Beast Below

What is Beast Below?

The biggest new uncertainty in US sports betting is prediction markets. The American Gaming Association estimates that Americans will legally wager $29.5 billion in betting handle through US regulated commercial sportsbooks during the 2026 NFL season, broadly unchanged from the $29.4 billion handle recorded in 2025. These figures refer to the amount wagered, not sportsbook revenue.

Robinson calls prediction markets “the main event”. His argument is not simply that US customers are moving from sportsbooks to prediction markets. The more important point is that sportsbooks no longer have the relatively protected market that was once assumed.

Kalshi, Robinhood, Crypto.com and DraftKings’ own prediction-market operation are all competing for activity around sporting events. Beynon says prediction markets are having a larger effect on valuations than on fundamentals so far.

What is Beast Below?

Entain highlighted data from H2 Gambling Capital that warned black market stakes in the UK are expected to nearly double from £17 billion ($22.7 billion) in 2025 to over £33 billion by 2028.

Entain emphasised offshore operators do not employ the same player protection measures and anti-money laundering standards that licensed companies must.

The company also highlighted its own research that suggests over 80% of consumers cannot “confidently distinguish” licensed operators from unlicensed ones.

What is Beast Below?

Bitcoin SV, big data and the Internet of Things – This article recaps a few of the large non-gaming enterprises that have integrated or are starting to integrate Bitcoin SV into their operations. Notably EHR Data, a data driven health services company, and UNISOT, a global supply chain company have already found success with Bitcoin SV. 

Bitcoin Association – Enterprise Use Cases -The Bitcoin Association put together a resource detailing several ways BSV is already helping businesses make use of cheaper and faster payments

eSports and Bitcoin SV are a natural match -This article discusses the eSports and blockchain technology. Kronoverse CEO Adam Kling discusses why his company chose to build their new turn-based combat strategy game on Bitcoin SV. One key advantage cited was that their games didn’t need a second layer to interface with the blockchain allowing for real-time wagering on matches, with an auditable trail of transactions and game decisions.