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Are loot boxes in video games leading to more gambling?

In recent years, loot boxes have become a feature in modern video games, particularly in some of the big games like FIFA, Fortnite, and Overwatch.

For some players, they’re an entertaining feature, a kind of digital scratchcard that adds a layer of excitement to gameplay, while for others, especially concerned parents, loot boxes raise uncomfortable questions about how closely gaming is beginning to resemble gambling—especially when millions of players are children or teenagers.

Loot boxes are essentially virtual grab bags. Inside might be a rare player card, a weapon upgrade, or a cosmetic skin. Sometimes you earn them by playing the game, but increasingly, players can purchase them directly using real money, usually through an in-game currency like FIFA Points.

The Gambling Comparison and Its Psychological Impact

The catch? You never know what you’re buying until after the transaction is complete. That randomised outcome—combined with the option to keep spending for another chance at something better—has led many to draw direct comparisons to gambling. And those comparisons aren’t without merit.

Developers deliberately design these systems to ramp up anticipation. Consider FIFA’s Ultimate Team mode. In that game mode you open a pack and that triggers bright graphics, celebratory sounds, and animations that draw out the reveal.

The entire process echoes the thrill of a slot machine or that of a casino spin and the psychological principle behind it—variable ratio reinforcement—keeps users engaged by rewarding them with unpredictably. A quick look at casino sites like Betfree shows that the majority of online casinos use bonuses, and flashy graphics to keep people hooked – similar to loot boxes.

When you look at it it is the same principle that drives slot machines, where the uncertainty and the occasional big win keeps players hooked. The concern is heightened by the age of many of the players.

Titles that feature loot boxes are extremely popular among teenagers, and even children. In competitive environments—particularly in games like FIFA—having better gear or rare players often translates into a real advantage.

So while developers insist that most loot box rewards are cosmetic or optional, the reality is that many games hift toward a pay-to-win model and that is seen in games such as Call of Duty as well. I In that game, as well as Fifa, stories have emerged over the past few years of children spending hundreds—or even thousands—on loot boxes in pursuit of a competitive edge.

Regulation, Ethics, and the Future of Loot Boxes

Academic research has only added to the alarm. A study published in the journal Addiction in 2020 found a significant link between money spent on loot boxes and signs of problem gambling, especially among younger players. The study concluded that the more money someone spent, the more likely they were to report behaviours consistent with gambling harm, such as chasing losses or struggling to stop.

While researchers stop short of claiming causation, the pattern is difficult to ignore. A separate report highlighted by Eurogamer in 2021 found that loot boxes generate billions annually. Much of that revenue comes from a relatively small group of players who spend a lot more than the average user. This revenue model is nearly identical to that which is seen in casinos, which rely on a small subset of heavy users to drive profits.

Despite growing concern, regulatory bodies have been slow to act. In the UK, the Gambling Commission has so far declined to classify loot boxes as gambling mainly because in-game items lack real-world value under the law. Critics argue that this is a legal technicality that misses the point entirely.

Whether or not you can cash out the items, the player is still paying money for an unknown outcome—exactly the core mechanic of gambling. The presentation of loot boxes doesn’t help the industry’s case. In FIFA, for example, the visual and audio cues during pack openings mimic the dramatics of a game show or a live draw, making the experience more about chance than skill. Games even encourage players to share their rare pulls on social media, which is a trend that you can see all over TikTok and Twitter now, reinforcing the buzz around these digital “wins.”

The money involved is staggering. In 2020 alone, EA made more than $1 billion from FIFA’s Ultimate Team mode. According to figures from Juniper Research, loot boxes worldwide generated around $15 billion that same year.

This reliance on microtransactions, particularly from a small group of users, has sparked ethical debates—especially considering that many of these high spenders are underage or unaware of how much they’re spending.

Governments have responded differently. Belgium and the Netherlands have taken firm action by banning loot boxes that involve real-money purchases. Belgium went so far as to outlaw them entirely in 2018. In the Netherlands, EA was fined €10 million in 2020 over FIFA packs, although that case is still under appeal. The UK has instead opted for a softer approach, encouraging game developers to self-regulate. EA’s move to introduce “preview packs,” which let players see contents before deciding to buy, was welcomed by some but widely viewed as a minimal concession. Critics argue that relying on voluntary measures is inadequate, particularly given how aggressively games target younger users.

Loot boxes don’t just resemble gambling—they introduce children to gambling-like behaviours long before they’re old enough to walk into a betting shop. The UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport launched a review into loot boxes back in 2020, but a final report is not expected until late 2025. In the meantime, stories continue to emerge of children unknowingly spending thousands.

The debate ultimately centres around a difficult but pressing question: should companies be allowed to monetise chance-based mechanics in games marketed to young people? Loot boxes may not always meet the legal definition of gambling, but the psychological effects, particularly on impressionable players, are well documented.

And while parents bear the financial burden when children overspend, the long-term behavioural effects may be an even higher price to pay. If gaming continues down this path unchecked, the industry risks not only public trust but the well-being of the next generation of players. The call for clearer regulation isn’t about limiting creativity in game design—it’s about drawing a line where profit should no longer outweigh responsibility.

Best California Online Casinos 2025: Top 7 CA Online Casinos Ranked

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Online casinos have grown to be a central piece of digital entertainment in 2025, providing players with instant access to slots, poker, table games, and live dealer experiences. In California, people typically opt for one of the established offshore websites that offer instant payouts, reliable payment methods, and a vast array of games. 

Two of the most popular ones are Ignition and Jackbit, which are both online casinos that regularly rank among the top in a variety of consistent and engaging categories. 

Both casinos offer players a seamless gaming experience, along with robust support for crypto, making them even more appealing to those seeking quick payouts and flexible fund access. 

In this guide, we have highlighted the best California online casinos in consideration of their game libraries, promotions, payouts, and overall usability to support readers in selecting the best options available in 2025.

Best California Online Casinos

  1. Ignition: Best California Online Casino Overall
  2. Jackbit: Huge Game Library & Crypto Friendly Platform
  3. Wild.io: Known For Privacy, Speed & Provably Fair Gaming
  4. BitStarz: Offers Instant Crypto Deposits & Withdrawals
  5. Rakebit: Best For Casual Crypto Players
  6. SlotsLV: Popular For Slots & Big Bonuses
  7. Wild Casino: Variety Of Crypto Payment Options

Note: California does not license online casinos for real money; people mostly play on sweepstakes platforms and offshore sites. You can use a VPN connection to play at these casinos and use cryptocurrency for deposit and withdrawal without breaking any local laws.

Top Online Casinos In California For September 2025: Reviewed

#1. Ignition: Best California Online Casino Overall

Pros:

  • Bitcoin withdrawals are completed within an hour for most players.

  • Large poker network with tournaments, Sit-and-Go, and cash games.

  • Crypto welcome bonus of up to $3,000 available.

  • Wide selection of slots, table games, and live dealer.

Cons:

  • No integrated sportsbook option for betting fans.

Overview

For the year 2025, Ignition continues as the best overall California online casino option.  The site is home to one of the most trafficked online poker rooms in the world, alongside a full casino offering both of these under one account. Offshore license and emphasis on crypto banking have made this a trusted option for players who care about privacy, security, and speed of transactions. 

Game Library

The site has over 400 games, including classic three-reel slots, modern video slots, progressive jackpots, plus unique Hot Drop Jackpots with hourly, daily, and mega prizes. The table games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and specialty games, while the live dealer section offers professional and real-time play.

Payment Options

Ignition currently supports some of the most reputable cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and USDT. Withdrawals are usually processed within 24 hours, and Bitcoin often reaches your wallet in an hour or less. You can deposit funds using a credit card, but crypto funding is more efficient and cheaper on the site.

Bonus & Promotions

A mighty welcome package awaits all new players: a 150% crypto match up to $1,500 for casino play and a 150% match up to $1,500 for poker, for a total of $3,000 for new players. The ongoing promotions at Ignition online casino include many reload bonuses, weekly rewards, Ignition Miles loyalty points, and free spin promotions offered seasonally.

Why Ignition?

In the California online poker community, Ignition has earned a reputation as the most trusted online casino. It offers you cashouts with speed, solid poker traffic, plenty of games, and exciting promos. 

#2. Jackbit: Huge Game Library & Crypto Friendly Platform

Pros:

  • Instant crypto withdrawals with no waiting time.

  • Huge game library of more than 7,000 titles.

  • Supports 20+ cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals.

  • No-KYC policy ensures strong privacy for players.

Cons:

  • Monthly withdrawal caps can limit high rollers.

Overview

Jackbit has established itself as one of the most advanced crypto casinos available in 2025. Licensed in Curaçao, it offers both casino gaming and a full sportsbook, making it a comprehensive hub for entertainment. Its VPN-friendly approach, streamlined design, and emphasis on anonymity have made it a popular California online casino with fast transactions and a large variety of games.

Game Library

With more than 7,000 games from leading software providers, Jackbit stands out as a powerhouse. Players can enjoy everything from classic slots and jackpots to table games, live dealers, crash games, esports, and a fully equipped sportsbook. The platform covers major leagues, international events, and even niche markets, giving bettors a wide spectrum of options. 

Payment Options

Jackbit supports over 20 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Tether. Crypto withdrawals are processed instantly, giving players quick access to winnings without delays. Fiat conversions are available through integrated exchanges, providing additional flexibility.

Bonus & Promotions

New members gain access to 100 wager-free spins, risk-free sports bets, and regular tournaments with prize pools. Ongoing perks include cashback, rakeback up to 30%, and reload bonuses, making it highly rewarding for active players.

Why Jackbit?

Jackbit online casino excels with instant payouts, 20+ crypto options, and an unmatched selection of 7,000+ games. Its combination of privacy, modern design, and sportsbook integration ensures a smooth and versatile experience for California players in 2025.

