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From Sports Betting to Bitcoin Casinos: The Next Wave of Gambling Advertising

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From Sports Betting to Bitcoin Casinos: The Next Wave of Gambling Advertising

Over the last decade, sports betting transformed the advertising landscape for broadcasters and digital publishers. What was once confined to offshore websites and late-night banner ads became prime-time sponsorship inventory across television, radio, podcasts, and streaming platforms.

Now, a new segment of the gambling industry is entering the media ecosystem: bitcoin-powered online casinos.

While sports betting remains dominant in regulated U.S. markets, crypto-based casinos are expanding internationally, and increasingly looking to mainstream media to fuel audience growth.

For media companies evaluating sponsorship strategy, this shift deserves attention.

The Evolution of Gambling Advertising

When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, sports betting advertising surged. Major operators flooded airwaves with promotional offers, sponsorship deals, and brand integrations.

Broadcasters adapted quickly. Dedicated betting segments became common. Podcasts secured lucrative sportsbook sponsors. Digital publishers built entire verticals around odds analysis.

Bitcoin casinos represent the next phase of that evolution, though the model differs in meaningful ways.

Unlike traditional sportsbooks operating within state-regulated frameworks, many crypto casinos operate internationally, using blockchain transactions to facilitate deposits and withdrawals. Their appeal lies in speed, privacy, and global accessibility.

For media buyers, this creates both opportunity and regulatory complexity.

Why Bitcoin Casinos Are Investing in Media

Crypto casinos operate in highly competitive markets. Customer acquisition costs are rising, and digital ad platforms like Google and Meta often impose restrictions on gambling promotion.

As a result, many operators are turning to alternative channels, including:

  • Podcast sponsorships
  • Influencer marketing
  • Affiliate-driven media partnerships
  • Native advertising
  • Gaming and esports coverage integrations

Media outlets with tech-savvy or gaming-focused audiences are particularly attractive.

Directories ranking best bitcoin casinos, for example, have become central traffic hubs within affiliate ecosystems. These review platforms serve as research gateways for players seeking crypto-based gambling options.

Media brands operating in adjacent spaces, tech, fintech, esports, blockchain, often overlap with that audience.

Audience Alignment Matters

One of the most important considerations for broadcasters is audience compatibility.

Crypto casino users tend to skew:

  • Younger
  • Tech-literate
  • Comfortable with digital wallets
  • Already engaged in cryptocurrency markets

For outlets covering blockchain innovation, Web3 culture, or fintech entrepreneurship, this demographic alignment can be natural. However, for mainstream broadcasters with broad family-oriented audiences, the fit may be less clear. As with sports betting, alignment between brand values and sponsor category remains critical.

Regulatory Landscape and Risk

Photo Credit: Freepik

Crypto casinos exist in a patchwork regulatory environment.

Unlike state-regulated sportsbooks in the U.S., many bitcoin casinos operate under international licenses. Advertising compliance therefore varies by jurisdiction.

Media companies considering sponsorship agreements must evaluate:

  1. Geographic audience distribution
  2. Local advertising regulations
  3. Disclosure requirements
  4. Responsible gambling messaging standards

Failure to conduct proper due diligence can expose outlets to reputational or legal risk.

BarrettMedia’s audience understands this dynamic well, the sports betting rollout offered lessons in compliance, messaging, and audience sensitivity. The crypto casino space may require even greater caution.

The Affiliate Model’s Influence on Media

Affiliate marketing plays a particularly strong role in crypto gambling.

Many review sites generate revenue through referral partnerships. Traffic from search engines, podcasts, or newsletters converts into player sign-ups. This model blurs traditional lines between advertising and content.

For publishers, the temptation to build comparison guides or ranking articles can be significant. But transparency remains essential. Clear disclosure and editorial independence must be preserved. As seen in the sports betting era, trust erosion can damage long-term brand equity.

Podcasting and the Crypto Opportunity

Podcasting has become one of the most effective channels for gambling-related advertisers.

Host-read ads create perceived authenticity. Long-form discussions allow nuanced explanation of crypto-based systems. Audiences often view hosts as trusted voices.

