BTC Bitcoin Cryptocurrency Betting
Bitcoin is the cryptocurrency that started it all. There are dozens of other Cryptocurrencies you can use to deposit at BookMaker and hundreds more on the periphery, but Bitcoin is the most well-known of the bunch. Other cryptos such as Ethereum, Litecoin, Cardano, and Ripple have become more popular too, signifying how mainstream crypto is becoming to the public.
Monday, January 26, 2026 News Update
Crypto Rules Are Coming, But Congress Isn’t There Yet
If Congress finally draws clear lines around how federal regulators can oversee digital assets, crypto would become far easier to manage, track, and transact in. More investors would likely enter the space, potentially lifting token values. But that future is still distant, and the legislative process is stuck in a messy, high-stakes crossroads.
For years, crypto investors have embraced the identity of system challengers, operating outside traditional finance. Lawmakers, however, are now crafting rules that would pull crypto firmly into the establishment. The gap between digital assets and legacy finance would narrow dramatically, and in some cases, disappear.
Major platforms like Coinbase and Kraken would be formally registered with federal regulators and required to follow strict standards for safeguarding customer assets. Stablecoin issuers such as Circle and Tether would face rules that look much closer to banking oversight.
If a sweeping law passes, everyday investors would likely see their crypto holdings become safer from catastrophic failures, though far more closely monitored. Government help in disputes would become more accessible. Meanwhile, those who self-custody or use lightly regulated platforms would face new guardrails aimed at curbing criminal activity.
Returns on crypto holdings, such as Coinbase’s USDC Rewards, could also change depending on how negotiations shake out.
Where things stand now
Anyone tracking crypto policy has watched the Senate churn out a dizzying stream of headlines. The bill’s progress surges forward, then stalls, then shifts to another committee. It’s a familiar rhythm.
The House has already passed its version of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act with broad support. But the House has never been the sticking point. The Senate is the bottleneck, and this bill must clear two powerful committees — Banking (SEC jurisdiction) and Agriculture (CFTC jurisdiction) — before it can move to a full vote.
The challenge is that every major stakeholder has skin in the game: both political parties, the White House, crypto companies, and Wall Street institutions that see both opportunity and risk in the sector. For everyday investors, many of these debates may feel abstract, but the outcomes could dramatically reshape which businesses thrive and which collapse. That’s why the lobbying pressure is intense.
It’s also possible the bill gets delayed again. That happened with the FIT21 effort in the previous Congress. But the Clarity Act has advanced further than FIT21 ever did, and a path forward still exists if enough compromises fall into place.
What still needs to happen
- The Senate Banking and Agriculture Committees must each revise and advance the bill.
- Their versions must be merged into a single text for a full Senate vote.
- The Senate must approve it, requiring at least seven Democratic votes (more if Republicans aren’t unified).
- The House must give a final sign-off.
- President Donald Trump must sign it.
Even after that final step, the real work begins. Federal agencies would need months — possibly years — to write the detailed regulations that put the law into practice. Exchanges would likely start adjusting early, anticipating what the final rules will require.
A recent example: the GENIUS Act on stablecoins, signed last July. Treasury has begun releasing proposed rules, but none are finalized, and public feedback is still ongoing.
What this means for investors right now
In the short term, not much changes. Regulators like the SEC have largely paused aggressive enforcement and are trying to maintain a workable status quo while waiting for Congress to act.
Bitcoin Weekly Price Per CoinMarketCap
| WEEK |
BITCOIN PRICE IN USD |
| January 26, 2026 |
87,495.40 |
| January 19, 2026 |
92,761.48 |
| January 12, 2026 |
90,448.83 |
| January 5, 2026 |
93,308.06 |
Monday, January 19, 2026 News Update
Crypto Slides as Tariff Shock Triggers Sell Off
Cryptocurrencies opened the week under pressure as global risk assets slipped and haven flows surged, following President Donald Trump’s proposal for new tariffs on eight European nations.
Bitcoin dropped as much as 3.6% in early Asia trading, briefly breaking below $93,000, with broader digital assets taking heavier hits. Ether fell 4.9%, while Solana tumbled 8.6%. Roughly $100 billion in market value was erased before Bitcoin trimmed losses to about -2.5% by 6 a.m. in New York.
The selloff followed Trump’s weekend announcement of a 10% tariff on European goods beginning Feb. 1, escalating to 25% in June unless a deal is reached involving what he called a “purchase of Greenland.” Equity-index futures slumped at the open, while gold and silver ripped to fresh record highs as investors rotated into havens.