#3. Wild.io: Known For Privacy, Speed & Provably Fair Gaming

Pros:

  • Anonymous play with aliases preserves privacy for all cash games.
  • Fast cryptocurrency withdrawals, often within minutes after approval.
  • Provably fair games alongside traditional slots and table games.
  • Mobile-optimized platform for smooth play on iOS and Android.

Cons:

  • Offshore license, not regulated by California authorities.

Overview

Wild.io has gained popularity in California for its focus on privacy, speed, and crypto-first gameplay. With an anonymous environment and provably fair games, players can enjoy slots, table games, and live dealers without worrying about tracking or personal exposure. Its Curaçao license ensures regulatory oversight for international play, while crypto banking guarantees fast deposits and withdrawals.

Game Library

The platform offers over 3,500 games, from classic pokies to live dealer tables. Unique crypto games like Crash, Dice, and Plinko complement traditional favorites such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and high RTP video slots. Hot Drop Jackpots provide hourly, daily, and mega prizes to keep gameplay exciting.

Payment Options

Wild.io supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and USDT. Crypto deposits are instant, and withdrawals generally complete within minutes. Traditional payment methods are available, but slower. The platform prioritizes fast, low-fee crypto banking for California players.

Bonus & Promotions

New players can claim up to $200 no deposit bonus plus 200 free spins on selected slots. Ongoing promotions include referral bonuses, weekly reloads, VIP rewards, and seasonal free spins. Provably fair game bonuses and crypto rewards ensure transparent value for users.

Why Wild.io?

California crypto players favor Wild.io for privacy, speed, and provably fair gaming. Anonymous tables, fast Bitcoin payouts, and a massive game library make it a standout option for cautious and crypto-focused players alike.

#4. BitStarz: Offers Instant Crypto Deposits & Withdrawals

Pros:

  • Over 2,800 games, including live dealers, table games, and video slots.
  • Fast crypto deposits and withdrawals, often under an hour.
  • Attractive welcome bonus of up to $1,500 + 180 free spins.
  • Fully mobile-friendly for instant play on any device.

Cons:

  • Curaçao license, not California-regulated.

Overview

BitStarz online casino is a top choice for California players looking for variety and speed. Known for a massive game library and crypto-friendly banking, the platform allows seamless play on desktop or mobile. With fast Bitcoin and USDT withdrawals and a strong focus on transparency, BitStarz has become a trusted name for online slots, live tables, and specialty games.

Game Library

The casino offers thousands of slots, table games, and live dealer options. Exclusive Bitcoin games and progressive jackpots keep gameplay exciting. Players can access popular titles from top providers, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and immersive live dealer experiences.

Payment Options

Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and USDT. Crypto deposits are instant, while withdrawals often process within 30–60 minutes. Traditional banking is supported but less efficient compared to crypto.

Bonus & Promotions

New players in California can claim a $1,500 welcome bonus + 180 free spins on select slots. Ongoing promotions include weekly crypto cashbacks, seasonal free spins, VIP rewards, and leaderboard competitions for high rollers.

Why BitStarz?

California players love BitStarz online casino for its game variety, fast crypto banking, and transparent bonus offers. The mix of slots, table games, and live dealers makes it perfect for casual and experienced gamers alike.

#5. Rakebit: Best For Casual Crypto Players

Pros:

  • Provably fair games for complete transparency.
  • Instant crypto withdrawals, mostly within minutes.
  • User-friendly interface ideal for casual and mobile play.
  • Special promotions for high rollers and new signups.

Cons:

  • Curaçao license only, no California-specific regulation.

Overview

Rakebit is favored by California crypto players for its simplicity and provably fair gaming. The platform offers a mix of traditional pokies, table games, and crypto-focused games, all with instant Bitcoin and USDT banking. Rakebit is beginner-friendly while still appealing to high-stakes players with VIP rewards and fast payout processing.

Game Library

Rakebit features over 2,000 titles, including pokies, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and live dealer games. Provably fair crypto games such as Crash, Dice, and Mines are a highlight for players who want transparent odds and secure betting.

Payment Options

Accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and USDT. Crypto deposits are immediate, and withdrawals usually take less than 10 minutes. Traditional banking is slower, emphasizing the platform’s crypto-first approach for California users.

Bonus & Promotions

New players can claim a $200 no deposit bonus + 200 free spins. Regular players enjoy VIP rewards, daily cashback, tournament leaderboards, and seasonal free spin campaigns.

Why Rakebit?

California users appreciate Rakebit for its transparency, fast payouts, and user-friendly design. Provably fair games, crypto-first banking, and mobile-optimized software make it an appealing choice for casual and crypto-focused players.

#6. SlotsLV: Popular For Slots & Big Bonuses

Pros:

Cons:

  • No sportsbook or poker room integrated.

Overview

SlotsLV has held a strong reputation since 2013, especially popular with crypto users and U.S.-based players. It delivers a focused casino experience centered on slots while ensuring user-friendly navigation and reliable performance. Offshore licensed (Curaçao), the platform maintains secure operations and consistent game quality.

Game Library

The casino specializes in slots, offering nearly 500 titles that span classic, modern video slots, and progressive jackpots with hourly draws. Table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, and live dealer options round out the gaming suite, sourced from top-tier providers such as Rival Gaming and Betsoft.

Payment Options

SlotsLV supports both credit/debit cards and leading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Tether. Crypto transactions benefit from fast processing, often within hours, making it efficient and wallet-friendly. Additional flexibility comes via e-wallets and prepaid card options.

Bonus & Promotions

New crypto players receive a 200% deposit match up to $3,000, plus 30 free spins. For card deposits, a generous 100% match up to $2,000 is available. The Crypto Club rewards offer recurring crypto deposit matches and loyalty points. Experienced players can also benefit from referral bonuses and exclusive promotional campaigns.

Why SlotsLV?

SlotsLV online casino stands as an excellent choice for California players focused on slots and crypto rewards. Its strength lies in a large slot portfolio, solid bonuses, and reliable crypto banking. For those seeking a straightforward, high-quality slots-first experience, SlotsLV delivers consistently in 2025.

#7. Wild Casino: Variety Of Crypto Payment Options

Pros:

  • High player return rates with crypto-friendly features.

  • Extensive library of over 1,300 slots, table games, and live dealer titles.

  • Crypto payouts often complete within an hour.

  • Highly responsive customer support and smooth mobile experience.

Cons:

  • Welcome bonuses are larger for crypto deposits compared to fiat.

Overview

Wild Casino is a leader among crypto-first platforms, providing both high payout potential and easy digital currency transactions. It is offshore licensed and assures players a safe gaming experience with transparent RTPs and fair promotions. The casino has flawless service on desktop and mobile for a great gaming experience, especially for California players seeking reliable and responsible gaming.

Game Library

The game suite boasts more than 1,500 titles of slot games, table games, video poker, and live dealer games from developers including BetSoft, RealTime Gaming, Rival, and Dragon Gaming. This variety guarantees that players will have access to an ever-changing and dynamic selection, with both classic games and modern jackpots.

Payment Options

Wild Casino has several cryptocurrencies that allow for incredibly fast, typically same-day payouts, and most crypto winnings are deposited in under an hour. They have credit and wire options as well, but they are not as efficient or fee-friendly as crypto.

Bonus & Promotions

The casino provides a welcome bonus of 250 free spins spread across 10 days. Regular promos include daily tournaments, weekly cashback, and reload bonuses, all paired with an engaging loyalty system.

Why Wild Casino?

Wild Casino provides speed, reliability, and variety with cryptocurrencies at the center of everything. Fast payouts, an excellent assortment of games, and ongoing promotions help to create a unique experience for players in California who want value with convenience. With a solid offshore license and happy users, it’s a California online casino worth considering well into 2025.

The Latest Update on Californian Online Casinos

While California doesn’t currently license real-money online casinos, players still have access through social, sweepstakes, and offshore platforms. These have provided opportunities in California for people to enjoy slots, table games, poker, and live dealer formats at their convenience and with a couple of clicks. 

In 2023, the legislation around sweepstakes casinos has seen new discussions on return-to-player models that employ dual-currency models. It’s still too early to tell how this will unfold, and the bill is constantly being modified and considered. The updates to the bill did confirm, however, that players themselves are not and will not be at risk; this only concerns how companies operate their businesses. 

In the meantime, as the sweepstakes provider’s group keeps announcing new partnerships and expanding its foothold, it shows demand for accessible online gaming opportunities is alive and well in California. Today’s landscape shows that online casino-style entertainment continues to flourish under the auspices of innovation and player privileges. 

For California players today, the landscape still provides safe options for enjoying online gaming; the landscape includes crypto-friendly and offshore sites, as well as sweepstakes names that we know. 

How We Rank The Best California Online Casinos?

The evaluation of the top California online casinos involves a careful process that considers multiple factors to determine safety, features, and overall value to the player. Each casino is evaluated across a number of factors that determine the gaming experience. Below are the main aspects we consider when ranking casinos.

1. Licensing & Security

We preferred offshore sites and sweepstake platforms operating under international licenses or tribal licenses. We additionally sought reputable oversight and security mechanisms such as SSL encryption and fair RNG certification so that players can play the games safely and with confidence.

2. Game Variety

The game selection is what makes an online casino strong. We look at how many total titles are available, ideally high-quality games developed by strong software providers, and the distribution of slots, table games, poker, live dealers, and specialty games.

3. Payment Options & Payout Speed

Reliable and speedy banking is important. We rank casinos that provide many cryptocurrencies and traditional banking, and put extra weight on instant, or same-day, withdrawals. Flexible deposit options also factor into our ratings, as well as straightforward fees.

4. Bonuses & Promotions

Welcome bonuses, free spins, reload bonuses, cashback, and loyalty programs are all given to scrutiny. Our scrutiny focused on the size of the bonuses, whether they had reasonable wagering requirements, and most importantly, their overall sustainable value to the player. Any platform with user-focused rewards strategies and consistent offers performs strongly.

