Cryptocurrency
Trading Blows: Cloudbet’s expert take on the new NBA season
As the NBA prepares to go back to work, the trading team at Cloudbet, the leading crypto sportsbook and casino, assesses the latest market movers and shakers
The wait is almost over: The NBA is ready to go again, just two months after Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers trounced the Miami Heat in last season’s finals. The victory put an emphatic exclamation mark on the Covid-19 iteration of America’s premier basketball competition, which played out its final months in the league’s Disney World bubble in Florida.
Since then, there have been a flurry of draft and free-agency dealings, along with a few superstars returning to injury, which promise yet another humdinger of a season – all with the spectre of Covid looming in the background.
Cloudbet takes this opportunity to preview the action, with the first games tipping off on December 22. Buckle up, folks!
The West – A Lakers dynasty in the making
Champs get stronger
If last season made just one thing clear, it’s that the Lakers are back for good – and ominously, they’ve had probably the best off-season in the league, making all the right moves to improve in all positions over last year.
First of all, they re-signed Anthony Davis to a five-year, $190 million contract, a move that confirms that nothing less than a repeat this year is acceptable.
Trading Dennis Schroder from the Oklahoma City Thunder, while adding depth to the Center position through free agents Marc Gasol and reigning sixth man Montrezl Harrell has stacked the roster even further. Wesley Matthews taking Danny Green’s spot is the last piece of the puzzle.
They remain the team to beat in 2021 and are deservedly the No.1 title favourites. Cloudbet is offering odds of 2.88/+188 on the Lakers lifting the title and 1.85/-177 to take the Western Conference.
Clippers to contend
The Lakers’ cross-town rivals are looking to reboot their fortunes after their huge summer letdown, giving up a 3-1 series lead in the Western semifinals against the Denver Nuggets.
The Clips have a new head coach in Tyronn Lue and the team has locked in Paul George until 2025 with a contract extension. Meanwhile, the gap at center created by Harrell’s departure has been filled with Serge Ibaka – who has now been reunited with Kawhi Leonard: The two both shared a championship title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
The Clips will be looking for Ibaka’s defensive game to better contain players like Anthony Davis and the Nugget’s Nikola Jokic more effectively, especially in the post-season.
The Clips are currently at 8.18/+718 to take the title and you can get odds of 2.12/+112 that they end the regular season with a greater than 67% win percentage.
A nod to the Nuggets
While the hunt for the six remaining Western Conference playoff spots includes several teams in the mix-up, one looks to stand out from that group.
The Denver Nuggets seem to be a few steps (or years) away from going all the way, with a great young core by way of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Under the guidance of Head Coach Mike Malone, the Nuggets have built on strong foundations and will be a force to be reckoned for the foreseeable future. Denver is 20.9/+1996 to win it all this season.
The East – up for grabs
In the Eastern Conference, things look a bit more fluid.
The Milwaukee Bucks seem to have found a way of killing it during the regular season – and played some great basketball before the March shutdown – but still lack the knack of transforming these home-court advantages into deeper postseason quests for glory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the elite company of only Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon by winning both MVP (his second in a row) and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season last year. The Greek Freak looks hungry as ever to make the leap into the finals.
The most notable move made by the front office saw Jrue Holiday join from the New Orleans Pelicans in the off-season, while the waiting game around Giannis is over – on Wednesday he signed the full five-year, $228 million supermax contract. He’s committed to Milwaukee now for a long time.
Milwaukee’s title odds are currently 6.36/+536.
It was the Miami Heat (23.0/+2201 for the title) that knocked Milwaukee out in the bubble. The Bucks had no answer for the Heat’s physical and tactical approach, led by alpha dogs Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Butler’s unquestionable fighter mentality and work ethic is paired by a unique two-way talent. Bam was dominant in the paint while young sharpshooters Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson set the tone for a balanced offence that sets the bar high for 2021.
This season’s Brooklyn Nets (7.55/+655 for the crown) are perhaps the most intriguing entity in the East. The return of Kevin Durant (10.5/+959 for regular season MVP) and Kyrie Irving (92.9/+9192 for the same) at full strength automatically flips the switch on the Nets to contender status, while Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris LeVert should again play integral roles having had their best professional seasons in 2020.
The arrival of Steve Nash as head coach was the story of the off-season. The hiring of the former Suns two-time MVP has been met with some skepticism though, mainly due to his lack of experience in the position. No doubt both fans and pundits will be watching closely.
