Crypto Intelligence

In the second half of a tight match, attention turns into expectation. The crowd wants more than a result – it wants relevance.

This shift has been unfolding over the past few seasons, as sport increasingly competes for attention with formats built around participation – from multiplayer games and social platforms to creator communities and interactive streaming.

Deloitte’s latest Digital Media Trends research captured an uncomfortable reality for rights holders: around a third of Gen Z respondents say they don’t subscribe to streaming services specifically to watch sports. Instead, they prefer clips and highlights shared through social media. A separate Deloitte outlook makes the competitive pressure clear: when access becomes too complex or restrictive, younger audiences simply move on.

That context matters for 2026, a period when the fastest change is unfolding in the relationship layer around sport. 

Why 2026 marks a turning point for fan engagement

The season ahead will be shaped by fan-driven decisions – small, frequent, measurable interactions that build loyalty through agency.

This shift is already taking shape in new formats designed around real participation. Arena Two is one example of how this thinking is being applied in practice. The platform connects live, real-world tournaments with interactive mechanics that allow fans to vote on in-game decisions, stake tokens to show support for teams, and earn rewards for engagement across football, cricket, MMA, and emerging entertainment formats.

As sports products evolve, Web3 is starting to function as infrastructure, giving fans a more active role during live competition. In emerging formats, supporters are beginning to take part in decision-making processes and, in some cases, co-own teams alongside athletes and team leaders. The ambition is straightforward: to create sports environments where fans influence outcomes through verifiable mechanisms such as voting and staking.

To understand how this shift plays out at the product level, we spoke with Omar Rahim, CEO of Arena Two, about what actually drives long-term engagement. In his view, the challenge isn’t introducing technology, but designing participation that feels natural to fans and meaningful to teams.

What really drives fan loyalty

But before introducing tokenisation, a more basic question needs an answer: why do fans follow a team or an athlete in the first place?

The obvious answer is “performance.” The true answer is “emotional connection.”

Fans connect with stories – a return after injury, composure under pressure, or moments that linger long after the final whistle. In traditional sport, this connection flows in one direction, with engagement measured through delayed signals like ratings or attendance.

The 2026 version of fandom compresses that loop. Lightweight, real-time signals are set to give fans a way to express intent – from tactical preferences to collective support during critical moments – creating a clearer, more immediate emotional readout.

This view aligns with a broader shift across the industry. As Pavel Shikhaleev, Head of Partnerships Operations at Cointelegraph, explains: “Sports tokenisation is moving away from hype toward real infrastructure that connects fans to teams in a meaningful way. The goal is not speculation, but sustained participation, recognition, and emotional ownership that lasts beyond major events. When Web3 is applied correctly, fandom becomes a measurable, long-term relationship rather than a fleeting spike in attention.”

When participation becomes measurable infrastructure

What matters most is what happens next. Signals must be verified, aggregated, and stored to create a reliable picture of fan engagement. “One wallet, one voice” therefore is not magic – Sybil risk remains real. But anti-Sybil tools are now part of Web3 design. For the first time, participation in sport can be measured at scale, provided systems are built to withstand pressure.

For team managers and commercial leaders, the implication is direct. Fan interest moves from assumption to observation. Patterns emerge in behaviour: belief rising during risk-taking phases, energy dropping when play slows, certain players triggering confidence in decisive moments. These insights feed directly into product strategy decisions.

Ownership, governance, and the economics of belonging

The second driver of fan loyalty is fairness, especially around rewards.

Fans have always contributed financially. Athletes have always been compensated. What remains limited is visibility into how fan contribution connects to athlete upside. Web3 introduces a more transparent mechanism. When communities allocate rewards through on-chain voting, outcomes are recorded by default. When distribution rules are declared upfront, post-hoc adjustments become harder to obscure. This transparency reshapes trust. Fans no longer rely on assurances; they can observe how systems behave.

Then come the bigger decisions, the ones that traditionally sit behind closed doors.

“Uniform design. Partnerships. Tournament formats. Even strategic priorities like where a team travels or which charitable causes it supports. In many clubs, fan involvement takes symbolic form – surveys, hashtags, design contests with predictable outcomes. Tokenised participation introduces a different model: governance that is measurable, timestamped, and repeatable. Adoption will follow when fan governance is treated as retention infrastructure,” Omar Rahim, ArenaTwo CEO reflects.

Finally, there’s fractional ownership – and the uncomfortable word that comes with it: profit.

“Co-ownership has the potential to make team financing more independent by widening participation beyond geography and legacy access. When fans in Lagos, Dubai, São Paulo, or Berlin can engage with a team’s trajectory without relying on proximity or season-ticket culture, the financing base broadens. Over time, it becomes less concentrated around local sponsors and matchday revenue, aligning with global community demand,” Omar continues.

