Iranians were able to access more than 1,500 Binance accounts last year, and $1.7 billion was transferred from two of them to terrorist proxies, The New York Times reported Monday.
Crypto
The Evolution Of Cryptocurrency And Its Role In Online Casinos
The transformation of global industries has brought cryptocurrency to the forefront while online casinos keep evolving with it. Users now benefit from better payment choices that protect their identity while offering special gaming opportunities thanks to cryptocurrency. This article provides insights into the development of cryptocurrency, the opportunity and impact of incorporating it in tenders for payments, its role in online casinos, and its outlook in the gaming sector.
A Brief History of Virtual Currencies
To understand cryptocurrency’s current role in online casinos, it’s essential to examine its origins and growth:
- Bitcoin’s Creation: Satoshi Nakamoto introduced Bitcoin to the world as its first form of uncontrolled digital money in 2009. Bitcoin uses blockchain technology to provide users with direct peer-to-peer financial transactions without needing third parties.
- Ethereum and Beyond: Since 2015 Ethereum has helped blockchain evolve beyond simple transactions by allowing the technology to execute smart contracts and DApps. The technology brought major improvements to crypto use in business settings.
- Mainstream Adoption: In the past few years, new forms of digital currency have emerged. Currently, major companies allow their customers to pay using cryptocurrencies, while more and more financial entities start recognizing cryptocurrency as an official financial instrument.
The evolution of cryptocurrency demonstrates the increased interest in cryptocurrency as a result of which its use has logically expanded to encompass online casino platforms.
The Role of Cryptocurrency in Online Transactions
Cryptocurrency specifically is used in online transactions and has several advantages over other payment methods. Let’s examine the role of cryptocurrency in online transactions and why people increasingly turn to it:
Key Advantages:
- Decentralization: Cryptocurrencies are not controlled by a central body hence minimizing the dependency on banks or the government.
- Anonymity: There is no display of personal financial information, thereby improving the aspect of privacy.
- Low Fees: Whereas traditional payment systems attract high charges in equal proportion to the transaction value, cryptocurrencies attract low fees.
- Global Accessibility: Cryptocurrencies eliminate geographical barriers, enabling people from different countries to perform transactions without complications of foreign exchange.
- Speed: Unlike bank transfers, which can take days, crypto transactions are almost instantaneous.
By solving typical problems associated with conventional means of payment, cryptocurrencies have become popular and more mainstream.
The Rise of Crypto Casinos
Cryptocurrency has catalyzed the emergence of a new type of gambling platform: the online crypto casino. These websites operate based on blockchain and/or digital currencies and offer characteristics not seen in online casinos.
What Are Crypto Casinos?
An online crypto casino is a platform where players can use cryptocurrency to deposit, bet, and withdraw. Its major advantage is that it works the same as a traditional online casino, but all processes are based on blockchain technologies for increased transparency and optimization.
Key Features of Crypto Casinos:
- Provably Fair Games: Blockchain technology allows the making of games that can prove the legitimacy of each move, which results in high trust from players.
- Faster Transactions: In this method, withdrawals, and deposits are fast and do not take a lot of time.
Enhanced Privacy: Unlike traditional platforms that require extensive KYC verification, crypto casinos often require less personal information. - Popular Cryptocurrencies: These casinos mostly accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Tether digital currencies out of the many available online.
As the popularity of these platforms grows, understanding what you need to know about crypto casinos becomes essential for safe and enjoyable participation.
Security Concerns in Crypto Casinos
The following are some of the risks associated with crypto casinos. First of all, there is some risk attached to the use of crypto casinos which mostly revolve around the fact that this industry is still somewhat new and untested. So, how secure are crypto casinos, and what steps can players take to safeguard their assets?
Common Risks of Crypto Casinos:
- Unregulated Platforms: Not all crypto casinos are regulated, so checking licenses is necessary.
- Wallet Hacking: Hackers could go for the players’ wallets to attack which could risk the player’s funds.
- Volatility: Cryptocurrencies are subject to rapid changes in value that affect what a player can win.
Protecting Your Crypto Wallet and Staying Secure:
To minimize the risks of crypto casinos, follow these best practices:
- Use secure wallets with robust encryption to store your funds.
- Always investigate the available research platforms before joining the site and prefer sites from licensed casinos.
- Always maintain your private keys secure and never disclose them to anyone.
- Two-factor authentication or 2FA is incredibly handy and should be activated on all the accounts you own.
New technology lets casinos use better encryption and blockchain ID systems to make their services more secure. Another tip that lets you earn more from your casino activities is to select Best Payout Casinos to maximize your returns. Following these basic security steps makes crypto casino usage safer and more fun.
