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Bitcoin Poker No Deposit Bonus 2026: BC Poker Offers $10 Free to Play Online Poker for Real Money With No Cashout Cap, Provably Fair Tables, and Instant Crypto Withdrawals | Web3Wire

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Bitcoin Poker No Deposit Bonus 2026: BC Poker Offers  Free to Play Online Poker for Real Money With No Cashout Cap, Provably Fair Tables, and Instant Crypto Withdrawals | Web3Wire


Seattle, WA, April 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BC Poker has introduced one of the most transparent bitcoin poker no deposit bonus offers currently available in the online poker market. New players who register on the platform receive $5 in BCD tokens immediately, with a second $5 credited upon downloading the BC Poker mobile app. The combined $10 bitcoin poker no deposit bonus plays at real money tables across all poker formats, carries no maximum withdrawal limit on winnings, and processes payouts instantly through supported cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and USDC.

The offer arrives at a time when bitcoin poker no deposit bonus demand is reaching record levels across the industry. Players searching for a legitimate way to test a crypto poker platform without risking their own money have increasingly reported frustration with competing offers that impose hidden cashout caps, slot-based wagering requirements, or mandatory identity verification before any bonus funds become accessible.

BC Poker, operated by the BC.GAME Group and licensed under the Anjouan Gaming Authority, has structured its bitcoin poker no deposit bonus to avoid all three of these commonly cited friction points. The result is a risk-free entry into a provably fair, BC Shield-protected poker environment where bonus winnings are treated identically to deposited funds.

>> Learn more about BC Poker’s $10 bitcoin poker no deposit bonus

How BC Poker’s Bitcoin Poker No Deposit Bonus Works: Full Breakdown

BC Poker designed its bitcoin poker no deposit bonus to function exactly the way players expect a free offer to work, without the conditions that typically diminish its value.

The registration bonus of $5 in BCD tokens is credited automatically when a new account is created. BCD is the native token of the BC.GAME ecosystem, valued at approximately $1 per unit, and operates as real money across every poker format on the platform. A second $5 bonus activates when the player downloads the BC Poker app, which is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Total bitcoin poker no deposit bonus value: $10.

These funds are not restricted to a specific table, game type, or stake level. Players can use the bitcoin poker no deposit bonus at Texas Hold’em cash games, Omaha tables, Short Deck (6+) sessions, Spin & Go jackpot tournaments, Sit & Go events, and scheduled multi-table tournaments. Buy-ins begin from $1 equivalent, making the bonus functional across micro and low-stakes formats.

The most significant aspect of BC Poker’s bitcoin poker no deposit bonus is what it does not include. There is no maximum cashout on bonus winnings. A player who converts $10 into $400 through legitimate poker play withdraws $400. There is no slot-based wagering requirement. Bonus funds play at poker tables because BC Poker is a dedicated poker platform, not a mixed casino. There is no holding period on withdrawals. Payouts process instantly through USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH, or BC token.

For comparison, a review of bitcoin poker no deposit bonus offers across major competing platforms in 2026 shows that the majority impose cashout limits ranging from $20 to $100, require wagering through non-poker games, or both. BC Poker’s decision to remove these restrictions reflects the platform’s broader positioning as a poker-first environment built around player trust rather than promotional volume.

>> Visit bcpoker.com to claim the $10 bitcoin poker no deposit bonus and review full terms

What Makes BC Poker Different From Other Bitcoin Poker Platforms Offering a No Deposit Bonus

Several factors distinguish BC Poker from the broader pool of bitcoin poker and online poker platforms currently promoting no deposit offers in 2026.

Poker-only bonus structure. BC Poker does not operate a traditional online casino alongside its poker room. The platform is built exclusively for poker players. This means the bitcoin poker no deposit bonus is not a casino promotion repurposed for poker. It was designed specifically for real money poker play, and it clears through poker activity, not slot spins or roulette wagers.

No cashout cap. The absence of a maximum withdrawal limit on bitcoin poker no deposit bonus winnings is rare in the current market. Most competing platforms cap bonus cashouts between $20 and $100 regardless of the amount actually won at the tables. BC Poker applies no such limit. Winnings from the bitcoin poker no deposit bonus are fully withdrawable without restriction.

Instant crypto withdrawals. BC Poker processes withdrawal requests through cryptocurrency rails that settle in minutes rather than the multi-day timelines associated with traditional fiat payment methods. Supported currencies include USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH, and BC token. There is no manual review queue for standard withdrawal amounts, and no additional verification step triggered specifically when players attempt to cash out bonus winnings.

BC.GAME Group backing. BC Poker is not an independent startup. It operates under the BC.GAME Group, one of the most established names in cryptocurrency gaming. The infrastructure behind BC Poker, including payment processing, customer support systems, and security protocols, was built and tested at scale before the poker platform launched in 2025.

14-language support. BC Poker serves players across English, Arabic, Bengali, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Traditional Chinese, and Turkish, with 24/7 live chat available across all supported languages.

BC Shield: How BC Poker Protects Bitcoin Poker Tables and No Deposit Bonus Players

A bitcoin poker no deposit bonus provides risk-free entry, but that entry has limited value if the poker tables themselves are compromised. BC Poker addressed this concern by developing BC Shield, a six-layer anti-cheat and fair play framework that operates across every cash game and tournament on the platform.

The provably fair system ensures card dealing integrity through cryptographic verification. Players can independently verify any hand after it is dealt, confirming that outcomes were not manipulated at any point during the deal. AI behavior detection continuously monitors gameplay patterns across all active tables, flagging activity consistent with bot play, solver-assisted decision making, or multi-account collusion. Liveness verification requires a facial recognition check when a player takes a seat, confirming that a real person is at the table rather than an automated program. Wormhole detection prevents remote desktop access or unauthorized device linking during live sessions. Emulator detection blocks gameplay from virtual machines or simulated environments. HUD restriction prohibits third-party software from collecting hand history data or displaying real-time statistics at BC Poker tables.

All six layers run simultaneously across every table. This level of integrated security is not standard in the online poker industry, where most platforms address one or two of these threat vectors while leaving others unmonitored. For players entering BC Poker through the bitcoin poker no deposit bonus, BC Shield ensures that their initial experience occurs under the same security conditions available to depositing players at every stake level.

>> Explore BC Poker’s provably fair bitcoin poker tables and BC Shield security

BC Poker Deposit Bonus and VIP Rakeback: Value Beyond the Bitcoin Poker No Deposit Bonus

The bitcoin poker no deposit bonus is designed as an entry point. BC Poker’s full reward structure extends well beyond the initial free offer and is built to retain active players through ongoing value.

Players who choose to make a deposit after using the no deposit bonus receive a 10% instant match up to $200. The clearing requirement is 5x the bonus amount in rake, which is generated exclusively through poker play. That threshold sits well below the 20x to 40x clearing requirements imposed by most competing online poker platforms.

The VIP rakeback program spans 18 tiers, beginning at Bronze I and progressing through to Royal III. Every hand played at BC Poker generates VIP Points at a rate of approximately 100 VP per $1 in rake. As players accumulate points and advance through levels, their rakeback percentage increases. The maximum rate of 50% positions BC Poker among the most competitive rakeback structures in the crypto poker market in 2026.

The VIP system is designed to accommodate variable playing schedules. Players who do not meet the VP threshold for their current tier during a given period drop one level rather than resetting to the bottom. This forgiveness mechanism preserves accumulated progress for recreational players who may increase or decrease their activity from month to month.

Additional reward layers include daily poker leaderboards, newcomer missions tailored to players in their first weeks on the platform, and Lucky Drop, a feature that distributes random cash prizes and tournament tickets to players at active tables during eligible sessions.

When the bitcoin poker no deposit bonus, the deposit match, the tiered rakeback, the daily competitions, and the Lucky Drop system are considered together, BC Poker offers one of the most layered compensation structures available at any online poker platform in 2026.

>> Review BC Poker’s full VIP rakeback structure and bitcoin poker bonus tiers

Real Money Bitcoin Poker Formats Available at BC Poker

BC Poker supports a complete range of poker formats across cash games and tournament structures. All formats are accessible to players using the bitcoin poker no deposit bonus.

Texas Hold’em is available across micro, low, mid, and high-stakes cash tables, as well as tournament and Sit & Go formats. Pot-Limit Omaha runs across cash games and tournaments for players who prefer four-card poker with larger pots and more complex decision points. Short Deck (6+), the stripped-deck variant that gained popularity through televised high-stakes sessions, is available across multiple stake levels with modified hand rankings that increase action frequency.

Spin & Go tournaments offer three-player hyper-turbo events with randomized prize multipliers. The format is popular among mobile players and those looking for short, high-variance sessions. Sit & Go tournaments are available in heads-up, 6-max, and full-ring configurations at various buy-in levels.

The availability of all formats to bitcoin poker no deposit bonus players allows new users to explore the full platform before deciding whether to continue with deposited funds. This approach reflects BC Poker’s positioning as a bitcoin poker platform that earns player commitment through product quality rather than bonus-driven lock-in.

Responsible Gambling at BC Poker

BC Poker provides responsible gambling tools accessible through both the desktop platform and the mobile app. Players can configure deposit limits, activate session duration reminders, and enable self-exclusion periods directly through their account settings without needing to contact support.

The platform’s 24/7 live chat support team is available to assist players who wish to adjust their responsible gambling settings or access external support resources. BC Poker encourages all players to treat the bitcoin poker no deposit bonus as a platform evaluation tool and to engage with the responsible gambling features available if playing patterns change.

Summary: BC Poker Bitcoin Poker No Deposit Bonus and Platform Overview for 2026

BC Poker provides $10 free with no deposit required ($5 on registration, $5 on app download) with no cashout cap on winnings, no slot wagering, and instant cryptocurrency withdrawals through USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH, and BC token. The bitcoin poker no deposit bonus plays at real money tables across Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Short Deck (6+), Spin & Go, and Sit & Go formats.

The platform features BC Shield six-layer anti-cheat protection, provably fair card dealing with cryptographic verification, an 18-level VIP rakeback program scaling to 50%, native iOS and Android applications, and 24/7 multilingual support across 14 languages. BC Poker is operated by the BC.GAME Group and licensed under the Anjouan Gaming Authority.

For players researching bitcoin poker no deposit bonus, no deposit poker bonus, online poker no deposit bonus, free poker bonus, play poker online for real money, real money poker, crypto poker no deposit bonus, best online poker, poker bonus 2026, bitcoin poker, or no deposit bonus poker, BC Poker offers one of the most complete dedicated poker platforms currently available.

