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35 Best Bitcoin Casinos to Play in January 2026

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35 Best Bitcoin Casinos to Play in January 2026

Our Top 5 Crypto Casinos Reviewed

With so many crypto casinos available today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. We’ve carefully explored and tested the top 5 crypto casinos, examining their bonuses, game selection, payment options, and customer support.

At Bitcoin.com, our in-depth reviews give you a clear picture of the leading Bitcoin friendly casino sites, helping you make an informed choice and discover the best places to play in 2025.

On our list, BC.Game is the best online crypto casino for players thanks to its versatility, fast-loading platform, and wide range of games. It combines an online casino, lottery, and sportsbook in one place, making it easy to move between sections and start playing in seconds.

We found that BC.Game offers a strong selection for all types of crypto players, including original titles, live dealer tables, and jackpot games. There’s also a category for high-volatility games for those seeking bigger payouts.

The platform lets players personalize their experience — you can add games to favorites, explore the provably fair system, and enjoy the VIP club perks. We also liked the addition of a blog and community forum, where players share strategies and learn more about crypto gaming.

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New players can claim a 300% welcome bonus on their first deposit, with a $10 minimum if made within the first 7 minutes after signing up. BC.Game also offers tiered deposit bonuses: 180% on the second deposit, 240% on the third, 300% on the fourth, Up to 360% on the fifth. Each level includes specific limits, which makes it flexible for both new and high-stakes players.

With fast transactions, a strong presence, and transparent gameplay, BC.Game ranks at the top of our list for crypto casino fans in the United States.

Pros

  • ✅ Multi-language platform
  • ✅ Supports 150 coins
  • ✅ Big deposit-match bonuses
  • ✅ 600+ high-volatility games

Cons

  • ❌ High-risk games for casual players
  • ❌ Few fiat payment options
  • ❌ Platform may feel overwhelming
  • ❌ Customer support can be limited

Welcome bonus

470% Bonus up to $500,000 + 400 Free Spins + 20% Rakeback | No KYC, No Withdrawal Limits 👑

Supported languages

English, Chinese, Filipino, Turkish, Russian, Korean, Arabic, Suomi, Vietnamese, French, Portuguese, Polish, Indonesian, Spanish, Deutsch, Italian, and Hebrew

Accepted cryptocurrencies

BTC, ETH, DOGE, XRP, ADA, DOT, TRX, BNB, AVAX, SOL, MATIC, CRO, FTM, RUNE, ATOM, NEAR

License

Government of Curaçao

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Year operation started

2017

Welcome bonus

470% Bonus up to $500,000 + 400 Free Spins + 20% Rakeback | No KYC, No Withdrawal Limits 👑

Second on our list of Bitcoin online casino sites is Cloudbet, a trusted name in crypto gaming and one of the longest-running Bitcoin casinos available to American players. The platform is divided into three main sections: a sportsbook, an eSports area, and a BTC casino, making it easy to switch between different types of entertainment.

In the casino section, we found an extensive lineup of games, including Bitcoin baccarat, Bitcoin blackjack, slots, and classic table games. There’s also a solid range of provably fair arcade titles such as Dice, Keno, Mini Roulette, Plinko, Aviator, Mines, and Goal Mines — all designed for players who value transparency and instant gameplay.

For those who enjoy the live experience, Cloudbet’s live casino delivers high-quality streams and professional dealers through Evolution and OnAir Entertainment, offering games with competitive RTP rates and smooth performance across all devices.

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New players can access an impressive welcome package of up to $2,500, which makes it one of the most generous bonuses among Bitcoin casinos. We also appreciate the flexibility of 40+ supported cryptocurrencies, giving players the freedom to deposit and play using their preferred digital assets.

With strong reliability, excellent crypto support, and a proven track record in the market, Cloudbet stands out as one of the best Bitcoin casinos for players in 2025.

