About 360 MAGAZINE

360 MAGAZINE is an award-winning international publishing on popular culture and design. We introduce avant trademarks to efficacious architects. We are a LGBTQIA2S+ friendly publication--officially recognized by the NGLCC. Our core demographic ranges from 19 to 39-year-old college-educated trendsetters within their respective international communities. The pages in this art book satisfy their strong interests including music, art, travel, auto, health, fashion, tech, philanthropy, design, food and entrepreneurship. It's an introspective digital/print/tablet portrait series, which encapsulates artists/brands/entities who embody the true essence of our publication- empowerment, equality, sensuality and most important of all, humanity within a global society.

The biggest trends that will transform the gambling industry in 2023

The gambling industry has grown immensely in the last couple of years, with gross gaming revenue of $53 billion in 2021 in the United States alone. It is the many changes and trends in the industry that are keeping it relevant and alive.

The legalization of gambling

There is a key factor that will especially lead to an increase in gambling around the world in 2023, and that is the legalization of it. Many countries and states are starting to catch up on the trend, and are now seeing the potential that gambling has. This makes online casinos and betting platforms available for more people who are now able to wager on sports and test out the best slot games available where it is also possible to find free spins online. This allows the gamblers to let the wheel spin without spending a dime.

Not only is it a hobby that many enjoy in their spare time, but it is also an opportunity for governments to earn tax money from winnings. If we look at sports betting, which is a kind of gambling that is on a rise, it is legal in 28 states, with four states still pending.

Charitable gambling is legal in most American states, while online casinos still have some way to go. However, we are seeing that more states are processing the bill to legalize it, and there is no doubt that we will be seeing more types of legal gambling in the future.

The shift to mobile gaming

There is a huge change in consumer habits when it comes to gambling. We are shifting our focus online and on our phones. The portable devices have made it possible for us to be online, connected, and gambling at all times of the day, without the need for stationary charging or an internet box.

You can simply connect by using your mobile device and data on your phone. Gambling providers are also catching up, and there is an increased focus on improving user experience when participating in mobile gambling. This can be done via apps or simply by optimizing websites for a smaller display.

Cryptos are revolutionizing gambling

Cryptocurrencies have taken the world by storm since it was first introduced in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, the inventor of Bitcoin. Since then, we have been able to invest in, purchase, and use cryptocurrencies for a number of things, and the possibilities are expanding. The gambling industry is a place where cryptocurrencies are being used quite frequently, as it is presenting some advantages to the user. The decentralized technology is also famously being used to make NFTs by luxury brands.

When gambling with cryptocurrencies, you can be a little more anonymous. Cryptos are decentralized currencies that are not using the regular banking system that we are used to. There is no third party to the payments, and all transactions are stored publicly in what we call Blockchain. It makes it so that no one can cheat their way out of payment, ensuring only safe transactions when gambling.

AI for better customer service

A heightened focus on user experience has made customer service a priority for many. Gamblers want to be able to access information quickly, and AI is a great way to ensure that. Chatbots are being used all over the internet to be able to provide good service for those who need it and easy access to necessary information. It is likely that we will see more of this in the time to come, as it probably will be a standard for all online gambling platforms.

The rise of live dealers

Online gambling is becoming the most popular way to gamble, as it allows users to gamble whenever and wherever they want. Some countries do not have land-based casinos either, making online platforms the only place where gambling is possible. However, there is still interest in the live aspect of gambling, and this is where live dealers come in. Many gambling platforms allow for live gambling as an alternative to just regular online gambling.

Here users can gamble with real and also professional gamblers and other people in real time. It makes it a little more exciting and special, which is why many prefer this way of gambling. As a gambler, you are also able to see the dealer on video and communicate with them through chat functions. Live gambling is available in many games, but most popularly card games such as poker and blackjack.