Of course, this approach carries regulatory and reputational responsibility. Ownership-like participation requires clear communication around risk, incentive alignment, and long-term intent. Platforms that endure will prioritise emotional engagement first, with economic participation reinforcing commitment.

Web3 in sport is an inevitable movement that comes from changes in the attention market and rising expectations around participation. Sport now competes on interactivity without losing its soul. The 2026 season will favour athletes and organisations that treat fans as participants – measurable, respected, and involved in decisions that feel consequential.

Platforms that achieve this will earn something increasingly rare: loyalty that survives the algorithm.

Veteran trader Peter Brandt has said that the potential passage of the US Clarity Act is unlikely to have a meaningful short-term impact on Bitcoin’s price, despite growing confidence that the legislation could clear Congress as early as January.

Brandt argued that while the bill represents an important regulatory milestone, it does not fundamentally change Bitcoin’s valuation or long-term market dynamics.

“Is it a world-shaking macro development? Nope. Needed for sure, but not something that should redefine value,” Brandt said on Friday.

“Having an asset regulated, particularly an asset for which die-hard investors never wanted to be regulated, is not an earth-shattering event,” he added.

His remarks come as political momentum behind crypto market structure legislation continues to build in Washington.

Political Momentum Builds Ahead of January Push

White House crypto and AI czar David Sacks said on Thursday that lawmakers are closer than ever to passing the long-awaited bill.

“We are closer than ever to passing the landmark crypto market structure legislation,” Sacks said.

“We look forward to finishing the job in January,” he added.

The Clarity Act is designed to establish clearer rules around digital asset classification, oversight, and compliance in the US.

Industry participants have long argued that regulatory ambiguity has held back institutional adoption and innovation.

Despite that, Brandt does not believe clarity alone will spark a renewed surge in Bitcoin’s price.

Falling crypto prices are not stopping blockchain adoption, including in the iGaming space, as noted by Cardmates.

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Market Has Already Priced In Regulatory Progress

Brandt stressed that the legislation should be viewed as a structural improvement rather than a price catalyst.

“The Clarity Act would be positive because it would greatly clarify the regulatory structure for crypto assets,” he said.

However, he maintained that expectations around the bill are already reflected in current market pricing.

That view was echoed by Ledn chief investment officer John Glover, who said the market is unlikely to react sharply if the bill passes.

“I don’t expect this event to have a significant impact on the markets on day 1,” Glover said.

He added that any positive influence on prices would likely emerge gradually rather than immediately.

“It is another step toward broad-based acceptance of Bitcoin and ETH as investable assets, so over time I still expect the price trajectory to be up and to the right over time,” Glover said.

Bear Market Outlook Still Intact

While acknowledging the broader benefits of regulatory clarity, Brandt said his technical outlook for Bitcoin remains cautious.

He described Bitcoin as being in a bear market, though he noted that the Clarity Act slightly tempers his downside expectations.

Brandt said the legislation could mean his “downside bias is moderate,” rather than severe.

Even so, his longer-term chart-based projections point to the possibility of further declines.

“I believe the charts suggest that Bitcoin could trade down to the $60k level, likely in Q3 of 2026,” Brandt said.

Such a move would represent a substantial pullback from current levels and would test investor conviction during a prolonged correction phase.

Lawmakers Keep Pressure on Legislative Process

Beyond market participants, the Clarity Act remains a priority for pro-crypto lawmakers.

Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis, a member of the US Senate Banking Committee, has been one of the bill’s most vocal supporters.

On Dec. 9, Lummis said she wanted to take the next step in advancing the legislation in the coming days.

She acknowledged that the process has been challenging, particularly during bipartisan negotiations.

The senator said the crypto industry “was getting a little concerned” about the bill’s progress.

She also noted that draft versions were “changed so much every few days” as lawmakers worked to reach consensus.

Despite those hurdles, expectations remain high that the Clarity Act could finally provide the regulatory certainty the industry has been seeking, even if its impact on Bitcoin’s price proves muted in the near term.

The gambling industry is seeing a historic transformation. What used to be a business centered on resort destinations, gaming floors and slot machines has expanded rapidly into mobile betting, digital sportsbooks and interactive gaming platforms. This shift has redefined how consumers engage with gambling, making it more accessible, data-driven, and integrated into everyday digital life.

The surge in online gambling, driven by mobile adoption, regulatory changes and shifting consumer behavior, now shapes how online casino operators grow, how they compete and how investors should evaluate the industry. 

For publicly traded casino stocks, this shift isn’t just creating a new revenue stream. It’s reshaping valuations, revenue mixes and long-term strategy across the sector. 

Online gambling is surging worldwide

As impressive as the industry’s digital transformation looks from a high level, the real story becomes even clearer when you look at the numbers.