Pros

  • ✅ Trusted Bitcoin casino since 2013
  • ✅ Fast deposits and withdrawals
  • ✅ Up to 25% rakeback, no rollover
  • ✅ 3000+ games, 300+ live tables

Cons

  • ❌ Limited customer support channels
  • ❌ No fiat-free play option
  • ❌ Some bonus terms can be confusing
  • ❌ High volatility games may not suit all players

Welcome bonus

Up to 2,500 USDT + 150 FS + Up to 30% Rakeback, All Cash No Rollover 🤑

Supported languages

They support a variety of languages on their site such as English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, Swedish, Dutch, Greek, Hungarian, Turkish, Indonesian, Polish, Portuguese, Portuguese (BR), Russian, Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese

Accepted cryptocurrencies

ADA, ALGO, AVAX, BCH, BNB, BRETT, BSV, BTC, DAI, DASH, DEGEN, DOGE, DOGS, DOT, ENA, EOS, ETH, FTM, HBAR, HMSTR, stETH, LINK, LTC, POL, PAXG, PONKE, SHIB, SOL, SUSDE, TON, TOSHI, TRON, TRUMP, UNI, USDC, USDE, USDP, USDT, XLM, XRP, ZEC

License

Curaçao Gaming License

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Year operation started

2013

Welcome bonus

Up to 2,500 USDT + 150 FS + Up to 30% Rakeback, All Cash No Rollover 🤑

Among the many choices for a crypto casino, Betpanda.io stands out for its energy, speed, and massive game library. It brings the full excitement of crypto gaming to American players with more than 6,000 games, including slots, live dealer tables, and exclusive titles like Aviator. Fast deposits, multi-crypto support, and minimal KYC make it quick and easy to jump in and start playing.

Signing up takes only an email and password, with no complicated forms or delays. Players can deposit and withdraw using Bitcoin, USDT, Ethereum, XRP, or BNB, enjoying fast confirmations and flexibility across all transactions.

The casino’s library includes games from leading providers such as Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Play’n Go, ELK, Nolimit City, and Hacksaw. Popular hits like Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza, and Dead Canary sit alongside multiple Blackjack and Baccarat tables, offering options for every type of player.

What makes Betpanda.io even more appealing is its VIP program, designed for players who enjoy top-tier treatment. Members get cash drops, reload bonuses, weekly cashback, and even a 10% return on losses, plus dedicated support whenever they need it. New players can also claim a 100% matched deposit bonus up to 1 BTC, adding an extra boost right from the start.

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Betpanda.io combines variety, speed, and strong rewards, making it a clear choice for players looking for a trusted crypto casino experience.

Pros

  • ✅ Zero fees and instant deposits and withdrawals
  • ✅ VPN Friendly
  • ✅ 5000+ games without limits
  • ✅ 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • ❌ Customer support limited in English
  • ❌ Some bonuses country-restricted
  • ❌ Website can feel crowded
  • ❌ Live dealer games not on all titles

Welcome Bonus

100% Bonus Up To 1 BTC + 10% Weekly Cashback + Weekly Free Bet – No KYC, Zero Fees, No limits 🤑

Supported Languages

English, German, Japanese, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Turkish, Spanish, Korean, Italian, Greek, Arabic

Accepted Cryptocurrencies

ETH, USDT, BTC, XRP, LTC, BNB, TRX, MATIC, DOGE, SAND, SHIB

License

Established under the laws of Costa Rica

Year operation started

2023

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Welcome bonus

100% Bonus Up To 1 BTC + 10% Weekly Cashback + Weekly Free Bet – No KYC, Zero Fees, No limits 🤑

Privacy and speed define Cryptorino, a crypto-focused online casino that continues to gain traction among players. As one of the best Bitcoin casino platforms, it makes getting started incredibly simple — players only need an email and username to register, keeping their identity private from the start. The site supports several major cryptocurrencies for both deposits and withdrawals, allowing for fast, secure transactions without traditional banking delays.