European leaders sharply criticized the proposal and signaled they may freeze approval of last year’s trade agreement.
The downturn interrupts what had been a strong start to 2026 for digital assets. Bitcoin had climbed to just under $98,000 on Jan. 14, supported by renewed inflows into US-listed Bitcoin ETFs after a sluggish end to 2025.
Richard Galvin, co-founder of DACM, framed the January bounce as a “rebound from oversold levels driven by tax-loss selling and capitulation into year-end.” He added that the latest pullback looks more like a broad risk-off reaction than a crypto-specific unwind, underscored by gold’s surge to all-time highs.
Roughly $790 million in long positions were liquidated over the past 24 hours, according to CoinGlass. Traders now eye $90,000 as the next key level if support breaks, while bulls argue that institutional demand should provide a floor, said BTC Markets analyst Rachael Lucas.
States Enter the ‘Reserve Race’ as Bitcoin Moves Onto Public Balance Sheets
In parallel with market volatility, a growing number of US states — led by Texas and New Hampshire — are advancing legislation to build Bitcoin strategic reserves and formally integrate digital assets into state financial frameworks.
Lawmakers describe the trend as an emerging “Reserve Race,” reflecting a shift in how states think about public finance, economic competitiveness, and political positioning in a digital economy. While most proposals remain early-stage, the implications are significant: large-scale state treasury allocations into Bitcoin-linked assets would mark a major break from traditional liquidity- and stability-focused investment mandates.
Texas recently became the first state to purchase Bitcoin, following a legislative push that began in 2024, according to CNBC. New Hampshire actually moved first on the legal front, passing its crypto reserve law last May and authorizing up to 5% of state funds to be invested in crypto ETFs or precious metals. Arizona has passed similar measures, while Massachusetts, Ohio, and South Dakota have bills moving through committees.
Monday, January 12, 2026 News Update
Bitcoin Poised to Surge as Dollar Weakens, Analysts Say
Analysts expect continued weakness in the US dollar through 2026 to drive a major surge in Bitcoin’s price. In their weekly newsletter, London Crypto Club analysts David Brickell and Chris Mills argue that Bitcoin remains the strongest expression of the dollar-debasement trade and “will regain its throne as the number one performing macro asset in 2026.”
They predict that President Donald Trump will “hand out the candy” ahead of the November midterm elections, a cycle widely viewed as a referendum on the administration’s performance.
Their outlook echoes comments from BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes, who earlier this year said that accelerating dollar debasement combined with aggressive government stimulus could propel Bitcoin to $200,000 in the first quarter of 2026. The analysts’ call comes as the dollar has fallen nearly 10 percent over the past year.
The currency’s slide began after Trump launched a trade war with China and other major trading partners. It has since been compounded by geopolitical instability and expectations that the Federal Reserve will continue cutting interest rates while injecting hundreds of billions of dollars into the economy.
Brickell and Mills say the administration intends to “run it hot,” pushing the debasement trade “into overdrive” in 2026.
They note that traders who bought near Bitcoin’s all-time high of $126,000 may look to sell to break even, though the number of large holders seeking to take profit has diminished. “On-chain analytics now suggest reduced profit-taking and lower supply pressure from whales and long-term holders, with realized price gains decelerating,” they wrote.
Bitcoin is currently trading just above $90,000, roughly 30 percent below its peak. Crypto assets remain highly sensitive to liquidity conditions and Federal Reserve policy.
Trump has publicly pressed the Fed and Chair Jerome Powell for faster and deeper rate cuts to support the economy. His confrontational stance has unsettled some investors who worry about the central bank’s independence. The Fed traditionally operates free from White House pressure, with a mandate to maintain stable prices and maximum employment.
On Sunday, Powell released a video message stating he intends to hold firm, confirming that the Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the central bank. He described the move as part of “the broader context of the administration’s threats and ongoing pressure.”
The CME FedWatch tool currently indicates that the Fed is likely to keep rates unchanged at the January 28 FOMC meeting.
Strategy Announces Largest Bitcoin Purchase in Six Months
Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) announced a major Bitcoin purchase of 13,627 BTC for roughly $1.25 billion. CEO Michael Saylor said it is the company’s largest single acquisition since July 29, when it bought 21,021 BTC for $2.47 billion. Strategy has now spent nearly $52 billion accumulating Bitcoin.
Recent buys in December totaled more than 10,000 BTC each, though neither exceeded $1 billion individually.