Europe’s digital growth

Europe is one of the clearest examples of the digital shift: 

• The European gambling market reached €123.4 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2024, a 5% increase from 2023. (EGBA)
• €47.9 billion came from online gambling, making 39% of Europe’s total gambling revenue digital, up from 37% in 2023. (EGBA)
• Online casino games generated €21.5 billion, leading all online categories.
• Mobile now represents 58% of online gambling revenue and is projected to hit 67% by 2029. (SBC News)

Europe shows what a mature digital gambling market looks like: highly regulated, mobile-first and increasingly shifting revenue away from traditional retail casinos. 

Online gambling in the United States

The U.S. remains the fastest-growing online gambling market in the world: 

• U.S. commercial gaming revenue hit $71.9 billion in 2024, a record high. (Yogonet)
• iGaming (online casino) revenue grew 28.7% to $8.41 billion across states where it is legal. (AGA)
• Legal U.S. sports betting produced $13.71 billion in 2024 revenue, with bettors wagering $147.91 billion, 95% of it online. (Responsible Gambling Council)

Legalization, marketing, and consumer comfort with mobile platforms are driving adoption at a pace few industries can match.

Why this surge matters for publicly traded casino stocks 

This explosive growth isn’t just changing how people gamble; it’s reshaping the financial and strategic landscape for the companies behind the world’s biggest casinos. As online revenue becomes a larger share of the pie, the entire investment outlook for casino stocks is evolving. 

Digital revenue mix is changing company profiles: The rise of online sports betting and iGaming is changing revenue models. Physical casinos require heavy capital investment, like resort construction, hotel operations, labor and maintenance. By contrast online platforms are scalable, require less capex and often achieve higher long-term margins once marketing costs stabilize. 

As a result, the companies that can shift a larger share of revenue toward digital channels are generally rewarded with higher valuations. 

Investors prefer scalable, asset-light growth: Digital-first operators like DraftKings and Flutter have demonstrated how online scalability can drive revenue growth without the burden of physical expansion. Traditional operators like MGM, Caesars, Wynn, Penn are racing to build or acquire competitive digital platforms to complement their physical portfolios. 

For investors, this means: 

• Companies that execute well digitally may receive valuation upgrades.
• Those that lag risk losing market share and relevance. 

Loyalty, cross-sell and data create competitive advantages: Casino operators with strong loyalty programs have a built-in advantage. They can cross-sell brick-and-mortar customers into digital platforms, reducing acquisition costs and increasing customer lifetime value. 

Winners, losers and market positioning 

Among publicly traded casino operators, the clear winners in the online gambling surge are those that invested early in digital platforms and mobile betting technology. Companies with established online casino offerings, strong sportsbook partnerships and robust user acquisition strategies are capturing the largest share of new digital revenue. These operators benefit from diversified earnings streams, higher-margin online products and the ability to scale quickly without the physical limitations of brick-and-mortar properties. As a result, they’re outperforming peers that rely heavily on in-person gaming and have been slower to modernize. 

What investors should watch 

Here are the most important metrics that signal long-term success:

1. Online revenue % of total
When this passes 25-40%, valuation multiples often expand.

2. YoY growth in iGaming and online sports betting
The U.S. iGaming growth of 28.7% in 2024 is a benchmark for strong momentum.

3. Customer acquisition cost (CAC)
Excessive promotional spending can turn fast-growing companies into unprofitable ones. Investors want to see CAC stabilize.

4. Monthly active users & retention
Digital operators depend on sticky, recurring revenue.

5. Regulatory footprint
Companies operating across more states or countries enjoy lower regulatory risk.

Risks and Headwinds

Even with massive growth, investors must consider:

• Regulatory uncertainty: tax increases, advertising bans, licensing restrictions.
• Marketing wars: acquisition cost spikes in competitive markets.
• Tech & compliance costs: cybersecurity, fraud prevention, identity verification.
• Economic pressure: downturns can reduce discretionary spending.
• User saturation: mature markets require strong retention strategies.

Online gambling isn’t just a trend; it’s changing the industry. Companies that embrace digital platforms and mobile wagering are best positioned to grow, while investors should watch for scalable online revenue and strong user engagement. The shift toward online casino and sports betting will continue to define the future of casino stocks. 

Technologies that matter do not announce themselves with fireworks. They surface quietly, earn scrutiny, and then start changing behavior upstream before the rest of the market catches on. That is what is happening right now with molecular identity. Decision makers across manufacturing, recycling, compliance, and global trade are taking a closer look, not because it sounds futuristic, but because it solves problems that have lingered for decades.

At the center of that conversation sits SMX (NASDAQ: SMX). Not as a concept company or a lab curiosity, but as a platform that fits into how materials are already made. The growing interest is not about hype. It is about practicality. Once people understand how the technology integrates, most of the initial doubts evaporate.

The biggest misconception is scale. Skeptics often picture a backward-looking task, tagging every product already circulating through the global economy. That framing makes any system look impossible. But it also misses the point entirely. The real opportunity is not rewriting history. It is giving the future a memory.