VR-based casinos

When VR technology was first introduced, the world was amazed. We were now able to fully immerse ourselves in a digital world which made games much more realistic and thrilling. Casinos are also starting to explore this technology, and chances are that we will soon be able to have a full gambling experience through VR. It allows for games to be much more realistic and fun, and add to the feeling that you are in a casino. If you can gamble with both VR glasses and live dealers, we are pretty close to being in a real casino whilst still sitting on our couch at home.

Net Entertainment is one of the world’s most popular software providers, and they have already started to experiment with VR in casinos. They have shown that it is possible through a demo version for different games. If someone did not believe in VR technology before, they certainly should now!

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the gambling industry is changing for the better. New trends are shaping the market, and higher expectations from consumers are driving the industry to be better, more innovative, and more available. Sports betting is on a rise, and together with online casinos, it is making up the majority of online gambling that can be done on both stationary and mobile devices. Technology such as decentralized payment methods, AI, and VR are creating hype for online gambling providers, participating in the great revenue they have been experiencing the last few years, and will in the future as well.

GIGI HADID × GIR

Gigi Hadid and Guest in Residence in partnership with POPUPFLORIST hosted a cocktail to celebrate the opening of Feel Shop in NYC. Upon arrival guests enjoyed Moët & Chandon Rosé, beverages by Kin Euphorics, and sounds by Pamela Tick. To-go and made-to-order floral bouquets were provided by florist, POPUPFLORIST.

Notable attendees include: Daphne Groeneveld, Marcelo Gaia, Rickie De Sole, Yan Yan Chan, among others.

Gigi Hadid, Guest in Residence, and POPUPFLORIST announce the opening of the FEEL SHOP, an interactive pop-up store, for the month of December in New York City. This marks the first time Guest in Residence and POPUPFLORIST will join forces, offering not only the perfect holiday shopping destination but also a series of seasonal activations, events, and surprises throughout the month. The limited-time store is the second iteration of a FEEL SHOP in NYC, the first ever during the holiday season, and coincides with the launch of FEEL SHOP Aspen and Guest in Residence’s holiday window unveiling with the brand’s first international wholesale account, Antonia Boutique Milano.

Expect exclusive, luxuriously soft knitwear designed to last from Guest in Residence along with their latest drop, Ski Lodge, a collection of cold-weather essentials. The Ski Lodge collection’s performance twist on cashmere brings cozy sweaters, cashmere leggings, and knitwear accessories meant for mixing and matching just in time for both holiday gifting and après-ski.

“Nothing is more important than spending time with family and friends during the holidays and I wanted to create a special place in my hometown of New York City that would help people do just that,” says Hadid.

Designed by Yaoska Interiors and meant to last, the pop-up on Greene Street makes for a calming shopping experience with its blue lime washed walls and aged black wood floors, creating a relaxed atmosphere for people to gather. Inside, you’ll find an elegant and effortless space featuring primitive handmade furniture with vintage French and Italian design more evocative of a living room than a retail boutique. Dramatic floral installations within product displays help to seamlessly integrate POPUPFLORIST to the world of Guest in Residence.

Pop-ups are nothing new for the florist. Founded in 2016 as a pop-up concept by Kelsie Hayes, POPUPFLORIST is now a full retail, e-commerce, and event design business known for fusing fashion and flowers. Hayes and her team have become the industry go-to florist for their unique and unconventional approach to floral design.

“POPUPFLORIST is thrilled to be partnering with the amazing team at Guest in Residence this holiday season. Creating this cozy and communal space, where people can experience our florists at work while shopping thoughtfully designed pieces, has been a true pleasure,” says Hayes.

For the partnership, POPUPFLORIST’s shop-in-shop will feature a florist in-store daily, working with clients to create unique and customized pieces from locally sourced fresh greens and seasonal florals. The full offering will include customizable seasonal wreaths, seasonal fresh and preserved floral bouquets (both grab-and-go and made-to-order), a selection of vintage hand-blown glass and ceramic vases from Hayes’ personal collection, customizable ornaments, and gift tags – all wrapped in POPUPFLORIST x Guest in Residence co-branded packaging.

