Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss have each pledged $1 million in Bitcoin towards the reelection of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In June 20 posts on X, the Winklevoss twins announced their intention to vote for Trump, the prospective Republican Party candidate for U.S. President on Nov. 5.
They committed to sending 15.47 BTC each — approximately $1 million at the time — to his campaign. Both brothers emphasized that Trump was “pro-Bitcoin” and “pro-crypto,” while criticizing President Joe Biden for allegedly declaring “war against crypto” during his tenure.
“President Donald J. Trump is the pro-Bitcoin, pro-crypto, and pro-business choice,” Tyler Winklevoss stated. “This is not even remotely open for debate.
Anyone who tells you otherwise is severely misinformed, delusional, or not telling the truth […] It’s time for the crypto army to send a message to Washington. That attacking us is political suicide.”
Tyler highlighted the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s actions against crypto firms under the Biden administration and the “weaponization of the banking system against crypto companies” — a nod to Operation Choke Point 2.0.
The twins, however, did not mention regulatory actions during Trump’s presidency from 2017 to 2021.
The Winklevoss brothers reportedly attended a June fundraiser for Trump, costing up to $300,000 per person.
Additionally, they have donated about $5 million to the Fairshake political action committee and its affiliates, which have been responsible for attack ads against lawmakers and supporting specific Democratic and Republican candidates.
The twins’ announcement did not address Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts in May, potentially complicating his reelection bid.
Despite leading the polls as the Republican presidential candidate, Trump faces a sentencing hearing in New York on July 11, just before the party nomination.
In recent months, amid his legal challenges, Trump has hosted a dinner for those who purchased an NFT of his mugshot from a Georgia criminal case, announced his campaign’s acceptance of crypto donations, and met with executives from major mining firms, expressing his intention to have all BTC mined in the U.S.
Meanwhile, President Biden is also reportedly considering accepting cryptocurrency for his reelection campaign.
Reactions on X were mixed; some supported the Winklevoss’ endorsement, while others questioned Trump’s commitment to crypto, suggesting he might be influenced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a crypto-friendly Independent candidate for 2024.
Trump had previously called Bitcoin a scam in 2021 after leaving office.
To submit a crypto press release (PR), send an email to sales@cryptointelligence.co.uk.
Players choose UK-based casinos due to their enhanced safety and reliability, but new tightened regulations make users opt for alternative gambling destinations. While UKGC-licenced platforms implement the mandatory self-exclusion program, sites registered within other jurisdictions are more flexible. However, it doesn’t mean they are insecure and encourage overspending, as these operators still do everything for gamblers’ protection. Reputable non-GamStop sites offer safe conditions and the best environment for their members, promoting responsible gaming and giving access to all the necessary resources.
Safer Gaming Principles in Non-UK Casinos
The online gambling world hides a lot of secrets; some of them are really attractive, while others may lead to unpleasant consequences. Overspending and the inability to stop in time remain the main issue, often resulting in compulsive disorders. Luckily, operators use multiple measures to ensure consumer protection and user awareness of responsible gaming.
The lack of self-exclusion is an important advantage offered by non-GamStop CasinoGap sites for British users, which boast high reliability, increased bonuses, and amazing game collections. Let’s explore the safety measures used by these platforms and conclude whether their efficiency is enough to decrease the number of problem players.
Advanced Security Mechanisms
Some users only consider British online casinos regulated and safe, which is far from the case. Multiple overseas platforms can legally enter the market and provide their services to locals. These online gaming establishments without GamStop offer enhanced player protection by using the best safety mechanisms. All data entered into the website is encrypted, so no third parties can access it.
Other safety measures, including multi-factor authentication and fraud prevention, are also utilised. At the same time, independent authorities like eCOGRA test operators’ fairness and compliance with the generally accepted standards. Therefore, players can be confident that all their personal and banking details are protected.
Deposit Limitations
Non-GamStop platforms don’t impose such strict limits as UK-based casinos but still don’t allow their members to deposit endlessly. Therefore, users face particular restrictions regarding the maximum top-up on the gaming platform. The sum depends on the online gambling establishment, so players should consider the available limitations before joining the chosen site. It’s worth noting that those using cryptocurrencies for deposits and payouts usually have higher maximum limits, which is why this banking option is increasingly in demand.
Verification and Age Restrictions
Users under 18 are not allowed to engage in gambling activities in the UK, and this rule is relevant in most countries globally. Online casinos conduct customer verification during registration or first deposit. Players must provide their valid IDs or driving licences to prove their age to the operator. Failure to comply with the set regulations will result in restricted access to the gaming site: reputable casinos always stick to this rule and never allow minors to join their platforms.