Identity Starts Where Materials Are Born

Every industrial material has a moment of creation. Steel is poured during the heat stage. Plastics are blended as resin. Fibers are extruded. Metals are refined and purified. These are controlled, repeatable processes that happen every day at enormous scale. That is where molecular identity belongs.

Rather than attaching labels or relying on paperwork later, identity is embedded directly into the material during production. It becomes part of the substance itself. Invisible. Permanent. Functional. Once added, it travels wherever the material goes, through manufacturing, shipping, use, reuse, and recycling.

This matters because it removes friction. There is no need to overhaul factories or disrupt workflows. Manufacturers do not have to reinvent anything they already do well. They simply introduce a microscopic layer of intelligence at a stage they already control. That is why the system scales naturally. Production volume becomes the growth engine.

Existing materials do not suddenly become obsolete. They can remain untouched. And yes, identity can be added later when there is a reason to do so, such as protecting provenance or tracing a high-risk supply chain. But the real leverage comes from embedding identity at birth. That is where efficiency and consistency live.

Why Forward Integration Changes Everything Downstream

Once materials carry their own verifiable identity, the rest of the supply chain starts to behave differently. Recyclers gain certainty instead of assumptions. Regulators gain data instead of declarations. Brands gain clarity without adding complexity. Importers and exporters gain authentication that does not depend on documents that can be lost, altered, or forged.

The material tells its own story. That single shift reduces cost, waste, and dispute across multiple industries at once. It also closes gaps that have long been exploited, from counterfeit inputs to misreported recycling claims.

This is not a new pattern. Barcodes did not attempt to catalog every product already on shelves. RFID did not chase pallets after they shipped. Digital audits did not reconstruct decades of inventory logs. Each innovation became standard by embedding itself into what came next. Molecular identity follows that same logic, only deeper, at the material level.

Once that clicks, the conversation changes. The question stops being “How do you tag everything?” and becomes “Why would you keep producing materials without identity?”

A System That Grows With the World

Global production does not slow down. It renews itself daily. That constant motion is the advantage. By integrating at the source, molecular identity expands automatically alongside industrial output. New steel, new plastic, new fiber, new metal all enter the world already traceable, already verifiable.

That forward-facing model is why attention is growing. It aligns with how industries actually operate. It does not ask companies to fix the past before moving forward. It allows them to move forward smarter.

There is also a broader implication that should not be overlooked. When materials can prove what they are and where they have been, sustainability stops being a narrative exercise and starts becoming measurable. Cleaner supply chains are not achieved through better promises. They are achieved through better information.

This is why serious operators are leaning in. Not because the technology is flashy, but because it fits. It respects industrial reality while quietly upgrading it.

Materials have always moved through the world anonymously. That anonymity is no longer sustainable. Giving materials a memory does not complicate the system. It finally brings it up to speed.

Cryptocurrency faces a significant adoption barrier unrelated to regulatory frameworks or market volatility. Technical complexity prevents mainstream consumer participation, creating substantial obstacles for market expansion.

Approximately 28% of American adults hold cryptocurrency, yet new user acquisition has stagnated. This occurs despite increased institutional investment flows and improved regulatory clarity from federal agencies.

The development of a crypto wallet involves technical skills that are opposite to conventional financial products and services. Several blockchain networks in diverse mechanisms and fees, such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana, require users to manage seed phrases, personal keys, and recovery protocols.

Transaction execution presents additional challenges. Network fees fluctuate unpredictably, failed transactions incur costs, and incorrect address entries result in permanent asset loss. These operational risks discourage conservative investors from market participation.

Success Through Simplification

Several industry sectors have addressed complexity barriers by abstracting technical operations from user interfaces. Gaming platforms and payment processors show how this works, but top 10 crypto gambling sites offer the best examples, especially for sports betting. These sites have figured out how to make Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals just like any other payment method.

People bet on NFL matches, NBA matches, or even Premier League games without having to see wallet addresses or concern themselves with network charges. They deposit money, pick their bets, and cash out winnings through interfaces that look and feel like traditional sportsbooks, with potential tax advantages for gambling winnings adding further appeal.

Sports wagering demonstrates cryptocurrency’s practical advantages when technical barriers are removed from the user experience. Bettors access international markets previously unavailable through traditional channels, receive faster settlement than conventional sportsbooks, and maintain enhanced privacy protections. Blockchain technology delivers measurable operational benefits while remaining functionally invisible to users.

Payment processors, including Stripe and PayPal, have implemented comparable frameworks for merchant adoption. Retailers can accept cryptocurrency payments without blockchain expertise while customers complete transactions using digital assets. Merchants receive fiat currency settlements, eliminating volatility exposure concerns.

Technical Barriers Limit Market Participation

Research data confirms widespread comprehension difficulties among potential users. The Security.org 2025 Consumer Report documents plateauing growth rates despite institutional adoption developments and media coverage increases. Existing holders continue accumulating positions while new participants remain hesitant to enter markets.