The Covid elephant in the room
We can’t end any major competition preview without a generous nod of the head to the bogeyman du jour. The NBA’s solution to covid last season – the Disney World bubble – was an enormous undertaking and an undeniable success. Building on that experience, the league now has strict protocols and a slightly rejigged playing schedule in place this season.
Perhaps the biggest change for players, aside from the relative isolation, will be road-trip restrictions and playing matches back-to-back while visiting. It’ll be interesting to see how teams (and betting odds) respond to sudden line-up and venue adjustments if Covid rears its ugly head.
Powered by WPeMatico
Bitcoin has shattered records, soaring past €100,000 per coin, marking a pivotal moment in cryptocurrency history. SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider with over 15 years of expertise and a trailblazer in crypto integration for iGaming, unveils the transformative trends set to redefine the digital currency landscape.
According to Statista, the global cryptocurrency market’s revenue is estimated to reach almost €44 billion in 2025, with an expected 861 million users. SOFTSWISS experts spotlight the major forces shaping the crypto future.
How Will Regulation Evolve?
As cryptocurrency adoption grows, experts anticipate global regulations to tighten to address security, transparency, and misuse. Key areas of focus include AML (Anti-Money Laundering), KYC (Know Your Customer), and investor protection, requiring businesses to implement robust compliance measures.
Companies must adapt to diverse regional regulations, such as Europe’s MiCA framework or US oversight by the SEC and CFTC. While compliance increases operational costs, it enhances credibility, fosters trust, and creates opportunities to attract institutional investors and expand into regulated markets, positioning businesses for sustainable growth.
Financial Security with Crypto Investments
Bitcoin’s growing acceptance and institutional interest demonstrate its evolving role as a significant financial asset. With nations like the US exploring its use as a reserve asset, Bitcoin is increasingly seen as a store of value and a hedge against traditional market fluctuations. These trends reinforce its potential as a strategic component in a forward-looking investment portfolio.
Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, comments: “While crypto remains a risky asset, its long-term growth potential and increasing institutional adoption suggest it could be a valuable addition to a diversified retirement portfolio. The key is understanding the asset, investing consistently, and viewing it as a long-term strategy rather than a short-term speculation.”
Consider this strategy based on the past decade: saving €100 per month over ten years would result in €12,000 with little to no return if kept in a bank or at home. However, investing that same €100 monthly in Bitcoin could have transformed those €12,000 into over €120,000. This remarkable growth illustrates Bitcoin’s potential to significantly enhance long-term savings or provide substantial financial security for retirement.
Is Crypto a New Payment Standard?
The era of cryptocurrency as a purely speculative asset has passed. Businesses and consumers now demand real utility, with crypto payments rapidly becoming an industry standard. The adoption curve is evolving – what was once considered an alternative is now a necessity. Seamless, low-cost, and fast transactions are no longer merely advantages; they have become fundamental expectations.
Max Krupyshev, CEO at CoinsPaid, comments: “The shift from holding to spending will be one of the biggest transformations of 2025. At CoinsPaid, we see real businesses using crypto payments every day. It’s not just about holding anymore – it’s about spending. Expect more companies to accept and settle in crypto, making it as easy as using a credit card. And yes, customised tokens are part of this too – they’re fun, they’re liquid, and they work.”
Proprietary Tokens for Player Engagement
An influential trend in iGaming established brands like Rollbit and Shuffle leveraging proprietary tokens to enhance player engagement. These gaming-specific tokens offer benefits like seamless platform integration, reduced volatility, and exclusive perks, driving innovation in payment methods and business growth.
Proprietary tokens allow casinos to create internal ecosystems with unique bonuses and advantages, potentially extending to external partnerships, such as voucher rewards with major brands. This strategy boosts marketing efforts and strengthens player loyalty. However, developing and maintaining a proprietary currency requires significant resources, including a substantial marketing budget to build trust and encourage adoption. These challenges can divert focus from the core mission of delivering quality entertainment and gaming experiences.
The experts summarise: “The crypto industry has always been about pushing boundaries, and 2025 will be the year we stop talking about potential and start seeing real-world utility at scale. This year crypto stops being just an asset class and starts being the backbone of global finance. The focus is shifting to utility, efficiency, and real-world integration, and the companies that adapt will lead the next wave of innovation. The future of payments isn’t coming – it’s already here.”