However, crypto gambling promotions require careful framing. Messaging must emphasize responsible play and avoid exaggerated claims.

Some podcast networks have embraced the category selectively. Others have opted out entirely. The decision often comes down to brand positioning and audience expectations.

Media Diversification in a Fragmented Era

The broader story here is not just about casinos, it is about diversification.

Traditional media revenue models face continued pressure from streaming competition, audience fragmentation, and shifting ad budgets. According to PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook, digital advertising continues to outpace traditional revenue streams, forcing media organizations to explore emerging verticals to offset volatility in legacy income sources.

Emerging industries, whether cannabis, crypto, sports betting, or AI startups, frequently represent new pools of advertising capital. Media leaders must decide which sectors align with long-term strategy. Bitcoin casinos are part of that evolving landscape.

Lessons from the Sports Betting Boom

The sports betting surge offers a roadmap.

Early adopters benefited financially but also faced scrutiny over messaging and saturation. Over time, advertising guidelines tightened, and responsible gaming standards became more prominent. Crypto casinos may follow a similar trajectory.

Media companies that engage early should do so thoughtfully, establishing clear policies, vetting partners thoroughly, and protecting editorial integrity.

The expansion of bitcoin casinos into mainstream advertising channels signals another shift in the gambling-media relationship. As digital audiences grow more comfortable with cryptocurrency and decentralized finance, gambling platforms built on blockchain infrastructure will continue seeking visibility.

For broadcasters, publishers, and podcast networks, the question is not whether the category exists, it is how to evaluate it strategically.

With careful alignment, due diligence, and transparent messaging, crypto casino advertising can become part of a diversified revenue strategy. Without those safeguards, it can create unnecessary risk. As always in media, credibility remains the most valuable currency.

AM 1450 KMMS Host Aaron Flint Announces Congressional Bid

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AM 1450 KMMS Host Aaron Flint Announces Congressional Bid

AM 1450 KMMS host Aaron Flint has announced he’ll seek a spot in Congress from the state of Montana.

Flint — who hosts Montana Talks, the morning show on the Townsquare Media Bozeman news/talk station — will seek to replace Rep. Ryan Zinke in the U.S. Congress. Zinke has announced that he will retire from his position in the legislature when his term ends.

Before embarking on his radio career, Aaron Flint served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, completing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, among others. He also worked as the State Director for Zinke’s Congressional offices in Montana, as well as the communications director for now Gov. Greg Gianforte during his campaign.

After Zinke’s announcement that he would not seek reelection, he endorsed Flint as his replacement. Flint also received the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

“It is my Great Honor to endorse Aaron Flint, who is running to represent the tremendous people of Montana’s 1st Congressional District,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Aaron is a MAGA Warrior, who is strongly supported by many of the Greatest America First Patriots in Montana, including Sen. Tim Sheehy, Congressmen Ryan Zinke and Troy Downing, and Gov. Greg Gianforte, among others!”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

97.5 The Fanatic Reunites Sean Brace and Jon Marks in Middays

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97.5 The Fanatic Reunites Sean Brace and Jon Marks in Middays

Sean Brace is back at 97.5 The Fanatic, partnered with his former co-host Jon Marks.

Beginning on Monday, March 9th, Brace and Marks will team for Middays with Marks. The pairing will be heard from 10 AM to 2 PM.

The duo was previously partnered for the Jon & Sean Show from 2013 to 2015 on 97.5 The Fanatic.

“97.5 The Fanatic is where this all began for me,” said Sean Brace. “So, to come back and join Jon Marks & Ray Dunne five days a week is something I’m incredibly proud of. Really looking forward to delivering the best four hours of sports radio in the city every day from 10 to 2.”

Brace rejoins 97.5 The Fanatic after previously leading FOX Sports The Gambler for iHeartMedia in the market. He helped launch the station in 2019 and hosted on the outlet before being part of widespread cuts from the company in October 2025.

