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Has crypto’s impact on gaming been truly realised yet?

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  • Cryptocurrencies can enhance gaming with fast transactions and privacy benefits
  • Legal ambiguities in South Africa restrict crypto betting despite market growth
  • Global adoption of crypto in gaming is also facing challenges due to volatility and regulation.

The world of gaming is no longer confined to traditional platforms and payment methods. The advent of cryptocurrencies has introduced a new dimension to gaming, particularly online betting, offering a range of benefits and challenges that are reshaping the industry. 

As the integration of crypto into gaming platforms becomes more prevalent, whether its impact has been fully realised is a complex question, especially in regions like South Africa where online gambling is evolving but remains legally ambiguous.

Cryptocurrency’s growing influence in online gaming

Cryptocurrencies have made significant inroads into the gaming industry, offering both operators and players a range of benefits. 

One of the primary advantages is speed. Transactions using cryptocurrencies are often processed within minutes, compared to traditional payment methods like bank transfers or PayPal, which can take several days. This immediacy enhances the gaming experience, particularly for online sports betting and casino games where quick access to funds is crucial.

Another notable advantage is privacy. Crypto transactions do not require users to disclose sensitive personal information, unlike conventional banking methods. This feature appeals to gamers who value anonymity and wish to avoid the scrutiny that can come with traditional financial transactions. 

Additionally, the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies eliminates the need for intermediaries, which can reduce transaction fees and costs.

Moreover, the volatility of cryptocurrencies presents both risks and opportunities. While price fluctuations can lead to significant gains or losses, savvy gamers might leverage these dynamics to their advantage. This element of investment adds an extra layer of excitement for those who understand the market.

The legal landscape of online betting in South Africa

In South Africa, the legal status of online betting and cryptocurrency usage is complex and somewhat ambiguous. 

The National Gambling Act of 2004 regulates gambling activities in the country but does not explicitly address online betting on games in South Africa. This gap in legislation has led to a situation where online sports betting is legal, but online casinos and other forms of interactive gambling are technically illegal.

Despite the legal uncertainties, South Africa’s online sports betting industry has experienced significant growth. 

In 2020, the market was valued at R3.27 billion, with nearly 50% of South Africans placing sports bets in the previous year. Rugby, cricket, and soccer are among the most popular sports for betting in the country.

By the end of 2024, South Africa’s online sports betting market is projected to hit a market volume of $394.80 million (R7.290 billion) according to data from Statista.

Cryptocurrency betting, however, remains a contentious issue. While it offers numerous benefits, including sizable welcome bonuses and enhanced privacy, it is currently prohibited under South African law. 

The legal framework does not specifically address cryptocurrency gambling, leaving it in a grey area. South African punters are restricted from using digital currencies for betting, despite the growing global trend toward crypto adoption.

The broader global context

Globally, the integration of cryptocurrencies into online gaming and betting platforms is more advanced. Many international platforms accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other popular cryptocurrencies. 

These platforms offer attractive incentives such as large welcome bonuses and fast transaction speeds, further driving the adoption of digital currencies in gaming.

However, the adoption of crypto in gaming is not without its challenges. Fees associated with cryptocurrency transactions, while generally lower than traditional methods, can still be a concern. 

Additionally, the volatility of digital currencies can result in significant financial risk, making it essential for players to manage their investments carefully.

The lack of comprehensive regulatory frameworks in many regions also poses a challenge. In South Africa, the proposed Remote Gambling Bill aims to address some of these issues by potentially legalizing and regulating online gambling for real money. 

However, as of now, this bill has not been enacted, leaving a gap in the regulation of crypto betting.

Conclusion

The impact of cryptocurrency on the gaming industry is evident, with numerous benefits driving its adoption. However, the full potential of crypto’s impact has yet to be realized, particularly in regions like South Africa where legal and regulatory uncertainties persist. 

As global trends continue to evolve, we will likely see more jurisdictions embracing the integration of cryptocurrencies into online gaming.

For now, the intersection of crypto and gaming remains a dynamic and evolving landscape, with significant potential for future development.



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Report Alleges Massive Meme Coin Sniping on Pump.fun

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According to a new report from Pine Analytics, token deployers on Pump.fun systematically funded sniper wallets to buy their own meme coins. This impacted over 15,000 token launches on the platform.