Increasing Awareness About Problem Gambling
Many non-GamStop casinos place lots only information on possible gaming-related disorders and the first signs that must alert players. Knowing these symptoms is essential to prevent more problems in the future and begin treatment as soon as possible. Moreover, online casinos offer tips on preventing potentially harmful consequences of uncontrolled gambling, including proper bankroll management and limiting time in slots and games.
Notifying Users About Excessive Activities
AI mechanisms are great assistants in numerous industries, and gambling is no exception. Some online casinos have already integrated this technology and provide enhanced protection and fraud prevention. Moreover, AI-based solutions can automatically analyse user activities on the website and send notifications if a user spends too much time and money when playing.
Quick Access to Helplines and Support Groups
Preventing gaming-related problems is the best solution, but it’s not always possible for compulsive players. Therefore, quick access to helplines and counselling services is a must for a reputable non-GamStop casino. Users can ask for support and further guidance on possible therapies: in this case, no self-exclusion is applied, but users are offered to voluntarily quit gambling and get the corresponding treatment.
Access to Alternative Self-Exclusion Tools
While GamStop is mandatorily integrated into UK online casinos and sportsbooks, overseas-licensed sites don’t have any nationwide self-exclusion tools. Therefore, users won’t be blocked by this software and get limited access to gambling and betting activities for a period from six months to five years. Instead, non-GamStop casinos offer problem players to use alternative responsible gaming programs like BetBlocker or GamCare. They offer similar services, including a ban on online casinos, sportsbooks, and other websites that bring threats to users.
Licensing from Other Authorities
Non-GamStop casinos operate outside the British jurisdiction, which doesn’t mean that they are not certified by any responsible bodies. As a rule, the work is under the control of offshore authorities like Curaçao eGaming, MGA, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, etc. These regulatory organisations also have strict requirements for their licensees, including enhanced customer data protection, fairness, and transparency. Non-GamStop sites are the trusted gambling destinations that offer the best conditions, but users should check all the details about certification and safety measures before registering on the chosen platform.
The Final Word
Are you searching for a viable alternative to UKGC-controlled casinos with numerous limitations? Non-GamStop sites welcome British players and offer them the best opportunities and flexibility in payments, games, and bonuses. These online casinos strongly comply with responsible gaming principles, and consumer protection remains their core value. The absence of self-exclusion is often beneficial for risk hunters, so they can easily avoid it, but sticking to safer gaming rules is still necessary.
The first cryptocurrency, bitcoin, was created by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. At that time, it was available for free, but nowadays, one coin will cost about $64 thousand. Since then, cryptocurrency has been gaining speed and is now widely used even in casino deposits.
To find out more about the legalities of cryptocurrency in New Zealand and the rules that apply we have referred to the guidelines provided by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and to the official website of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand.
Besides, our team has prepared 3 most popular and highly rated crypto wallets. We have described in detail why they are so loved, what their features are, and how long they have been on the market.
Legal Aspects of Crypto Online Gambling in New Zealand
In 2003, a law was passed prohibiting local online casinos in New Zealand. However, this document does not forbid foreign operators to enter the market. Besides, there is nothing about the restriction on the use of cryptocurrencies. Therefore, it’s safe to use the available tokens for gambling in the country.
Currently, the Ministry of New Zealand plans to promote the expansion of the digital currency industry, but no significant steps have been taken yet. Cryptocurrencies have no physical form and are stored in users’ electronic wallets. Many gambling fans are happy to use this payment system. This is not surprising because it has a number of excellent aspects.
First of all, there is no need to use a bank and no transaction fees. Many reputable casino sites listed at CasinoDeps.co.nz offer additional bonuses for crypto users. Players can make an unlimited number of transactions, free from the restrictions and limits of traditional banking systems. Besides, blockchain technology ensures anonymity and transparency of transactions.
The only thing worth remembering is that cryptocurrency assets also constitute taxable profit. The amount and rate of tax vary depending on the level of income. The standard rate is required to be paid from 10.5% to 39%. The final result is determined by the final annual earnings.
The Most Popular Crypto Wallets for Gambling
To reduce the time you spend searching for a safe and trusted cryptocurrency wallet, our team has prepared several options. All of them are extremely reliable, convenient, and fast.
Additionally, some platforms support microtransactions, allowing for convenient $1 transactions with crypto wallets to replenish a casino. One of them comes from New Zealand and is packed with unique features, just like all the others below.