“Sean is back, and we’re better for it,” said Beasley Media Group Philadelphia Vice President and Market Manager Paul Blake. “He and Jon have proven chemistry and a shared competitive drive that fits this brand perfectly. Our fans expect passion and strong takes. That’s exactly what they’ll get every weekday at 10 a.m.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sean back to The Fanatic,” said 97.5 The Fanatic Program Director Scott Masteller. “He brings a deep understanding of Philadelphia sports, a strong connection with our audience, and great on-air chemistry with Jon. Together, they’ll deliver the passionate, informed, and entertaining conversations our listeners expect every weekday.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Senate Passes Bill Limiting Online Ads to Minors

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Senate Passes Bill Limiting Online Ads to Minors

The U.S. Senate passed a bill on Thursday that would put restrictions on the ability for online companies to collect data from minors.

The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act was introduced by Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA). The bill would prohibit website operators and app developers from serving targeted ads to users 17 and under.

The law would still allow advertising based on the content of websites or apps to be displayed, but target ads based on minors’ data and internet browsing history would be illegal. The proposed legislation would also prohibit the collection of personalized data from those aged 13 to 16 without permission. Currently, federal regulations outlaw companies from collecting the personal data of users under 13 without parental consent.

In a statement, Sen. Markey called development “a major step forward for protecting children and teens online.”

“Kids, families, and parents have waited far too long for Congress to pass legislation and stop Big Tech’s relentless tracking and targeting of children and teens online,” Markey said.

A similar version of the bill had been proposed and was scheduled to be voted on in the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday. However, since the bill had already been passed in the Senate, that vote was tabled.

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Start Date for New Adam Schein Show with the New York Post Set

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Start Date for New Adam Schein Show with the New York Post Set

Adam Schein is set to host a new show with the New York Post, and we know when it will debut.

Beginning on Tuesday, March 10th, Schein Time will debut on both the New York Post Sports and California Post Sports YouTube channels. The program will also be made available on the Post‘s own website under the sports section.

The daily one-hour livestreamed show will be seen at 2 PM ET. Adam Schein will continue to host his show on SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio and will also continue to helm his Rise and Schein podcast.

“I am so excited for Schein Time! Viewers will get my hard-hitting brand of passionate, informed and entertaining sports opinions every single weekday on the hottest topics the sports fan cares about,” said Schein. “My style fits perfectly with the brash, unapologetic and bold nature of The Post. I’ve been obsessed with The Post sports since I was 8 years old. This is a dream show. If you love sports with attitude, swagger, intensity and most especially fun, you will love Schein Time.”

“Adam Schein is a natural fit for the Post audience, big energy, big opinions and never afraid to plant a flag,” said New York Post Media Group CEO Sean Giancola. “He brings exactly the kind of passionate, no‑nonsense sports talk fans crave. Schein Time is bold, built for the moment and built for both coasts and everywhere in between. We’re thrilled to launch this next chapter with Adam at the helm.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Carmichael Dave: Russell Westbrook Should Provide More Context Regarding Issues With Local Media

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Carmichael Dave: Russell Westbrook Should Provide More Context Regarding Issues With Local Media

Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook’s pointed criticism of the local media following Thursday night’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans quickly became a topic of discussion across Sacramento sports radio, and one host in particular made clear he was not surprised by the veteran’s frustration.

During Friday morning’s edition of The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross on Sactown Sports, longtime Sacramento radio host Carmichael Dave addressed Westbrook’s postgame remarks, acknowledging the tension between players and reporters while also pushing back on the notion that the media should avoid tough questions during a historically difficult season.

Westbrook directed much of his postgame availability toward members of the Kings’ media contingent after a 133–123 loss. He questioned the context behind some criticism. He also suggested coverage surrounding the team has unfairly affected younger players. The veteran point guard finished with 19 points and 10 assists. The loss dropped the Kings to 14–50.

Dave told listeners that while Westbrook’s frustration was understandable given the circumstances, public criticism of reporters rarely produces the outcome players expect.

“I fully respect a player coming back at the media and airing his issues,” Dave said on the show. “My question would be to Russ, if he was sitting in here. Could you share any examples? You don’t have to if you don’t remember who said it, or if you don’t remember exactly. Could you please share examples of a false narrative?”

The Sacramento host also emphasized that criticism of a team with the league’s worst record should not come as a surprise, particularly when fans and media spend months analyzing a season that has unraveled.