The Future of Cryptocurrency in Gaming
If one casts a vision for the future of this relatively fresh market category, then the future of crypto gaming is full of prospects. Blockchain technology in the form of cryptocurrency is expected to revolutionize online casinos and gaming in several ways.
Emerging Trends and Opportunities:
- NFT Integration: Properties such as avatars, virtual assets, and rewards which were unimaginable before are now being made possible by the application of non-fungible tokens or NFTs.
- Play-to-Earn Mechanics: New trends in games that give players an opportunity to be rewarded with cryptocurrency for playing the games are on the rise in a bid to encourage the players.
- The Metaverse: Cryptocurrency is believed to be a key driver of highly engaging metaverse casinos where people can gamble in virtual environments.
- Enhanced Security: Cryptocurrencies and their related technologies develop over time and offer safer services.
- Market Volatility and Regulation: This may make the ecosystem slowly shift into a more stable and accessible environment but players of course need to continually get updates on changes.
Players looking for the next crypto to explode in the gaming space should monitor these developments closely, as they will likely shape the future landscape.
Conclusion: Is Cryptocurrency Shaping the Future of Gaming?
Online casinos are transforming their operations by letting people handle digital money safely with blockchain technology. The path from cryptocurrency beginnings to modern online gambling transformation has only started. Despite facing security and regulatory problems Crypto casino users benefit from private transactions plus real money games and affordable costs. Your success with crypto casinos requires both knowledge about these platforms and constant security measures for protecting your crypto wallet. The expanding use of NFTs and metaverse technologies suggests that crypto gaming will create many chances in the future. Both operators and players should use cryptocurrency to build an ethical gaming system that offers users an exciting gaming experience.
Crypto
Debate Brews Over Crypto Kiosks As Lawmakers Consider Potential Ban
Lawmakers Consider Crypto ATM Ban as Scam Losses Rise — Including in Central Minnesota
Minnesota lawmakers are considering banning cryptocurrency kiosks as scam losses continue to rise across the state—including in Central Minnesota.
There are currently about 350 crypto kiosks operating statewide, located in places like gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. These machines allow users to deposit cash and convert it into cryptocurrency, which can then be sent electronically.
Law enforcement officials say scammers are increasingly directing victims to use these kiosks because once the money is sent, it is extremely difficult—if not impossible—to recover.
Police say scams often begin with a phone call, text, or online message. In many cases, scammers pose as government officials, tech support workers, or even romantic partners. Victims are eventually told to withdraw cash and deposit it into a crypto kiosk to “protect” their money or resolve a supposed emergency.
Central Minnesota has seen similar cases. Because St. Cloud serves as a regional hub for shopping and services, crypto kiosks are available locally, giving scammers access points to target area residents.
Some say kiosks also serve legitimate users
Despite the concerns, crypto kiosks do offer legitimate benefits. They allow people to purchase cryptocurrency quickly using cash, without needing a traditional bank account, credit card, or online exchange. Supporters say this can make cryptocurrency more accessible, especially for people who prefer cash transactions or have limited access to banking services.
Crypto kiosks can also be used to send money quickly, including international transfers, without relying on traditional wire services. Some users view them as a convenient way to invest in cryptocurrency or move money electronically without going through a bank.
Companies that operate the machines say the vast majority of transactions are legitimate and that kiosks include warnings about scams. They argue the focus should be on stopping scammers, not banning the machines entirely.
Lawmakers weighing next steps
Supporters of the proposed ban say removing the kiosks could help prevent fraud and protect vulnerable residents, particularly older adults. Law enforcement officials told lawmakers that crypto kiosk scams have resulted in significant financial losses statewide.
Minnesota passed regulations in 2024 requiring some safeguards, including limits on deposits for new users and refund requirements in certain fraud cases. But officials say scammers have continued to adapt.
The bill remains under consideration at the Capitol.
In the meantime, authorities urge Central Minnesota residents to be cautious. Officials emphasize that legitimate government agencies, law enforcement, and businesses will never ask someone to deposit cash into a cryptocurrency kiosk.
As cryptocurrency becomes more common, lawmakers are now weighing whether the risks to consumers outweigh the convenience and accessibility these machines provide.