“I am so excited to partner with POPUPFLORIST for our FEEL SHOP. Kelsie’s team is composed of incredible women with a unique floral take and we’ve put together a super fun calendar of events and surprises for our guests!,” says Hadid on the partnership.

Hadid, Guest in Residence, and POPUPFLORIST have organized a calendar of events and activations for the month-long partnership. Some key events include:

November 29: Public store opening with in-store cocktails, live D.J., hand embroidery on Guest in Residence product, gift wrapping, and floral arrangements
December 1: Pottery class with Guest in Residence’s Design Director, Sijeo Kim
Dec 3rd: Hand embroidery on Guest in Residence product, gift wrapping services and floral arrangements.
December 8: Shop & Sip event with a live D.J., fun sips, gift wrapping, floral arrangements, and customization services on Guest in Residence Product
Dec 10th: Hand embroidery on Guest in Residence product, gift wrapping services & floral arrangements
December 15: Shop & Sip event with a live D.J., fun sips, gift wrapping, floral arrangements, and hand embroidery services on Guest in Residence Product
December 17: Hand embroidery on Guest in Residence product,gift wrapping services and floral arrangements
December 22: Shop & Sip event with a live D.J.,fun sips, gift wrapping, floral arrangements, and hand embroidery on Guest in Residence Product

Experience Guest in Residence in person — the NYC pop-up is located in the heart of Soho. From Monday, November 28 – December 31st, 2022, at 146 Greene St, New York, NY 10011. The shop is open Monday – Saturday from 11.00A.M. to 7.00 P.M. Sunday from 12.00 pm to 6.00 pm.

SKIMS × SNOOP

SKIMS LAUNCHES HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN FEATURING SNOOP DOGG AND FAMILY

FAMILIES START AT SKIMS: NEW HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS THREE GENERATIONS IN SKIMS – SNOOP DOGG AND HIS WIFE, CHILDREN, AND GRANDCHILDREN ARE PICTURED ALL TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

SKIMS, the solutions-oriented brand creating the next generation of underwear, loungewear, and shapewear has announced the launch of a new Holiday 2022 campaign, featuring legendary rapper Snoop Dogg and his wife, children, and grandchildren. Three generations of family unite and are photographed all together in a campaign for the first time. This holiday season, Snoop Dogg and family show off SKIMS’ Fleece Sleep Sets and SKIMS Cozy Collection.

Snoop Dogg and his family are the SKIMS Holiday family of the year, following the Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert Family Campaign in 2021. Snoop Dogg stars alongside his wife Shantee Broadus and three children; Cordell Broadus & his kids Lunda and Journey; Cori Broadus & fiancé Wayne Deuce; and Corde Broadus & his kids Zion, Sky, and Elleven. SKIMS highlights its loungewear product offerings for the entire family with this new spirited holiday campaign.

“I feel so blessed that three generations of my family were able to come together for the SKIMS Holiday campaign! It’s the first time we’ve been featured in a campaign all together and we all loved the super soft, comfy outfits,” said Snoop Dogg. “The Broadus family will definitely be wearing matching SKIMS this holiday season!”

SKIMS continues to spotlight strong family dynamics to speak to the brand’s continued focus of creating products for all family members. This holiday season, family starts at SKIMS.

Shot and directed by renowned artist and photographer Donna Trope, with whom the brand has a longstanding creative relationship, the ad campaign will debut across digital and social platforms. The SKIMS Holiday Campaign featuring Snoop Dogg and his family launches today, December 1st, on Skims.com and across SKIMS social platforms.