“This is a beaten down fan base, and this is a beaten down media. That’s just a fact to life. This is the worst team in the NBA over the last 40 plus years,” Dave said. “Fans are walking around in purple neck braces from the whiplash they experienced. From being the beam team and the darlings of the NBA three years ago to the worst team in the NBA now.”

Westbrook’s comments followed several recent games where younger Kings players handled media duties after losses. The veteran referenced that trend while defending teammates. He suggested they may not yet be accustomed to constant scrutiny.

Dave said he respected Westbrook’s willingness to defend younger teammates, but added that professional athletes also must recognize the role media plays in covering a struggling team. Especially in a market like Sacramento compared to how media handles athletes in other markets.

“This isn’t calling out media. This is me, you. all of us. I don’t know that you could possibly have a softer, nicer, kinder, more feathery touched coverage of this abomination of a team this year,” Dave said. “It’s so bad that we’re now fighting amongst ourselves. You have fans literally rooting for losses, like that’s where we’re at right now.”

Westbrook, an 18-year NBA veteran and future Hall of Famer, stressed during his postgame comments that his intention was not to deflect blame for the Kings’ struggles but rather to call for what he believes is more responsible coverage of the team.

“My ask is that you respect what we do and we’ll respect what you do,” Westbrook said Thursday night.

As the Kings attempt to close out a difficult season, the exchange highlighted a familiar dynamic between athletes and those tasked with covering them, one that Dave told listeners likely will continue whenever performance and expectations collide.

“I’m not mad at Russ. I don’t have a problem with anything you did. I would love to have context to know if the grievances are real, or was it just rust, frustrated after a game. That’s all.”

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Los Angeles Angels Reportedly Set To Announce Team-Controlled RSN

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Los Angeles Angels Reportedly Set To Announce Team-Controlled RSN

Fans of the Los Angeles Angels finally received clarity regarding how they will watch games during the upcoming season, as the club reportedly will be unveiling a distribution strategy that keeps its local television presence largely intact while shifting operational control closer to the organization itself.

According to reporting from Jeff Fletcher of the The Orange County Register, the Angels will move forward by partnering with Main Street Sports Group to establish a team-controlled regional network that will handle the production and distribution of game telecasts moving forward.

For viewers, the immediate takeaway is relatively straightforward. Fans who previously received Angels games through FanDuel Sports Network will continue to see those broadcasts in their television packages, meaning the viewing experience should remain familiar despite the backend restructuring taking place behind the scenes.

However, the structure of the arrangement differs from what some other franchises have chosen over the past two years.

Several clubs have shifted their local media distribution to Major League Baseball after regional sports network instability forced leagues and teams to explore contingency plans. The Angels instead opted for a model that allows the organization to maintain control of both production decisions and carriage negotiations.

That approach reportedly gives the franchise direct influence over agreements with cable and satellite providers rather than routing those conversations through the league office.

Streaming access will also remain available through the existing out-of-market ecosystem. Fans who purchased the team-specific streaming option through MLB.TV will continue receiving local Angels broadcasts through the dedicated Angels.TV add-on. Pricing structures appear unchanged per the reporting, with the standalone package continuing to run $99.99 for the season or $19.99 per month, while bundled options with the broader MLB.TV package remain available.

Equally important for longtime viewers, the broadcast booth will remain stable. Fletcher reports that veteran analyst Mark Gubicza returns alongside play-by-play voice Wayne Randazzo. Additionally, Patrick O’Neal will continue stepping in when Randazzo departs to handle national assignments.

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Candace Owens, Jeremy Boreing Trade Barbs Over Time Spent Together at Daily Wire

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Candace Owens, Jeremy Boreing Trade Barbs Over Time Spent Together at Daily Wire

There hasn’t been any love lost between former Daily Wire CEO Jeremy Boreing and Candace Owens since she left the outlet. That was on display on Thursday.

In recent weeks, Boreing has shared that he regrets granting Candace Owens the large platform that The Daily Wire provided. Those same sentiments resurfaced in a recent interview with the Daily Mail.