BitBuy
This cryptocurrency platform started as an exchange called Instabit, which was founded in 2013. It was later renamed to BitBuy and is now famous for its low trading and deposit fees. The platform supports various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and other payment systems.
The marketplace uses a number of security technologies, such as data encryption and two-factor authentication, to ensure the safety of users’ funds and personal information. BitBuy is a popular option among players because BitBuy has a user-friendly, simple interface and undergoes regular audits.
In addition, the company claims that 95% of its customers’ funds are kept in a cold wallet and separated from the underlying network. This means that no one can steal money from the BitBuy system.
Binance
Binance is one of the largest and most popular cryptocurrency exchanges not only in New Zealand but also in the world, having been founded in 2017. However, in 7 years, the company has quickly become a leader in its segment due to the large number of supported cryptocurrencies.
It offers more than 200 different coins and tokens, and the app has a wide range of features for traders and rewards for new users. This platform has a high level of protection and provides fast and reliable transactions. With the Binance wallet, users can send or receive funds via BNB Chain and Ethereum.
The platform uses a number of security technologies, such as two-factor authentication and data encryption, to maintain high security. In addition, this app actively works to detect and prevent fraud and other types of cybercrime.
Easy Crypto
It’s a New Zealand-based cryptocurrency platform specialising in ease of use and accessibility for all users. Founded in 2017, it, like others, quickly gained popularity due to the ability to get help 5 days a week from the support team.
Currently, the platform supports more than 50 cryptocurrencies and the company plans to continue expanding the list of coins. This is a great wallet for a beginner because the interface does not require deep technical knowledge. The platform allows one to easily buy and sell cryptocurrencies and make deposits to the best online casinos in a high-quality way.
Easy Crypto supports local payment methods, which makes the process of purchasing cryptocurrencies fast and convenient for New Zealand residents. It’s also possible to make transactions using bank transfers and other popular payment systems.
Closing Thoughts
New Zealand authorities have not yet issued a single law that would prohibit the use of cryptocurrencies. On the contrary, the government plans to expand the possibilities of such an electronic wallet in the country. At the moment, a large number of online casinos in New Zealand allow people to make deposits using this type of cryptocurrency.
The most popular options are BitBuy, Binance, and Easy Crypto platforms. The use of these e-wallets ensures fast, secure, and confidential transactions, making them the ideal choice for gambling in New Zealand. However, it’s important to remember that income from digital money is also taxed from 10.5% to 39%.
Decentralized finance (DeFi) is an innovative idea that uses developing technologies to eliminate intermediaries in financial transactions. In light of this, many platforms have debuted that promote financial accessibility, security, and transparency while enabling peer-to-peer transactions through the use of software, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology.
A unique perk of decentralized finance is that it allows people to deal directly without the use of middlemen like banks and brokerages, upending the established centralized financial system. DeFi has recently gained popularity among the crypto community. The majority of people are interested in trading and investing, which are the most popular use cases, followed by lending and borrowing. Financial inclusion, transparency, worldwide accessibility, and increased efficiency are among the primary benefits driving DeFi adoption.
As we delve into the best DeFi projects to watch in 2024, we will uncover the innovative solutions and technologies that are redefining the future of finance.
SmarDex
SmarDex’s USDN could very well be the “Ethena’s killer.” It is poised to revolutionize DeFi with the first decentralized USD-structured product. By leveraging smart contracts on blockchain, USDN offers unparalleled security, transparency, and accessibility. SmarDex, despite its innovative prowess, is grossly undervalued.
SmarDex is also transforming the DeFi space with its novel way of dealing with impermanent loss. SmarDex uses a complex algorithm to convert impermanent loss into gain, giving liquidity providers smart returns and users access to the finest market chances. The platform provides a variety of features such as liquidity provision, farming, staking, etc, all of which are intended to maximize profits while minimizing losses. With its consistent ROIs and unrivaled innovations, SmarDex is the go-to platform for anyone trying to stay ahead of the DeFi game.
Further, its cutting-edge approach promises to democratize investment opportunities, fostering widespread adoption and trust in DeFi. As the market awakens to SmarDex’s transformative potential, its valuation is set to soar, marking a pivotal shift in the financial landscape.
Elys Network
Elys Network is Cosmos Hub’s all-in-one DeFi Layer-1 appchain, partnering with the Atom Economic Zone to offer a unique trading experience. The platform combines the benefits of DeFi with the features of a CEX to provide a seamless UX that bridges the gap between Web2 and Web3.