These sniper wallets operated primarily during US trading hours, executing standardized, profitable strategies. Unrelated bot activity obscures their behavior, making it extremely difficult to isolate these wallets—and they can readily adapt to new countermeasures.

Snipers Roam Free on Pump.fun Meme Coins

Pump.fun has remained one of the most popular meme coin launchpads on Solana despite persistent controversies and other criticism.

However, Pine Analytics’ new report has uncovered a new controversy, discovering systematic market manipulation on the platform. These snipes include as much as 1.75% of all launch activity on Pump.fun.

“Our analysis reveals that this tactic is not rare or fringe — over the past month alone, more than 15,000 SOL in realized profit was extracted through this method, across 15,000+ launches involving 4,600+ sniper wallets and 10,400+ deployers. These wallets demonstrate unusually high success rates (87% of snipes were profitable), clean exits, and structured operational patterns,” it claimed.

Solana meme coin deployers on Pump.fun follow a consistent pattern. They fund one or more sniper wallets and grant them advance notice of upcoming token launches.

Those wallets purchase tokens in the very first block and then liquidate almost immediately—85% within five minutes and 90% in just one or two swap events.

pump.fun snipers
Figure: Pump.Fun Sniper Wallet Profits. Source: X/Pine Analytics

Pump.fun meme coin developers exploit this tactic to create the appearance of immediate demand for their tokens. Retail investors, unaware of the prior sell‑off, often purchase these tokens after the snipe, giving developers an unfair advantage. This constitutes market manipulation and erodes trust in the platform.

Pine Analytics had to carefully calibrate its methods to identify genuine snipers. Apparently, 50% of meme coin launches on Pump.fun involve sniping, but most of this is probably bots using the “spray and pray” method.

However, by filtering out snipers with no direct links to developer wallets, the firm missed projects that covered their tracks through proxies and burners.

In other words, the meme coin community does not have adequate defenses against systematic abuse on Pump.fun. There are a few possible ways that the platform could flag repeat offenders and sketchy projects, but adaptive countermeasures could defeat them. This problem demands persistent and proactive action.

Unfortunately, it may be difficult to enact such policies. Meme coin sniping is so systematic that Pump.fun could only fight it with real commitment.

Analysts think that building an on-chain culture that rewards transparency over extraction is the best long-term solution. A shift like that would be truly seismic, and the meme coin sector might not survive it.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Solana Leads Blockchain Metrics as SOL Momentum Builds

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Solana (SOL) continues to show strength across multiple fronts, maintaining a bullish structure on its Ichimoku Cloud chart while gaining momentum in key market metrics. The BBTrend indicator has turned higher again, signaling renewed buying pressure after a brief cooldown.

On-chain activity remains strong, with Solana leading all blockchains in DEX volume and dominating fee generation thanks to the explosive growth of meme coins and launchpad activity. With SOL now trading above a key resistance level, the path is open for further upside—though a loss of momentum could still trigger a retest of lower supports.

Solana Maintains Bullish Structure, but Momentum Faces Key Test

On Solana’s Ichimoku Cloud chart, the price is currently above the Kijun-sen (red base line) but has dipped below the Tenkan-sen (blue conversion line), signaling weakening short-term momentum.

The flattening Tenkan-sen and price behavior suggest possible consolidation or the early stages of a pullback. Still, with the price holding above the Kijun-sen, medium-term support remains intact.

SOL Ichimoku Cloud. Source: TradingView.

The overall Ichimoku structure remains bullish, with a thick, rising cloud and leading span A well above span B—indicating strong underlying support.

If Solana finds support at the Kijun-sen and climbs back above the Tenkan-sen, the uptrend could regain strength; otherwise, a test of the cloud’s upper boundary may follow.

SOL BBTrend.
SOL BBTrend. Source: TradingView.

Meanwhile, Solana’s BBTrend is currently at 6, extending nearly ten days in positive territory after peaking at 17.5 on April 14. The recent increase from 4.26 to 6 suggests renewed bullish momentum following a brief cooldown.

BBTrend, or Bollinger Band Trend, tracks the strength of price movement based on Bollinger Band expansion.