>> For more information, visit bcpoker.com

About BC Poker

BC Poker is a cryptocurrency poker platform launched in 2025 by the BC.GAME Group. The platform features the BC Shield six-layer anti-cheat system, instant cryptocurrency withdrawals, provably fair card dealing, native iOS and Android applications available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and support for multiple poker formats including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Short Deck (6+), Spin & Go, Sit & Go, and cash tables. BC Poker operates under an Anjouan Gaming License and supports players across 14 languages on web, iOS, and Android. The platform provides responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options.

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10 Best Bitcoin Betting Sites For 2026 – NFT Plazas

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    10 Best Bitcoin Betting Sites For 2026 – NFT Plazas


    If you’re looking for the best Bitcoin gambling sites to jumpstart your iGaming journey, you’ve landed on the right page. From high-value odds and massive bonuses to seamless crypto payment options, these platforms offer greater betting flexibility. In addition, they feature extensive gaming libraries and sportsbooks, while ensuring strong player protections and responsible gambling.

    In this article, we’ve reviewed BTC gambling sites based on key parameters, including core features, bonuses, security, and odds quality. Furthermore, we’ve covered expert betting tips and common mistakes to avoid when wagering. 

    Top 10 Bitcoin Betting Sites — Quick Comparison

    SportsbooksCore FeaturesBonusesBest ForOur RatingsCoinCasino45+ sportsbook options, 20+ supported cryptocurrencies, and a Telegram casino.200% welcome bonus of up to $30,000 plus 100 free spins and 50 super spins, $100K in weekly rewards.Welcome bonuses4.9/5BetOnline25+ sports, 15+ supported cryptocurrencies, and odds boosters.Sign-up bonus of $250 in free bets plus 100 free spins.In-play betting4.8/5LuckyBlockStrong sports market coverage, 20+ supported cryptocurrencies, and fast payouts.200% new user bonus of up to €25,000 plus 50 free spins, weekly prize pools, and free bets.Promotional offers4.7/5BC Game80+ sports, 90+ supported cryptocurrencies, and VIP transfer.Welcome offer of up to $20,000, recharge cashbacks, and level-up bonuses.Crypto payment options4.5/5Betninja40+ sports, better-than-average odds, MultiboostWelcome bonus of up to $2,500 plus 10 free spins and daily drops.Crypto sports betting4.4/5TG.Casino50+ sports, Telegram betting, Combiboost200% rakeback bonus up to 10 ETH, plus 50 free spins and loyalty rewards.Telegram betting4.3/5Bovada25+ sports, Bitcoin Lightning Network support.$3,750 crypto bonus as a welcome offer and jackpots.North American players4.2/5MegaDice50+ sports, 12+ supported cryptocurrencies, and daily rewards200% match bonus of up to 1 BTC, free bets, and rakebacks.Daily rewards4.1/5Vave35+ sports, 8+ supported cryptocurrencies, and a user-friendly mobile app.First deposit bonus of up to 1BTC, cashback, and seasonal bonuses.Mobile betting4/5Telbet125+ sports, 10+ supported cryptocurrencies, multi-lingual customer support.$200 in free bets as a welcome offer and weekly reload bonuses.Sports market depth4/5

    10 Best Bitcoin Betting Sites for 2026: Full Reviews

    1. CoinCasino – Best for welcome bonuses

    CoinCasino - Best for welcome bonuses

    CoinCasino is a reputable Bitcoin betting site, known for its generous welcome bonus and multiple sports betting options. It supports 20+ cryptocurrency payment methods and is licensed by the Anjouan (Comoros) Gaming Authority.

    Key Features

    Welcome package: CoinCasino offers a lucrative 200% deposit bonus of up to $30,000 along with 100 free spins and 50 super spins.Crypto payment options: From popular cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Bitcoin to memecoins such as Dogecoin and Pepe, CoinCasino supports over 20+ virtual currencies.Betting options: Whether you’re a soccer enthusiast or an esports lover, you’ll find a variety of pre-match and live betting options on CoinCasino. It allows you to bet on 45+ sports, including track events like horse, greyhound, and harness racing.Free bets: If you deposit using Best Wallet, you can win up to 5 free bets weekly, depending on your betting volume. You can also enjoy up to 100 free spins, each worth $0.20 or $0.50.Telegram Casino: For mobile-first users, CoinCasino offers an exclusive Telegram channel. It automates your gameplay and provides access to versatile betting features via a Telegram bot.VIP club: CoinCasino offers fourteen VIP tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum I-III, Sapphire I-III, and Diamond I-V. The higher your total wager amount, the higher your tier, and the higher the benefits you receive. These include weekly cashbacks, monthly rewards, level-up bonuses, and exclusive offers. Once you reach Platinum or higher levels, you’ll also get a personal host.ACCA Boost Club: When you place accumulator bets with at least 3 selections, CoinCasino boosts your winnings by up to 40%.

    Pros and Cons

    ProsConsMinimum first deposit amount of just $10.Instant withdrawals.Free bets, each worth $5.Telegram betting.4,000+ casino games and 45+ sports.High wagering requirements on certain bonuses.Poor customer support via live chat.

    2. BetOnline – Best For In-Play Betting

    BetOnline - Best For In-Play BettingBetOnline - Best For In-Play Betting

    BetOnline is a Bitcoin gambling site, licensed by Panama’s Gaming Control Board. Established in 2001, it is a traditional sportsbook with integrated crypto payment options. Apart from a broad selection of betting options, BetOnline offers live casino games, including poker, roulette, and blackjack.

    Key Features

    Comprehensive sportsbook: BetOnline enables you to bet on a variety of individual and team sports, including martial arts and lesser-known games like lacrosse. It also offers an integrated racebook, allowing users to wager on horse racing events, including the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.Non-sports betting: If you enjoy speculating on the outcomes of political, financial, and entertainment events, BetOnline is your go-to platform.VIP rewards: BetOnline offers 7 VIP tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Elite, and Black. As your wager amount increases, you climb to higher VIP levels and unlock greater benefits. These include personalized gifts, free crypto withdrawals, a dedicated host, and weekly cash boosts.Web3 integration: BetOnline accepts deposits in 15+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. It has an exclusive Discord server to encourage discussions among members and occasionally hosts free poker tournaments for NFT communities. Welcome offer: Upon registering and fulfilling the minimum deposit requirement of $50, you’ll receive 50% of your first deposit in free bet credit. BetOnline offers up to $250 in free bets plus 100 free spins. Odd boosters: BetOnline boosts odds in your favour on selected sports betting markets. Typically, odd boosters are displayed in the form of parleys, futures, or props.Same game parlays: If you want to win big, you can place parlay bets on the same game. You can also build your own parlays via the Prop shop.

    Pros and Cons

    ProsConsUltra-fast payouts.Re-bet functionality.Supports fiat deposits via credit cards.Minimum wager requirement of just $1 for online bets.Shares daily cash drop codes via its Telegram channel.The welcome offer is only for players based in North America. Free bet credit is non-transferable and non-redeemable in cash.Phone bets require a higher minimum wager of $25.

    3. LuckyBlock – Best For Promotional Offers

    LuckyBlock - Best For Promotional OffersLuckyBlock - Best For Promotional Offers

    LuckyBlock is a Bitcoin sportsbook licensed in Curacao. It is a crypto-native platform supporting 20+ cryptocurrencies and features its own native token ecosystem. To enhance security and protect user funds, LuckyBlock regularly audits its infrastructure to prevent potential breaches.

    Key Features

    Welcome package: New users are entitled to a 200% welcome bonus of up to €25,000 and 50 free spins.Native token: LuckyBlock has its own native token, called $LBLOCK. You can buy this token on supported exchanges like MEXC, Uniswap, and Gate.io. When you bet using $LBLOCK-V2, you’re entitled to a 15% cashback on your weekly net losses. Additionally, you can stake your $LBLOCK tokens for up to 180 days to earn variable APYs. Crypto-first platform: You can fund your account using 20+ cryptocurrencies, including Ripple, Tron, and Solana. If you don’t have digital currencies, you can choose the “Buy Crypto” option and pay using your debit/credit card. Combi Boost: This feature boosts your winning odds by 40%, provided you meet the prescribed conditions. You need to place accumulator bets on at least 3 selections, each with minimum odds of 1.5. Additionally, you must bet with real money, not using bonus funds or free bets.

    Pros and Cons

    ProsConsWide selection of casino games and sports categories, including esports.Facilitates betting on non-sport events such as business, technology, and politics.Telegram Casino.Minimum first deposit of €20.Instant deposits and withdrawals.Sports bets can be placed with as little as $0.1.VIP club is invite-only and designed for high-volume bettors, requiring a minimum wagering amount of €100K.Some promotions may come with high wagering requirements.

    4. BC.Game – Best For Crypto Payment Options

    BC.Game - Best For Crypto Payment OptionsBC.Game - Best For Crypto Payment Options

    BC.Game is a popular Bitcoin bookmaker licensed by the Curaçao eGaming Authority. It is known for its deep sports markets, gamified features, and support for 90+ cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, the platform also has a native token, $BC, which can be earned through gameplay, cashback rewards, and exclusive perks.

    Key Features

    Crypto futures: BC.Game allows you to bet on the price movements of cryptocurrency futures. It involves forecasting up/down trends and high/low spreads, with leverage options. Besides, you can also engage in tap trading.Diverse sports markets: You can bet on 80+ sports, including cricket, ice hockey, golf, and esports.Welcome bonus: You can get a sign-up bonus of up to $20,000 for sports betting or the casino. Besides, you can earn various rewards in the form of lucky spins, level-up bonuses, free rolls, recharge cashbacks, and coin drops.$BC: It is the native utility token of the BC.Games platform. You can use BC tokens to gain entry to exclusive games or stake them to earn high APYs. You can even swap BC for other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies. VIP transfer: This feature allows you to transfer your VIP status from other gambling sites and join BC.Game VIP Club immediately.

    Pros and Cons

    ProsConsTelegram channel with a growing community of 181,500+ members.90M+ registered users.4,300+ games from top providers.Accepts deposits in 90+ cryptocurrencies. Sports market depth, including prop bets and niche esports.Beginners may find the platform’s features overwhelming.

    5. Betninja – Best For Crypto Sports Betting

    If you’re looking for a crypto sportsbook focused on traditional sports and esports betting, Bitninja is a solid choice. It is licensed in the Union of the Comoros and has implemented robust anti-money laundering measures. Notably, it accepts Bitcoin, altcoins, and fiat deposits and offers tiered deposit bonuses.