5. User Experience & Mobile Play

User-friendliness is extremely important, especially for players using casinos while on the go. Our rankings prioritize platforms that provide an excellent user experience, regardless of the platform, desktop or mobile. Factors such as easy navigation, responsive design, and seamless play all come into play. A little bonus is awarded to those casinos that provide a native mobile app or optimized live dealer games.

6. Customer Support

A trustworthy support team is a key part of online gaming. We value those that have available 24/7 live chat, email, or phone support. Platforms with fast response times and knowledgeable staff tend to perform better on our reviews.

7. Reputation & Player Feedback

Trust in the community is critical to our rankings. We look at player reviews, community reputation on the forums, and overall history with a brand. Casinos that have a track record of fast payouts, fair play, and positive player treatment rank highly with us.

8. Innovation & Future Potential

Finally, we discuss how the future may position casinos, platforms dedicated to investing in new technologies like instant crypto transactions, live video streaming, or establishing partnerships with the top gaming providers, are a clear indication of their commitment to growth and long-term viability.  

Once we consider all of these aspects, we create a list of overall ratings and rankings of the best casinos for California players in 2025. We have focused on bringing players safe, fun, and rewarding online gaming options that meet their expectations for today and anticipate future exploration tomorrow.

Conclusion: Why Ignition Is #1 for Best Online Casinos in California?

Of all the great options for California players in 2025, Ignition is the clear winner. They offer faster payouts (for crypto players) and one of the most complete libraries for poker, a very active poker player community, and they were simply the most trustworthy destination. They offer good value with their generous welcome bonus structure and member promotions that are an added benefit for long-time players. 

Ignition is also no slouch when it comes to providing a good user experience via desktop and mobile devices, with good site security coming from a strong offshore licensed entity. With Poker, slots, Table games, and live dealers all in one destination, players seeking versatility and trustworthy destinations, Ignition offers a comprehensive online gambling experience.

For California players seeking access to online casinos in 2025 through offshore and crypto accessible sites, Ignition is the best overall destination that offers value, speed, entertainment, and convenience all in one place.

California Online Casinos: FAQs

1. Can you gamble online for real money in California?

California has yet to license real-money online casinos, but players enjoy offshore and sweepstakes platforms in the meantime. They can access offshore platforms and sweepstakes casinos, which operate legally under international or alternative models. These options allow Californians to enjoy slots, poker, and table games using crypto or sweep coins without conflicting with local restrictions.

2. What is the fastest way to withdraw money from a CA online casino?

Cryptocurrency is the quickest option. Most sites will allow Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, etc. Payments will often be instant or within a few hours. Offshore casinos will always push crypto withdrawals because they are usually the fastest method, and the casino can also avoid the hassle of bank wires or card withdrawals.

3. What is the fastest payout online casino in California?

Ignition has a super-fast payment processing method, where bitcoin payouts are typically processed in under an hour. Jackbit is another strong option because it also allows for instant crypto transactions. Both these casinos prioritize secure and fast payments, enabling California players to access their payouts without waiting longer than necessary.

4. Do California online casinos have bonuses?

Indeed, sweepstakes and offshore casinos provide useful welcome bonuses, free spins, reload bonuses, and loyalty schemes. Bonuses are offered to both crypto and fiat players, and casinos like Ignition, Slots LV, and Wild Casino will offer ongoing promotions to ensure players are getting ongoing rewards, on top of the initial bonus offers.

5. Why Is Ignition the Best Site for Online Gambling in California?

Ignition is an all-in-one platform for poker, slots, table games, live dealers, and incredible promotions. Ignition has fast Bitcoin withdrawals, high-value bonuses, and seamless mobile access with a solid reputation for dependability. Ignition ranked as the #1 California online casino site of 2025.

6. Are there any online casinos legal in California?

California does not regulate traditional online casinos, but sweepstakes and social platforms operate legally using dual-currency models. Offshore sites also serve California players, accepting crypto and offering fast payouts. These options give residents safe access to online gaming until clearer state-level legislation emerges.

7. What are the payment methods at California online casinos?

California players can use multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards, prepaid options, and e-wallets. However, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Tether are the preferred choice, thanks to their fast processing times, security, and ease of use across offshore and sweepstakes casinos.

Best Bitcoin Casino & Crypto Gambling Sites In New Zealand: Top Picks 2025

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New Zealanders are embracing cryptocurrency casinos, with millions of dollars in wagers placed monthly. The top pick for 2025 is Ignition, renowned for its substantial BTC bonuses, a variety of games and poker tournaments, and unmatched payout speeds. Playing is legal for Kiwis at licensed offshore sites, but a new government licensing system is forthcoming; local rules are set to shift by 2026, with player safety and fairness as top priorities.

List Of Top NZ Bitcoin Casinos

Looking for the ultimate Kiwi crypto casino experience this September? Here’s the best (and what they’re best for):

  1. Ignition: #1 For Variety of Casino Games, Poker Tournaments, & Fast BTC Payouts
  2. Jackbit: Go To For Crypto Casino & Sports Betting
  3. Wild.io: Known For Anonymous Play & Fast Crypto Withdrawals
  4. BitStarz: Ideal For Both Casual & High Stake Players
  5. Rakebit: Best For Tournaments & VIP Play
  6. Cloudbet: Massive BTC Welcome Bonus With 10,000+ Games
  7. Bovada: All In One Casino & Sportsbook

Key Takeaways: NZ’s BTC Casinos

  • Fast Payouts Matter: Top crypto casinos like Ignition and Jackbit ensure Bitcoin withdrawals within hours, letting players access their winnings almost instantly.
  • Big Bonuses Drive Value: Cloudbet’s 5 BTC welcome package and other ongoing promotions give Kiwi players extra leverage on their deposits.
  • Variety is King: From pokies to live dealer tables and sports betting, platforms like Jackbit and Bovada cover every type of player preference.
  • Privacy and Security First: Trusted sites use SSL encryption, provably fair games, and strong privacy measures to protect every transaction.
  • High Rollers Get Special Treatment: Exclusive VIP perks, high-limit tables, and invite-only rewards cater to serious players seeking premium experiences.
  • Multi-Crypto Support: While Bitcoin is standard, most top NZ casinos also accept Ethereum, Litecoin, and USDT, giving players flexibility for deposits and withdrawals.
  • Try Before You Commit: Demo modes and responsive 24/7 customer support make it easy to test gameplay, interface, and banking options before making a first deposit.
  • Trusted Reputation Counts: Only casinos with positive player feedback, verified RTPs, and a clean payment history make it to the top of our NZ list.

Bottom Line: Kiwi players seeking fun, fair, and fast crypto gaming should prioritize safety, payout speed, and bonuses. The right BTC casino combines all three for a secure, rewarding, and entertaining experience.

Best Bitcoin & Crypto Casinos September 2025: In-Depth Review

#1. Ignition: #1 For Variety of Casino Games, Poker Tournaments, & Fast BTC Payouts

Overview:

Ignition is a favourite for Kiwi crypto players, offering a smooth mix of 400+ casino games: pokies, blackjack, roulette, live tables, and outstanding poker tournaments. NZ players love its quick signup, Bitcoin banking, and rich selection of cashbacks and promotions. Their software works flawlessly on both mobile and desktop, with fresh graphic interfaces and easy navigation. 

Practice Play is available for pokies and table games, making it beginner-friendly. BTC payouts are fast, usually within an hour. While Ignition’s international gaming licence covers NZ play, it isn’t purely NZ-regulated. Its customer support is well-rated, though sometimes withdrawal ID checks can delay first cashouts. Overall, the site’s reputation for fairness, quality, and exciting bonuses helps it stand out from the crowd.

Pros:

  • Huge poker and promo selection
  • Fast, Bitcoin-friendly payouts
  • Excellent software on all devices
  • Practice Play for most games

Cons:

  • Occasional ID verification delays

#2. Jackbit: Go To For Crypto Casino & Sports Betting

Overview:

Jackbit makes the cut as NZ’s global go-to for crypto casino and sports betting. Their welcome bonus matches Bitcoin and offers 100 wager-free spins with a deposit. The platform shines for sports fans, with real-time bets across rugby, cricket, and league alongside classic casino titles. Jackbit uses strong encryption, provides instant deposits/withdrawals, and features an intuitive, mobile-friendly interface. 

Daily promos and 24/7 support ensure Kiwis never miss an offer. Wagering requirements are higher than some rivals, and the lack of NZD or local licensing means everything is crypto-based. For bonus hunters and sports punters, Jackbit is a responsive and modern option.

Pros:

  • Sports and casino under one roof
  • 100 crypto spins with a deposit
  • Global promos, including rugby/cricket
  • Lightning-fast payouts

Cons:

  • Occasional bonus region limits

#3. Wild.io: Known For Anonymous Play & Fast Crypto Withdrawals

Overview:

Wild.io has become popular among Kiwi crypto enthusiasts for its anonymous gameplay and fast cryptocurrency withdrawals. The casino offers a broad selection of 3,500+ titles, including pokies, table games, live dealers, and provably fair crypto games like Crash and Dice. New Zealand players enjoy its straightforward registration, instant Bitcoin deposits, and easy navigation across desktop and mobile platforms.

The platform provides demo modes for most pokies and table games, helping beginners get comfortable before betting real funds. Payouts in Bitcoin and Tether are typically processed within minutes after verification. While Wild.io operates under a Curaçao license and is accessible in NZ, it’s not locally regulated. Support is available 24/7, offering prompt assistance for account or payment inquiries. Its combination of privacy, speed, and game variety makes it appealing for Kiwi players.