International findings support domestic trends across developed economies. A global crypto survey across 34 countries identified understanding deficits as the primary adoption obstacle for 49% of respondents surveyed. Educational initiatives launched by exchanges and industry organizations have not significantly improved these comprehension metrics.

Current cryptocurrency holders often lack fundamental knowledge regarding their investment vehicles. Many cannot differentiate between public addresses and private keys or understand basic wallet functionality. Concerns about irreversible transaction errors limit user activity to purchasing and holding strategies rather than active utilization for payments or DeFi applications.

Commercial Implementation Faces Similar Obstacles

Business adoption encounters comparable technical implementation hurdles across sectors. CoinCover’s adoption research indicates 30% of surveyed non-users cite operational complexity as their primary concern regarding cryptocurrency integration. Small business operators frequently lack the necessary technical knowledge for cryptocurrency payment implementation.

Retail businesses express interest in Bitcoin payment acceptance but encounter significant operational challenges during implementation phases. Refund processing procedures, volatility management strategies, and multi-currency support requirements demand specialized expertise. Technical implementation requirements often exceed anticipated operational benefits for most traditional retailers.

These operational factors explain persistently low cryptocurrency payment adoption rates despite major banks launching blockchain initiatives and expressed merchant interest in digital asset acceptance.

Development Focus Shifts Toward User Experience

Industry development priorities have evolved to address usability concerns directly. Technology leaders increasingly recognize user experience challenges that exceed regulatory concerns as primary barriers preventing mass adoption. Innovation efforts emphasize operational simplification rather than comprehensive user education programs.

Account abstraction technologies under development could eliminate seed phrase management requirements through social recovery systems and multi-signature implementations. Cross-chain protocols are working to unify different blockchain networks into a single interface. Stablecoins help solve price volatility problems, with major stablecoin issuers expanding their services while crypto keeps its speed and efficiency benefits.

Future crypto applications will hide blockchain operations entirely. Users will access decentralization benefits and global connectivity without technical knowledge. Companies solving complexity barriers first will gain major competitive advantages. Currently, cryptocurrency remains limited to tech-savvy investors rather than mainstream users, but eventually it will allow crypto gaming platforms and decentralized finance to go mainstream.

The world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange has been given the green light to begin operating in a Middle Eastern country. 

Binance, which has daily trading volumes in the billions, has been given approval by Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to operate its platform under a three-pronged exchange, clearing, and brokerage framework.

With Binance consistently enjoying high volumes of both traffic and trade, it is the number one site for most global trading activity. Its scale and liquidity also shape how Bitcoin circulates across different online environments, and that influence is often most visible in areas that rely on fast, borderless payments, such as online casino Bitcoin activity. Despite that, though, the exchange has never entirely settled down during the 10 years or so it has been established, but now it looks as if the United Arab Emirates could be its full-time home. 

Under the regulations laid down by the FSRA, Binance will perform trading, custody, and settlement activities.

The company’s CEO, Richard Tang, said he was proud of how his exchange had been able to do the deal, suggesting that the move would help Binance deal with more trades and help more customers. 

How Binance Will Operate In Abu Dhabi

In a statement, Binance said that Abu Dhabi’s Global Market center (ADGM) was well-known for having strong supervisory and regulatory oversight, and operating there would make it more credible in the eyes of the wider financial world and would give its customers more reassurance and protection. 

Meanwhile, Tang added: “Achieving regulatory status through ADGM’s respected framework reflects our deep commitment to compliance, transparency, and user protection. ADGM is one of the most respected financial regulators globally, and holding an FSRA license under their gold standard framework shows that Binance meets the highest international standards for compliance, governance, risk management, and consumer protection.”

Binance will now operate in the Emirati capital as, in effect, three separate companies, all carrying the Nest branding. Nest Exchange will carry a license for spot and derivatives trading, while Nest Clearing and Custody has the required approval to carry out custody and clearing functions, and Nest Trading will deal with over-the-counter and off-exchange deals. This three-way split will allow each of the company’s offshoots to be regulated separately by the region’s authorities. 

Binance On The Move?

The exchange has, however, remained tight-lipped about whether or not the move could represent a permanent location for the multi-billion-dollar business.

Although it was initially based in Hong Kong when it was set up by its now-disgraced founder Changpeng Zhao in 2017, it has been somewhat peripatetic since China banned cryptocurrency trading the following year. 

Teng and his colleagues may remain somewhat tight-lipped about whether or not Binance’s main headquarters will be in Abu Dhabi, but with Teng having made clear that he is very keen on making sure the company complies with regulations, Binance looks closer to having a permanent home than it has in a long time.

Do Kwon, the South Korean cryptocurrency entrepreneur behind one of the biggest financial disasters in recent history, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after his two digital coins collapsed in 2022, wiping out an estimated $40 billion and devastating up to a million investors worldwide.