ABOUT SKIMS:

Co-founded in 2019 by Kim Kardashian and Jens Grede, SKIMS is the solutions-oriented brand creating the next generation of underwear, loungewear, and shapewear and setting new standards by providing solutions for every body. From technically constructed shapewear that enhances your curves to underwear that stretches to twice its size, the brand’s goal is to consistently innovate on the past and advance the industry. SKIMS sells directly through its website (SKIMS.com), as well as through select partnerships with retailers including Nordstrom, Selfridges, SSENSE, Net-a-Porter, Lane Crawford, Holt Renfrew and David Jones.

KING COMBS × DOLCE&GABBANA

KING COMBS WALKS IN DOLCE&GABBANA ALTA SARTORIO/ALTA SARTORIA PRESENTATION DURING MIAMI ART WEEK

RECENTLY TOPPED THE MAINSTREAM HIP HOP/R&B CHART WITH “CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP”

This week, rising rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and burgeoning fashion powerhouse Christian “King” Combs walked in the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda presentation during Miami’s Art Week. He took the runway in a dapper, sequenced checkered suit. The “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” rapper, whose single recently hit number one on the mainstream Hip Hop/R&B Chart, first teamed up with D&G when he served as the face of their Spring/Summer 2018 campaign. In attendance, cheering Combs on, were brother Quincy and recording artist Maluma.

WHEN:

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

WHERE:

Surf Club | 9011 Collins Ave

Diddy's son King Combs in Dolce&Gabbana at Art Basel via 360 MAGAZINE. — Diddy’s son King Combs in Dolce&Gabbana at Art Basel via 360 MAGAZINE.

HOUSE OF ROLLS-ROYCE

Cullinan Inspired by Fashion: Prêt-à-Porter Collection
by the House of ROLLS-ROYCE

‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ reflects the latest couture trends and showcases infinite Bespoke possibilities
Comprises two prêt-à-porter collections: bold Re-Belle, inspired by colour block, and Fu‑Shion, bringing function and fashion together
Starlight Tailgate – all-new Bespoke feature extending the magical celestial ambience beyond the interior of the motor car
Matching Luggage Collection designed to complement each of the interior themes

The House of Rolls-Royce reveals ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion,’ comprised of two prêt-à-porter collections– the bold Re‑Belle and striking Fu-Shion. These exquisite ‘objects of desire’ by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective take inspiration from vibrant hues and textures seen in the world of high fashion, reflecting the eclectic tastes and lifestyle of the luxury clientele.

As works of art in their own right, ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ will be unveiled to luxury connoisseurs and patrons of the brand at Art Basel in Miami this evening.

‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ brings out the multifarious character of the luxury SUV and its Black Badge alter ego. We drew inspiration from the world of or patrons – individuals with eclectic tastes who define trends and influence current movements in the fields of art, fashion and design,” says Celina Mettang, Bespoke Colour and Material Designer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “They defy boundaries, challenge conventions, and are bold in their expression of individuality. Reflective of their tastes, our ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ models are designed as statement pieces, perfectly tailored to suit the lifestyles of our clients.”

‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ Re-Belle is the ultimate statement piece, reflecting contemporary colour blocking trends with its vivid hues and playful combination of textures. A splash of colour in the interior with Peony Pinkor Lime Green accents provides an irresistible contrast to the Arctic White or Cashmere Grey leather trim.

The fascia is finished with extraordinarily detailed handwoven stainless-steel fabric, evocative of metallic apparel seen on this year’s catwalks. Delicate thread with a diameter as fine as 0.45 mm creates an intricate texture, which catches the light beautifully as the vehicle is in motion. Re-Belle collection is offered in Lime Green, Gunmetal, Wildberry, or Arctic White exterior colors, available depending on the selected interior.