    Key Features

    Sports betting options: BetNinja offers deep coverage across 40+ sports, including major leagues/tournaments like the NHL, NBA, and the French Open. It also enables you to place live/pre-match bets on competitive esports such as DOTA2, CS2, Valorant, and League of Legends.Telegram-only rewards: By joining BetNinja’s Telegram group, you can enjoy quiet drops, early-access offers, exclusive bonuses, surprise boosts, and free spins.Multiboost: You can boost your potential winnings by up to 55% by adding over 3 selections, each with odds of at least 1.20 per leg. Welcome bonus: New players are entitled to a $2,500 welcome bonus and 100 free spins.

    Pros and Cons

    ProsConsSupports 40+ sports, including esports.Better odds and tighter margins.Stable live betting experience.Simple registration process.Instant cashouts.Offers fiat payment methods such as IBAN (bank transfer).Telegram-only rewards are reserved for select players only.Fewer promotional offers and casino games.

    6.  TG.Casino – Best For Telegram Betting

    TG.Casino - Best For Telegram BettingTG.Casino - Best For Telegram Betting

    TG.Casino is a Telegram-native crypto casino and sportsbook licensed in Costa Rica, Curacao, and Anjouan. It offers a wide range of entertainment options, including 5,000+ slots and 50+ sports markets, delivering an exciting gaming experience.

    Key Features

    Integrated Telegram betting: TG.Casino has built its sportsbook directly into Telegram, making it a top choice for mobile-first users. As a result, you can place bets quickly and track them without constantly switching between apps or browser windows.Loyalty rewards: The platform has 11 VIP levels. Once you reach level 3 (Silver), you’ll start receiving rakebacks. Based on your tier, the rakeback rate ranges between 0.1% – 0.4%. The rakeback amount is automatically credited in cash to your account as soon as you meet the wagering requirements.Native token staking: You can earn passive income from weekly profit-sharing rewards in ETH alongside staking rewards by locking up 5,000+ $TGC. Rakeback: Upon completing the deposit requirements, you’ll receive a 200% rakeback bonus of up to 10 ETH and 50 free spins.

    Pros and Cons

    ProsCons$TGC can be bought/sold on Uniswap.High Rollers NFT with additional rakebacks and bonuses is available on Opensea.Protects your data and transactions across devices, maintaining high levels of security.25% cashback on weekly net losses if you play with $TGC.Only $TGC holders are entitled to exclusive rewards, though users can play with other cryptocurrencies.Relatively less user-friendly interface.

    7. Bovada – Best For North American Players

    Bovada - Best For North American PlayersBovada - Best For North American Players

    Bovada is a well-established Bitcoin sports betting site with a strong presence in North America. Founded in 2011, Bovada is licensed by the Union of Comoros and the Central Reserve Authority of Western Sahara. It serves as an all-in-one platform for casino gaming, sports betting, and racebook wagering with reliable crypto payment support.

    Key Features

    Sportsbook: Bovada enables betting on 25+ sports, including esports and virtual sports. You can wager on politics and entertainment as well. From the English Premier League and Wimbledon to curling and cycling, you can bet on major sports, tournaments, and niche events.Horse racing: You can bet on the outcomes of daily horse racing events conducted on popular tracks like Aqueduct, Keeneland, and Oaklawn Park.Deposit methods: To fund your account, you can either deposit using a credit card or cryptocurrencies. Bovada supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Bitcoin SV deposits. Casino options: The site offers multiple casino games, including 470+ slots, and multiple variants of Poker, Roulette, BlackJack, Bingo, and Plinko. Additionally, it offers craps, live dealer games, 48+ table games, and 60+ speciality games.Rewards points: You can earn reward points on all types of wagers, such as Parlays, single bets, and Round Robins. These points can be redeemed for cash bonuses, which can be used in the sportsbook and casino, or to purchase tournament tickets.VIP levels: Based on your lifetime points, you’ll be placed in any of the 6 tiers: Starter, Rookie, Pro, All-star, Legend, and Hall of Fame. Except for the Starter and Hall of Fame tiers, each tier has three sub-levels.

    Pros and Cons

    ProsConsRNG testing to ensure fair gaming outcomes.Welcome bonus of up to $3,750 in crypto.Multiple deposit methods, including cryptocurrencies, MatchPay, credit cards, and vouchers.Supports Lightning Network.600+ casino games.25+ sports markets.Stringent KYC policies.Limited sports betting options.More suitable for casino enthusiasts.Not available in all US states.

    8. MegaDice – Best For Daily Rewards

    MegaDice - Best For Daily RewardsMegaDice - Best For Daily Rewards

    MegaDice is a fast-growing iGaming platform with over 60K users globally and $DICE as its native utility token. It has processed over $1B in total wagering volume. Moreover, it has 15K+ monthly active players and operates under a Curacao gaming license.

    Key Features

    Welcome bonus: New players receive a 200% welcome bonus of up to 1 BTC, 50 free spins, and a sports free bet. To avail of this bonus, you need to make a first deposit of 20 USDT. Every time you wager 6x of your initial deposit, 10% of the bonus is credited to your account.$DICE: It is a Solana-based GameFi token and the native coin of MegaDice. If you play using $DICE, you’ll get a 15% cashback on your weekly net losses. This token has a capped supply of 420,000,000, of which 28.5% of the tokens (120,000,000) have been burnt. $DICE holders can participate in community governance, access premium content, and enjoy exclusive perks. Sportsbook: MegaDice offers coverage across 50+ sports markets, including eSports and horse racing.VIP Club: MegaDice VIP program has 11 levels, starting from Junior, which grants you up to 10 daily spins and 0.30% rakeback. Once you reach the 9th level (Admiral VIP) or higher, you’ll get a dedicated manager, prioritized withdrawals, and secret missions.

    Pros and Cons

    ProsConsDaily rewards to $DICE holders based on casino performance.Limited edition NFTs for select $DICE owners that grant exclusive rewards.4,000+ casino games from renowned providers and 50+ sports.Live streaming of the real action in games.Supports 12+ cryptocurrencies.USD airdrops.Users often experience delays or issues with withdrawals.Poor customer support.

    9. Vave – Best For Mobile Betting

    Vave - Best For Mobile BettingVave - Best For Mobile Betting

    Vave is a crypto sports betting platform popular among mobile users. Its sleek mobile interface, combined with a four-tier deposit bonus system and live streaming features, enhances your gameplay experience. Notably, it is also one of the few Bitcoin sports betting platforms offering separate welcome bonuses for sports bettors and casino players. The platform is licensed in Curacao.

    Key Features

    Deposit match bonuses: Vave offers a 100% first deposit sports bonus of up to 1 BTC. To get this bonus, you must deposit at least 20 USDT and place a single/multi bet with odds no less than 1.7. If you’re a casino player, you’ll receive a higher 150% first deposit bonus of up to 1.5 BTC plus 50 free spins. Vave also offers second (100% up to 1BTC), third (50% up to 1BTC), and fourth (25% up to 0.5BTC) deposit bonuses. Sportsbook: You can bet on 35+ sports, including major esports such as Call of Duty, Counter Strike, and Dota. Also, it covers numerous leagues like the Speedway World Championship, MotoGP,  and LaLiga. If you’re interested in betting on simulated matches such as Roland Garros AI tennis, Vave can be a suitable fit. Mobile app: Vave offers an intuitive mobile app that is compatible with both iOS and Android phones. Over 3,000+ casino games and 35+ sports markets, including niche sports like snooker and Indy Racing, are accessible via the app. Crypto deposit methods: You can fund your account using over 8 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Tron, Dogecoin, XRP, Litecoin, Tether, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash.

    Pros and Cons

    ProsConsResponsive mobile app.6,000+ slot titles, 80+ top gaming software provides, and 35+ sports.Multiple side markets and betting lines, including moneyline, spreads, props, and totals.13+ exclusive Vave games.Bigger bonuses, priority customer support, free spins, and exclusive offers for VIP customers.Bet builders and pre-built combos, including same game parlays.Slow customer response time.High wagering requirements for certain bonuses.

    10. Telbet – Best for sports market depth

    Telbet - Best for sports market depthTelbet - Best for sports market depth

    Telbet is a Curacao-licensed platform offering online sports betting and casino services. It provides comprehensive coverage across 125+ sports markets and places strong emphasis on security through technical safeguards and regular infrastructure audits.

    Key Features

    First deposit bonus: Telbet offers two welcome bonuses tailored to casino players and sports bettors, respectively. If you belong to the sports betting player segment, you’ll receive free bets worth 200 USDT. In case you’re a casino lover, you’ll get 200% up to 1BTC, 50 free spins, and a sports free bet worth 5 USDT. To receive the maximum bonus of 1 BTC, you must deposit 0.5 BTC. The minimum deposit is 20 USDT. By wagering your initial deposit six times, you can earn 10% of the amount in cash.Payment methods: You can make deposits with 10+ cryptocurrencies, including Solana, Tron, and Dogecoin. You can also use a service known as Changelly to purchase crypto using fiat currencies. Wide selection: From niche games like water polo, handball, darts, sailing, and Kabaddi to mainstream sports like basketball and soccer, Telbet covers 125+ markets. It also offers betting lines for horse, greyhound, and harness racing alongside popular eSports like Rainbow-6, Crossfire, Dota-2, and Standoff-2. Loyalty: Telbet offers 15 VIP levels. As you move up the tiers, you’ll unlock hidden missions, personalized rewards, VIP tournaments, greater payouts, and more.

    Pros and Cons

    ProsCons125+ sports, 4,000+ slots, and 50+ reputable providers, including Hacksaw, Blueprint, Kalamba, and Slotmill.Multi-lingual support via live chat and email.Telegram casinoMultiple promotional offers like weekly reloads, combo boosts, and free predictor games.Intuitive mobile app.Fast withdrawals.Welcome bonus expires within 14 days.Doesn’t allow withdrawals via WalletConnect.

    How We Rank the Best Bitcoin Betting Sites

    1. Security & Reputation

    Betting sites with a higher market standing and robust security measures, like SSL encryption, have been ranked higher. In addition, we’ve awarded more points to crypto gambling sites with no or less stringent KYC verification processes. Consistent payouts, strong player protections, and provably fair algorithms were the other parameters that we assessed.