The game library at Cryptorino delivers a strong mix of quality and variety. Titles from Betsoft, Microgaming, and Pragmatic Play fill the lineup, offering everything from slots and live dealer tables to blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and video poker. Each game is optimized for crypto betting, creating a smooth experience for casual players and serious gamblers alike.

We also appreciate how Cryptorino keeps players engaged through regular promotions, cashback rewards, and a VIP system that provides lasting value. The inclusion of provably fair games ensures complete transparency, letting players verify outcomes directly through blockchain technology.

Focusing on privacy, flexible crypto payments, and a clean interface, Cryptorino delivers players a secure and rewarding online gaming experience.

Pros

  • ✅ Anonymous casino – No KYC required
  • ✅ VPN Friendly – Play from anywhere securely
  • ✅ 5000+ games without limits
  • ✅ Multi-language support – English, French, German, and more

Cons

  • ❌ Limited promotions for regular players
  • ❌ Some high-stakes features only for VIPs
  • ❌ Fewer bonus options compared to other crypto casinos
  • ❌ Live dealer selection could be larger

Welcome bonus

100% Bonus Up To 1 BTC + 10% Weekly Cashback💰Weekly Free Bet ⚽ Anonymous Casino – No KYC 🥷🏼Zero Fees ✅ No limits 🤑

Supported languages

English, German, Japanese, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Turkish, Spanish, Korean, Italian, Greek, Arabic

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Accepted cryptocurrencies

BTC, LTC, ETH, DOGE, TRON, USDT, XRP

License

Established under the laws of Costa Rica

Year operation started

2024

Welcome bonus

100% Bonus Up To 1 BTC + 10% Weekly Cashback💰Weekly Free Bet ⚽ Anonymous Casino – No KYC 🥷🏼Zero Fees ✅ No limits 🤑

If you’re looking for one of the best Bitcoin casinos, Mega Dice makes our list thanks to its fast, secure, and engaging crypto platform. Our team found that deposits, gameplay, and withdrawals happen smoothly, giving players full control over their Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

The casino library is packed with options, featuring slots from top providers like NoLimit City, Hacksaw Gaming, Push Gaming, and Pragmatic Play. Players can explore classic slots, video slots, and high-volatility titles, plus free-play modes to test games before betting real crypto.

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Live dealer enthusiasts can enjoy Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and Poker, along with interactive game-show-style titles like Crazy Time and Deal or No Deal. The platform also offers crypto-native games such as Hi Lo, Aviator, and Plinko, combining simple mechanics with engaging gameplay and high payout potential.

Our review shows that Mega Dice delivers players a secure, user-friendly, and rewarding Bitcoin casino experience, suitable for both new and experienced crypto gamblers.

Pros

  • ✅ Global Accessibility
  • ✅ Provably Fair Gaming
  • ✅ Exclusive Cryptocurrency Payments
  • ✅ Play via Telegram Bot

Cons

  • ❌ Limited traditional payment options, only crypto supported
  • ❌ Graphics in some crypto games are basic
  • ❌ Some regions may need a VPN to access
  • ❌ No detailed info on customer support hours

Welcome bonus

200% Bonus up to 1 BTC + 50 Free Spins + Sports Free Bet!

Supported languages

English, German, Spanish, French, Hungarian, Finnish, Norwegian, Czech, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Japanese, Turkish, Mandarin, Indonesian, Arabic, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai

Accepted cryptocurrencies

BTC, BCH, ETH, USDT, USDC, SOL, BNB, ADA, TRX, LTC, DOGE

License

Curaçao Gaming License

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Year operation started

2020s

Welcome bonus

200% Bonus up to 1 BTC + 50 Free Spins + Sports Free Bet!

CLAPS Casino offers a secure Bitcoin gaming experience, featuring over 2,500 games, including slots, live casino, blackjack, and roulette. Its interface is intuitive, with fast navigation on both desktop and mobile. The platform supports multiple cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether, making deposits and withdrawals quick and easy.