Elys Network’s unified product suite includes cross-chain interoperability, spot and perpetual trading, simple staking, and leverage LP, creating a liquidity flywheel that enhances volume and revenues. As the first PerpDex, Elys integrates native Bitcoin staking, LP, and BTC trading on leverage, with deep connectivity and partnerships for native Bitcoin integration. Elys has also integrated one-click liquid staking for end users who can seamlessly bring PoS assets and earn a passive yield of 10-20%.
With almost 275,000 human-verified users signed up for their incentivized public testnet, Elys Network is poised for success. The team has raised significant funds through its KOL, Private Sales, and Seed Rounds and is looking to form strategic partnerships to showcase its unique platform. Elys Network offers a comprehensive DeFi solution with a focus on ease of use, security, and financial functionalities.
Deeplink
Deeplink is one of the most promising projects to watch for in 2024, combining cloud gaming, AI, and DePIN. While players enjoy 3A games with ultra-low latency, machine renters earn rewards for sharing idle GPU and bandwidth resources.
Its main technological team has over a decade of experience in the cloud gaming sector, having worked for top firms such as Cisco, Intel, Nvidia, Huawei, and Shunwang. DeepLink Protocol uses blockchain technology to enable miners and internet café operators to supply GPU servers and traffic nodes, earning token rewards while providing worldwide coverage without the need for centralized data centers.
By removing the need for a high-end device, Deeplink makes gaming more accessible and reduces costs globally. Deeplink’s innovation paves the way for a global gaming community of 3 billion, offering a seamless gaming experience. The platform’s $DLC token is currently on public sale.
Insights from BestChange.com
Nikita Zuborev, Chief Analyst at BestChange.com, shares his insights on several interesting DeFi and crypto projects to watch. In his view, Lido Finance is a promising project that allows users to earn money by staking Ethereum without long-term capital freezing. Despite risks for US investors, the platform remains attractive due to its profitability and ease of use. If there are no regulatory shocks, Lido Finance is expected to continue to delight investors.
Other notable projects include STON, a DEX on the TON network that offers high market interest on stable trading pairs, and Chainlink, which creates authoritative oracles for smart contracts. Syncswap, a young project operating on four L2 networks, also shows promise, allowing token swaps and liquidity earnings with the potential for an airdrop, according to Nikita.
Deeper into his insight, Uniswap is worth revisiting despite its token’s unstable trend. The potential threat of SEC’s lawsuit has lowered the token’s value, but he believes the claim is fragile and may not be filed or will be won in court, leading to a potential price rise.
Conclusion
The DeFi landscape is rapidly evolving, presenting numerous opportunities for innovative projects to disrupt traditional finance. As the industry continues to mature, investors and enthusiasts must stay informed and conduct thorough research and due diligence. The projects mentioned in this article are worth watching closely in 2024 as they pave the way for a more open, transparent, and accessible financial future.
The amount of Bitcoin held by miners has dropped to its lowest level in over 14 years, as reported by IntoTheBlock.
On June 19, miner reserves decreased to 1.90 million Bitcoin, down from 1.95 million BTC at the beginning of the year.
Lucas Outumuro, head of research at IntoTheBlock, explained that miners are expected to hold less Bitcoin over time due to the halving process, which puts pressure on their margins and increases the likelihood of them selling their reserves.
In Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus mechanism, miners are rewarded with new Bitcoin for validating transactions and securing the network.
Miner reserves refer to the unsold Bitcoin held by miners. Approximately every four years, the network’s mining subsidy is cut in half.
The most recent halving on April 20, 2024, reduced mining rewards from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC.
“That being said, historically, this has been at a relatively slow rate, so it hasn’t been a major selling pressure,” Outumuro told Cointelegraph.
Despite the reduction in rewards, the dollar value of miner reserves has remained around an all-time high of about $135 billion.
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This indicates that while miners hold fewer Bitcoin, the value in USD is higher.
“It seems today’s miners have learned from past cycles,” noted Sascha Grumbach, CEO of tokenized mining firm Green Mining DAO, in a written commentary shared with Cointelegraph.
“Gone are the days of overleveraging and holding onto too much Bitcoin, a strategy that backfired in the past.”
An April report by CoinShares forecasts a surge in Bitcoin’s hashrate in 2025 following a post-halving dip.
The decreasing Bitcoin rewards and increasing competition reduce the amount of Bitcoin produced per unit of hash power over time, raising production costs.
“[Miners’] focus seems to be on short-term financial stability rather than long-term, large-scale accumulation of Bitcoin.”
Grumbach concluded, “In other words, having less Bitcoin is normal in the market phase we are in.”
To submit a crypto press release (PR), send an email to sales@cryptointelligence.co.uk.