Pros:

  • Anonymous play with fast crypto payouts
  • Wide game selection, including provably fair titles
  • Mobile-optimized software
  • Demo mode for beginners

Cons:

  • Offshore license, not NZ-regulated

#4. BitStarz: Ideal For Both Casual & High Stake Players

Overview:

BitStarz is a top choice for New Zealand crypto players seeking a versatile gaming platform. With over 2,800 casino games, including pokies, table games, live dealers, and crypto-focused titles, it caters to both casual and high-stakes players. NZ users benefit from fast Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT deposits, plus smooth withdrawals that usually process within an hour.

The casino is beginner-friendly, offering demo modes on most slots and table games. Its website and mobile interface are intuitive, making it easy to navigate promotions, tournaments, and VIP rewards. Licensed in Curaçao, BitStarz is accessible to NZ players but isn’t regulated locally. Customer support is responsive via live chat and email, ensuring that any issues with deposits, withdrawals, or gameplay are quickly addressed. The combination of fast crypto banking, a huge game library, and competitive bonuses makes BitStarz a favourite for Kiwi users.

Pros:

  • Extensive game library with live dealer options
  • Fast crypto deposits and withdrawals
  • Mobile-friendly interface
  • Demo mode available for most games

Cons:

  • Curaçao license, no local NZ regulation

#5. Rakebit: Best For Tournaments & VIP Play

Overview:

Rakebit is a high-roller-focused NZ crypto casino with multiple cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, USDT). Tailored for tournament and VIP play, it runs exclusive pokie comps and rewards every wager with tiered cashback. The live casino and jackpot pokies options keep things spicy for regulars, and Bitcoin withdrawals are instant for verified members. 

Rakebit’s support team responds promptly in NZ time zones. The main drawbacks are that VIP bonuses are invite-only and the game library is smaller than on mainstream platforms, prioritising quality over quantity. Ideal for serious punters seeking ongoing perks.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Smaller game selection
  • VIP bonuses are not always accessible

#6. Cloudbet: Massive BTC Welcome Bonus With 10,000+ Games

Overview:

Cloudbet is renowned in NZ for its monumental BTC bonus, up to 5 BTC. Its casino holds over 10,000 games, including pokies, live casinos, blackjack, and specialty options. Cloudbet appeals to high rollers and casuals, offering both fiat and crypto betting on a safe, audited platform. Withdrawals are among the fastest around, with most completed in minutes. 

Their sportsbook is robust, featuring top rugby and cricket lines popular with Kiwis. Frequent tournaments, promos, and a rewarding loyalty program round out the experience. Cloudbet holds an international license, and while NZ-registered players are welcome, some region-restricted titles may be applicable.

Pros:

  • Massive BTC welcome bonus
  • 10,000+ games and live tables
  • Ultra-fast crypto payments
  • Top NZ sports markets

Cons:

  • Some games geo-blocked

#7. Bovada: All In One Casino & Sportsbook

Overview:

Bovada is a US-based online casino with a strong legacy in NZ, now supporting BTC, ETH, and more. The site stands out for its flexible gaming, over 300 pokies, progressive jackpots, live casino tables, and an expansive sportsbook. Bovada’s Bitcoin welcome bonus is generous, and ongoing competitions make it popular for Kiwi sports fans, especially those keen on rugby and cricket. 

BTC withdrawals are often processed in under two hours, making it a solid choice for speedy payments. The cons mainly revolve around its non-NZ licensing and limited NZD payment options; however, its reputation remains reliable.

Pros:

  • All-in-one casino and sportsbook
  • Fast crypto payouts
  • Frequent promos and tourneys
  • Trustworthy track record

Cons:

  • No NZD/local payment options
  • Limited live NZ event streaming

Find Your Perfect Bitcoin Casino in New Zealand

Finding the right crypto casino in New Zealand is about more than just flashy graphics; it’s about speed, security, and a gaming experience that fits your style. Kiwi players often look for fast payouts, strong welcome bonuses, a wide range of pokies, and even live sports betting options. Here’s a breakdown to help you pick your perfect fit:

  • Biggest Bonus: Cloudbet takes the lead with a massive 5 BTC welcome package, giving players a strong start for both casino games and sports betting.
  • Fastest Payouts: Need your winnings quickly? Bovada processes Bitcoin withdrawals within hours so that you can enjoy your profits without unnecessary waiting.
  • Best for Sports Betting: Jackbit and Bovada provide some of the broadest global odds, including coverage of NZ sports. Perfect for players who like mixing casino action with sports excitement.
  • High Rollers’ Choice: Rakebit stands out with VIP perks, invite-only rewards, and high-stakes tables for serious players looking for exclusive benefits.
  • Pokies Variety: Cloudbet features an impressive selection of pokies from top NZ and international providers, including jackpot games that can turn small bets into big wins.
  • Trusted Brands: Ignition and Jackbit continue to set the bar with best-in-class fairness, verified RTPs, and secure deposits, giving players peace of mind while gaming.

Most top NZ crypto casinos support Bitcoin deposits along with Ethereum, Litecoin, and USDT. Privacy-conscious Kiwi players can enjoy smooth transactions and strong encryption. Before committing your BTC, test the site’s customer support, explore demo modes, and check the user interface. This ensures the casino matches your gaming needs, whether you’re here for pokies, poker, or sports betting. With the right choice, your Bitcoin experience in New Zealand can be fast, fun, and fully rewarding.

Legality of Crypto & Bitcoin Casinos in New Zealand 

Currently, it’s legal for Kiwis to access offshore crypto casinos, but regulation is rapidly changing. The Online Casino Gambling Bill, introduced in June 2025, is moving towards a licensing model, with 15 official licenses to be issued in 2026. 

Until then, international crypto sites operate in a “grey” market, where players can gamble and withdraw winnings, but local authorities don’t protect funds or enforce fair play. Always choose reputable sites and stay informed about regulatory updates.

NZ Casinos to Avoid 

Avoid casinos that lack transparent ownership, don’t publish provable fairness audits, or have a history of repeated payment complaints from Kiwi users. Steer clear of any site with murky licensing (like “Curaçao only”), minimal responsible gambling tools, or that operates without SSL security. 

Shady operators may block NZ players from withdrawals, limit bonuses abruptly, or delay BTC payouts. Before joining, read recent NZ reviews and check community forums. Safer sites request KYC only once and follow through on instant payments; trust is everything.

How to Deposit at a New Zealand Online Casino Using Bitcoin?

Depositing Bitcoin at a New Zealand online casino is simple and fast, giving you instant access to pokies, table games, and live dealer action. Most top NZ crypto casinos like Ignition, Jackbit, and Wild.io make the process smooth, secure, and beginner-friendly. Here’s how it works step by step:

  • Register an Account: Sign up at your chosen crypto casino. Ensure your details are accurate to facilitate smooth withdrawals later.
  • Locate the Wallet Address: Go to the banking or deposit section and select Bitcoin. The casino will provide a unique wallet address or QR code for your deposit.
  • Copy or Scan: Copy the address carefully or scan the QR code with your wallet app. Accuracy is key; sending BTC to the wrong address is irreversible.
  • Send Bitcoin: Open your crypto wallet on desktop or mobile, paste the address, enter the deposit amount, and confirm. Most wallets provide a transaction summary before you finalize.
  • Wait for Confirmation: Funds typically appear after 1–3 blockchain confirmations, which can take a few minutes to complete.
  • Claim Your Bonus: Activate welcome or deposit bonuses automatically or enter the promo code provided.
  • Start Playing: Your Bitcoin balance is ready for pokies, tables, or live dealer games.

Always double-check addresses, save blockchain receipts, and note deposit limits. The best NZ crypto casinos charge low or no fees, and 24/7 support is available for any questions.

What Are BTC Withdrawal Speeds? 

Most NZ crypto casinos process Bitcoin withdrawals within 10–60 minutes after approval, thanks to blockchain efficiency. Cloudbet and Bovada typically complete BTC cashouts within two hours. While some manual KYC checks may add time to the first withdrawal, most players face little delay. 

Fast BTC withdrawals remain a major reason Kiwi players choose crypto casinos over traditional payment methods, as they expect funds to be processed much faster than with bank transfers.

How We Rate The Best Bitcoin Gambling Sites in New Zealand?

When choosing the best Bitcoin gambling sites in New Zealand, we focus on real-world usability, security, and player satisfaction. Our ratings aren’t just based on promises; we personally test every platform to ensure Kiwi users get fast payouts, top-quality games, and reliable support. Here’s what we look at in detail:

  • NZ Acceptance: Casinos must offer full access for Kiwi players. We check for smooth NZD conversions through wallets or on-site swaps to make deposits and withdrawals hassle-free.

  • Game Selection: We evaluate the variety and quality of games, from pokies and table games to live dealer options. Only casinos with fair RTPs and reputable software providers make the cut.

  • Bonuses & Promos: BTC welcome bonuses, free spins, and reload offers are examined for value, usability, and fairness. We prioritize transparent terms that actually benefit players.

  • Payment Speeds: Quick deposits and lightning-fast BTC, ETH, or USDT withdrawals are essential. We verify there are no hidden fees and that transactions happen reliably.

  • Reputation: Only casinos with positive reviews from real NZ players and no history of delayed payouts or unfair bans are considered.

  • Customer Support: Responsive, 24/7 help that aligns with NZ time zones is key. We test chats and emails for effectiveness.

  • Security: Licensed (offshore), SSL-encrypted, provably fair systems with privacy-focused policies are mandatory.

Every casino is tested via signup, deposits, withdrawals, and direct support interactions to ensure claims hold up in practice.

Play Responsibly 

Crypto gambling is a form of entertainment, so it’s important to play responsibly. Never wager more than you can comfortably afford to lose, and remember to take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Opt for casinos that offer self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and clear support for responsible gaming. 

If you ever feel your gambling habits are becoming risky, reach out immediately to New Zealand support lines or Gamblers Anonymous. Enjoy the thrill of winning, but always prioritize safe and balanced play.