The casino stands out with its generous bonus program, offering new players a 170% first deposit bonus up to 1,000 USDT and 70 free spins with no wagering requirements. Registration is simple, requiring only an email and password, and MoonPay integration allows buying crypto directly via bank cards or Apple Pay.

CLAPS prioritizes player safety with self-exclusion tools, SSL encryption, and a licensed platform ensuring fair play. A multilingual 24/7 customer support team is available via live chat and email, adding reliability and peace of mind for players.

Its game library, powered by top providers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and Yggdrasil, includes classic and unique titles such as bonus-buy games and high-stakes live dealer tables. Multicurrency wallets simplify transactions, making CLAPS a strong choice for both casual players and high rollers.

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Pros

  • ✅ Play over 2,500 crypto games, including slots, live dealers, and table games
  • ✅ 170% first deposit bonus up to 1,000 USDT plus 70 free spins with no wagering
  • ✅ 24/7 customer support via live chat and email

Cons

  • ❌ Limited promotions beyond the welcome bonus
  • ❌ No dedicated mobile app; browser access only
  • ❌ Some regions may be restricted from playing

Welcome bonus

Don’t miss the excitement! 🚀 Get a 3000 EUR bonus + 165 Free Spins – no wagering required with Claps 🎉 Weekly Cashback up to 7% 🤑 Bonus Wheel 🎁 Exclusive Tournaments 🏆 24/7 Support 💬

Supported languages

They support a variety of languages on their site such as English, Portuguese, Spanish, French

Accepted cryptocurrencies

USDT, BTC, ETH, BNB, USDC, TRX, SOL, XRP, LTC, DOGE, BCH, ADA

License

Under the laws of The Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros

Year operation started

2020s

Welcome bonus

Don’t miss the excitement! 🚀 Get a 3000 EUR bonus + 165 Free Spins – no wagering required with Claps 🎉 Weekly Cashback up to 7% 🤑 Bonus Wheel 🎁 Exclusive Tournaments 🏆 24/7 Support 💬

Gamdom has been attracting over 16 million players since 2016, offering a wide range of games from slots to esports betting and exclusive in-house options like Slot Battles. Provably fair games ensure transparency and trust, appealing to players who value fairness.

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Gamdom rewards its players with perks like up to 60% rakeback, free spins, and leaderboard prizes reaching up to $1,000,000. Its Community Connected feature allows creators to host raffles and giveaways directly through Discord, fostering an interactive and engaging environment.

The platform prioritizes player support and safety, with 24/7 live chat in multiple languages and responsible gaming tools such as self-exclusion and permanent account closure. Security features like optional Two-Factor Authentication add extra protection for user accounts.

With multiple deposit options, including cryptocurrencies and over 100 bank methods, Gamdom makes deposits and instant crypto withdrawals convenient. New players receive 15% rakeback during their first week, ensuring a strong start on the platform.

Pros

  • ✅ Transparency and Fairness
  • ✅ Exceptional Rewards
  • ✅ Community Engagement
  • ✅ Accessible Support

Cons

  • ❌ Limited traditional casino games
  • ❌ High competition for rewards
  • ❌ Heavy reliance on online community
  • ❌ Regional restrictions

Welcome bonus

50 FS on Gates of Olympus 1000 with Code: BITCOINGATES – Limited offer 2500 Claims available min $50 Dep

Supported languages

English, Greek, Czech, Georgian, Bulgarian, Spanish, Finnish, Filipino, French, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Thai, Chines, Turkish, Vietnamese

Accepted cryptocurrencies

USDT, BTC, ETH, LTC, TRX, XRP, DOGE

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License

Curaçao Gaming License

Year operation started

2016

Welcome bonus

50 FS on Gates of Olympus 1000 with Code: BITCOINGATES – Limited offer 2500 Claims available min $50 Dep

JackBit is a crypto-friendly online casino launched in 2022 and licensed in Curacao, offering a wide range of gaming options from casino games to sports betting, Aviator, and exclusive mini-games. The platform is optimized for mobile and easy to navigate, allowing players to quickly access content and enjoy an engaging gaming experience.