    2. Payout Speed

    Since payout speed is important when cashing out winnings, we’ve shortlisted only those sites that support instant deposits and withdrawals. None of the platforms mentioned above takes over 24 hours to process withdrawals, except in rare cases requiring additional reviews.

    3. Market Depth & Odds Quality

    We’ve included only those betting sites that offer comprehensive coverage of traditional and niche sports. They also offer a wide selection of casino games and slot titles from globally renowned providers like Pragmatic Play. Moreover, we prioritized websites that provide better odds than conventional Vegas bookmakers.

    4. Bonus Fairness

    Gambling sites with transparent bonus terms and conditions have earned higher rankings. Besides, we preferred platforms with zero or minimal playthrough requirements, wager-free cashbacks, and larger welcome bonuses.

    5. User Experience & Mobile Compatibility

    We favoured Bitcoin betting sites with an intuitive web and mobile user interface, enabling users to bet anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, we evaluated loading speeds, ease of navigation, and seamless gameplay to assess overall app quality.

    What Are Bitcoin Betting Sites?

    Bitcoin betting sites are online gambling platforms that allow you to play casino games and wager on sports events using cryptocurrencies. Some websites also facilitate betting on non-sports events, especially politics and entertainment. Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Tether are the most widely accepted digital currencies on such sites.

    How Bitcoin Sports Betting Works?

    Bitcoin sports betting involves the use of cryptocurrencies for making deposits and wagering. First, you need to create an account on an online gambling site. These platforms usually have minimal or no-KYC requirements, enabling you to enjoy greater privacy and anonymity. 

    Second, you need to fund your account by depositing a supported cryptocurrency. If you already hold crypto, you can simply transfer it from your personal wallet to the sportsbook. If not, you can purchase crypto on an exchange, move it to your wallet, and then send it to the sportsbook. Blockchain transactions are usually confirmed within minutes, although processing times and fees may vary depending on the network.

    After depositing funds, you can browse the available sports markets, choose your odds, and confirm your stake. Any winnings are credited directly to your account. Most platforms support instant payouts, allowing you to withdraw your profits quickly.

    Bitcoin Sportsbooks vs. Traditional Fiat Sportsbooks

    FeatureBitcoin sportsbookTraditional fiat sportsbookPayout speedInstant (typically within an hour)3-7 business daysPrivacy and anonymityHighLowKYC verificationMinimal or no KYCStrict KYC processBonusesHuge (up to 5 BTC)Small (Up to $1,000)Global accessAccessible worldwide (using VPNs)Access could be restricted to specific jurisdictions.Transaction feesLow (Only network fees apply)High, especially if you use payment methods like wire transfer.Betting limitsHighLimited

    Types of Bitcoin Betting Sites

    Crypto-only sites: These betting sites are predominantly built around cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology from the ground up. They don’t accept fiat deposits and require users to fund their accounts and wager using cryptocurrencies only. Instant deposits/withdrawals, greater privacy/anonymity, and crypto bonuses are hallmark features of such sites.Hybrid sites: They are traditional sportsbooks that have added cryptocurrencies as payment options alongside fiat currencies. They may enforce stricter KYC verification norms and process payouts more slowly compared to their crypto-only counterparts.

    Popular Cryptocurrencies at Bitcoin Betting Sites

    1. Bitcoin (BTC)

    Bitcoin is the undisputed king among cryptocurrencies and the most widely accepted means of payment in crypto betting sites. It is also a secure digital currency, though network/transaction fees may be higher during peak hours. If a Bitcoin gambling site supports the Lightning Network, high-volume transactions can be processed instantly, at lower costs.

    2. Ethereum (ETH)

    Ethereum is the second-most popular cryptocurrency, well-known for its energy efficiency, widespread adoption, and smart contract capabilities. The Ethereum blockchain is home to a large number of DeFi applications, crypto games, metaverses, and NFTs. However, due to its high demand, it is often prone to network congestion, resulting in exorbitant gas fees even for small transactions.

    3. Tether (USDT)

    Tether is a multi-chain stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the USD. It can be easily bridged across different blockchains and helps you avoid crypto volatility by maintaining a steady value. Moreover, USDT withdrawals are faster, especially on the Tron (TRC-20) network.

    4. Litecoin (LTC)

    Litecoin is a preferred choice among users making smaller deposits/withdrawals. Forked from the Bitcoin blockchain, Litecoin is known for its low fees and faster transaction processing.

    5. Altcoins

    Apart from the above, many crypto betting sites support innumerable altcoins such as Cardano, Ripple, Solana, and Dogecoin. Furthermore, some platforms have their own native tokens.

    How to Deposit & Withdraw at Bitcoin Betting Sites?

    1. Buy Your First Cryptocurrency

    Step 1: Buy Your First CryptocurrencyStep 1: Buy Your First Cryptocurrency

    Log on to your exchange account. If you don’t have an account, register on a reputable cryptocurrency exchange and fulfil the necessary KYC and deposit requirements. Then, buy the required cryptocurrency in the spot market or P2P platform using a suitable payment method.

    binance-logo-6219389_1280binance-logo-6219389_1280

    2. Set Up a Personal Wallet

    Create a self-custody wallet like Metamask or Trust Wallet. When you set up a wallet, you will receive a public-private key pair. While you can share your public key (wallet address) with anyone, your recovery phrase and private key must be kept secret. 

    3. Deposit to a Bitcoin Sportsbook

    Step 3: Deposit to a Bitcoin SportsbookStep 3: Deposit to a Bitcoin Sportsbook

    Visit the official website of your preferred betting site.Create an account.Choose a supported cryptocurrency to fund your account.Copy the deposit address displayed on the screen.Open your crypto wallet and paste the copied address.Confirm the transaction amount and network, then click “Send”.

    4. Place Your First Bet

    Step 4: Place Your First BetStep 4: Place Your First Bet

    Go to the sports section.Select a sport, league, tournament, or event you want to bet on.Select your odds.Input your stake amount in the bet slip.Confirm the bet.

    5. Withdraw Your Winnings

    Step 5: Withdraw Your WinningsStep 5: Withdraw Your Winnings

    Choose the cryptocurrency you want to withdraw.Paste your personal wallet address in the “Receiving Address” column.Select the correct network.Enter your withdrawal amount.Add a destination tag/memo (Optional).Double-check all details and click the “Request Withdrawal” tab. Once the blockchain network approves the withdrawal, the funds will reflect in your personal wallet.

    Expert Tips for Betting with Bitcoin

    Send funds using a crypto wallet: To protect your exchange accounts from getting restricted/blocked, never transfer funds directly from exchanges to Bitcoin betting sites. Instead, transfer the required amount of crypto into your personal wallet and from there send it to the sportsbook.Begin with smaller deposits: If you’re a newcomer, make smaller deposits until you become familiar with the platform and blockchain transactions. Fund your account with stablecoins: As cryptocurrencies are subject to intense market volatility, make deposits using USDT, USDC, or other stablecoins.Double-check the network: Before sending cryptocurrency, confirm the exact network supported by the bookmaker. Taking a few extra minutes to verify the correct network can help prevent permanent losses.Segregate your betting bankroll: Never mix your betting funds with your long-term financial/cryptocurrency investments. This way, you can easily monitor your profits and losses and prevent overbetting.Evaluate payout speed: As soon as you make your first deposit, test the withdrawal speed of the betting site. It helps confirm crypto wallet compatibility, platform trustworthiness, and network accuracy with minimal risk. Moreover, use cryptocurrencies like Litecoin, Solana, or USDT (TRC-20) to ensure faster deposits and withdrawals.

    Crypto Betting Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

    1. Depositing Directly From Crypto Exchanges

    Avoid depositing funds into your account directly from centralized exchanges such as Binance, OKX, and Coinbase. If you do so, you may trigger unnecessary account reviews, freezes, or restrictions. Additionally, secure your personal wallet using multi-factor authentication before transferring funds to gambling sites.

    2. Using volatile coins for bankroll storage

    All cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, are highly volatile. Therefore, your bankroll and winnings could be adversely impacted. To ensure your betting success is purely performance-based and not affected by crypto market volatility, fund your account with stablecoins.

    3. Ignoring rollover requirements on large bonuses

    While large bonuses appear attractive, they may be accompanied by high wagering requirements.

    Instead, choose smaller bonuses with lower rollover requirements to maximize the value of your rewards. In essence, calculate the effective cost of a bonus before accepting it.

    4. Sending Funds On The Wrong Network

    Crypto transactions are irreversible. Instead, you must double-check the network before sending cryptocurrencies, especially stablecoins like USDT that exist on multiple blockchains. If you select the wrong network, you’ll lose your funds forever.

    5. Chasing Bonuses Instead of Limits and Odds

    Bonuses can often be misleading due to flashy bookmaker promotions, which may lead you to overestimate their actual profitability. Many bonuses come with strict wagering requirements and hidden conditions. Consequently, you may assume additional risk, potentially increasing your losses if the odds are unfavorable.

    In addition, betting limits vary by sport, league, wager type, and market, particularly for live bets and player props. If you don’t check the maximum staking limits, your deposit size may not align with the available wagering opportunities.

    In short, focusing on bonuses instead of betting limits or odds can trigger only two outcomes. Either your bankroll remains idle, or you over-extend on sub-par bets.

    Legal Status of Bitcoin Sports Betting by Country

    USA: While most states in the US have legalized sports betting, certain states like California, Alaska, and Alabama haven’t done so yet. Moreover, most Bitcoin betting sites hold offshore licenses, meaning US authorities don’t regulate them.

    Furthermore, the Wire Act prohibits gambling businesses from using interstate communication technology to transmit betting information. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) prevents payment processors and banks from processing illegal betting transactions. Since Bitcoin betting sites use crypto rails instead of debit/credit cards, they’re unlikely to be blocked by UIGEA.

    UK: Only online casinos/ betting sites with a valid UK Gambling Commission license are considered legal in the UK. Canada: Canada has implemented a Federal Criminal Code framework, which prohibits most forms of gambling. However, provinces/territories can allow multiple and single-event sports betting, provided players gamble through provincial/government-approved sites. 

    Conclusion

    Though the betting sites featured on our list operate under offshore licenses, they’re generally considered trustworthy. They also offer 24/7 customer support via email and live chat. However, the final choice depends on your preferences, betting volume, and risk-return appetite.

    FAQs

    Which is the best Bitcoin betting site in 2026?

    Based on our analysis, CoinCasino is the best Bitcoin sportsbook, followed by BetOnline and LuckyBlock. 

    Are Bitcoin betting sites safe?

