introduces them to the platform’s real-money poker ecosystem. Scheduled for the last Friday of every month, the freeroll requires no buy-in and is accessible exclusively to new registrants using the bonus code MOBILE.

Players who join and participate in any real-money game, from Texas Hold’em to Omaha, automatically secure a seat in the tournament. Freerolls like this are now a staple in crypto poker, offering newcomers a chance to build their bankroll risk-free while exploring the platform. They also provide a low-pressure way to experience cryptocurrency-based betting, secure wallet transactions, and fast payouts.

Moreover, the offer also serves as a gateway to CoinPoker’s larger events, including 24/7 cash games and high-stakes tournaments like the $10 million GTD Winter Series.

More for Crypto Enthusiasts

At its core, the revamped mobile platform focuses on speed, stability, and seamless gameplay for both casual players and high rollers. Affordability also comes into play. Stakes range from $0.01/$0.02 micro games all the way to $1,000/$2,000 high-stakes tables, making the platform ideal for players of all experience levels.

Blockchain integration ensures secure deposits and instant withdrawals, transparency in game mechanics, and provably fair gameplay, features that traditional online casinos still struggle with. Players can participate in tournaments, cash games, and freerolls while staying connected to their crypto wallets, allowing for fully mobile, on-the-go betting.

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Inside Polymarket’s United States Market Comeback

Considering how fast-moving the world of crypto and online betting is, comebacks are rare. One company has managed to do it. Polymarket’s return to the United States is, however, not just a restart. It also involves some reinvention. The platform, once synonymous with election betting, is now staking its claim in sports wagering, crypto casinos, and the broader world of tokenized prediction markets.

After a two-year hiatus forced by regulatory scrutiny, Polymarket has rebuilt from the ground up. Its relaunch begins with a waitlist rollout for iOS, with Android on the horizon. The platform’s federal approval from the CFTC allows Polymarket to operate fully within U.S. commodities regulations. Shayne Coplan, the founder, went back to the drawing board, turning Polymarket into a platform designed not just for thrill-seekers but for serious, compliant crypto traders.

More Than Gambling?

Polymarket is not interested in being “just another sportsbook.” Its philosophy positions wagers as tradable stakes in real-world outcomes. Players start with sports events, but the vision quickly expands into proposition markets, eSports, and eventually the kinds of prediction contracts that made the platform famous during the 2024 elections. Every bet is a transaction, every outcome traceable, every trade transparent. As expected, the gaming experience is built on blockchain’s speed and security.

Naturally, the competition is fierce. Kalshi, valued at $11 billion, has emerged as the primary rival, raising $1 billion in 2025. Both platforms are vying for high-profile partnerships with fantasy sports apps, mainstream brokers, and sports leagues. Polymarket has aligned with PrizePicks and will act as DraftKings’ clearinghouse, while Kalshi has integrated with Robinhood and CNN, at times accounting for a staggering portion of trading volume.

And the numbers are quite impressive, with October 2025 being a record-setting month. Kalshi processed $5.81 billion and Polymarket $3.7 billion. The explosive appetite for blockchain-based betting and the opportunities in the next-generation iGaming landscape are certainly not going away.

The Legal Landscape

Regulatory hurdles remain central to any U.S. expansion. Kalshi is currently embroiled in state-level legal disputes in Nevada and New Jersey, while Polymarket’s federal clearance gives it a strategic advantage in navigating the fragmented legal landscape.

To further the push, Polymarket’s ambitions are backed by serious capital. That includes a $2 billion investment from Intercontinental Exchange and the NYSE parent, which supports a valuation target of $15 billion. Adding Donald Trump Jr. as an advisor signals a high-profile push into mainstream iGaming and crypto casino spaces, leveraging evolving U.S. regulations. It remains to be seen if that is enough to keep the wheels rolling.

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CiDi Games Brings Pi Token into Everyday Play for Millions of Users

Pi Network is doubling down on gaming as a central part of its future, and crypto players stand to gain the most. Thanks to a new strategic partnership and investment agreement with CiDi Games, the project is preparing to roll out a wave of Pi-integrated titles designed specifically to enhance utility, engagement, and on-chain activity for millions of enthusiasts worldwide.

Unsurprisingly, they are positioning it as more than just a content launch. They are also aiming for a unique push to make gaming one of the key engines driving the Pi ecosystem forward.

Why It Should Matter for Players

At the heart of the partnership is a plan to create lightweight, accessible Pi-powered games that tap directly into Pi Network’s global social community. Instead of the typical friction that often comes with Web3 gaming, CiDi Games is building experiences where Pi Wallet integration, Pi payments, as well as real-time interactions occur naturally in the background.

Players have already had a taste of this with FruityPi, one of the most popular Pi-native games using Pi Ads, Pi Wallet, and in-game Pi transactions. The partnership intends to take that foundation and scale it across multiple titles, positioning Pi as a token players actively use.

If you are a crypto gamer, this means more ways to earn, spend, and interact with Pi inside real-time evolving game environments. No complicated onboarding, no technical barriers, just seamless gameplay powered by the same digital currency used across the Pi ecosystem.

Building a Stronger Ecosystem

The Pi Core Team frames gaming as a natural evolution for the network. With its verified user base and social structure, Pi already supports high engagement. That is something games can amplify through daily loops, rewards, and on-chain actions. As players interact with these games, they generate activity that inspires more developers to build new applications, which in turn strengthens token utility even further.