Positive values like the current one point to an active uptrend, and if the BBTrend continues to rise, it could signal stronger momentum and potential for another upward move.

Solana Dominates DEX Volume and Fee Generation as Meme Coins Drive Ecosystem Growth

Solana has once again claimed the top spot among all chains in DEX volume, recording $15.15 billion over the past seven days. The combined total of Ethereum, BNB, Base, and Arbitrum reached $22.7 billion.

DEX Volume by Chain.
DEX Volume by Chain. Source: DeFiLlama.

In the last 24 hours alone, Solana saw $1.67 billion in volume, largely fueled by its booming meme coin ecosystem and the ongoing launchpad battle between PumpFun and Raydium. Adding to this good momentum, Solana recently surpassed Ethereum in Staking Market Cap.

Protocols and Chains Fees.
Protocols and Chains Fees. Source: DeFiLlama.

When it comes to application fees, Solana’s momentum is just as clear. Four of the top ten fee-generating apps over the past week—PumpFun, Jupiter, Jito, and Meteora—are Solana-focused.

Pump leads the pack with nearly $18 million in fees alone.

Solana Breaks Key Resistance as Uptrend Targets Higher Levels, but Risks Remain

Solana has finally broken above its key resistance at $136, flipping it into a new support level that was successfully tested just yesterday.

Its EMA lines remain aligned in a bullish setup, suggesting the uptrend is still intact.

If this momentum continues, SOL price could aim for the next resistance zones at $147 and $152—levels that, if breached, open the door to a potential move toward $179.

SOL Price Analysis.
SOL Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

The current structure favors buyers, with higher lows and strong support reinforcing the trend.

However, if momentum fades, a retest of the $136 support is likely.

A breakdown below that level could shift sentiment, exposing Solana to deeper pullbacks toward $124 and even $112.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Crypto Firms Donated $85 million in Trump’s Inauguration

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According to a new report, 15 firms and individuals from the crypto industry donated more than $100,000 to President Trump’s Inauguration, totaling over $85 million.

Almost all of these companies apparently received direct or indirect benefits from Trump’s administration. This includes dropped legal proceedings, lucrative business partnerships, participation in Trump’s Crypto Summit, and more.

Crypto Industry Went All-In on Trump’s Inauguration

Since promising to bring friendlier regulations on the campaign trail, Donald Trump attracted a reputation as the Crypto President.

Trump’s Inauguration festivities included a “Crypto Ball,” and several prominent firms made donations for these events. Today, a report has compiled all crypto-related contributions of over $100,000, revealing some interesting facts.

Crypto Donations For Trump's Inauguration
Crypto Donations For Trump’s Inauguration. Source: Fortune

Since taking office, President Trump and his family have been allegedly involved in prominent crypto controversies, and these donations may be linked to several of them.

For example, eight of the donors, Coinbase, Crypto.com, Uniswap, Yuga Labs, Kraken, Ripple, Robinhood, and Consensys, had SEC investigations or lawsuits against them closed since Trump’s term began.

The commission might have dropped its probe against these companies anyway due to its changing stance on crypto enforcement. However, being in the President’s good books likely helped the process.

Further Alleged Benefits for Donors

In other words, nearly half the firms that made donations to Trump’s Inauguration have seen their legal problems cleared up quickly. This isn’t the only regulation-related benefit they allegedly received.

Circle, for example, recently made an IPO after openly stating that Trump’s Presidency made it possible. Galaxy Digital received SEC approval for a major reorganization, a key step for a NASDAQ listing.

Other donors, such as Crypto.com and ONDO, got more direct financial partnerships with businesses associated with the Trump family.

Previously, Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, anticipated a crypto bull market under Trump. Also, XRP, Solana, and Cardano were all unexpectedly included in the US Crypto Reserve announcement.

All three of these companies made major donations to Trump’s Inauguration.

It seems that most of the firms involved got at least some sort of noticeable benefit from these donations. Donors like Multicoin and Paradigm received invitations to Trump’s Crypto Summit, while much more prominent groups like the Ethereum Foundation got snubbed.

Meanwhile, various industry KOLs and community members have already alleged major corruption in Trump’s crypto connections.

While some allegations might lack substantial proof, the crypto space has changed dramatically under the new administration, for both good and bad.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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