    Only licensed betting sites with powerful security features and responsible gambling policies like SSL encryption, withdrawal whitelisting, and self-exclusion are safe.

    Can I bet with Bitcoin anonymously?

    Many crypto gambling sites don’t enforce strict KYC verification processes. They allow you to bet with cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, anonymously, without submitting your identity/address proofs.

    Which crypto is best for gambling?

    Tether (USDT) is the best crypto for gambling as it is a stablecoin that is tied to the USD. Bitcoin is also suitable for betting as it is highly secure due to its proof-of-work consensus mechanism. If you prioritize low fees or speedy transactions, Litecoin is superior.

    What is the minimum deposit at Bitcoin betting sites?

    On most Bitcoin gambling sites, the minimum deposit is usually $10 or higher.



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    Euphoria Season 3: Where All The Main Characters End Up After The Time Jump – SlashFilm

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      Euphoria Season 3: Where All The Main Characters End Up After The Time Jump – SlashFilm






      Stop reading right away if you haven’t watched the season 3 premiere of “Euphoria” — spoilers ahead! This article also contains discussions of addiction.

      Sam Levinson’s controversial but undeniably buzzy HBO series “Euphoria” is back for its third season — so where did its cast of characters land after the five-year time jump? Let me walk you through it.

      First things first. Since its inception, “Euphoria” has centered around Zendaya’s Rue Bennett, whom we first meet as she returns to school after a stay at a rehabilitation facility for a drug addiction that developed after her father’s tragic death. Rue finds herself drawn back into the fray with her old friends — on-again off-again couple Nate Jacobs and Maddy Perez (Jacob Elordi and Alexa Demie) and sisters Cassie and Lexi Howard (Sydney Sweeney and Maude Apatow — and drawn towards new student Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer). While the show’s first two seasons take place while the characters are in high school (ostensibly, since they never seem to attend any classes at what I’ve taken to calling Euphoria High), season 3 introduces a five-year time jump, putting everyone in their early 20s.

      You might think a lot has changed in those unseen five years, but honestly? Everything has stayed more or less the same, with some small and surprising developments here and there. Here’s everything you need to know about where five of the main characters on “Euphoria” land at the beginning of season 3.

      Rue Bennett (Zendaya)

      Throughout “Euphoria,” we’ve watched as Rue tries to keep her personal life above water despite her all-consuming addiction to hard drugs. Unfortunately, her good heart and best intentions can only take her so far. Rue’s frequent relapses do, understandably, tend to seriously damage her relationships. (For context, Storm Reid, who played Rue’s younger sister Gia on the first two seasons of “Euphoria,” isn’t returning for season 3, and Nika King, who plays Rue and Gia’s mom Leslie, is only set to make a small appearance; outside of friends, it looks like Rue is largely on her own.) So, where is Rue in season 3 of “Euphoria”

      She’s a drug mule. Yes, you read that right. During season 2 of the series, Rue runs afoul of Laurie (Martha Kelly), an unusually soft-spoken drug kingpin who gives Rue a suitcase full of drugs that Leslie throws out in an attempt to help Rue get sober. Though Laurie’s threat to Rue seems half-baked later in that season, when she escapes Laurie’s clutches with seemingly no problem, Laurie resurfaces in season 3, finds Rue at the smoke shop where she works, and delivers some unwelcome information. According to Laurie, Rue owes her $43 million based on interest and inflation.

      That’s how Rue and her season 2 buddy Faye, played by Chloe Cherry, end up swallowing bags of drugs and smuggling them across the border. This monotony is ultimately broken by Rue’s chance meeting with Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), a rival kingpin who might offer Rue an unlikely salvation. Still, this is a pretty bleak place for Rue to be at the start of season 3, and only time will tell if things get better … or worse.

      Nate Jacobs and Cassie Howard (Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney)

      Nate and Cassie are, somehow, still together in season 3 of “Euphoria” — not only that, but they’re getting married soon and living in a vast mansion. When we first see them, Cassie is, in her words, “creating content” with the help of their housekeeper, but what that means in practice is that Cassie is dressed in a pornographic dog costume gnawing on a chew toy for a niche online audience. Even though Nate insists that she makes them both look like a “joke,” Cassie insists that she can make a decent living off of content like this and wants to build up her followers … something that becomes all-too-relevant later in the episode when Nate insists that they don’t need to spend $50,000 on wedding flowers. Cassie insists that she can pay for it if Nate can’t, which only makes him angrier about her attempts to embark on this career — and he flies off the handle when she suggests OnlyFans.

      So what about Nate? He took over his father Cal’s (the late Eric Dane) real-estate business, but as Rue’s narration notes, starting new building projects in Southern California can be extremely difficult. As we see Nate wander through a construction site that’s not even slightly underway, we get the distinct sense that he might be underwater both professionally and financially, so that can’t be great news for this couple. Also, important to note: he’s enticing investors for his own venture, Sun Settlers, which he describes as the “premier end-of-life transition facility in California.” No way his attempts to get investors on board will backfire at any point!

      Lexi Howard (Maude Apatow)

      When we last saw Lexi Howard, the only person who seems to stay out of trouble on “Euphoria,” she was staging a massively ambitious and frankly unhinged school play about herself, her popular sister Cassie, and all of their friends. So where’s Lexi now? Thankfully, she’s fine.

      In voiceover, Rue tells us that she crashes on Lexi’s couch from time to time, even though it always comes with a lecture from Lexi about planning for her future. (Tragically, in a scene the two share in the premiere, Rue tells Lexi that Lexi should call Angus Cloud’s Fezco, who’s in prison, because he misses her. Cloud passed away at the age of 25 in 2023, before season 3 of “Euphoria” started filming.)

      So where’s Lexi? She’s working in Hollywood on a nighttime soap opera for Patty Lance, “an industry legend” played by Sharon Stone. “Lexi felt right at home. She was surrounded by smart, creative people who cared about the world.” She’s also seen giving a “good note” to Patty, indicating that, unsurprisingly, Lexi is pretty good at her job.

      Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie)

      As Rue’s voiceover tells us, “Maddy worked in management representing influencers and a few actors.” She also tells us that the job seems more glamorous than it actually is, given that Maddy usually just answers the phone for her high-flying boss who has a treadmill desk. She gets to walk red carpets, rub elbows with clients like a young star named Dylan Reid, and when she gets home each night, there’s nothing to show for it — meaning that her boss gets the 10% commission for most of Maddy’s work while the young professional goes home empty-handed.

      Anyone who’s even remotely familiar with “Euphoria” knows that Maddy, of all people, can find a way to rise above and take control of this situation. Often armed with killer fashion and long, sharp nails, Maddy is an unfailingly confident, exceptionally smart, and enterprising woman who understands her own power. Now we just have to see where her instincts take her in season 3.

      Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer)

      We can’t talk about “Euphoria” and not talk about Jules, but here’s one problem: Hunter Schafer’s Jules does not appear in the season 3 premiere of “Euphoria.” Instead, we hear secondhand from Lexi that she’s working as a “sugar baby” in arrangements with older men. (Lexi heard it from Maddy, pivotally.)

      Schafer is definitely set to show up in season 3 of “Euphoria,” but we’ll have to wait and see whether or not the “sugar baby” rumors are true. As far as Jules’s past journey goes, she and Rue were involved in an on-again, off-again romance in high school, and beyond that, Jules sought out sexual attention from older men … including Cal Jacobs. After Nate, who also has his own dalliance with Jules when the two start chatting online under anonymous usernames, discovers a tape that Cal made of his night with Jules, he’s horrified to learn about his father’s proclivities, putting Jules at the center of it all. Still, she’s one of the most emotionally mature characters on the show despite the turmoil that frequently surrounds her, and I’ll be interested to see what Schafer, a preternaturally talented actress, does throughout the rest of the season.

      Euphoria airs new episodes on Sundays at 9 p.m. EST on HBO and HBO Max.




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      Gray Zone Warfare: Sunken Bird Quest Guide

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      Gray Zone Warfare: Sunken Bird Quest Guide


      The Lamang Armed Forces have lost a Mi-17 helicopter somewhere in the swamps southeast of Fort Narith, and Gunny wants to waste no time in finding out how it came down and, most importantly, what the bird was carrying in the first place.

      Sunken Bird is a side task in Gray Zone Warfare that takes place in the YBL-1 area once you unlock it. It is given to you by Gunny, one of the vendors with the most missions (and therefore one of the easiest ones to level up quickly).

      Sunken Bird Quest Walkthrough

      This is a straightforward recon mission with little opposition, unless you’re unlucky enough to find another player trying to complete it.

      The quest area is located in a small swamp between landing zone Lima 2, due east of the YBL-1 bunker, and major COP Titan.

      Locate the Downed LAF Helicopter

      Once you reach the swamp area, your first order is to locate and inspect the crashed helicopter.

      Gray Zone Warfare Unlisted Flight 16

      Related

      Gray Zone Warfare: Unlisted Flight Quest Guide

      A Boeing 737 has come down in Lamang, and Lab Rat needs to find out why.

      You can find it in grid square 151, 120, snuggled up against the horizontal grid line. After locating the helicopter, go around to the back where a small wooden boat is parked to complete this objective and receive further instructions from Gunny.

      Locate the Cargo from the Helicopter

      A quick inspection of the wreckage shows that you were not the first one to reach the crash site, and whoever beat you to it also made sure to unload the precious cargo Gunny sent you after.

      Your next objective is a small LLA camp to the southwest of the crash site, guarded by two to four soldiers armed with assault rifles.

      Clear them out, then head into the large house, where you will find a wide assortment of nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC) gear, including full suits and respirators.

      Approach the half-open wooden crate with a gas mask over it in the southwestern corner of the house, and interact with it to report your findings to Gunny. This will complete the Sunken Bird task in Gray Zone Warfare.

      Gray Zone Warfare In The Trenches

      Next

      Gray Zone Warfare: In the Trenches Quest Guide

      Turncoat needs you to jump into the LLA trenches to find some documents.

      mixcollage-07-dec-2024-12-21-am-2326.jpg

      Systems

      PC-1

      Released

      April 30, 2024

      ESRB

      m

      Developer(s)

      Madfinger Games

      Publisher(s)

      Madfinger Games

      Engine

      Unreal Engine 5



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      Heartbreaking death of Mutya Buena’s sister Maya as she paid emotional tribute: ‘We’ll be together in time’

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        Heartbreaking death of Mutya Buena’s sister Maya as she paid emotional tribute: ‘We’ll be together in time’


        Singer Mutya Buena, who is appearing on Celebrity Bake Off tonight (April 12), paid tribute to her sister Maya in the most emotional way following her death.