Conclusion 

The NZ crypto casino scene is booming, and 2025 is the best time to get in on lightning-fast, bonus-packed play. Whether you crave pokies, blackjack, or all-in live betting, the top BTC casinos on this list have you covered for fairness, privacy, and quick payouts. 

With new regulations on the horizon, Kiwis will also have local protection and even better offers. For now, stick with trusted names for a safe and thrilling crypto wagering experience. Play well, play smart, and always have fun.

Bitcoin Casino New Zealand: FAQs 

What is the best Bitcoin casino in NZ?

Ignition is the frontrunner owing to its massive BTC bonus, large game suite, and quick NZ-friendly payouts. It combines reliability, security, and ongoing promos, making it ideal for both newcomers and pros.

Can you gamble with Bitcoin in New Zealand?

Yes, Kiwis can legally gamble with Bitcoin using offshore casinos. Local regulation is on the way, and by 2026, NZ-based crypto casinos will likely be fully licensed for even safer play.

What casino pays out in Bitcoin?

All top casinos on our list, including Cloudbet, Ignition, and Bovada, offer Bitcoin payouts. Expect your funds in your personal BTC wallet within an hour or two max, once approved.

Is crypto trading allowed in New Zealand?

Absolutely. Crypto is considered property and is legal to buy, sell, and trade. Just remember, any capital gains on profits may be subject to NZ tax law, so keep good records when cashing out wins.

The Grand Egyptian Museum and Its Global Tourism Impact

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which is just minutes from the iconic Giza Pyramids, is set to transform the way the world engages with ancient Egypt. It was built on a 50-hectare site with direct sightlines to Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, as if it were the fourth pyramid.

The Grand Egyptian Museum will be the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. It is more than a repository of artifacts, but more of a bridge between Egypt’s timeless past and its cultural future, positioning Cairo as one of the leading capitals of world heritage tourism.

How to Visit the GEM During the Trial Phase?

Although the official inauguration has been rescheduled to late 2025, on the first of November, GEM is already open to visitors through a limited-access “Trial Phase“. Guests can explore most of the museum’s core galleries, view special exhibitions, and experience the architectural highlights that define the site. The full opening will include the complete Tutankhamun galleries, where all 5,400 artifacts associated with the boy king will be displayed together for the first time.

Tickets are sold exclusively through the official website of the museum, but the majority visit the museum through booking with a trusted travel agency or as part of a Grand Egyptian Museum tour. The museum also offers extended visiting hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays, making it easier to integrate GEM into a Cairo itinerary.

Top Highlights of the GEM Every Visitor Must See

Here are some of the key highlights visitors can experience at the Grand Egyptian Museum:

  • The Grand Hall – Ramses II Colossus: A monumental 30-foot statue of Ramses II dominates the atrium, immediately setting the tone for the museum’s scale and ambition.
  • The Hanging Obelisk: A world-first engineering achievement allows visitors to walk beneath a suspended obelisk of Ramses II, revealing inscriptions at its base.
  • The Grand Staircase: A procession of statues arranged chronologically leads visitors upward through history, aligned with breathtaking views of the pyramids.
  • Tutankhamun in Full: Upon the official opening, GEM will house the entire Tutankhamun collection, offering an unprecedented opportunity to view his treasures in one place.
  • Khufu’s Solar Boat: The 4,600-year-old cedar vessel, relocated in 2021, will be displayed in a custom-built hall, illuminating the rituals and technology of the Old Kingdom.
  • Architecture and Conservation: Designed by Heneghan Peng with Arup and Buro Happold, GEM features an 800-meter translucent stone wall and advanced conservation facilities, making it a global hub for research as well as a visitor attraction.

Reshaping Cairo’s Role in Tourism

Historically, many visitors spent only one night in Cairo before traveling south to Luxor or Aswan. With the pyramids, the Sphinx, and GEM all concentrated within one cultural hub, Cairo now has the capacity to hold travelers for several days, strengthening its role as a destination in itself.

Egypt received 15.7–15.8 million visitors in 2024 and continued to see growth in 2025. GEM is expected to build on this momentum up to more than 25 million visitors in 2026, attracting first-time visitors and drawing repeat travelers eager to witness its official opening.

The Egyptian government’s vision of welcoming 30 million annual visitors by the early 2030s is supported by major infrastructure upgrades. These include transport improvements at Giza, electric shuttle buses, a redesigned visitor center, and expanded capacity at both Cairo International Airport and the new Sphinx International Airport.

Boosting Economy and Infrastructure

Tourism contributed approximately 8.5 percent of Egypt’s GDP in 2024, and GEM is expected to boost this further by extending the average length of stay and increasing per-visitor spending.

By clustering high-value attractions within a compact area, Cairo strengthens its position as a cultural capital comparable to Paris, Rome, and Athens.

Implications for Travelers and the Industry

For travelers, GEM provides an unparalleled opportunity to see the entire sweep of ancient Egyptian history in one visit, from prehistoric artifacts to the treasures of Tutankhamun, followed immediately by the experience of standing before the pyramids themselves.

For the travel industry, GEM creates new opportunities for premium experiences, including private tours, after-hours access, Egyptologist-led programs, and behind-the-scenes conservation visits. It also encourages longer Cairo stays and helps distribute demand more evenly throughout the year, supporting the development of sustainable tourism.

Visitor Tips and Practical Advice

  • Book tickets through an authorized and top-rated travel agency.
  • Plan time for the Grand Hall, Hanging Obelisk, Grand Staircase, and current thematic galleries.
  • Save the Tutankhamun galleries for the official inauguration in late 2025.
  • Pair a museum visit with the Giza Plateau, using the new visitor center and electric shuttles for convenience.
  • Personal photography is permitted, but flash, tripods, selfie sticks, drones, and livestreaming are prohibited.
  • Witness the sight of Divine Miracles at the Gem

As anticipation builds toward the official inauguration, GEM already stands as a must-visit destination, a place where ancient wonders meet modern innovation, and where history is reimagined for the future.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is not simply a new cultural landmark but a powerful statement of Egypt’s pride and vision for the future. For visitors, it offers the rare chance to experience humanity’s oldest continuous civilization in a single, immersive journey. For Egypt, it cements Cairo’s role as a global cultural capital, reshaping tourism flows, generating economic growth, and setting the stage for a new golden era in world heritage travel.

Book Review: Jordan Castro, ‘Muscle Man’

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I have a certain fondness for the gym bro. There’s a puppy-like, amateurish idea that you can decimate your body and push it to failure with the obliteration of the mind. It makes intuitive sense that bodily manipulation will result in mental stability, as it sometimes but does not often do, and the 18-year-olds raised on muscular supremacy via Instagram Reels have internalized this to create a new lifting revolution based on the ideal of physical beauty. But with all of this emphasis on appearances, where does the mind come in?

Like Murakami was a runner, Jordan Castro is a lifter; his new book, Muscle Man, follows a day in the life of a college professor who can’t wait to get out of this meeting and into the gym. Not notably enormous, but so entrenched in the world of physical fitness such that every second thought revolves around it, Harold’s itch to lift goes hand in hand with his ire at the “mentally defective” oafs that are students, the pretentious teachers, and even Shepherd College itself, to the point of fanatical, paranoid thought — Harold would “always be in the clutches of some malevolent, tentacled beast; the sinewy halls.”

Harold’s distrust of academia and college-aged minds is not new, but is funny — the book dances around the word “woke.” The furniture in his department rejects a dead architect’s designs (he had some “eccentric” eugenicist ideas), but sources global furniture to “give the students a broader, more inclusive historical sense.” “Violence was bad, but the right kind of violence was not violence at all: it was justice, or love,” Harold thinks, and several Fox newscasters making fun of careful leftist thinkers come to mind. 

The book’s best bit is the ALERT_TO_INSPIRE@shepherd.edu email, which sends out emergency broadcasts about events that are definitely not crimes. These were “opportunities to get inspired to consider new ways of thinking about how we might better relate to and understand one another,” Castro writes in placating, soft university-speak; “What might have been the systemic cause of the student’s getting stabbed twenty-three times in the back? And how might better scholarship, or better pedagogy, prevent it?”

His colleagues, too, are blundering idiots who only forbid Harold to hit gym — he holds contempt for basically everyone except Casey, his lifting buddy that’s suspiciously absent today. “Dolly’s lips were always flapping with an anecdote about back home and her kin,” and “If you took David and put him in a vat of hot liquid and boiled him down, [an] anecdote would be all that remained.” Part of this comes from Casey, who posits that words written by nonmuscular people aren’t only inferior, but worthless. He reckons “the academy is infested with vampires who have become so lopsided by their focus on words that their very existence has come to mirror that of words: constantly typing and deleting and editing. They are, in effect, writing and reading themselves. Academics have ceased to look or act like people, and they’ve begun to act and look like words.”

This line of anti-academic thinking is familiar — Muscle Man arrives at a time where lifting is politicized. The 2024 election saw energetic young men listen to manosphere podcasts and join the Republican Party in droves; Democrats, in return, have posted videos of themselves bench-pressing or criticizing Trump in their home gyms. Who cares if you pass legislation if you can bench 315 pounds? Nancy Mace comparing health secretaries under Biden and Trump showed that Rachel Levine’s doctoral degree can’t compare to RFK Jr’s muscles. Despite a brain worm, he is jacked, and thus he is better. 

This sort of lopsided logic feels correct because it is so feeble-minded; on the surface, it makes sense that a bodybuilder is better than a normal human because he has put in so much work. Casey says this outright — “There are no major figures in the academy of the twenty-first century with muscles.” But bodies hold things that would never be possible without our minds. Is it worth investigating the body fat percentage of anonymous authors like Elena Ferrante to see if their writing is any good?