10 (More) Hilariously Bad Google Reviews of Central MN Landmarks
Crypto
Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud: Bizman loses Rs 2.6 cr to crypto, investment fraud | Hyderabad News – The Times of India
Hyderabad: A 69-year-old businessman from Somajiguda lost 2.65 crore allegedly in a cryptocurrency and stock investment fraud. Based on his complaint, Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have registered a case.The complainant was first contacted by a fraudster posing as Ramya Krishnan on Aug 30, 2025 through Facebook. She persuaded the victim to invest in a cryptocurrency and stock trading platform, Polyus Finance PFP Gold, hosted at the domain pfpgoldfx.vip, promising high returns to finance his proposed resort and apparel ventures.Fraudsters provided the victim a contact number for daily communication and sent screenshots showing notional profits credited in his wallet in USDT cryptocurrency. To build trust, the fraudster even allowed the victim a token withdrawal of 4,300 on Sept 12, 2025.Encouraged, the victim transferred over 2.65 crore in 10 transactions between Sept 10 and Dec 39, 2025 to various current accounts provided by the accused.When he attempted to withdraw his ‘earnings’, the accused demanded an additional 15% conversion commission. After he refused, the website became inaccessible and calls to the fraudsters went unanswered.Realising that he was duped, the victim filed an online report on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) before approaching the Cyber Crime police on Feb 25.Based on his complaint, a case was registered under Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act and Sections 111(2)(b) (Organised crime), 318(4) (Cheating), 319(2) (Cheating by personation), 336(3) (Forgery for purpose of cheating), 338 (Forgery of valuable security, will, etc.) and 340(2) (Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on Wednesday. Police were analysing financial transactions to identify and arrest the accused.
Crypto
Terror groups receive $1.7b. from Iran through Binance | The Jerusalem Post
That was a potential violation of global sanctions, the report said, citing company records and documents collected by internal investigators.
The cryptocurrency exchange site reportedly fired or suspended at least four employees cited in the internal investigation. The company blamed “violations of company protocol” relating to its clients’ data, the Times reported.
The report came days after The Jerusalem Post spoke with experts from blockchain intelligence platform NOMINIS.io about how the Iranian regime was evading Western sanctions through cryptocurrencies.
The regime maintains a steady income using cryptocurrency through oil sales to Russia and China, NOMINIS CEO Snir Levi said at the time.
Regarding the latest scandal, he told the Post this week: “The latest allegations about Binance come months after the lawsuit by the victims’ families of October 7 – the ongoing Balva [versus] Binance case.
The majority of the allegations can be easily confirmed by on-chain data. There are thousands of cases where money has been sent and received to and from wallets that have clear connections to Iran.”
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao is being sued by the families of American victims and hostages of the October 7 massacre. He has been accused of knowingly enabling Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to transfer more than $1b. through its platform, including more than $50 million after the October 7 massacre.
Zhao pleaded guilty to anti-money-laundering violations in connection with Binance in 2023. US President Donald Trump pardoned him last October.
“They say what he did was not even a crime,” Trump told reporters last October. “It wasn’t a crime. That he was persecuted by the Biden administration, and so I gave him a pardon at the request of a lot of very good people.”
Binance representative Rachel Conlan said the accounts linked to the $1.7b. in Iranian transactions have been removed and the relevant authorities were informed.
“Any suggestion that Binance knowingly allowed sanctionable activity to continue unchecked is incorrect and defamatory,” she said, despite Zhao’s earlier admission of anti-money-laundering violations.
More than half a dozen compliance officials have left Binance, including a sanctions manager and the leader of the enterprise compliance team, over the past few months, the Times reported.
“No investigator was dismissed for raising compliance concerns or for reporting potential sanctions issues,” Conlan said in a statement to The Guardian.
Democrat senator opens inquiry into cryptocurrency company
While Conlan insisted there was no wrongdoing, US Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) opened an inquiry into Binance on Tuesday, seeking records of the company’s dealings in Hong Kong , where funds have previously been transferred in a network against sanctions.
“Binance appears to have ignored warnings and recommendations to prevent Iranian money-laundering schemes on its cryptocurrency exchange,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Binance co-chief executive Richard Teng.
“According to documents obtained by the Times and the Journal, Binance was even warned that Hexa Whale was financing terrorist organizations such as the Yemeni Houthis, and internal investigators found cryptocurrency transfers to wallets associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and payments to crew members of Russia’s sanctions-evading shadow fleet of oil tankers,” he wrote.
“Instead of actually preventing illicit use, Binance has sought to evade accountability and influence the White House through lobbying and a financial partnership with World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the cryptocurrency firm owned by the sons of President Trump and his special envoy Steve Witkoff… This influence campaign has worked: In May 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it was dismissing a lawsuit against Binance for lying to regulators and mishandling funds, followed in October by the stunning Presidential pardon of founder Changpeng Zhao.”
“The scale of the newly revealed illicit transfers – uncaught until nearly $2 billion flowed to sanctioned entities – and the unexplained firing of internal investigators call into question Binance’s compliance with American sanctions and banking laws, and its 2023 agreement to resolve the previous federal investigation,” Blumenthal wrote.
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