The Manhattan federal court handed down the sentence on December 11, with US District Judge Paul Engelmayer describing the case as involving fraud at an “epic, generational scale.” The judge rejected recommendations from both prosecutors, who sought 12 years, and the defence team, who requested five years, and decided on a 15-year sentence. 

The severity of the sentence underscores how catastrophically Kwon’s deception damaged investors worldwide. Following this scandal and other major crypto failures, many investors have become far more cautious about where they store their digital assets. Many individuals look for Top Anonymous Crypto Wallets that prioritize privacy and security features, wanting to ensure their funds remain protected independently of any single platform or entrepreneur’s control.

Kwon pleaded guilty in August to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud, acknowledging that he had misled investors about how his stablecoin, TerraUSD, maintained its value. When TerraUSD began to fall below its intended $1 value in May 2021, Kwon secretly coordinated with a high-frequency trading firm to artificially purchase massive amounts of the token to prop up its price, while telling investors that an algorithm called Terra Protocol was handling everything automatically.

The Collapse That Triggered Industry-Wide Devastation

In May 2022, the entire scheme unraveled within days. Large sellers began dumping TerraUSD, causing it to lose its $1 peg and triggering panic across the market. As investors rushed to withdraw their funds, the collapse of Luna – the sister cryptocurrency linked to TerraUSD – followed immediately after.

The damage rippled far beyond Kwon’s companies. The collapse contributed to the downfall of major crypto lending firms, including BlockFi, Voyager Digital, and Genesis, and indirectly triggered the later collapse of the FTX exchange.

Kwon attempted to flee after the collapse, eventually being captured in Montenegro in March 2023 while attempting to board a flight to Dubai using a fake passport. He was extradited to the United States to face charges that originally included nine counts, though his guilty plea allowed prosecutors to dismiss seven of them.

Investor Stories and Restitution

During the sentencing hearing, victims described devastating personal consequences, with excerpts read from some of the more than 300 letters. One investor had placed $190,000 of his family’s life savings into TerraUSD and saw his investment plummet to $13,000. Judge Engelmayer emphasized that the combined losses from this fraud exceeded those from the FTX and OneCoin scandals combined.

As part of his sentence, Kwon was ordered to forfeit more than $19 million and make restitution to victims through bankruptcy proceedings. South Korea is also pursuing him on similar charges, where prosecutors have indicated they could seek a 40‑year sentence if he is convicted there. His plea arrangement leaves open the possibility that he could request a transfer to serve the remainder of his sentence in South Korea after completing at least half of his prison term in the United States.

The current gambling scene in New Zealand is still a work in progress. The government has recently announced that an initial 15 new online casino licenses will be offered to prospective gambling sites wanting to set up and build the Kiwi market. 

The Ministry of Internal Affairs alongside with the Governance and an Administration Committee have drafted a bill that will see 15 new brands offered licenses to operate and kickstart the New Zealand online gaming market. At present, Kiwis that wish to indulge in playing at online casinos, would need to visit, register and play at offshore sites, which in the eyes of the Kiwi law are deemed as illegal.

Does illegal mean unlicensed and unregulated?

Let’s take a look at this with the help of the team at OnlineCasinosRealMoney.co.nz; Illegal sites can be both licensed and unlicensed gaming sites.  Since the law in New Zealand is still being implemented and new casinos are in the process of acquiring a license, all other casinos are regarded as illegal. A site could either hold an offshore license, e.g. an MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) or a UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission) approval and still be regarded as illegal for Kiwis. Such sites would still allow New Zealanders to play, yet since online casinos are currently not allowed in the NZ market, the site is dubbed ‘illegal’. Below, we highlight the difference between licensed and unlicensed illegal sites.

Offshore Legal Sites

• Licensed by a regulator that is not the NZ Commission.
• Allow Kiwi players to register and play

Offshore Illegal Sites

• Unlicensed online casinos that operate with no gaming license
• Allow Kiwi players to register and play.

When Kiwi players register and play at the above listed websites, New Zealand does not get any tax or GGR or revenue out of the gameplay. This is the main reason that sites are listed as ‘illegal’.

The Upside for Kiwis playing at Offshore Online Casinos

A good number of offshore casinos allow New Zealand players to play at their online casinos. Potential players can look up the FAQ section to check if NZ punters are allowed to join. Whilst the Government of New Zealand might see the sites as illegal, you will be amazed with the upsides of playing at offshore sites.

They are not actually unlawful

It is not illegal to play at offshore sites. Whilst the term ‘illegal’ might sound unlawful, players will not go to jail when playing. The only thing we always suggest is checking that the site does hold a gambling license. This information is easily available at the site’s ‘About Us’ section. The situation got so weird that ‘local’ casinos like SkyCity and Christchurch Casino have online options operating from Malta.