But Muscle Man isn’t so quick to resort to binaries of good and evil, jacked and frail. A good mind is just as important as a sound body, even as Harold flip-flops his thinking between periods of serious philosophy and the indecipherable grunts he produces in the gym. Frail professors can be mentally built, the same as a bodybuilder can be a mental twerp. “Each large muscle of a bodybuilder represents a language he didn’t learn, a poem he didn’t read, a fun fact he never memorised,” reads one of my favorite tweets

In one of his rants, Casey says that there’s “no better defense against the parasitic nature of language than to have a strong body.” Like all extremist ideas, you can trace a small path from its reasonable start. It is a tremendous sensation to run as fast as you can on a treadmill or hit a perfect rally on the tennis court, your body acting without the burden of your mind, pulling from an innate knowledge that you didn’t need to read from a book. Often at these moments it can feel like your mind doesn’t matter, that you can operate based on instinct and anatomy alone. In his car, Harold watches videos online, one of which with a shirtless dude in a megaphone in Barnes & Noble yelling that “Books are for pussies.” It makes Harold laugh, and I did too — why does it sort of, for a brief moment, make sense?

But Harold realizes his neuroticism doesn’t waver even if his body is moving. Before the gym, he’s wondering if the vegetable oils in his protein bar will produce autistic children, and afterwards, he’s worried that the other guys in the sauna will judge him for the YouTube video essay he’s watching about a bodybuilding feud. This is familiar territory for Castro, whose first novel, The Novelist, traced a day in a distracted writer’s life (with a 20-page scene about shit). Familiar too for readers of Castro’s work is the internet fitness culture he documents in a Harper’s essay about lifting, down to the exact titles of YouTube videos and play-by-play scenes of Instagram Reels, which isn’t egregious, but maybe a little unimaginative. But he supplements this with diatribes about Southern posterity becoming a parody, the death of the self while reading someone else’s words, or Mel Keyes, a mix between Mike Mentzer and Arnold Schwarzenegger whose book on lifting and life Harold reads like the Bible: “Any life that involved the possibility of being crushed to death meant that one had to adopt a sort of spiritual disposition toward it,” he writes. 

Mel actually illuminates the divide Harold tries not to think about during the whole book — that both body and mind is useless without the other, no matter how good it feels to get a PR. “Mel’s body, despite being one of the strongest on Earth, could not quell his encroaching doom. He had to put his faith in something else.” What about literature and thinking? It’s as good of a choice as any, even if there’s no such thing as a mind pump.


Muscle Man is out now.

Borderlands 4: Latest News, PC Requirements & Global Release

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Borderlands 4 officially drops in a couple of days, bringing a fresh spin on the chaos fans love. The arrival of Gearbox Software’s popular looter shooter marks its return after six years of anticipation.

Gameplay Overview and Expectations

This upcoming game is both a fresh and familiar experience for players. In short, it builds on the series’ main formula. Fans still shoot, loot, and repeat. However, they can now experience a true open-world environment. For the very first time, players are allowed to explore Kairos freely. At the same time, the new version lets them encounter dynamic world events, faction wars, and hidden dungeons. Plus, fans can explore all areas while riding a hover bike.

Also, there will be new movement abilities in Borderlands 4. Among these additions are double jumping, dodging, and gliding. Likewise, co-op remains central. Online multiplayer supports up to four players. Level scaling ensures everyone is on the same page.

The game’s customization also goes deeper. There will be tons of weapons and gear combos, making the loot loop more addictive than ever.

Vault Hunters: Voice Cast and Special Abilities

According to 2k Games, four talented voice actors are giving life to the new badass Vault Hunters. The talents taking the role of the crew members are the following:

  • Alejandro Saab as Rafa the Exo-Soldier
  • Judy Alice Lee as Vex the Siren
  • Kimberly Brooks as Harlowe the Gravitar
  • Ray Chase as Amon the Forgeknight

Polygon reports that each Vault Hunter wields unique abilities that help in looting and shooting. Specifically, Rafa has action skills that unlock bonus weapons. Vex uses space magic for cloning and summoning. Harlowe can stop enemies with anti-gravity technology. Lastly, Amon possesses brute size and strength.

System Requirements

As per the official announcement, there are specific hardware requirements to ensure Borderlands 4 runs with solid and smooth performance.

Minimum PC specs:

  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT / Intel Arc A580
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • OS: Windows 10 / 11 with a 64-bit processor
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
  • Storage: 100 GB available space on an SSD

Recommended PC specs:

  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT / Intel Arc B580
  • Memory: 32 GB RAM
  • OS: Windows 10 / 11 with a 64-bit processor
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-12700 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
  • Storage: 100 GB available space on an SSD

Pricing and Global Release

The standard edition is expected to sell for $70 at launch. 

Borderlands 4 rolls out on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 12. However, it drops earlier in some areas on September 11, while Switch 2 users can access it by October 3. For more specific release times, check out the game’s official website.

23 New Songs Out Today to Listen To: The Mountain Goats, Tortoise, and More

There’s so much music coming out all the time that it’s hard to keep track. On those days when the influx of new tracks is particularly overwhelming, we sift through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most interesting new releases (the best of which will be added to our Best New Songs playlist). Below, check out our track roundup for Tuesday, September 9 2025.


The Mountain Goats – ‘Armies of the Lord’

The Mountain Goats have announced a “full-on musical” called Through This Fire Across From Peter Balka. Lin-Manuel Miranda  sings backing vocals on a few songs, including the sweeping lead single ‘Armies of the Lord’. Some context on the story from John Darnielle: “There were 16 men on a fishing boat, but only three survived the storm, and one of those went missing, and is presumed dead. That leaves me and Peter Balkan, whose health is failing as his apocalyptic visions dissipate in the spray at the shore.”

Tortoise – ‘Layered Presence’

Tortoise have announced their first album in nine years, Touch. In addition to the previously released single ‘Oganesson’, it includes the new song ‘Layered Presence’, which describes itself in the title. It’s accompanied by a music video directed by Mikel Patrick Avery.

Drake – ‘Dog House’ [feat. Yeat and Julia Wolf]

Drake has officially released ‘Dog House’, a collaboration with Yeat and singer-songwriter Julia Wolft. I’m not sure if it’ll go over too well given some of its lyrical jabs, but it also sounds pretty placid despite how hyperactive the beat tries to be. None of which, of course, will stop it from being huge.

Juliana Hatfield – ‘Scaratchers’

Juliana Hatfield has a new album on the way: Lightning Might Strike comes out December 12, and the nervy lead single ‘Scratchers’ is out now. “It was a difficult time for me when I started working on this album,” the singer-songwriter shared. “I had just uprooted myself from the city apartment building where I’d been living for twenty years to a house in a more rural town two hours away where I knew no one when one of my best friends died (‘Ashes’), and then my dog died (‘Constant Companion’), then my mother was diagnosed with esophagus cancer (‘Scratchers’). I was pretty depressed for a solid year (‘Long Slow Nervous Breakdown’) and was lost and very lonely (‘Harmonizing With Myself’). I was thinking about fate and circumstance and about how I’d ended up where I was (‘Where Are You Now’).”

Jay Som – ‘What You Need’

Jay Som has shared a wistful, propulsive new song from her forthcoming album Belong. ‘What You Need’ was inspired by a Peter Bjorn and John song that reminded Joao Gonzalez (Soft Glas) of Duterte’s music. “Joao created and sent me the basic skeleton for ‘What You Need’ a couple hours before the fires in LA started,” Duterte recalled. “I remember feeling immediately drawn to it, but the uncertainty and danger we were about to face crept up, pulling our focus elsewhere. We eventually revisited the demo a month later, after witnessing how the people of LA came together in its darkest moments – it felt necessary and only right to create this song with friends.”

Kalia Vandever – ‘Staring at the Cracked Window’

Brooklyn trombonist Kalia Vandever has announced a new album, Another View, arriving November 14 on Northern Spy. It’s led by the beautifully wonky and exploratory ‘Staring at the Cracked Window’, which Vandever says “was written with resilience in mind, specifically the will to break free from a harmful cycle. The character of this piece is hopeful, yet emerging from a darkness that evolves throughout the album. I was drawing from cyclical patterns while writing the music on Another View and imagining the gradual dissolution of these patterns. The album brings you into a fractured dream state and releases you into a renewed sense of reality.”

jasmine.4.t – ‘I Can’t Believe I Did This Without You’

jasmine.4.t has announced a deluxe version of her boygenius-produced debut album, You Are The Morning, featuring five new tracks. Dedicated to Jasmine’s friend Yulia, You Are The Morning (YBT Deluxe) is out this Friday, and ‘I Can’t Believe I Did This Without You’ is out today. It starts out heavily reminiscent of Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Should Have Known Better’ before blooming into its own heavily cathartic thing. “‘I Can’t Believe I Did This Without You’ and ‘I Don’t Think Anyone Else Could Hold The Same Place In My Heart’ are two new songs on this release that I wrote during the LA recording sessions for the album, up on the roof of Sound City Studio between takes,” she wrote as part of a lengthy statement. “I recorded five songs as demos and sent them as a thank you to my bandmates and producers after returning home to Manchester from LA. It’s nice to have more polished versions of these two.”

“Now when I sing these songs, I am singing them to my best friend, my mother, my sister, my daughter – the political prisoner Yulia Trot,” she concluded. “Of all the things that I have lived through, nothing has felt as big as losing her. I hope that one day she will be able to hear these recordings. I hope that one day she, all of her co-defendants, and all of Palestine, will be free.”

Jessy Lanza – ‘Slapped By My Life’

You ever feel slapped by my life? Does it sometimes feel completely unfunny, entirely sad, yet somehow too absurd to take seriously? Jessy Lanza seeks refuge from that feeling on her new single ‘Slapped By My Life’, the title track to her just-announced EP. “I wrote ‘Slapped By My Life’ while my husband Winston was going through chemotherapy,” Lanza shared. “The treatment cycle was relentless, and he spent most of the time bedridden, so while he slept I wrote this song for him. It’s been challenging to find the space to be creative since cancer came into our lives, but I knew this song would make Winston smile, and that was motivation enough. Collaborating with Pearson Sound made this track exciting too because listening to his music has always been a serotonin rush. When I wrote ‘Slapped By My Life’, I was desperate to feel something other than sadness, to escape my mind and live inside the music, even for a few minutes.”