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post What Are the Game-Changing Crypto Trends in 2025? Highlights from SOFTSWISS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
NBA superstar Tristan Thompson is the latest big name to partner with Sportsbet.io, the world’s favorite crypto-first sports betting site, as its newest global ambassador.
Thompson, a Cleveland Cavaliers center and 2016 NBA Championship winner, will bring his star power and passion for cryptocurrency to the Sportsbet.io community for the next two years.
The Canadian basketball legend will be sharing his views on the latest action for Sportsbet.io, where fans will have the opportunity to take part in some exclusive promotions.
Tristan Thompson, Sportsbet.io ambassador, said: “Sportsbet.io brings together my two biggest passions: sports and cryptocurrency. I’ve been following the crypto sector for some time now and have seen how transformative it can be. There’s no better place to combine that with my love of sports than Sportsbet.io.”
Shane Anderson, Director Partnership, Content and Brand, Yolo Entertainment, the operator of Sportsbet.io, added: “We’d like to give a huge Sportsbet.io welcome to Tristan, an elite athlete whose passion for both basketball and cryptocurrency makes him a perfect match for us. We’re thrilled to have him on the team, and we already have some exciting plans in the works. Watch this space.”
Thompson’s crypto credentials are already well established; he’s been a vocal supporter of Bitcoin, and recently celebrated as it reached a new all-time high in price.
He will be providing weekly betting tips on a range of sports, including NFL, MLB, European soccer, tennis, golf, UFC and boxing.
The partnership with Thompson marks another exciting new chapter for Sportsbet.io, which has earned a reputation for both its innovative approach to gaming, and its star-studded line-up of ambassadors, including cricket legend Brett Lee, Kenyan rapper King Kaka and many more.
Sportsbet.io is also an official partner of LALIGA and Newcastle United.
The post NBA star Tristan Thompson signs for Sportsbet.io appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Rivalry Corp. (the “Company” or “Rivalry”) (TSXV: RVLY)
(OTCQX: RVLCF) (FSE: 9VK), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for digital-first players, today announced it has added U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s official Solana cryptocurrency ‘$TRUMP’ as an accepted payment method.
Ahead of the U.S. Presidential Inauguration on January 20th, Rivalry users are now able to deposit and wager using $TRUMP, a cryptocurrency on the Solana blockchain which currently has a fully diluted value of over USD $30 billion. The addition of $TRUMP as a payment method on Rivalry comes less than 24 hours after the President-elect released the cryptocurrency on Friday evening.
”Meme coins are attention monetized, and the release of $TRUMP just days before an Inauguration is a quintessential internet and crypto culture-driven moment which enabled it to eclipse $30 billion in fully diluted value shortly after its debut” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “Rapidly deploying $TRUMP as a deposit method in less than 24 hours is a testament to our ability to identify and lean into these universal cultural moments, layer it into our core crypto gambling experience, and deliver first-of-its-kind experiences to our users.”
Additionally, Rivalry customers wagering on-site with $TRUMP will receive exclusive rewards through February 1, 2025 in recognition of the upcoming Presidential Inauguration, including multiplying the amount of NUTZ–the Company’s native token–players earn on every bet by 20x, a reflection of the inauguration on Monday, January 20, 2025.
With the acceptance of $TRUMP, along with a number of other major cryptocurrencies as part of Rivalry’s crypto-first approach, the Company has ongoing treasury holdings of various major cryptocurrencies and meme coins that it accepts as a deposit option. The Company will continue to add additional cryptocurrencies as needed to support its player base and continual expansion into the crypto gambling segment.
$TRUMP as a payment method will be available to Rivalry users in jurisdictions which apply to the Company’s Isle of Man license only.
The post Rivalry Adds $TRUMP Meme Coin as Crypto Payment Method appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
Bazk4 days agoIBIA establishes innovative Payment Provider Forum to protect the integrity of the sports betting market in Brazil from financial fraud
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
ESIC Implemented its Anti-doping Testing Programme at IEM Katowice 2025
-
Latest News6 days ago
Oddsgate sponsors SBC RIO and presents an exclusive study
-
BiS Awards5 days ago
Registration Open for BiS Awards 2025: Recognizing Excellence in the iGaming and Betting Industry
-
Latest News6 days ago
The Untapped Potential of Localised Support January 2024
-
Canada5 days agoSiyata Mobile Announces New Order from Leading Canadian Gaming and Entertainment Company
-
Asia6 days ago
Esports World Cup Foundation Announces Strategic Partnership with Tencent
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
Swintt’s certified games ready to enter the Greek market