Unleashing the daring Black Badge personality, ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ Fu-Shion reinterprets high fashion with a utilitarian edge. Reminiscent of the Spring/Summer 2023 prêt‑à-porter collections, embellished with functional elements evocative of street wear, Fu‑Shion showcases Cullinan’s personality – the pinnacle of luxury, effortless everywhere.

or Fu-Shion, designers created two interior styles: an eye-catching combination of Military Green, Navy Blue, and Mandarin or a blend of Arctic White and Cashmere Grey leather with Forge Yellow accents. Depending on the interior palette, ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ Fu-Shion can be commissioned in one of four exterior colors: Military Green, Burnout grey, Forge Yellow or Tempest Grey.

For ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’, designers created the all-new Starlight Tailgate – a stunning feature which extends the magical, celestial ambience of the Starlight Headliner beyond the interior.

This Bespoke feature takes more than 22 hours to manufacture and includes 192 softly illuminated stars incorporated into the perforated leather.

The Starlight Tailgate is complemented by the Viewing Suite, creating a perfect setting to enjoy the enchanting beauty of a starry night, anywhere and everywhere.

A further innovation is to be found on the lower part of the fascia, which introduces a coloured Piano veneer for the first time: Cashmere Grey for Re‑Belle and Navy Blue for Fu-Shion. This glossy finish acts as a unifying element, bringing yet more depth to the interior.

For travel in ultimate style, ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ is available with matching luggage sets designed to complement each of the four interior themes. The collection is comprised of the following: 24-hour Weekender, 48-hour Weekender, Holdall, Tote Bag, and Organizer Pouch, offered individually or as a five-piece set.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan at Art Basel via 360 MAGAZINE.

PRADA DROPS SEVENTH NFT

PRADA DROPS SEVENTH EXCLUSIVE TIMECAPSULE NFT COLLECTION IN CELEBRATION OF THE FESTIVE SEASON

On December 1, 2022, Prada drops its seventh limited-edition Timecapsule Collection paired with a corresponding gifted NFT – A holiday themed sweater

The December Timecapsule will feature the classic festive item reimagined in a modern way

Prada continues to give their Web3 community the opportunity to access Prada events and experiences globally

Prada announces the seventh installment of the Timecapsule NFT Collection. On December 1st, in celebration of the festive season, there will be an exclusive holiday drop of a gender neutral sweater along with a gifted NFT.

The latest NFT drop is #36 in the Timecapsule collection. Reimagining the traditional holiday themed sweater, the primary colours will be red and white, with black stripes visible on the bottom and on the cuffs. The Merino wool sweater is made with a special Norwegian jacquard knitting technique, while the PRADA logo and DECEMBER lettering featured on the sweater are made with an embroidery technique.

As with previous drops, Prada wants to continue to offer exclusive opportunities for their Web3 community. Timecapsule NFT holders will have the opportunity to gain access to exclusive events and experiences including invitations to special events such as Prada Extends and Prada Mode, which are held around the world. NFT holders from the first six drops will be in with an exclusive chance to attend Prada Extends Miami on the sidelines of Art Basel 2022. Earlier this month, previous NFT holders had the opportunity to attend the eighth iteration of Prada Mode, a traveling social club that provides members with a unique art experience along with music, dining and conversations, which featured an installation by artist Damien Hirst in Dubai.

Registration for Prada Extends Miami is available within the “Experiences” section inside the Prada Discord Channel. All information on the RSVP process is shared with community members on the Prada Discord Channel.

The Timecapsule drop is an online monthly event that takes place on the first Thursday of every month. Limited quantities of the Timecapsule Collection products are made available for 24 hours. Each limited-edition Timecapsule item has its own unique serial number and is prepared for delivery with custom packaging. By purchasing the Timecapsule, customers will be able to redeem the related NFT. With this process, Prada maintains consistency and harmony between the exclusivity of the Prada Timecapsule and the rarity of the corresponding NFTs.

Each NFT includes the drop serial number and the serial number for its accompanying physical item, so there is a direct relationship between the physical and virtual products. NFT owners are eligible to participate in exclusive benefits and experiences, as well as gain priority access to future drops.