Loyalty is rewarded through JackBit’s Rakeback VIP Club, which provides instant rakeback with no wagering requirements. Climbing VIP levels unlocks additional perks, giving regular players extra incentives to stay engaged. The casino also offers attractive welcome bonuses, including free spins for slots and cashback on first sports bets, all with clear and straightforward terms.

With over 7,000 casino games from top providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Evolution, JackBit delivers variety and quality. The live casino section features classics such as Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat, as well as game shows, providing an authentic casino experience from home.

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JackBit supports multiple cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, with fast deposits and withdrawals, and 24/7 multilingual customer support. The platform combines extensive gaming options, rewarding promotions, and efficient payment methods, creating a secure and enjoyable environment for all types of players.

Pros

  • ✅ Instant Payments
  • ✅ Wager-free free spins
  • ✅ Support available 24/7 in multiple languages
  • ✅ Over 7,000 casino games

Cons

  • ❌ The game library can feel overwhelming
  • ❌ No dedicated mobile app available
  • ❌ Limited promotions for low-stakes players
  • ❌ VIP perks require high activity levels

Welcome bonus

No wagering 100 Free Spins + 100% of the first bet amount back + Cashback up to 30% | Rakeback VIP Club | Weekly/Daily Tournaments | No KYC | Zero Fees!

Supported languages

They support a variety of languages on their site such as English, German, French, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, Finnish, Italian, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese

Accepted cryptocurrencies

BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, BCH, XMR, DASH, DOGE, BNB, USDT, TRX, USDC, SOL, BUSD, MATIC, DAI, SHIBA, LINK, CARDANO

Year operation started

2022

License

Curaçao Gaming License

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Welcome bonus

No wagering 100 Free Spins + 100% of the first bet amount back + Cashback up to 30% | Rakeback VIP Club | Weekly/Daily Tournaments | No KYC | Zero Fees!

Bets.io, a licensed crypto casino and sports betting platform, stands out as a top choice for players worldwide. The site delivers a modern, reliable experience focused on security and ease of use. Awards like Best Crypto Casino 2023 and Rising Star Casino Operator 2022 from SiGMA highlight its commitment to quality and innovation in online gaming.

Its game library is massive, featuring over 10,000 titles, including slots, table games, and sports betting across more than 40 categories. Regular updates keep the platform fresh, while the expansion into sports betting offers a wide range of options for every type of player, all following industry standards.

Bets.io also provides promotions from day one, alongside a loyalty program that rewards active players with exclusive perks. Deposits and withdrawals are supported in both crypto and fiat currencies, and 24/7 customer support ensures players can get help whenever needed. This makes Bets.io a comprehensive choice for those looking for a complete crypto casino and sports betting experience.

Pros

  • ✅ 8 localizations
  • ✅ 10000+ online casino games by 60+ providers
  • ✅ Tournaments by Bets.io & renowned software providers
  • ✅ Affiliation with PFL & prominent figures
  • ✅ Inclusive Loyalty Program

Cons

  • ❌ High wagering requirements on bonuses
  • ❌ Restricted access in some countries
  • ❌ Fiat transactions can be slower
  • ❌ Customer support can be slow at peak times
  • ❌ Some games may have limited availability

Welcome bonus

250% Welcome Bonus up to 1 BTC + 250 FS | Bonus Code – BITBETS

Supported languages

They support a variety of languages on their site such as English, German, French, Arabic, Spanish, Japanese, Turkish, Hindi, Chinese, and Russian.

Accepted cryptocurrencies

BTC, BCH, DOGE, ETH, LTC, USDT, XRP, TRX, ADA, BNB, DAI

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License

Under the laws of The Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros

Year operation started

2021

Welcome bonus

250% Welcome Bonus up to 1 BTC + 250 FS | Bonus Code – BITBETS

Our top crypto casino list also features Punkz.com, a crypto-friendly casino established in 2022, offering a wide range of games for every type of player. Megaways, table games, and grid slots are all available, with titles from Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, and Playso.