Ribbon Skirt – ‘LUCKY8’

Ribbon Skirt have announced a new EP, PENSACOLA, which serves as an epilogue to their debut album Bite Down. It’s led by the driving and heavily distorted ‘LUCKY8’.

Hilary Woods – ‘Endgames’

Hilary Woods has announced a new album, Night CRIÚ, which will be out on October 31 via Sacred Bones. It’s led by the darkly enchanting ‘Night CRIÚ’, which arrives alongside a music video. “Each record is a life buoy, a raft, a snapshot, a marker in the sand, a date that requires me to meet it,” Woods remarked. “Making records is a way of being.”

AFI – ‘Holy Visions’

AFI have dropped a new track, ‘Holy Visions’, from their upcoming full-length Silver Bleeds The Black Sun… It’s flashy and gothic, and it comes paired with a music video directed by Gilbert Trejo, vocalist Davey’s son. “Getting to work with Gilbert on two videos was a joy,” Trejo commented. “‘Holy Visions’ is the perfect visual sublimation of the song.”

Home Front – ‘Light Sleeper’

Home Font have announced their sophomore LP, Watch It Die – out November 14 – with the soaring lead single ‘Light Sleeper’. “For all of us in Home Front, Watch It Die comes at a very transformative time,” the group explained. “Geopolitically, musically and in our personal lives. With friends and close family members dying, to massive uncertainty around the world, this album encapsulates what it’s like for us to step into a ‘new world’ where all the old adages of ‘everything is gonna work out fine’ feel like a joke. We watch rich people get richer while the rest of us struggle just to get by. We watch colonizers kill without consequence and in an age of information at our finger tips we watch people choosing to be ignorant to what’s going on around them. ‘Watch It Die’ speaks about our own humanity, a rebirth into a new world and how we can never go back to the way things were. We suffer for their dreams, but in saying that we must recognize the importance of our own community and look to energize them to build a better way of life. We have always been an anti-war, anti-genocide, pro-peace band. We are against crimes to human rights and all of those struggling through the horrors of imperialism. We stand with the people of Palestine and we stand with the Canadian Indigenous communities who struggle to uphold treaty rights as well as basic human rights like clean drinking water and generational trauma. One takeaway from our music is to make a safe space where our community can come together to air out grievances and find a better way to a new future.”

 

Hinds – ‘Girl, so confusing featuring lorde’ (Charli XCX Cover)

It’s been a while since ‘Girl, so confusing featuring lorde’ made a splash, but Hinds’ indie rock cover of it is different enough from the original to cut through. I especially like how they reimagine Lorde’s verse. In a statement, the Spanish band wrote: “everything about this song resonates with us. we have been a girl band for four albums now, more than a decade. a decade in a world that tries to put girls against each other, comparing everything, our bodies, our songs, our way of talking and existing. making it almost impossible to not feel threatened and constantly insecure. when this song and the feature with Lorde was released, it made history for music and for women. this is our take on it.”

Sessa – ‘Vale a Pena’

Sergio Sayeg, the São Paulo-based artist who records as Sessa, has announced a new album called Pequena Vertigem De Amor. It’s out November, and the lead single ‘Vale a Pena’ is out today. The songs “are a mix of personal chronicles and quiet meditations about life in the face of personal change,” according to the musician, “of experiencing something so big that you realize your insignificant size in space and time.” In that context, ‘Vale a Pena’ has a lovely, understated glow.

Saintseneca – ‘Battery Lifer’, ‘Burnt Hand Hymn’, ‘May Day’, and ‘Green Ink Pen’

Saintseneca have unveiled five tracks from their forthcoming album Highwalllow & Supermoon Songs, which is framed as a ten-song landscape (tracks 1-10) orbited by two sonic “moons.” Zac Little wanted to release the whole Viridian Moon set in full, explaining:

This song world slowly unfurled, spinning out from the dark.

The little orb of light a candle affords, revealing patterns, colors, shapes, rhythm.
With voice, strings set under tension, tone, and time, I probe about. The place begins to take shape. It is bigger than I first imagined.

I struggled to orient myself in this strange landscape, awash in orange and green light –
Liminal colors, narrow bands caught between the primaries. However surreal, I like it here.

I look up into the sky and see two moons, one a burning pumpkin, one ethereal emerald green.
The Cinnamon Moon and The Viridian Moon.

I found a lot of songs, and it seemed they belonged together – a weird web held together by tension, expansion.

This is a song world, orbited by two moons, influencing the tides and gravity.

I wanted to reveal the place the same way I found it.

Here we have The Viridian Moon, so named for its green color — Shoegrass, Bluegaze, Un-Americana.
For the green ink pen.

I found this green ink pen when I started writing songs again. It made its way through the universe and presented itself on the ground, an offering at my feet. I loved the way the ink looked, how it would glide and flow on the page. It felt good. I wrote every song with it.

I tried not to write this song, but it wouldn’t leave me alone. It kept popping into my head, showing up in dreams.

So I expand into this song, stop stopping myself.

The green ink pen, inert.
Someone picks it up and suddenly, for however brief an instant, it is inhabited by the gestures, the shapes of a poem.

Elliott Skinner – ‘RECALLING’

Elliott Skinner has signed to Ninja Tune, sharing his first single for the label, ‘RECALLING’, which is hushed in its dedication. “‘RECALLING’ is about not holding yourself to a version of your life that isn’t meant for you,” Skinner explained. ““It’s about the pursuit of a better reality. So often we believe and live by the constructs in our societies that help us feel comfortable, but vulnerability isn’t comfortable. It takes work to dig into the realities that hide behind fantasy, to dig into ourselves.”

Skinner added, “Music has always been a force for all of us to connect to each other – to try and understand each other. It’s been a force for me to learn myself. I wrote the words to ‘RECALLING’ in 2018 and have performed it in many forms, always asking the audience to sing ‘I don’t want another fantasy’ with me. I ask for them to sing it like they mean it. This chant is an excavator. I hope wherever people sing this, they choose to dig.”

Lambrini Girls feat. Peaches – ‘Cuntology 101 (Peaches Remix)’

Lambrini Girls have joined forces with Peaches for a ravey remix of ‘Cuntology101’, a highlight from their debut album, Who Let the Dogs Out. Peaches had this to say about it: “The track is c*nt! It was a no brainer! Punk AF.”

Iron & Wine and Ben Bridwell – ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ (Foreigner Cover)

Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) and Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses) recently shared their take on Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s ‘Luther’ as part of a new covers EP, Making Good Time. Today, they’ve offered their version of a very different song, Foreigner’s classic ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’. Sam Beam commented: “​​Brad Cook suggested this one and the little kid in me who remembers skating around the roller rink in the 80’s imagining he was Lou Graham sat up and said ‘Yes, let’s do it!’ Such an amazing chorus! Our version ended up sounding a bit desperate and dark, not sure why I was kinda surprised.”

Constant Smiles – ‘Allowed to Be’

Constant Smiles have previewed their forthcoming album, Moonflowers, with a gorgeous track called ‘Allowed To Be’. It arrives alongside a Sam Mason-directed video featuring Leya, Bobby Puleo, Long Beard, Shahzad Ismaily, Bambara, Mallory Hawk, Ann Messner, Slowspin, and Katie von Schleicher. “Internally, director Sam Mason and I were calling this video Day on Earth, inspired by Jim Jarmusch’s Night on Earth, a love letter to New York City and the people who inspire me,” Ben Jones explained. “At first, we even considered centering the entire piece on my neighbor Bobby Puleo, a true skateboard legend whose found art practice and larger-than-life presence capture so much of the city’s spirit. That ‘day in the life’ idea eventually evolved into what became this video.”

 

 

Album Review: Big Thief, ‘Double Infinity’

Big Thief find themselves at a creative crossroads. Or, as Adrianne Lenker more poetically puts it on the title track of their new album, Double Infinity: “At the bridge of two infinities/ What’s been lost and what lies waiting.” Recorded at New York’s Power Station Studios, the LP accordingly doesn’t sound like moving on so much as between those vast emotional points, with many of Lenker’s meditations on love reflecting the band’s own disorientation following the departure bassist Max Oleartchik (for “interpersonal reasons,” they insist, though some conversations were definitely had about his relationship to his hometown of Tel Aviv.) It is their first album as a trio, but Lenker, guitarist Buck Meek, drummer James Krivchenia’s attempts at recording as one were initially fruitless, so they enlisted a small circle of collaborators that translate the undercurrent of confusion into a sweet, gauzy veil of textures, marrying Lenker’s increasingly mantra-like lyrics with loops, samples, and wordless backing vocals, as well as zither contributions from ambient luminary Laraaji. It is ambient in spirit, if not necessarily in sound. Where words fail, it insists, music – for the most part – doesn’t.


1. Incomprehensible

Adrianne Lenker meditates on the inexplicably sweet nature of ageing, tuning into her body to challenge the ways we’re socialized into experiencing the changes. “The message spirals, don’t get saggy, don’t get gray/ But the soft and lovely silvers are now falling on my shoulder,” she sings, looking to the generations of women before her that “wrinkle like the river, sweeten like the dew.” Yet as she begins to dive into deep, ineffable emotions, her rhymes only become simpler and more playful, making the process sound almost easy as shimmery textures swirl around her; a lovely example of how the band, too, keeps expanding its palette even if some of the urgency has faded.

2. Words

What’s that about a lack of urgency? If the opener demonstrates a level of comfort with the ineffable, ‘Words’ is wiry and kinetic. “Words are feathered and light,” Lenker sings, realizing she can make a wonderful display of them yet they can also be rife with tension, correcting nothing. Even the guitar solo sounds frustrated, wrapped around winding percussion and shadowy, wordless vocalizations from Laraaji as well as Alena Spanger, Hannah Cohen, and June McDoom. The subconscious taking form, yet never quite breaking through the surface.