Prada Timecapsule NFTs are issued on Ethereum infrastructure, offering a secure and user-friendly experience. The Aura Blockchain Consortium provides the underlying NFT solutions and technology.

Details:

The Prada Timecapsule drop is open to customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China Mainland, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong S.A.R., Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Estonia, Republic of Korea, Romanian, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (China), Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States for 24 hours only, starting from December 1st, 2022 at 3pm CET.
Each drop is limited to 50 items.

RSVP Process:

Prada Extends, Art Basel, 1st December, Miami, USA; Register before 27th November

To be eligible, you must:

Hold a Prada Timecapsule NFT in your wallet (purchased from Prada directly or secondary market)
Be part of the Prada Crypted discord
Be verified as a holder via and have the green tick to prove verification in the Prada Crypted Discord

www.prada.com/prada-crypted

www.discord.gg/prada

Protected: Seven Stylish Winter Office Wears for Men That Won’t Break the Bank

GENESIS MOTOR – WINTER LIGHTS

Winter Lights, a presentation by the High Line and luxury automaker Genesis, was a fantasy illumination. It has been one of the first auto activations on the tracks. They unveiled one of their newest models in tandem with some of the most acclaimed car enthusiasts as well as world-class media. At its climax, esteemed guests retired to an open-air market, Genesis House. It was there, where participants could look closely at some of the newly introduced capitals of art, including the most talked-about electric vehicles. In true Korean style, the multi-purpose space was an opportunity for us to engage and explore in an interlaced design kingdom. A Michelin-winning culinary team produced a menu of small bites and artisanal cocktails that we took from the geometric seaside establishment.

“It is a pleasure to partner with the Friends of the High Line and create an immersive experience for people to see as they walk through such a beautiful park,” said Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “The first year of Genesis House has been filled with many amazing memories. We are proud to be celebrating a year within this vibrant community and look forward to the future.”

Additionally, today, Genesis through its corporate social responsibility initiative, Genesis Gives, announced the continued partnership with New York City based Girls Who Code. The brand is donating $50,000 to support women and nonbinary individuals in STEM education by equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in computer science.

“Seeing the Winter Lights installation light up the High Line is the perfect way to kick off this festive season,” said Joshua David, Friends of the High Line co-founder and interim executive director. “With many shared sustainability goals and a deep passion for community, Genesis is the perfect partner for the High Line. We are excited to see what the future holds.”

The Winter Lights Powered by Genesis installation will be open to the public from Nov. 30 through Jan. 2 and can be found on the High Line between 15th and 16th Streets in the Chelsea Market Passage. Visitors can enter the High Line via stairs at 16th Street or via stairs or elevator at 14th Street to access the installation.

Genesis Motor North America

Genesis is a global automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of performance, design, safety, and innovation while looking towards a more sustainable future. Genesis designs customer experiences that go beyond products, embodying audacious, forward-thinking, and distinctly Korean characteristics within its unique Athletic Elegance design identity. With a growing range of award-winning models — including the 2023 MotorTrend Car of the Year G90 along with G70, G80, GV60, GV70, and GV80 — Genesis aims to lead the age of electrification with battery EVs, starting with its Electrified G80, GV60, and Electrified GV70 models. Genesis has stated its commitment to becoming an all-electric vehicle brand by 2030 and to pursuing carbon neutrality by 2035.

Genesis Motor and High Line Winter Lights presentation via 360 MAGAZINE in nyc. — Genesis Motor and High Line Winter Lights presentation via 360 MAGAZINE in NYC.

The Biggest Crypto Applications Online

As a means of payment, crypto is naturally still in the early days, only really rising to prominence within the past 10 years. So far, mainstream financial services have been hesitant to endorse it, barring some exceptions, which has meant that widespread adoption in shops and businesses has been slow.

However, this doesn’t mean that the outlets and exchanges for crypto haven’t been looking at some major growth now, and as of 2022 there are more places that will accept crypto than ever before. This article aims to highlight those businesses that are most tied to crypto usage, as well as a few that most people wouldn’t even consider using crypto coins for.