The “New Games” section showcases releases from Wazdan, Kalamba Games, and Nolimit City. Bonus Buy options in games from Octoplay and Novomatic let players access bonus rounds instantly, adding extra excitement.

Provably Fair technology guarantees fair results, and table games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat are offered in multiple versions. High-volatility slots and Hold and Win mechanics provide plenty of variety. VIP programs, tournaments, and special promotions keep players engaged, while the Punkz Playground delivers unique games and exclusive content.

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Pros

  • ✅ Thousands of games from top providers
  • ✅ Bonus Buy features for bigger wins
  • ✅ Provably Fair ensures fair play
  • ✅ Promotions, VIP perks, and tournaments

Cons

  • ❌ Limited information on payment options
  • ❌ No mobile app available
  • ❌ Few promotions for new players
  • ❌ VIP benefits are not very clear

Welcome bonus

100% up to $20,000 + Daily Rakeback! 🤑 New Anonymous Crypto Casino 🚀 No KYC & VPN-friendly! 🥷🏿 Loot Drops 💰 VIP Premium Club 🎩

Supported languages

They support a variety of languages on their site such as English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Turkish, Japanese

Accepted cryptocurrencies

BTC, ETH, USDT, LTC, BNB, DOGE, XRP, TRX, SHIB, SAND

License

Under the laws of The Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros

Year operation started

2024

Welcome bonus

“100% up to $20,000 + Daily Rakeback! 🤑 New Anonymous Crypto Casino 🚀 No KYC & VPN-friendly! 🥷🏿 Loot Drops 💰 VIP Premium Club 🎩”

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Crypto

Strategy Is No Longer Just Going to “Inoculate the Market,” Selling Crypto May Be Much More Common. Here’s What That Could Mean for the Stock | The Motley Fool

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Strategy Is No Longer Just Going to “Inoculate the Market,” Selling Crypto May Be Much More Common. Here’s What That Could Mean for the Stock | The Motley Fool

When Strategy (MSTR 0.69%) sold a modest amount of Bitcoin earlier this year, it was a noteworthy development given that the company’s business has centered around buying up as much of the cryptocurrency as it can, and vowing to never sell. And it often boasts of being the largest corporate holder of the digital currency.

The company brushed off the sale of 32 Bitcoins, with management saying it simply wanted to “inoculate the market.” Well, now it appears that Strategy is doing much more than just that, and there could be more significant cryptocurrency sales in the future.

Image source: Getty Images.

Strategy unveils a Bitcoin monetization program

On June 29, Strategy released a framework going forward that it says will “enhance liquidity, preserve long-term Bitcoin exposure, and support long-term value creation for shareholders.” Among the notable components is its Bitcoin monetization program.

Within that program, the company says it may sell some of its cryptocurrency holdings for multiple reasons, including to fund a USD reserve, fund dividends or interest expense, or to fund repurchases of digital credit securities or common stock.

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While the company says it remains committed to Bitcoin for the long term and it’s the company’s “primary treasury reserve asset,” it’s a significant change of course for Strategy, which was previously heavily against ever selling the digital asset.

Strategy Stock Quote

Today’s Change

(-0.69%) $-0.69

Current Price

$100.08

The stock is as risky and volatile as ever

Whether or not Strategy buys or sells Bitcoin doesn’t change the fact that this is a highly risky and speculative stock to own. While crypto fans may be disappointed in the company’s change in strategy, selling Bitcoin will likely not be enough to make the business any better or worse as an investment.

In just the past 12 months, the stock has plummeted a whopping 75% as volatility in digital assets has drastically weighed on its earnings, with the company incurring $12.8 billion in losses over the trailing 12 months, on revenue of $490 million.