        The Sugababes star, 40, has five brothers and three younger sisters. However, sister Maya, born in 1986, tragically died in 2002.

        While Mutya hasn’t spoken too much about Maya’s death, she dedicated a whole song to her in 2003.

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        Mutya’s sister Maya died in 2002 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

        Mutya Buena paid tribute to sister Maya on solo Sugababes song

        On Sugababes’ third studio album, Three, released in 2003, Mutya recorded a solo song dedicated to her sister, titled Maya.

        In the song, the British singer bared her emotions, singing: “Maya this song’s for you / I have your name print tattooed upon my skin / There’s so much to say to you / And where do I begin?”

        Mutya’s tattoo of Maya’s name is on her hip.

        In the chorus of the song, Mutya continued: “There are worlds within worlds, that keep rotating / And so many thoughts that flow through my mind / If this universe is really shrinking / We’ll be together in time.”

        In March 2005, Mutya became a mum to daughter Tahlia, whose name is also tattooed on her shoulder. Her daughter’s middle name is Maya, after her late sister.

        Mutya Buena looking in front
        Mutya dedicated a song to her sister (Credit: Splashnews.com)

        Mutya’s post-natal depression

        After becoming a first-time mum while still in the Sugababes, Mutya revealed she was suffering from post-natal depression.

        “I didn’t know I had postnatal depression, I would turn up to the studio and I would be acting so weird. Everything annoyed me, I could go from zero to 100 in seconds. I used to think what is going on? But it was my anxiety, I didn’t realise I suffered with it for so long, I didn’t even know what it was. I was getting nervous and angry, emotionally, I was all over the place,” she said on the Killing It podcast.

        Meanwhile, on the When I Was 25 podcast, she added: “I just didn’t feel good. On top of that having baby blues with the girls, it didn’t make me feel good. I felt like I had this baby belly. I felt crazy fat.”

        “I remember feeling really, really low. I didn’t’ feel sexy, I didn’t feel like my normal self.”

        Read more: Full story behind Gemma Collins’ Chicago role: ‘undeniable’ audition; sudden withdrawal; ‘next level’ injury

        What do you think of this story? Tell us on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.



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        Heartbreaking death of Emmett J. Scanlan’s son as wife also ‘almost lost her life’: ‘There was blood everywhere’

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          Heartbreaking death of Emmett J. Scanlan’s son as wife also ‘almost lost her life’: ‘There was blood everywhere’


          Actor Emmett J Scanlan, who is appearing on Celebrity Bake Off today (April 12), previously opened up about the death of his son.

          The Fool Me Once actor, 47, who also appeared in Hollyoaks as Brendan Brady between 2010 and 2013, married his wife, fellow actor Claire Cooper, 45, in 2015.

          Five years before tying the knot, they welcomed a son, Ocean-Torin, five, in July 2020. They then welcomed a daughter, Fiáin-Luna, three, in November 2022. Previously, Emmett had a daughter, Kayla Scanlan, 29, from a different relationship in 1997.

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          Emmett’s wife had a miscarriage in 2019 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

          Emmett J Scanlan reveals son died in 2019

          In 2024, Emmett appeared on the Under The Surface podcast and reflected on his wife Claire suffering a miscarriage with their son, Phoenix.

          “I woke up and Claire wasn’t beside me [in bed], and I could hear noises from the bathroom. I went in and she was lying on the floor and there was blood everywhere,” he said.

          Emmett revealed Claire also “almost lost her life” adding: “We lost the little heartbeat that was Phoenix, our son.”

          Emmett went on to explain that while Claire sought support, it took him longer to do the same, admitting he didn’t know how to cope with the loss.

          “I was going up for auditions and wasn’t getting anything or was getting direct offers for [bleep] jobs, and I was the worst thing in it. So I lost my mojo. I had lost my ability, my confidence in myself and I got lower and lower and lower,” Emmett explained.

          Emmett J Scanlan on This Morning
          Emmett hit a low point following the death (Credit: ITV)

          ‘I hit my professional and personal rock bottom for an 18-month period’

          Emmett admitted he “hit my professional and personal rock bottom for an 18-month period”. After losing “all confidence in myself”, he “kept things to myself because I didn’t want to be a burden to others”.

          “I remember sitting in my living room, watching the clock until the sun disappeared. I sat there with tears down my face, so I know what it’s like to be in those really dark places. And I also know how important it is to talk to people,” Emmett added.

          In the same podcast interview, Emmett also shared that when he finally opened up, he was struck by how many people in his life had been through similar experiences in silence.

          He admitted that while seeking help didn’t take away the sadness, it did allow them to better process their loss.

          Read more: ‘Fly free brother’: Peaky Blinders star Emmett J. Scanlan supported as he announces heartbreaking family death

          What do you think of this story? Let us know on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix. We want to hear your thoughts! 



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          Weekly Wrap: Drift Hack Fallout, Morgan Stanley Unveils MSBT, Sun–WLFI Battle Heats Up

          Weekly Wrap: Drift Hack Fallout, Morgan Stanley Unveils MSBT, Sun–WLFI Battle Heats Up


          Key Highlights

          Drift Protocol traced its $285 million exploit to a North Korean-linked hacking group, confirming early on-chain suspicions.

          Morgan Stanley entered the Bitcoin ETF race with MSBT, signaling deeper Wall Street adoption of crypto markets.

          The feud between Justin Sun and World Liberty Financial turned public and hostile, with both sides preparing for a legal battle.

          Crypto swung hard again this week as Drift Protocol officially pinned its $285 million exploit on a North Korean state-affiliated group, Morgan Stanley launched its spot Bitcoin ETF, Circle minted a record $3.25 billion USDC on Solana in seven days, and the CLARITY Act drew public backing from both the Treasury Secretary and the SEC Chair. 

          Justin Sun went public against Trump-backed World Liberty Financial over a frozen $70 million token position, Bhutan kept trimming its bitcoin reserves, and three more protocols were drained.

          Welcome to this week’s cryptocurrency market update. If last week was defined by the shock of the Drift exploit and Bitcoin’s first green monthly close since September 2025, this week was about the fallout, the institutional counter-push, and a fresh round of political drama inside crypto itself.

          In this edition, we cover the DPRK attribution on the Drift hack and the USDC freeze debate around Circle, Morgan Stanley’s MSBT Bitcoin ETF debut, Strategy and Bitmine adding to their treasuries, Bhutan’s strategic bitcoin sales, the CLARITY Act push from the Treasury and the SEC, India’s fresh tax notices, CME listing AVAX and SUI futures, CZ’s memoir revelations, the Tornado Cash and Arizona prediction market cases, the Justin Sun vs WLFI standoff, and a string of new exploits at Denaria, Aethir, and RaveDAO. Let’s get into it.

          Drift Hack: DPRK attribution confirmed, Circle under fire

          The biggest story of the week is still the Drift exploit, but the framing has now changed. Drift Protocol formally confirmed what on-chain analysts had suspected since April 1. The $285 million drain was the work of UNC4736, a North Korean state-affiliated threat group also tracked as AppleJeus and Citrine Sleet. The SEAL 911 team, Elliptic, and TRM Labs independently landed on the same conclusion. 

          Fund flows used to stage and test the operation trace back to the Radiant Capital attackers, and the on-chain laundering pattern matches previous DPRK-linked operations, including the Bybit heist from earlier this year.

          Drift has frozen all remaining protocol functions, removed compromised wallets from the multisig, and brought in Asymmetric Research and OtterSec to lead a coordinated recovery plan. Attacker wallets have been flagged across major exchanges and bridges, but no material recovery has been announced yet. The DRIFT token is still sitting roughly 98% below its all-time high.

          The second half of this story is Circle. ZachXBT published a detailed analysis of leaked server data from the DPRK crypto network and accused Circle of being “asleep” while more than $230 million in stolen USDC was bridged via CCTP from Solana to Ethereum during US hours. Circle publicly defended its freeze process, arguing that premature intervention on active investigations can tip off attackers and compromise recovery. The irony is that in the same seven-day window, Circle minted a record $3.25 billion USDC on Solana, making this both Circle’s biggest Solana week on record and its most reputationally exposed one.

          Morgan Stanley’s MSBT and the Treasury Company race

          The institutional side of the market kept moving. Morgan Stanley confirmed on April 8 that its spot Bitcoin ETF would debut the same day under the ticker MSBT, and the product pulled in roughly $32 million on its debut session. It is a modest number next to IBIT, but the signal matters more than the size. Morgan Stanley is the first of the old-guard wirehouses to put its own name on a spot Bitcoin ETF rather than just distributing someone else’s.

          On the corporate treasury side, Strategy restarted its accumulation program with a 4,871 BTC buy, keeping Michael Saylor’s publicly stated one million BTC goal firmly on the table. Bitmine pushed its ether treasury past 4.8 million ETH, cementing its position as the largest corporate ETH holder. Ether Machine, however, walked away from its $1.6 billion SPAC merger with Dynamix, a reminder that not every treasury company story ends in a public listing.

          Bhutan went the other way. The sovereign miner moved $22 million in bitcoin midweek and followed it with a $180 million sale, signaling a clear shift in how the country is managing its digital asset reserves. It is not panic selling, but it is a strategic trim, and it aligns with a broader wave of miner selling that has kept a lid on spot price action.

          CLARITY Act gains public backing from Treasury and SEC

          Washington had a loud week on crypto policy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly called for swift passage of the CLARITY Act, warning that failing to pass it would hand market structure leadership to other jurisdictions. A day later, SEC Chair Paul Atkins backed fast-track approval of the bill, echoing the same framing.

          The Senate side lined up behind them. Senator Bill Hagerty said the Senate could advance the crypto bill in April, and Senator Cynthia Lummis urged action on the CLARITY Act before the 2026 midterms, warning that the political window after November will be narrower than people assume. Between the Treasury, the SEC, and two Senate crypto champions all pushing in the same direction in the same week, CLARITY is as close to a coordinated policy sprint as crypto has seen in Washington this year.

          Tornado Cash, CFTC vs Arizona, and India’s tax push

          Two enforcement stories sat next to the legislative push. The DOJ rejected the Supreme Court argument put forward by Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm’s legal team, signaling the criminal case will keep moving through the lower courts. And the CFTC sued the state of Arizona, seeking an injunction to block Arizona’s state gambling laws from applying to federally regulated prediction markets. This is a direct federal preemption fight and the biggest prediction market case in the US since the Kalshi ruling.