Bitcoin for Travel

To start off with something of an unusual choice, cryptocurrency, or more specifically Bitcoin, can be used for a number of travel options. While it’s not recommended to try paying directly at a hotel in coins, there are several prominent travel sites which will accept it.

First and foremost, the travel giant Expedia will let you pay for your hotels online straight through Bitcoin, or if that isn’t the particular currency that you use, then the crypto-focused site Travala accepts dozens of the most established currencies for similar services. Also, if you’re planning on travelling just a bit further, then Virgin Galactic are also accepting Bitcoin now for space travel.

While it’s difficult to nail down exactly how widely crypto is used by country, much of Europe at least accepts crypto in certain businesses, although it’s not wise to base your entire vacation around it.

Crypto for Casinos

Online casinos are something of a natural fit for crypto, with the extra security with large amounts of money being extremely attractive amongst their customers. More than in many other industries, crypto is becoming a standard, with many of the best payout online casinos now listing it as an option for deposits and withdrawals alongside their more traditional payment platforms.

More than that, many new casinos have appeared that almost exclusively use crypto as a payment method. These crypto casinos will even offer their player bonuses in crypto coins, usually Bitcoins, for the more universal uptake. This is an area where research is key, though; online casinos offer slightly different packages in different countries. A casino that accepts Bitcoin in one country may not be able to in another. If you’re playing from the U.S., make sure they’ll accept Bitcoin from the U.S. for instance.

Crypto in Online Retail

This is an area that has really taken off in terms of crypto usage, and while the big name Amazon still is yet to dip a toe into the crypto market, many other shopping platforms worldwide will now accept at least some kind of crypto.

Within the U.S., Overstock is your nearest equivalent to Amazon that will work with crypto. They haven’t got nearly the same range of products, mainly focusing on home and lifestyle items, however they can compete with them on prices as well as the free shipping options. For those looking for Asian products who have a good translator and a calculator handy, Rakuten from Japan does have a wider selection of products, although shipping is naturally a different issue.

For computer hardware and related products there is also the Newegg site, and if you’re looking at setting up an e-commerce site of your own, the industry leader Shopify also accept Bitcoin. This is a small selection, but more and more businesses are taking up crypto integration as a way of offering services that competitors either don’t or can’t.

Gaming with Crypto

Similar to online casinos, the digital nature of video gaming does lend itself to working with crypto, not to mention a usually tech-aware audience built in. You know that the practice of crypto payments has really gone mainstream in the video gaming industry when you see that Microsoft themselves will accept Bitcoin for payments on their Xbox Live platform. Add-ons, subscriptions and even full games fall under that.

The socially-aware Humble Bundle site has also started taking Bitcoin via PayPal, which gives you a way to get your new games while contributing to charity at the same time. They even now have bundles for books and software for some extra variety.

Speaking of contributions, the major streaming platform Twitch will now also accept crypto payments, either for their Twitch Prime subscription or just donations and support for your favorite streamers.

Everything Else

There are plenty of companies that don’t fit into the above, but may also surprise you. Phone and internet giant AT&T have added crypto to their payment options, and even iconic coffee chain Starbucks have started as well. Want a new website? NameCheap are also on this list.

The fact is though, if you’re using the correct tools, virtually anything can now be done via crypto. By using a card-issuing service such as CoinsBase or Uquid, you can get a card tied to your crypto wallet that still has the global acceptance of something such as Visa or Mastercard. They can even be used to withdraw cash at an ATM, and work for both online and offline payments, although keep in mind that this is based on the market value of the coin at time of purchase.

What Comes Next?

It’s hard to judge exactly what happens next with crypto, considering even entire countries are trying it out as legal tender. A number of the largest companies are still holding out against it, but given the rising competition, their hands may eventually be forced into accepting it.