3. Los Angeles

The song begins as a snapshot of a moment – coming home from the bar, drunk on laughter – to a portrait of a timeless love, one Lenker revisits with tangled grace. She’s swept up in the revitalized feeling but remembers the years past as a kind of coastal erosion. In a particularly moving verse, Lenker is joined by Meek as they sing, “There is so much that I wish I could’ve been for you somehow/ But we don’t need to talk about that now/ We’re finally in a good place meeting face to face.” A sobering realization that cuts through the song’s intoxicated cheerfulness.

4. All Night All Day

‘All Night All Day’ reverberates pleasure from its very first moments, blurring the line between tireless lovemaking and the eternal. “Love is just a name,” Lenker still concedes, but it’s not a word that weighs heavy, instead leaning into her own, embodied definition: “It’s a thing we say for what pulls through.” The all-female harmonies make the desire seem like it’s flowing in more than one direction, truly shared.

5. Double Infinity

Laying back over a languid chord progression and melodic bass, Lenker unspools some of her more poetic lines, situating herself “at the bridge of two infinities/ What is forming, what is fading.” Locking into a more memorable melody, she moves into a more direct kind of pleading, longing for beauty to reveal itself in all its mystery. It’s neither nostalgic nor celebratory, but caught between moods, which is emblematic of Double Infinity as a whole.

6. No Fear

“There is no fear” is the first of just ten lines Lenker keeps turning over on the seven-minute track, which coils around a drifting, atmospheric groove. In my mind, her words echo those of bell hooks, who writes in All About Love, “When we choose to love, we choose to move against fear – against alienation and separation. The choice to love is the choice to connect – to find ourselves in the other.” Lenker sort of articulates her own vision, more utopian than practicable (a few words short of “Imagine there’s no country”) – but a dream worth indulging in. No wonder it’s the longest track on the album.

7. Grandmother [feat. Laraaji]

Laraaji, a musical and vocal presence throughout Double Infinity, is the highlight on ‘Grandmother’, imbuing its assertive rock and roll with wordless splendor. But really, it’s the whole band – this is the first song Lenker, Meek, and drummer James Krivchenia wrote together – that turn a potentially over-earnest attempt at seeing the love through the pain into something tangible and radiant, sounding as big as ever in this formation, even through all the backing vocals.

8. Happy With You

Repetition does not have the same effect on’ Happy With Me’ as it does on a track like ‘No Fear’. Lenker recites just three lines – “I’m happy with you / Why do I need to explain myself?/ Poison shame” – and while the final two words are an interesting throwback to ‘All Night All Day’, there’s barely an inkling of frustration to break the sweet monotony. Lenker, who’s perfectly capable of writing an infectious love song, of course does not need to explain herself, but the song’s emotional ambiguity remains untapped – which is, indeed, a shame.

9. How Could I Have Known

The two infinities that Lenker oscillates between on the album are, simply put, the before and after of a long-lasting love. On the closer, her introspective sincerity, stirred by a lone walk in Paris, feels earned and genuinely moving. “They say time’s the fourth dimension/ They say everything lives and dies,” she sings. “But our love will live forever/ Though today we said goodbye.” The celestial guitar solo preceding the final refrain sounds capable of breaking through that fourth dimension. It’s not difficult to see the song in the context of the losses Big Thief themselves have endured, especially since it’s the one song that sonically reverts to the most traditional version of the band. Once again, Lenker is clouding the frustration that comes with trying to imagine a new version of yourself. If Double Infinity is a bridge between endless iterations of the band, this is looking back at all the steps it took to get to the other side. The next bridge could sound totally different, but somehow, as Lenker puts it earlier , “taste the same.”

Watch Lady Gaga Perform ‘Vanish Into You’ on ‘Colbert’

After winning a string of trophies – including Artist of the Year – at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Lady Gaga was the musical guest the 10th anniversary episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. She delivered an astounding, stripped-down version of her Mayhem track ‘Vanish Into You’. Watch it happen below.

Lady Gaga is currently on tour in support of Mayhem, her first album in five years. At the VMAs, she also won Best Collaboration (for her Bruno Mars duet ‘Die With a Smile’) and Best Direction and Best Art Direction (for ‘Abracadabra’).

Why Transparency and Responsible Gaming Are Becoming Key in the Online Casino Industry

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If you’ve spent time around online casinos lately, you’ve probably noticed a shift. The flashy banners and “win big now!” promises are still around, but they’re sharing screen space with things like clear odds, time reminders, deposit limits, and “need a break?” pop-ups. That’s not a coincidence. The industry is growing up — and fast. Transparency and responsible gaming aren’t just add-ons anymore; they’re becoming central to how the industry sustains long-term player trust and engagement.

Even something as simple as spinning a few free slots before you deposit shows how the culture is changing. Players try games to understand volatility, bonus mechanics, and Return-to-Player (RTP) without putting money on the line first. That little step nudges the whole industry toward transparency: learn the rules, then decide how (or whether) you want to play.

A quick rewind: What actually changed?

For years, operators competed on glitz and bonuses. That worked — until it didn’t. As markets matured and regulators tightened the screws, players started asking tougher questions: “What are my real chances?”, “Where are the terms?”, “How do I set limits?” Smart brands realized that churn, complaints, and chargebacks are not a growth strategy. Trust is.

Another shift came from player behavior itself. Instead of depositing first and reading terms later, people began testing games, watching streamers break down mechanics, and comparing odds across sites. That grassroots due diligence pushed casinos to surface the basics — RTP, volatility, rules — where players can actually see them.

And there’s a very practical angle: quick demos help you get a feel for pace and variance before you ever wager. A couple of experimental spins — say a short run in a demo Hot Hot fruit session — can reveal how often features trigger, how “swingy” the game feels, and whether it suits your budget and temperament. The more players explore like this, the more pressure there is on operators to present clean information up front.

Building Customer Confidence

When players know the odds, understand bonuses, and can access real support, they stay longer. Fewer disputes lead to faster approvals from regulators and payment providers. Affiliates drive more traffic to brands that treat customers well. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle of reliable service and satisfied players.

You can see this player-first mindset in products like SlotsUp, a user-centric casino operating since 2015 and fully re-imagined in 2025 as “SlotsUp 2.0.” It blends expert-verified content with accurate data, personalizes by country/language/currency, and adds smart tools — Casino Match, Safety Index, Game Radar, Multi Game Mode — under a simple value set: inform rather than promote, design for real user needs, and keep responsible gambling front and center.

Transparency & RG at a glance

Below is a compact, practical table you can use mid-scroll. It doesn’t try to be encyclopedic — just enough to help you spot the good stuff quickly.

 

Feature What You’ll See Why It Matters Quick Self-Check
RTP & Volatility RTP number and volatility badge on the game page Sets expectations about swinginess and long-term returns “Can I find RTP in 10 seconds?”
Bonus Terms Upfront Wagering multiple, eligible games, time limit, max bet shown before accepting Fewer surprises, fewer declined withdrawals “Could I explain the rules to a friend?”
Limits & Cool-downs Deposit/loss/time limits with delay to raise Prevents heat-of-the-moment overspending “Can I set a limit in two clicks?”
Play History & Reality Checks Exportable ledger; timed reminders Helps you track behavior and spot patterns “Can I see last month’s results easily?”
Predictable Withdrawals Clear processing windows, listed KYC docs Cuts anxiety and support tickets “Do I know exactly what happens after I cashout?”

Why the business case is overwhelming

Here’s the part you won’t always hear in marketing: transparency and RG are good for revenue. Not in a “squeeze today, ignore tomorrow” way — in a compounding, healthy-business way.

Trust reduces friction

When people can see odds, understand terms, and reach support, complaints and chargebacks go down. Withdrawals happen cleaner. KYC feels like a step, not a wall. The whole funnel gets smoother.

Lower churn, higher lifetime value

Players who feel respected come back. They recommend the brand. They set limits and stay within them — meaning they don’t burn out or rage-quit. That’s not just ethics; that’s retention math.

How operators can level up right now

You don’t need a moonshot project to start being more transparent and responsible. You need intent and a few smart moves.

Put the “unsexy” info where people actually see it

Odds, RTP, volatility, bonus rules — lift them above the fold. Use plain language. Include a “What this means” explainer next to every key term.

Make limits part of onboarding

When someone creates an account, offer them deposit and session limits before the first deposit. Treat it like picking notification settings — normal, not punitive.

What players can look for (a simple checklist)

If you’re choosing where to play, here’s a quick gut-check that doesn’t require reading every policy page.

  • Can you find the rules in 10 seconds?

Open a game. Is the RTP visible? Are the rules explained clearly, including how features affect payouts?

  • Are bonus terms readable on a phone?

Scan for wagering multiples, time limits, game restrictions, and max bet while wagering. If that info is missing or vague, walk away.

  • Do limits and timeouts feel normal?

From your account page, can you set limits without talking to support? Is there a clear cooling-off or self-exclusion flow? Good sites make it easy.

  • Are withdrawals predictable?

Look for exact timelines (“We process within X hours”) and required documents listed upfront. No one enjoys mysterious delays.

The road ahead: more daylight, less drama

The future of online casinos will look a lot like other mature digital industries: clear disclosures, clean data access, and strong user controls. AI will increasingly flag risky patterns (like chasing losses at 3 a.m.) and prompt kinder interventions. Regulators will push for more standardization. And the brands that treat players like adults — smart, curious, and in control — will win on loyalty.

Because here’s the thing: gambling, at its best, is entertainment. It’s the excitement of a great hand, the suspense of a spin, the social buzz of live tables. Transparency and responsible gaming don’t dim that thrill. They keep it in a place where it belongs — fun, informed, and sustainable.