That’s not likely to change significantly, even if Strategy offloads some of its crypto holdings, because with such a large exposure to Bitcoin, how the cryptocurrency performs will inevitably impact the company’s bottom line in a big way. This year, the leading cryptocurrency is down 28% as investor excitement around it has largely cooled off, which has proven disastrous for Strategy’s stock as well. And at this stage, there’s little reason to anticipate a recovery anytime soon.

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Crypto

An Easy-to-Miss Radio Traffic Jam Is Behind Many Home WiFi Slowdowns

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An Easy-to-Miss Radio Traffic Jam Is Behind Many Home WiFi Slowdowns

Key Takeaways

Your WiFi can feel rock-solid at midnight and oddly sluggish by breakfast, even when you have not touched a single setting. The culprit is often outside your walls: a crowded slice of public radio spectrum where your router has to negotiate space with every nearby network, plus a grab bag of household gadgets that leak interference. Add peak-hours demand and the signal-blocking quirks of building materials and weather, and “slow internet” starts to look less like a billing issue and more like an invisible traffic problem you are forced to share.

When WiFi slows down without warning

One day your home WiFi feels snappy, the next it drags, even though your router hasn’t moved and your internet plan hasn’t changed. That swing is real, and it’s usually not your imagination or a “bad day” from your ISP. WiFi lives on shared airwaves, and those airwaves get crowded, noisy, and sometimes just plain finicky.

Think of your connection as a conversation in a busy room. Your laptop and router may be talking just fine, but the room itself can fill up fast with other chatter. What looks like a mystery slowdown is often the result of invisible competition and interference that changes hour by hour.

The battle of competing networks

Most homes still rely heavily on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi bands, which are unlicensed spectrum in the US. That “free for everyone” reality is convenient, but it also means your network shares space with your neighbors, their smart TVs, their work laptops, and every nearby router doing the same thing.

Congestion has a rhythm. During common work-from-home and school-from-home windows, especially 8-10 AM, and again in the evening 6-10 PM, more devices are streaming, video calling, syncing, and downloading updates. Even if you pay for fast broadband, your WiFi link can become the bottleneck when the local radio environment gets packed.

Interference inside your home

Your own house can sabotage you. A microwave is the classic culprit because it can leak noise near 2.4 GHz, exactly where many WiFi networks still operate. Older cordless phones, some baby monitors, and even dense clusters of Bluetooth gadgets can add more clutter, especially in smaller apartments where everything sits close together.

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Then there’s physics. Concrete, metal, and even water (think aquariums or thick pipes in walls) absorb and scatter radio signals. A router shoved behind a TV, tucked into a cabinet, or stuck in a far corner forces your devices to “hear” through more obstacles, lowering speeds and making dropouts more likely.

Weather, channels, and what you can do tonight

Environmental changes can matter too. Higher humidity and rain can slightly increase signal loss, and shifting temperatures can change how radio waves propagate around a neighborhood. You might never notice on its own, but paired with congestion it can tip a marginal connection into a frustrating one.

The 2.4 GHz band is also channel-limited. In the US there are 11 channels, but only 1, 6, and 11 don’t overlap. Many routers default to “auto channel,” so nearby networks can hop around trying to escape interference, sometimes creating instability. Practical fixes: prefer 5 GHz (or 6 GHz if you have WiFi 6E/7 gear), place the router centrally and higher up, and use a WiFi analyzer app to pick a less crowded channel instead of leaving it on auto.

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Crypto

U.K.’s sanctions on cryptocurrency exchanges signal new focus on illicit digital financing – Compliance Week

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U.K.’s sanctions on cryptocurrency exchanges signal new focus on illicit digital financing – Compliance Week

Cryptocurrency exchanges believed to be financing Russia’s war in Ukraine have been sanctioned by the U.K. government in the first attempt to prevent evasion via “dark networks.” The move indicates a new focus on digital sanctions evasion, and compliance teams should expect these rules to develop further, potentially in the EU and other jurisdictions.


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Ruth Prickett graduated from Cambridge University with a BA hons in History and has specialized in business and finance journalism for the past 20 years. She was editor of Financial Management, the magazine…
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