Tag: Regulation

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Polymarket Ban in Romania Signals Turning Point for Global Crypto Betting

Posted on by Laura P.

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

Posted on by Laura P.

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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How Tether Became the Most Popular Stablecoin for Casino Players

Posted on by Laura P.

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

Posted on by Laura P.

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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Ohio Makes Significant Regulatory Move That Could Impact Crypto Betting

Posted on by Laura P.

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.

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Choctaw Pioneers Cryptocurrency Integration in Land-Based Gaming

Posted on by Laura P.

Choctaw Casinos & Resorts has pioneered the use of cryptocurrencies as a payment option at a licensed gaming facility in North America, signaling a significant change for the U.S. land-based casino business. That is right! Players may now buy casino chips using digital currencies. While crypto has been around for a while, this marks a key milestone in the growth of casino financing.

The operator officially launched its cryptocurrency payment service on March 7, 2025, with the first digital asset transaction taking place at its Durant, Oklahoma venue. Players can now use Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and Circle (USDC) to fund their gaming activities.

A New Standard

By using Everi’s CashClub infrastructure, which provides a safe and easy way to verify players and guarantees compliance with gaming rules, Choctaw’s casinos can integrate cryptocurrencies in its unique approach. Guests now have easier and quicker access to their money which removes several limitations.

Depending on the state of the blockchain network, gamers may get their hands on as much as $10 million worth of casino chips in a matter of minutes using Bitline, a fintech startup located in Miami that focuses on digital asset transfers. This bridges the gap between cryptocurrencies and legal gaming, setting the groundwork for a larger change in how land-based casinos conduct financial transactions.

Integrating digital assets into the gambling sector is becoming more and more feasible as their acceptability grows. Offering players alternate methods to handle cash while maintaining tight regulatory compliance, the Choctaw-Bitline-Everi alliance provides a roadmap for how land-based casinos might integrate bitcoin solutions. How exactly would that play out?

Bitline CEO Richard Jones views this as a pivotal step toward modernizing casino payment systems on a global scale. Simply by having a financial framework that grows with the sector, that forecast seems quite accurate.

Everi’s VP of product management for payments solutions, Victor Newsom, on the other hand, praised the new system for its accessibility and security features. According to him, cryptocurrency use in casinos may make gaming funding safer and more efficient by eliminating legacy banking infrastructure limits.

What Next?

Ultimately, Choctaw’s move signals a growing acceptance of cryptocurrency within the mainstream gambling industry, setting the stage for future innovation in both land-based and online gaming.

For online casinos, this development could lead to broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies across more jurisdictions, potentially influencing regulators to refine or ease restrictions on digital asset gaming. Additionally, as land-based casinos bridge the gap between fiat and crypto gaming, hybrid models may emerge where players seamlessly transition between physical and online gambling ecosystems using digital wallets.

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Why State Governments Investing in Crypto Matters for Online Casinos

Posted on by Laura P.

Cryptocurrencies are rapidly expanding from an investment avenue for techies and risk-takers to a real asset class that even some state governments are starting to explore. Legislators are considering legislation that would enable governments to invest in cryptocurrencies. This might have a major influence on the financial markets. Beyond that, however, these changes have the potential to shape the future of online betting by institutionalizing crypto casinos and increasing their acceptance and safety while making them mainstream.

Traditionally, state governments have relied on conservative investment strategies focused on bonds, stocks, and real estate. While Bitcoin has often been the go-to choice for institutional investors, state-backed investment strategies may include a broader range of cryptocurrencies. Ethereum, with its smart contract capabilities, stablecoins that offer price stability, and even emerging blockchain-based assets could become part of government-managed funds. Such a move would signal confidence in the long-term viability of digital currencies and could have far-reaching effects on various industries.

Banking on Trust

Trust has been one of the most pressing problems that cryptocurrency casinos have faced for many years. Concerns about security, legal ambiguity, and volatility make many prospective participants wary of gambling with digital assets. Yet, there is a strong chance that public opinion toward digital assets might change for the better if governments start owning cryptocurrencies.

With more support from governments and institutions, more people would be willing to try crypto gambling, which would increase the size of the market and the liquidity of betting pools. Making digital asset betting a common feature rather than a specialized one might potentially entice major casino operators to embrace digital currencies.

There is also the possibility that the greater engagement of institutions may result in more stable prices. In particular, stablecoins could become more popular in the gaming industry. Because they can function on blockchain networks and have a constant value, they are perfect for betting sites. With more of them in circulation, gamblers may enjoy crypto’s privacy-enhancing features, lightning-fast transactions, and decentralized nature without having to worry about their funds losing a fortune due to wild price swings.

The Issue of Regulation in 2025

Changes to regulatory frameworks are inevitable given the increasing involvement of state governments in the cryptocurrency market. While further regulation may lead to crypto casinos being required to follow more stringent standards, it might also provide gamers the security and credibility they deserve. Already, authorities around the world are finding ways to make this a possibility.

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Polymarket Faces Ban in France Amid Regulatory Compliance Review

Posted on by Laura P.

France’s gambling authority, the Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ), is examining Polymarket, a decentralized cryptocurrency-based prediction platform that has surged in popularity, especially around betting markets tied to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Amid this growing engagement, the ANJ confirmed it is assessing Polymarket’s compliance with French gambling legislation, with the potential for a nationwide ban if found in violation.

Polymarket, based in New York, operates as a decentralized marketplace where users can bet on real-world events using cryptocurrency. Although the platform restricts access to U.S. residents, users in other regions, including France, have been actively participating. According to Dune Analytics data, Polymarket has attracted over $2.5 billion in wagers, much of it centered on speculation over the U.S. election outcome. One notable French user, a trader using the pseudonym “Fredi9999,” reportedly placed $20 million in bets supporting Donald Trump, with potential profits estimated to reach $50 million if successful.