In the interview, Jeremy Boreing also spoke positively about Owens in some aspects. He claimed that she has much of “it” as anyone he’s ever seen.

However, he also argued that Candace Owens has no beliefs or principles and only reads where a given movement is heading before deciding on what her stance will be. He shared his belief that Owens is only interested in fame and nothing else.

Candace Owens didn’t respond kindly to those comments. The two traded several shots at one another on the X social media platform before the spat was quelled on Thursday evening.

Following the barrage of tweets at one another, neither Candace Owens nor Jeremy Boreing has shared any more comments about the situation as of this publication.

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The Dan Bongino Show Vaults Into Top 10 Upon Return in February Podtrac Rankings

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The Dan Bongino Show Vaults Into Top 10 Upon Return in February Podtrac Rankings

The Dan Bongino Show made its return to the podcast world last month. And according to the Podtrac rankings, fans were glad to see it come back.

According to the February rankings from the company, Bongino’s show earned ninth place on the U.S. Unique Monthly Audience rankings. It was the first month his program was back following a yearlong stint serving as the Deputy Director of the FBI.

The Dan Bongino Show was bested by NPR News Now, The Daily, Up First From NPR, Dateline NBC, Fox News Hourly Update, Pod Save America, The Ben Shapiro Show, and Pardon My Take, in order.

The only changes inside the top 10 in the February rankings were that Pod Save America — like The Dan Bongino Show — made a move into the top 10 after previously not being seen in the rankings.

Elsewhere in the rankings, Today, Explained fell two positions to 13th, while the Shawn Ryan Show saw a one-position decline to 14th. The Ezra Klein Show from The New York Times dropped two spots to 16th, while Morning Wire from The Daily Wire jumped into the top 20, earning 17th place.

In the Top U.S. Podcast Publishers & Networks rankings, iHeart Audience Network and iHeartPodcasts earned the top two positions. Acast, NPR Sales Network, and Libsyn rounded out the top five.

Vox Media, Fox Audio Network, Disney, The Daily Wire, and PodcastOne also saw top 10 finishes in that category.

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NBA Reportedly Considering Centralizing Streaming Hub for Local Team Broadcasts

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NBA Reportedly Considering Centralizing Streaming Hub for Local Team Broadcasts

The NBA is reportedly accelerating plans to reshape how local games reach fans, exploring the creation of a centralized streaming platform that could debut as early as next season. The concept would arrive ahead of the league’s previously expected timeline and reflects mounting instability across the regional sports network landscape.

According to a report by The Sports Business Journal, league executives have reportedly informed teams that conversations are underway with several major digital distributors about hosting local NBA broadcasts within a single streaming environment that aggregates multiple franchises.

Companies believed to be involved in early discussions include YouTube TV, DAZN, Amazon and ESPN. Although the structure of any eventual agreement remains under development as the league evaluates how many clubs would participate.

At the center of the urgency sits the financial distress facing Main Street Sports Group, which operates several regional sports networks that carry NBA games. According to the report, the company’s current structure will collapse or undergo significant restructuring in the near future. This is a development that could leave numerous teams without traditional television homes.

That situation has prompted the league to explore alternative distribution models capable of delivering local broadcasts while also stabilizing media rights revenue.

If implemented, the proposed service would resemble a league-wide streaming hub where fans could subscribe to watch local games in their respective markets. The report states that consumers could also potentially access games outside their region through bundled packages.

The potential participant pool could be substantial. Teams currently associated with Main Street’s networks — including 13 NBA teams. However, the list could grow considerably if additional franchises move away from traditional regional sports networks.

There also could be a possibility that teams currently carried by NBC Sports regional networks could eventually join the model should that company continue stepping back from the RSN business.

While the league works toward a long-term solution, many teams are simultaneously exploring backup plans to ensure their games remain accessible next season. Some organizations have opened conversations with local broadcast stations for over-the-air distribution, while others have examined direct streaming partnerships with emerging sports technology companies.

For now, uncertainty continues to surround the future of local NBA broadcasting. Yet the league’s push toward a centralized streaming hub signals a broader shift within professional sports media, one where leagues increasingly assume greater control over how games reach fans in an evolving digital landscape.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

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