Tax Free Play

With the current legislation currently underway, playing at offshore sites whilst in New Zealand is indeed tax free. Players that are lucky enough to generate a win, will not have to pay tax on winnings. This benefit is only operational whilst no actual online casinos are operational in NZ. Once the law is implemented, we envisage that winnings from offshore sites will also be subjected to tax.

NZ targeted Payment Methods

Players visiting offshore online casinos from NZ, can still benefit from payment options that target the Kiwi market. Such payments include Paypal, Skill, Mastercard, Visa and Poli that all allow transactions with the NZ$. This means that New Zealand punters would not need to pay any foreign exchange fees when playing at offshore sites.

Accessible from anywhere

Whilst some offshore sites require you to use a VPN to connect and play via a local server, most of the sites do not.  You would just need a decent mobile / data connection to connect and login at offshore sites. Most online casinos also go the extra mile in offering dedicated mobile applications. This allows Kiwis to register and play both at home and on the go.

Unlimited pokies and table games

Offshore online casinos are not limited when it comes to poker availability. Many players in New Zealand enjoy the thrills that poker games offer. The instant gratification feeling is unlimited with the wide variety of pokies located at offshore websites. Traditional, bonus pokies and jackpot games are all available. Other games that NZ punters can binge on at offshore sites include table games, instant games and even live casinos.

Offshore casinos offering sportsbook

New Zealand rallies around national teams when international Cricket or Rugby games are sanctioned. The country is well known for the famous, drawing many crowds to the sport. Along with following local and international sporting events, Kiwis also like to place bets on their teams, with the country’s GGR revenue expected to peak at US$516.43m by end 2025. Many offshore sites also offer sports betting with dedicated NZ betting markets available. This offers a one stop shop option for punters looking to play casino games and wager bets on local sporting events.

The downside cost of playing at Offshore casinos sites

Many attributes paint offshore sites attractive to Kiwi punters. Not paying any taxes on winnings and availability to play are top of the bill, yet not everything that glitters is gold in the offshore casino market.  Many Kiwi players registering and playing at offshore sites might face challenges that include some of the following:

Lack of Regulation

When a regulator is available within the country, a dispute committee is also launched. This committee is set up to be available for the player should any disputes arise. Disputes include payment payouts, game issues or RG matters. With online gambling currently illegal in New Zealand, there is no regulator to appeal to should Kiwis encounter any issues when gambling at offshore sites.

Risk of playing at unlicensed offshore sites

With no actual legal sites operational within the New Zealand gaming market, players might be inclined to join offshore unlicensed sites. Such websites do not have a gambling license, hence no regulation to uphold. Sometimes referred to as ‘rouge sites’ these sites might dedicate rules as they go along, with the player potentially facing issues.

No RG Tools, potentially leading to Problem Gaming

Both the MGA and the UKGC require each license holder (aka offshore sites accepting Kiwi players) to offer RG tools. Such tools include deposit limits, loss limits and even barring oneself from gambling. Other offshore regulators along with potential rogue sites might not offer such services. This could possibly lead to gambling addictions.

Keep in mind that ‘rouge’ casinos have no regulator or laws to abide by and have no interest in offering responsible gambling tools. This does not apply to all ‘rouge’ sites.

Potential changes to bonus with new gambling regulations implementation

With NZ offering new 15 gambling licenses to potential new online casinos, offshore sites accepting Kiwis would also need to pay a duty tax of 12%. Alongside this, offshore casinos are expected to also be subjected to GST. Potentially, offshore casinos would need to review the bonuses offered to NZ visiting players to mitigate this cost. Other impacted areas could include implementing higher wagering requirements, payout restrictions and withdrawal fees.

What is currently legal?

• Playing at regulated and licensed offshore casinos.
• Enjoying bonuses at offshore sites.
• Wagering on sports at local and offshore sites.
• Using a variety of payment options including e-wallets and cryptocurrencies.
• Poli transfers accepted and offered at offshore sites.

What is currently illegal?

• Advertising and operating an NZ casino within the New Zealand market.  (This will change with only 15 gambling licenses being offered with the new legislation)
• Players under the age of 18 indulge in any form of gambling. (This might be allowed at rogue or offshore sites)
• All ‘local’ online casino gambling is currently illegal in New Zealand.
• Operators cannot set up online casinos in NZ.

The future of New Zealand Gambling

The New Zealand Government is expected to announce shortly who the 15 gaming licenses will be awarded to. 2026 is expected to be the year where online casinos will be inducted in the market, thus launching a new gambling arena for online casino players. NZ punters will not have to seek and register at offshore sites anymore, with 15 new sites launching soon.

Whilst the regulator is set to work closely with the new license holders, though rules are expected to be adhered to, with regulation evolving around responsible gambling. The player will be protected at all times, hoping for the market to be a fair and competitive one.

OnlineCasinosRealMoney.co.nz expects that new license holders are going head-to-head to secure an NZ player base. This will be executed via rewarding bonuses, UX and even incentives like a reward scheme. The truth is, when a new market is launched, the competition is fierce, with the player having many options to choose from. 