The Core Issues

The ANJ is focusing on whether Polymarket’s activities breach French laws governing gambling despite the platform’s crypto-based structure. An ANJ spokesperson clarified that even though Polymarket operates via cryptocurrency, it is still considered a betting activity and, therefore, subject to France’s gambling regulations. Legal sources close to the ANJ have stated that the platform’s use of cryptocurrency does not exempt it from the legal definition of gambling, meaning it falls under the authority’s purview.

William O’Rorke, a partner at ORWL Avocats, explained that Polymarket’s model closely resembles traditional betting structures, noting that the essence of the platform is to place money on uncertain outcomes, which legally qualifies it as gambling. He compared it to a sportsbook, highlighting that the ANJ’s regulatory authority enables it to restrict access to Polymarket even if it does not specifically target French users.

If the ANJ ultimately enforces a ban, the decision could set a regulatory precedent in Europe as other jurisdictions confront the growing presence of cryptocurrency-based prediction markets. For Polymarket, a ban in France would signal the significant hurdles decentralized platforms face in operating across diverse regulatory environments and could challenge the platform’s expansion into regulated markets.

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Loopholes Emerge Amid the Intricacies of the UK’s Crypto Gaming Restrictions

Posted on by Laura P.

Sky News has recently uncovered a vibrant underground world in the UK’s crypto community, as enthusiasts find loopholes to navigate the complex crypto casino bans. With pre-verified accounts from renowned cryptocurrency havens, like the ethereal Stake.com, people in this underground world can effortlessly immerse themselves in the action of unregulated gambling.

In the face of tightening regulations on cryptocurrency casinos in the UK, clever gamblers there are quietly rising and coming up with new ways to gamble online for big money while disregarding the rules and regulations. A shadowy web has formed, fueled by popular personalities and celebrities, that looks like an underground society where pre-verified accounts are auctioned off as valuable relics.

With the help of open-source technologies, daring gamblers can work around the intricate crypto terrain. When new accounts are created, platforms insist on seeing visual proof as part of their unwavering dedication to regulatory compliance. However, for as little as 8 pounds, buyers often succumb to the allure of pre-verified accounts, which allow them to elegantly avoid these legal obstacles.

Shared on various social media sites, these digital gems reveal orchestrators running complex operations with specialized sales teams and mysterious “middlemen” that covertly arrange safe transactions in exchange for a small cut of the crypto goodies.

Echoes of Concern

Over months, Sky News delved into the mystery behind cryptocurrency gambling and uncovered the significance of Stake.com accounts. A Discord server had over a hundred Stake.com accounts, while Facebook was filled with promotions for nearly two hundred. Crucially, a shroud of mystery envelops these revelations, as there is no evidence implicating the casinos in these covert activities, leaving room for speculation and intrigue.

Regulated casino watchdogs are stepping up their efforts to prevent fraud, but the possibility of player funds getting into the wrong hands is a growing concern. Proponents of strict gambling laws in the UK bring out the issue of addiction, which is made worse by the fact that these crypto gambling havens do not use any restrictions on betting or time.

A heated discussion looms over the UK’s crypto sector as the discrete examination takes shape, with cryptocurrency casinos and social media platforms balancing in a show of accountability. There is a hint of a forthcoming transformation in the world of crypto and the UK might just be at the forefront considering how hard the issues of regulation and consumer safety are knocking on their doors. Perhaps it will be part of what shapes the crypto gambling landscape in 2024.

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Strong Start for Potential Tighter Crypto Regulation in 2024

Posted on by Laura P.

Many people are likely to be optimistic about the future of the cryptocurrency sector because of the verdicts of the previous year, the possibility of the approval of a spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund, and the overall rise in the market. Nevertheless, it is very improbable that lawmakers and regulators will allocate fewer resources to crypto-related complications too.

This is already playing out, especially in the realm of online gambling and crypto derivatives.

Taiwan’s Elections

The presidential elections in Taiwan will take place on January 13, 2024, and the government has issued a caution against using bitcoin betting sites to speculate on the results. Many locals in Taiwan have been reportedly betting on the next presidential election on the decentralized website Polymarket. Several people have already been called in for questioning, according to reports, which suggest that the investigation is still underway.

It is against the law to engage in gambling activities associated with Taiwanese elections, since it might be a violation of Article 88-1 of the Election and Recall Act. Such an infraction entails a punishment of up to 100,000 New Taiwan dollars (about $3,188) or six months in jail or detention.

An Ongoing Concern

Taiwan’s elections are not the first time that the operator has found itself in the spotlight. Polymarket, in a related matter, ran into regulatory obstacles in the United States in 2022.

The platform was subject to legal action in January 2022 by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a New York-based regulatory agency. Platform operators faced allegations from the CFTC that they ran an “illegal unregistered or non-designated facility” from June 2020 forward.

Despite these regulatory hurdles, Polymarket had robust trading activity throughout the 2020 US election, with a new volume record-breaking $10 million.

What Now?

The cryptocurrency sector is looking forward to a busy and promising year ahead. Market players often face the significant challenge of regulatory compliance when navigating the crypto derivatives landscape, since laws differ greatly by jurisdiction. Can this change?

We may anticipate the SEC to approve its first batch of spot bitcoin ETFs shortly after the new year of 2024, which would encourage large institutional investors to pour millions into the cryptocurrency market. This means word of the approvals might potentially pique the public’s interest in virtual tokens, bringing them out of the financial shadows and into the spotlight. Similarly, in late 2024, the European Union’s (EU) crypto regulatory framework, MiCA, will also eventually be put into action.

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