The short version is, you should expect to see at least Bitcoin transactions happening on the vast majority of online-first business sites within the next decade, although the uptake from brick-and-mortar companies is likely to be a lot slower. With that said, the rapid rollout of contactless cards shows that the financial world can, on occasion, move faster than expected.

Eight Exciting Facts About the FIFA World Cup Competition

The FIFA World Cup remains one of the best competitions in the world of sports. It is the biggest, most popular sporting event worldwide. Billions of people watch the competition and root for one of the 32 teams to lift the trophy. The story started in 1930, and since then, it has only improved.

UEFA competitions are the only ones that come close in soccer, but even those are smaller in comparison. You might find many people engaging in making Europa League predictions. However, more people are looking to win big with the FIFA games. The exciting thing is that for 28 days, everyone around the world remains occupied.

It is a sensational event that would see us enjoy some incredible experiences. We can always retain our excitement with the growing popularity. And like you would make Europa League predictions today, you can get involved in predicting World Cup games. You might just be lucky to catch the upsets.

As we follow the 2022 FIFA World Cup and look forward to a country making history, let’s check out some facts about this event. These facts can even help you with your predictions, like when you follow trends to make Europa League picks. So, without wasting time, let’s get into it.

Only Two Continents Have Produced FIFA World Cup Champions

Since the start of the FIFA World Cup, only South America and Europe have produced champions. The first champions came from South America, but Europe has more champions. Italy, Germany, Spain, England, and France are the champions of the FIFA World cup from Europe. For South America, the champions are Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil.

Fontaine, With 13 Goals, has the Best Goal Scoring Record

Throughout World Cup history, France’s Fontaine has the most FIFA World Cup goals in a single competition. He scored 13 in 1958, and since then, no player has been able to break it. We would expect it to get broken at one point. However, Fontaine is fourth on the list of the players with the most goals at the FIFA World Cup.

Six Players Have Represented Two Countries at the World Cup

Today, it is impossible to see a player play for two different countries at the World Cup due to the recent regulations from FIFA. However, it was a thing of the past. Luis Monti was the first player to represent two countries. He played for Argentina and Italy. Aside from Monti, the following players represented two nations.

Robert Prosinecki – Yugoslavia and Croatia
Robert Jarni – Yugoslavia and Croatia
Jose Santamaria – Uruguay and Spain
Ferenc – Hungary and Spain
Mazola – Brazil and Italy

The Last Host Nation to Win the Competition

Uruguay, Argentina, and many more are nations to have won the competition as the host. However, the last time a team hosted the tournament and won was in 1998. France was the last country to host the competition and win it. Korea, Germany, and Brazil all got to the semifinals of their respective competitions, but they couldn’t win the competition as hosts.

Goalkeeper With the Most Clean Sheets

Fabian Barthez and Peter Shilton hold the record for the most clean sheets in FIFA World Cup history. These goalkeepers both have had ten clean sheets over the years. They both had incredible careers with exciting moments. Unfortunately, neither of these players was able to lift the trophy. But they did well in the tournament.

Best Teams at the World Cup

Although the nations competing at the FIFA World Cup continue to produce brilliant moments, some teams have had a more consistent performance. Brazil remains one of the best teams in the tournament. Italy, Germany/West Germany, Argentina, and Spain follow Brazil.

First Match at the FIFA World Cup

Unlike now, the host nation didn’t kickstart the FIFA World Cup tournament in 1930. The first-ever World Cup match was between France and Mexico. The match ended in favor of France, winning the game 4-1. Lucien Laurent scored the first goal of the tournament.

Qatar Becomes the First Nation to Lose an Opening Match

Before Qatar, every host had never lost the opening match. It either ended as a draw or a win for the host nation. Everyone expected that tradition to continue, but it didn’t when Qatar faced Ecuador in the opening game. The game ended with Enner Valencia scoring two. It could’ve been three if Valencia’s second-minute goal was not chopped off.