From a tax perspective, the government would expect to get GGR in return, with the money deriving from online gaming, including games which require no deposit, pumped back into investment and social initiatives. It is a win- win situation for both the player and New Zealand. This is a positive step toward development innovation, with the Government open to offering new licenses in the new future.

Key Takeaways

• A dedicated emergency fund provides financial security, so you can manage unexpected expenses. 
• Consistently saving small amounts can build stability over time.
• A good target is to save up to three months’ worth of essential expenses. 
• Building an emergency fund starts with understanding your expenses, setting a goal, budgeting, and choosing the right savings account. 

Suddenly being faced with an unexpected financial emergency can be jarring, especially if you don’t have any money to spare and need to get a loan from friends or a financial service provider. A broken-down car, a medical emergency, or a sudden loss of income can have devastating impacts on your budget. 

Setting up a dedicated emergency fund is one of the most straightforward ways to protect yourself from most unexpected situations. It is easy to start saving, even if you’re just putting a couple of dollars aside each week. Having an emergency savings fund will help you recover faster after unexpected expenses and can also help you reach your financial goals. 

Why You Need An Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is money that is set aside, preferably in a savings account or investment fund, that acts as a safety net when you have unexpected financial challenges. Some examples include car repairs, medical expenses, job loss, or replacing lost items, like a stolen smartphone. 

Emergency funds can be used to pay for expenses that don’t form part of your daily or monthly budget. 

If you find yourself without any savings, then even a small expense that you weren’t planning on can set you back or result in debt. And being in debt is never a good idea, as it can have an impact on your credit score and future financial stability. 

Emergency funds should, as the name suggests, be used for emergencies, but they also give you some wiggle room in terms of spending money for fun activities. For example, you can visit eSportsInsider for a list of the best casinos that are alternatives to Stake, where you can use some of your disposable savings to play thousands of casino games. Or you can use your funds to plan a weekend away, treat yourself at a nice restaurant, or finally buy that item you’ve had your eye on for months. 

At the end of the day, it is your savings, and you should be able to enjoy them. 

How Much Should You Save In Your Emergency Fund?

Determining how much you should have saved up depends on your situation, income, and expenses. 

Ideally, you should try to have at least three months of your monthly expenses covered, like your rent or mortgage, loan repayments, groceries, and fuel. With a safety net of three months, you will have enough saved if you suddenly lose your job or have a large expense that needs paying. 

If your income fluctuates or you find yourself living paycheck to paycheck, then three months’ savings can feel impossible. You need to set aside as much as you can, since even a few dollars can provide some financial stability in the future. 

Step-By-Step Guide To Starting An Emergency Fund From Scratch

There is no single way to start an emergency fund from scratch, as you need to find what works for your budget and situation. However, the steps below can act as guidance to get you started. 

1. Determine your monthly expenses

To determine how much you can save, you first need to compare your income and your monthly fixed expenses, as well as your variable expenses. 

Fixed expenses include:

• Rent or mortgage repayments
• Insurance payments
• Property taxes
• Car payments
• Student loans
• Internet and phone bills

Variable expenses can be:

• Groceries and dining out
• Utilities
• Transportation
• Clothing and personal care items

By jotting down these, you can see how much you’re spending each month and how much disposable income you have.

2. Set your savings goals

Next, you need to set your savings goals. This is entirely unique from person to person, but you can use your disposable income as a guideline. As mentioned, you should ideally try to have up to three months’ worth of expenses saved up, but even just having half of your monthly expenses saved is a good starting point to overcome any spending shocks. 

By seeing how much you earn and spend each month, you should be able to figure out how much you’re willing to set aside while still meeting your variable expenses. 

3. Learn to budget

You need to learn how to budget so that you can regularly set money aside to save. You can review your expenses and see where you can cut back in order to save more. A rule of thumb is to set aside around 20% of your income as savings as part of the 50-30-20 rule; however, this depends on which portion of your income goes to your expenses. 

• 50% should go to your needs, like your fixed expenses
• 30% should go to your wants
• 20% should go to savings

4. Find the right account type or investment

Saving money in a piggy bank is no longer the way to go. You need to place your funds in an account where it can gain interest and grow. The easiest way to do this is to open a basic savings account or a money market account. These can be linked to your main account, making it easier to transfer funds. You want to be able to access your money as needed; however, it is best to get an account where you have to wait around 24 hours for transactions to be processed, so that you can’t compulsively spend your savings.

If you’re unsure of where to start, talk to a financial advisor.

5. Replenish your emergency fund when needed

Life is full of unwanted surprises, and it is guaranteed that you will have to dip into your emergency fund from time to time. Once you have used your fund, you need to replenish it as soon as you can. To do this, make sure you’re sticking to your budget and keeping your savings goals in mind.  Rebuilding your fund should be a priority, so that it will be ready when you next need it.