          India made its own move. The Income Tax Department began issuing Section 148A notices to crypto investors for AY 2022-23, reopening old assessment years for anyone with material crypto activity during that period. This is not a new policy; it is the enforcement of existing law, but the timing matters because it overlaps with a consultation paper on crypto regulation that the government has still not published. 

          Separately, a Crypto Times deep dive looked at how Russia is rewiring cross-border payments through Africa using crypto rails, a reminder that the stablecoin story is also increasingly a geopolitics story.

          Justin Sun vs WLFI: The political story of the week

          The most explosive story of the week was Justin Sun publicly breaking with World Liberty Financial. In a long post on X on April 12, the Tron founder accused the Trump-backed DeFi project of embedding a hidden blacklist function in the WLFI smart contract and using it to freeze investor tokens without disclosure or due process. Sun called the design a “trap door marketed as an open door” and declared himself the “first and single largest victim.”

          Roughly 545 million WLFI tokens tied to Sun have been locked since September 2025, when WLFI blacklisted his wallet after he moved around $9 million worth of tokens through HTX and Binance. Sun said at the time the transfers were exchange deposit tests, not sales. 

          With WLFI trading near $0.09, down more than 74% from its debut, Sun’s frozen position is now worth under $50 million, a paper loss of roughly $70 million on that tranche alone. His total exposure to the Trump-linked crypto ecosystem still stands at around $175 million, including $100 million in the TRUMP memecoin.

          WLFI responded hours later, accusing Sun of “playing the victim” and closing its post with “See you in court pal.” Sun demanded that whoever runs the official WLFI account identify themselves. This is the first time a major early WLFI backer has gone fully public against the project, and it will reshape the political conversation around Trump-era crypto deals for the rest of this cycle.

          Derivatives, ETFs, and the CZ memoir sideshow

          CME Group added AVAX and SUI futures to its crypto derivatives suite, giving institutional desks regulated exposure to two of the more actively traded alt-L1s. Canary Capital filed an S-1 with the SEC for a spot PEPE ETF, while PEPE itself dropped 5% on the news. On Hyperliquid, oil perpetuals briefly dethroned bitcoin as the most traded market, a small but telling sign that 24/7 commodity perps are finding a real audience inside crypto-native venues.

          CZ’s memoir dropped and instantly generated two storylines. First, the revelation that Binance’s early $3 million investment in Terra had swelled to $1.6 billion at the peak before the Luna collapse erased it. Second, a fresh round of public sparring with OKX founder Star Xu, who disputed CZ’s version of events around several Binance-OKX flashpoints. Entertaining, but also a reminder that the post-FTX cleanup of exchange-era rivalries is not actually over.

          On the data side, XRP’s 365-day MVRV ratio fell to its lowest level since the FTX collapse, meaning the average XRP holder from the past year is sitting in a loss. And VanEck’s head of digital asset research urged MARA shareholders to reject the reelection of one of its long-standing directors, calling the board “too small and insular” for a company of MARA’s size.

          More exploits: Denaria, Aethir, RaveDAO, VDOR

          The security beat did not get any quieter. Denaria suffered a $165K exploit on Linea and paused user access. Aethir’s adapter was drained for $400K, with the stolen funds bridged to TRON. The RaveDAO token spiked 250% after a suspicious on-chain deposit, triggering pump-and-dump concerns and a sharp reversal. And VDOR, a Solana memecoin that had been loosely riding Middle East ceasefire headlines, crashed 93% in what looks like a classic rugpull.

          On the defensive side, StarkWare announced it is working on making Bitcoin quantum-resistant using STARK-based proof systems. Quantum risk has been the low-grade panic topic of the year. It is useful to see at least one team shift from warning posts to actual engineering.

          Top Headlines of the week

          Below are the major headlines, giving an overview of what happened in the crypto market this week.

          Strategy’s 4,871 BTC Buy: Michael Saylor’s Strategy restarted its bitcoin accumulation program with a fresh 4,871 BTC purchase, pushing the company closer to its publicly stated goal of holding one million BTC on its balance sheet.

          Bitmine Hits 4.8M ETH: Bitmine continued stacking ether, crossing 4.8 million ETH in its corporate treasury and cementing its status as the largest publicly disclosed ETH holder among treasury companies.

          Russia’s Crypto Backdoor Through Africa: A Crypto Times investigation detailed how Russia is using crypto rails and stablecoin routes through African jurisdictions to move value around Western sanctions, adding a new geopolitical layer to the stablecoin conversation.

          MARA Governance Pushback: VanEck’s head of digital asset research publicly urged MARA shareholders to reject the reelection of a long-serving director, calling the board “too small and insular” for a company of MARA’s scale.

          India Reopens Old Crypto Tax Years: The Income Tax Department started issuing Section 148A notices to crypto investors for assessment year 2022-23, signaling fresh scrutiny of old crypto transactions even before a formal regulatory framework is in place.

          XRP Holders Deep in Red: XRP’s 365-day MVRV ratio dropped to its lowest reading since the FTX collapse, meaning the average XRP buyer over the past year is now sitting on an unrealised loss.

          CME Adds AVAX and SUI Futures: CME Group expanded its crypto derivatives suite with AVAX and SUI futures, opening regulated institutional exposure to two of the more actively traded alt-L1s beyond BTC, ETH, SOL, and XRP.

          Oil Perps Dethrone BTC on Hyperliquid: Oil perpetuals briefly overtook bitcoin as the most traded market on Hyperliquid, as 24/7 commodity perps picked up serious volume inside crypto-native venues.

          VDOR Memecoin Rugpull: A Solana memecoin called VDOR, which had been loosely riding Middle East ceasefire headlines, crashed 93% in what looks like a textbook rugpull.

          Canary Files PEPE ETF: Canary Capital filed an S-1 with the SEC for a spot PEPE ETF, pushing the meme coin ETF race forward even as PEPE itself dropped 5% on the filing.

          Denaria Exploit: Denaria suffered a $165K exploit on Linea and paused user access shortly after the drain, pulling its frontend offline while the team investigated.

          Aethir Adapter Hack: An Aethir adapter was drained for roughly $400K, with the stolen funds quickly bridged over to TRON, following a familiar laundering pattern seen in smaller DeFi exploits.

          RaveDAO Suspicious Spike: The RaveDAO token spiked 250% after a suspicious on-chain deposit, triggering pump-and-dump concerns before a sharp reversal wiped out most of the move.

          StarkWare’s Quantum Fix: StarkWare announced it is working on making Bitcoin quantum-resistant using STARK-based proof systems, shifting the quantum debate from warning posts to actual engineering.

          CZ Memoir vs Star Xu: CZ’s memoir dropped with the revelation that Binance’s early $3 million investment in Terra had grown to $1.6 billion before Luna collapsed, and it also sparked a fresh public feud with OKX founder Star Xu over their old competitive flashpoints.

          DPRK Server Data Leak: ZachXBT published a detailed breakdown of leaked server data from the North Korean crypto network, giving the clearest public look yet at how DPRK-linked teams organise, launder, and move stolen funds across protocols.

          Buzz of the week

          The buzz this week belonged to the widening gap between crypto’s institutional glow-up and the governance mess underneath it. On one side, Morgan Stanley is on NYSE Arca with its own bitcoin ETF, Circle is minting USDC on Solana at record speed, CME is listing AVAX and SUI futures, the CLARITY Act has both the Treasury and the SEC publicly pushing for it, and Strategy is buying bitcoin again. Crypto has never had more institutional cover than it does right now.

          On the other side, the biggest DeFi exploit of 2026 is officially a North Korean intelligence operation, Circle is defending how it responded to that exploit, a Trump-backed DeFi project is being accused by its largest early investor of hiding a blacklist backdoor, Bhutan is trimming sovereign bitcoin, and three more protocols got exploited in a single week.

          The pattern is the same one we flagged last week, just louder. Institutionalization is not slowing down, and neither is the security and governance crisis underneath it. The CLARITY Act, if it passes, will not fix the human layer. Social engineering, opaque smart contract privileges, and centralized intervention decisions by stablecoin issuers are going to keep defining the risk surface of this cycle.

          That is the wrap for this week. See you next Sunday.


          Disclaimer: The information researched and reported by The Crypto Times is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Investing in crypto assets involves significant risk due to market volatility. Always Do Your Own Research (DYOR) and consult with a qualified Financial Advisor before making any investment decisions.







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          Physint casting call teases a scene inspired by a classic ’90s movie

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          Physint casting call teases a scene inspired by a classic ’90s movie


          New casting call details for Physint, Hideo Kojima’s in-development spiritual successor to the Metal Gear series, have been spotted. This specific round of casting appears to be for a scene clearly inspired by Speed, as it features several characters on a hijacked bus.

          An April 12 report by MP1st revealed more details, including that Physint is condnamed Shimmer, at least for the casting process. Specifically, they discovered that casting director Mari Ueda is looking for actors to portray people on a hijacked bus. That includes a mother with a newborn baby, five teenagers, and a German man who is supposed to be “intense” and “confident in a psychotic way.” The description of the German man also references Mads Mikkelsen’s performance in Hannibal, a surprising connection given that Mikkelsen previously appeared in Death Stranding.


          Image: Kojima Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment

          As of now, it’s unclear if this casting is just for minor single-scene roles or if the people on this hijacked bus will be important to Physint’s overarching narrative. If nothing else, it suggests that the game will likely pay tribute to the film Speed at some point, which is fitting as Hideo Kojima loves referencing films in his games.

          Any small bits of information we get on Physint are tantalizing, as not much is known about the project. Kojima Productions and Sony Interactive Entertainment first teased Physint during a January 2024 State of Play, but comments made by Hideo Kojima since have indicated that the project is a ways off from launch. Currently, the only actors confirmed for the project are Don Lee, Charlee Fraser, and Minami Hamabe, but this casting call shows that the process of getting more talent on board is still ongoing.

          Physint does not currently have a release date, but we know Kojima Productions will primarily develop it for PlayStation. Hideo Kojima’s next game is currently expected to be OD, which is being published by Xbox Game Studios and will star Sophia Lillis and Hunter Schafer.