Monday, January 5, 2026 News Update
A Major Shift as Bank of America Adds Bitcoin to Its Advisory Playbook
For years, anyone interested in buying Bitcoin through a major institution like Bank of America had to be the one to initiate the conversation. That changed on January 5, 2026. Bank of America now allows its network of more than 15,000 wealth advisers—including those at Merrill and its private bank—to actively recommend Bitcoin ETFs to clients.
This shift signals that one of the world’s largest banks now views crypto as a legitimate component of a diversified portfolio. Here are the five biggest changes behind the move:
1. Advisers Can Finally Bring Up Bitcoin
Previously, advisers could only assist with Bitcoin ETF purchases if a client specifically asked. They were not allowed to suggest it. Now, they can raise the topic proactively—marking Bitcoin’s transition from a niche request to a mainstream investment option.
2. A Curated List of Four Approved ETFs
Bank of America isn’t opening the door to every crypto product. Instead, it has approved four spot Bitcoin ETFs from firms with strong reputations and deep experience managing institutional capital:
IBIT (BlackRock)
FBTC (Fidelity)
BITB (Bitwise)
BTC (Grayscale Mini Trust)
These funds were selected for their liquidity, stability, and the credibility of the companies behind them.
3. A Conservative 1%–4% Allocation Guideline
The bank’s guidance emphasizes moderation. Advisers are encouraged to recommend a Bitcoin allocation between 1% and 4% of a client’s portfolio. More cautious investors may lean toward the low end, while those comfortable with volatility may go higher.
The goal is simple: capture potential upside without exposing clients to outsized risk.
4. Training More Than 15,000 Advisers
To support this rollout, Bank of America is launching extensive training for its entire advisory force. This includes research materials, education sessions, and practical guidance so advisers can confidently explain the role Bitcoin might play in a long-term financial plan.
5. Ethereum Still on Hold
For now, the bank’s approval applies only to Bitcoin. Ethereum ETFs have not yet been added to the recommended list. Many analysts expect Bank of America to watch how the Bitcoin rollout performs before expanding into additional crypto assets or multi-asset “basket” products.
In other news, Bitcoin climbed to just over $93,000 on Monday as traders embraced a renewed appetite for risk across global markets following the U.S. removal of Venezuela’s government. Early-year inflows also helped lift major tokens after a volatile end to 2025.
BTC rose about 1% over the past 24 hours and roughly 3% on the week. Ether held near $3,160 with modest gains, while XRP added around 3% to move above $2.10, continuing its strong start to January. Solana hovered near $136, and DOGE—slightly lower on the day—remained up 17% over the past week, the best performance among large-cap tokens.
History
In January 2009, Bitcoin was created by Satoshi Nakamoto. The identity of Nakamoto remains hotly debated to this day, but that person or group changed the world with this invention. Like many major breakthroughs, it took a while for people to grasp why Bitcoin was special. Bitcoin was created in the midst of the banking crisis, and one of its major goals was to give people another option to buy and sell products outside of a heavily regulated and centralized banking system.
The first entities to fully embrace Bitcoin were black market enterprises like Silk Road. For a while, Bitcoin became synonymous with the notorious website, but its use became more and more widespread starting in 2013.
That led to the price of Bitcoin skyrocketing and reaching incredible heights in 2017. On January 1, 2017 a single Bitcoin was worth $998, but that price rose by nearly 20-fold near the end of the year, hitting an all-time high of $19,666 on December 17, 2017. Bitcoin has left those prices in the dust in 2021, as the price of Bitcoin is approaching $50,000.
Stability
One of the major criticisms of Bitcoin is that the currency wildly fluctuates and that has proven to be true in 2021. As Bitcoin has become more accepted and understood, investors are getting a better understanding of what leads to price changes, and that has led to the Bitcoin market looking a lot like the stock market.
Security
There have been fears over how secure Bitcoin is over the years, but transactions are even more secure as they are in the traditional marketplace thanks to blockchain technology.
Whereas we are constantly hearing stories of companies having their databases hacked and identities being stolen, the nature of blockchain presents this from happening with Bitcoin.
For a transaction to occur, the sender must know their private key and digitally sign the transaction, and the signature must be verified by the network using the public key. The number of private keys makes it nearly impossible to hack into another person’s account, but there is one thing to keep in mind. You MUST keep your private key backed up somewhere or else you will lose access to your Bitcoin. Don’t make the mistake of not backing up your private key and risk losing your hard earned money.
How do I buy Bitcoin?
You can buy Bitcoin by using one of the major currency exchanges such as Coinbase or Gemini. These exchanges allow you to use a credit or debit card or bank transfer to buy Bitcoin. You can then send Bitcoin to your sportsbook account and you can withdraw Bitcoin from your sportsbook account to your digital wallet.
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