The network has previously supported gaming through hackathons, incubation initiatives, developer tooling, and the Pi Ad Network monetization layer. What’s new is the scale. CiDi Games is designing titles for tens of millions of Pioneers, backed by Pi Network Ventures, the project’s $100 million investment arm dedicated to Pi-native innovation.

Their involvement signals long-term confidence in CiDi’s development team and a future where gaming is woven into every part of the Pi experience. That starts right from engagement to transactions and even ecosystem growth.

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Polymarket Ban in Romania Signals Turning Point for Global Crypto Betting

In what may be a defining moment for blockchain-based wagering, Romania has officially blacklisted Polymarket, the world’s leading crypto-powered prediction market, accusing it of operating as an unlicensed gambling platform during the country’s presidential and municipal elections.

The decision from Romania’s National Office for Gambling (ONJN) reverberated across the crypto ecosystem, highlighting a growing international effort to regulate or even restrict decentralized prediction markets that blur the line between financial speculation and online betting.

Global Pressure Builds

Polymarket’s latest regulatory challenge comes amid mounting scrutiny from governments around the world. In the past three years, agencies in the United States, France, Belgium, Poland, Singapore, and Thailand have all taken action against the platform for operating without proper gambling authorization.

Despite these hurdles, Polymarket’s growth has been quite impressive. In July 2025, the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, announced a $2 billion investment in the company. The deal proved that institutional players still see significant potential in blockchain-powered event markets, even as regulators worldwide tighten the rules.

Romania’s Crackdown: Betting or Blockchain Innovation?

Romania’s ONJN justified its decision by pointing to a surge in election-season wagering, with over $600 million in crypto-based bets placed on Polymarket during May’s national polls. Regulators said the platform’s “counterparty betting” model fits the legal definition of gambling under Romanian law, regardless of whether wagers are made in digital currency or fiat.

ONJN President Vlad-Cristian Soare described the ruling as a matter of legal principle rather than technological innovation. The agency also cited violations, including the absence of player protection systems, tax reporting, and anti-money laundering controls. Romanian internet service providers have since been instructed to block access to the platform.

The ONJN’s move positions Romania alongside a growing group of regulators determined to apply existing gambling laws to emerging blockchain platforms, arguing that new technology cannot be used to bypass consumer safeguards or fiscal accountability.

The Broader Impact on Crypto and iGaming

The Polymarket ban has become a litmus test for how far decentralized platforms can go before crossing into gambling territory. Regulators fear that unlicensed “counterparty betting” models could serve as channels for money laundering, tax evasion, and unregulated financial risk, while others in the crypto community view them as legitimate tools for forecasting and information exchange.

Polymarket, for its part, continues to describe itself as an “information market” rather than a gambling operator. The company is preparing for a regulated relaunch in the United States later in 2025, initially focusing on sports-related prediction markets that comply with federal oversight.

What happens next could reshape how blockchain betting evolves. If Polymarket manages to achieve regulatory approval, it could pave the way for a new generation of compliant crypto-based prediction markets. But if the restrictions hold, it may reinforce the growing belief that innovation in decentralized finance will always need to bow to traditional oversight.

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Court Rules Against Crypto.com’s Sports Prediction Markets in Nevada

The tension between federal and state regulation of crypto-based betting platforms has once again taken center stage. This time, it involves Crypto.com, which is pausing its sports prediction market in Nevada following a federal court ruling against it.

Just ten days after U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Gordon rejected Crypto.com’s motion to continue operating during litigation, Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) Chairman Mike Dreitzer informed licensees that the platform would be suspending its sports contracts in the state. The decision, announced on October 24, means that after November 3, 2025, Crypto.com will no longer offer or hold open positions in sports event contracts for Nevada residents while its appeal moves forward.

Dreitzer noted that although Crypto.com intends to appeal the ruling, it will pause all sports offerings in the state until the case is resolved. The NGCB used the opportunity to reiterate its stance that event-based contracts, including those tied to sports and political outcomes, are considered forms of wagering under Nevada law.

Federal Oversight vs. State Regulation

Crypto.com entered the sports prediction market a little under a year ago, offering contracts based on the outcomes of sporting events. These products, it argued, were regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as derivatives. However, Nevada law views these contracts as gambling activities, which require a state-issued gaming license.

The NGCB issued cease-and-desist orders in June 2025 to several operators, including Crypto.com and Kalshi, for allegedly offering unlicensed sports betting. Crypto.com responded by filing a federal lawsuit, seeking to block the state’s enforcement because federal law should preempt state rules.

According to the ruling, Crypto.com’s sports contracts are tied directly to who wins or loses a game, rather than to the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, as defined under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA). Because of that, the court found that Crypto.com’s products do not qualify as swaps and therefore fall under Nevada’s gaming jurisdiction, not federal oversight.

In its official notice, the NGCB reinforced that sports event contracts constitute wagering in the state’s view. That is, regardless of whether they are hosted by a CFTC-regulated exchange or otherwise. This position extends beyond sports to include political elections, esports, and entertainment events.

What Now?

Crypto.com’s legal battle is far from over. The company plans to appeal the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, hoping to overturn the ruling and restore its Nevada operations. A favorable outcome could set a precedent for how crypto prediction markets are regulated nationwide, potentially allowing CFTC-approved platforms to bypass state licensing requirements.

The case marks a defining moment in the ongoing intersection between blockchain innovation, online betting, and traditional gaming regulation. Its ripple effects are likely to shape the future of crypto wagering in the U.S. in ways that may not be too clear yet.

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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.