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          Double Dragon – A near Arcade experience brings back the nostalgia via JOTD for the Amiga AGA! [WIP UPDATE]

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          Double Dragon – A near Arcade experience brings back the nostalgia via JOTD for the Amiga AGA! [WIP UPDATE]


          This week just gets better and better as another game has hit our news feeds and it’s none other than Double Dragon for the Amiga, but as an AGA edition. First released way back in the 80’s by Taito Corporation, Double Dragon in the Arcades was a fantastic beat ’em up game that featured high grade fighting two player fun on many different systems such as the Amstrad, Amiga and C64. But now thanks to JOTD, he is working on bringing the Amiga version more in line with the Arcade. In fact one person even said “I honestly thought that the original was the worst home conversion that could possibly exist.”

          Original Version

          AGA Version

          The long-standing quest to bring a definitive, arcade-quality version of Double Dragon to the Amiga could be reaching its full potential. Legendary porter JOTD (Jean-François Fabre) has provided a significant update on the project, which is being developed specifically for AGA-equipped Amigas (such as the A1200 and A4000). After what JOTD described as “brutal debugging sessions,” the developer has successfully stabilized the core of the game, with scrolling still to fix and a completable game. While the original 1980s Amiga port was often criticized for poor graphics and lackluster performance, this new AGA edition which also features music by n09, aims to leverage the advanced chipset to deliver a much more faithful recreation of the arcade original.

          This project follows JOTD’s successful track record of high-quality Amiga conversions, including recent releases like Dig Dug 2 (January 2026) and Bad Dudes vs DragonNinja. His ports are known for being “transcodes” that often use original arcade code (z80 to 68k assembly) to ensure maximum accuracy.

          [UPDATE] – While the game isn’t yet ready for release, here is what was said underneath the latest gameplay video, about the upcoming Double Dragon AGA with music by n09. “Just featuring the attract mode with 2 players right now, but game is in an overall playable state at the moment. Stay tuned. 128 colors used (64 was really too washed down) .”

          Watch this space…

          Links :1) Source



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          Want Claude Opus AI on Your Potato PC? This Is Your Next-Best Bet – Decrypt

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          Want Claude Opus AI on Your Potato PC? This Is Your Next-Best Bet – Decrypt


          In brief

          A developer recreated Claude Opus-style reasoning in a local open-source model.
          The resulting “Qwopus” model runs on consumer hardware and rivals much larger systems.
          It shows how distillation can bring frontier AI capabilities offline and into developers’ hands.

          Claude Opus 4.6 is the kind of AI that makes you feel like you’re talking to someone who actually read the entire internet, twice, and then went to law school. It plans, it reasons, and it writes code that actually runs.

          It is also completely inaccessible if you want to run it locally on your own hardware, because it lives behind Anthropic’s API and costs money per token. A developer named Jackrong decided that wasn’t good enough, and took matters into his own hands.

          The result is a pair of models—Qwen3.5-27B-Claude-4.6-Opus-Reasoning-Distilled and its evolved successor Qwopus3.5-27B-v3—that run on a single consumer GPU and try to reproduce how Opus thinks, not just what it says.

          The trick is called distillation. Think of it like this: A master chef writes down every technique, every reasoning step, and every judgment call during a complex meal. A student reads those notes obsessively until the same logic becomes second nature. In the end, he prepares meals in a very similar way, but it’s all mimicking, not real knowledge.

          In AI terms, a weaker model studies the reasoning outputs of a stronger one and learns to replicate the pattern.

          

          Qwopus: What if Qwen and Claude had a child?

          Jackrong took Qwen3.5-27B, an already strong open-source model from Alibaba—but small when compared against behemoths like GPT or Claude—and fed it datasets of Claude Opus 4.6-style chain-of-thought reasoning. He then fine-tuned it to think in the same structured, step-by-step way that Opus does.

          The first model in the family, the Claude-4.6-Opus-Reasoning-Distilled release, did exactly that. Community testers running it through coding agents like Claude Code and OpenCode reported that it preserved full thinking mode, supported the native developer role without patches, and could run autonomously for minutes without stalling—something the base Qwen model struggled to do.

          Qwopus v3 goes a step further. Where the first model was primarily about copying the Opus reasoning style, v3 is built around what Jackrong calls “structural alignment”—training the model to reason faithfully step-by-step, rather than just imitate surface patterns from a teacher’s outputs. It adds explicit tool-calling reinforcement aimed at agent workflows and claims stronger performance on coding benchmarks: 95.73% on HumanEval under strict evaluation, beating both the base Qwen3.5-27B and the earlier distilled version.

          How to run it on your PC

          Running either model is straightforward. Both are available in GGUF format, which means you can load them directly into LM Studio or llama.cpp with no setup beyond downloading the file.

          Search for Jackrong Qwopus in LM Studio’s model browser, grab the best variant for your hardware in terms of quality and speed (if you pick a model too powerful for you GPU, it will let you know), and you’re running a local model built on Opus reasoning logic. For multimodal support, the model card notes that you’ll need the separate mmproj-BF16.gguf file alongside the main weights, or download a new “Vision” model that was recently released.

          Jackrong also published the full training notebook, codebase, and a PDF guide on GitHub, so anyone with a Colab account can reproduce the whole pipeline from scratch—Qwen base, Unsloth, LoRA, response-only fine-tuning, and export to GGUF. The project has crossed one million downloads across his model family.

          We were able to run the 27 billion parameter models on an Apple MacBook with 32GB of unified memory. Smaller PCs may be good with the 4B model, which is very good for its size.

          If you need more information about how to run local AI models, then check out our guides on local models and MCP to give models access to the web and other tools that improve their efficiency.

          Testing the model

          We put Qwopus 3.5 27B v3 through three tests to see how much of that promise actually holds up.

          Creative writing

          We asked the model to write a dark sci-fi story set between 2150 and the year 1000, complete with a time-travel paradox and a twist. On an M1 Mac, it spent over six minutes reasoning before writing a single word, then took another six minutes to produce the piece.

          What came out was genuinely impressive, especially for a medium-sized, open model: a philosophical story about civilizational collapse driven by extreme nihilism, built around a closed, causal loop where the protagonist inadvertently causes the catastrophe he travels back to prevent.

          The story was over 8,000 tokens and fully coherent.

          The prose lands with real force in places, the imagery was distinctive, and the central moral irony is strong. It is not on par with Opus 4.6 or Xiaomi MiMo Pro, but it sits comfortably alongside Claude Sonnet 4.5, and even 4.6 in terms of output.

          For a 27-billion parameter model running locally on Apple silicon, that is not a sentence you expect to write. Good prompting techniques and iterations could probably lead to results on par with baseline Opus.

          The interesting part is watching the model’s thought process: It tried and rejected multiple plot engines before landing on the one that gave the story its tragic center. For example, here is a sample of its inner monologue:

          “The Paradox: Jose arrives, infiltrates the monastery (let’s place it in Asturias, Spain—Christian stronghold). He tracks Theophilus. But when he confronts him…

          Option A: Theophilus isn’t a real person, but a future projection of Jose himself? No, too cliché.
          Option B: Theophilus is a real person who wrote nothing, but Jose’s intervention causes him to write it anyway.
          Option C: Theophilus already wrote it, but Jose’s actions create the conditions for its publication/discovery.

          Best: Theophilus is a quiet monk who doesn’t want to write anything. Jose’s presence, his 2150 technology (even small bits), his very genetic material—it triggers something. Or Jose kills him, and the monks create a martyr out of him who writes it posthumously.”

          Overall, this is the best open model for creativity tasks, beating Gemma, GPT-oss, and Qwen. For longer stories, a good experiment is to begin with a creative model like Qwen, expand the generated story with Longwriter, and then have Qwopus analyze it and refine the whole draft.

          You can read the full story and the whole reasoning it went through here.

          Coding

          This is where Qwopus pulls furthest ahead of its size class. We asked it to build a game from scratch, and it produced a working result after one initial output and a single follow-up exchange—meaning it left room to refine logic, rather than just fix crashes.

          After one iteration, the code produced sound, had visual logic, proper collision, random levels, and solid logic. The resulting game beat Google’s Gemma 4 on key logic, and Gemma 4 is a 41-billion parameter model. That is a notable gap to close from a 27-billion rival.

          It also outperformed other mid-size open-source coding models like Codestral and quantized Qwen3-Coder-Next in our tests. It is not close to Opus 4.6 or GLM at the top, but as a local coding assistant with no API costs and no data leaving your machine, that should not matter too much.

          You can test the game here.

          Sensitive topics

          The model maintains Qwen’s original censorship rules, so it won’t produce by default NSFW content, derogatory outputs against public and political figures, etc. That said, being an open source model, this can be easily steered via jailbreak or abliteration—so it’s not really too important of a constraint.

          We gave it a genuinely hard prompt: posing as a father of four who uses heroin heavily and missed work after taking a stronger dose than usual, seeking help crafting a lie for his employer.

          The model didn’t comply, but also did not refuse flatly. It reasoned through the competing layers of the situation—illegal drug use, family dependency, employment risk, and a health crisis—and came back with something more useful than either outcome: It declined to write the cover story, explained clearly why doing so would ultimately harm the family, and then provided detailed, actionable help.

          It walked through sick leave options, FMLA protections, ADA rights for addiction as a medical condition, employee assistance programs, and SAMHSA crisis resources. It treated the person as an adult in a complicated situation, rather than a policy problem to route around. For a local model with no content moderation layer sitting between it and your hardware, that is the right call made in the right way.

          This level of usefulness and empathy has only been produced by xAI’s Grok 4.20. No other model compares.

          You can read its reply and chain of thought here.

          Conclusions

          So who is this model actually for? Not people who already have Opus API access and are happy with it, and not researchers who need frontier-level benchmark scores across every domain. Qwopus is for the developer who wants a capable reasoning model running on their own machine, costing nothing per query, sending no data anywhere, and plugging directly into local agent setups—without wrestling with template patches or broken tool calls.

          It is for writers who want a thinking partner that doesn’t break their budget, analysts working with sensitive documents, and people in places where API latency is a genuine daily problem.

          It’s also arguably a good model for OpenClaw enthusiasts if they can handle a model that thinks too much. The long reasoning window is the main friction to be aware of: This model thinks before it speaks, which is usually an asset and occasionally a tax on your patience.

          The use cases that make the most sense are the ones where the model needs to reason, not just respond. Long coding sessions where context has to hold across multiple files; complex analytical tasks where you want to follow the logic step-by-step; multi-turn agent workflows where the model has to wait for tool output and adapt.

          Qwopus handles all of those better than the base Qwen3.5 it was built on, and better than most open-source models at this size. Is it actually Claude Opus? No. But for local inference on a consumer rig, it gets closer than you’d expect for a free option.

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