Archives May 2025

Joseph Giarraputo, Founder and Editorial Director of Global Finance, talks to Melvyn Low, Group Managing Director and Head of Global Transaction Banking at OCBC, about the importance of democratizing digital solutions for cash management and the innovative tools the Singapore-based bank has developed to support its customers’ 24/7 banking needs. 

OCBC, one of the largest financial services groups in Southeast Asia by assets, has helped transform its cash management and payments systems through the use of Application Programming Interface (API) integrations, tokenization, QR codes and other digital technology. A combination of many different APls called microservicessupplies the critical infrastructure behind OCBC’s Velocity e-banking system, enabling seamless integration across different financial ecosystems.

Tokenization plays a critical role in the bank’s digital processes. Using the Velocity platform, the bank’s accounts are tokenized and embedded into QR codes, enabling customers to make instant payments via mobile phones. Business accounts have also evolved, with customers able to generate tokenized account numbers that add precision to transaction reconciliations. 

OCBC is the first bank in the market to create virtual accounts that can handle both collections and payments, providing customers with additional account management controls. 

The bank’s OneCollect platform allows businesses to facilitate instant settlements with dynamic QR codes with embedded payment details. QR codes are also powering domestic point-of-sale systems for a range of retail businesses and food and beverage vendors, generating physical and digital invoices, and implementing cross-border payment solutions.

Low explains how OCBC has used these advanced financial tools to help dramatically reduce transaction costs for its customers, improve liquidity management, and enhance working capital efficiency.

“In the old world, all of these technologies were only available to the largest multinationals because they had the most expensive and comprehensive ERP platforms that could connect,” says Low. “Today, even a simple blockchain could connect to a large system through APIs in a very efficient and cost-effective way.”

The United States Mint today releases 2025 Kennedy Half Dollars, available in bag and roll options beginning at Noon ET. The coin honors the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.

First issued in 1964 shortly after Kennedy’s assassination, the half dollar series has spanned more than 60 years. They were struck for circulation annually through 2001, after which declining demand led the Mint to limit production to numismatic purposes. In 2021, demand returned, prompting the Federal Reserve System to resume orders for circulation. Production for circulation has continued each year since.

The following chart shows Kennedy Half Dollar mintages since 2000:

 

*As the year is not over, the U.S. Mint may produce additional coins in 2025.

For collectors, recent numismatic sales of bag and roll options include:

• 2022 Two-Roll Sets: 21,926
• 2022 200-Coin Bags: 10,999
• 2023 Two-Roll Sets: 24,987
• 2023 200-Coin Bags: 11,170
• 2024 Two-Roll Sets: 26,261
• 2024 200-Coin Bags: 9,941

Half Dollar Designs

Gilroy Roberts’ left-facing portrait of John F. Kennedy has anchored the obverse (heads side) design since the coin’s debut, surrounded by the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the year, and a mintmark.

The reverse (tails side) shows Frank Gasparro’s adaptation of the Presidential Seal, with a heraldic eagle clutching an olive branch and 13 arrows, a shield, and the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR.

This design has appeared on the coins every year except 1975 and 1976, when Independence Hall was featured to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial.

Ordering, Limits and Pricing

Kennedy half dollar rolls and bags can be ordered directly from the U.S. Mint’s webpage dedicated to half dollar products.

The 200-coin bags are priced at $154.50, an increase from last year’s release price of $147. An initial household order limit of 10 applies, with a product limit of 11,550 bags.

Two-roll sets are available for $36.25, also with an initial household order limit of 10 and a product limit of 26,250 sets. The 2024 two-roll set was initially priced at $34.50.

U.S. equities were lower at midday as the market watched for any possible deals involving Trump administration tariffs and awaited tomorrow’s statement from the Federal Reserve policymakers following their two-day meeting. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all fell.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) shares plunged after the biotech firm missed profit and sales estimates on higher costs and issues with sales in Russia.

Shares of DoorDash (DASH) slumped when the food-delivery service missed revenue estimates and made a pair of acquisitions, including a $3.9 billion purchase of British firm Deliveroo.

Coterra Energy (CTRA) shares slid when the oil and gas producer said it was cutting back on capital spending because of macroeconomic uncertainty and the falling price of oil. 

Constellation Energy (CEG) was the best-performing stock in the S&P 500 when the nuclear power provider easily exceeded revenue forecasts and held its full-year profit outlook steady on rising demand for energy from artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

Shares of Ford Motor (F) advanced as the carmaker said auto tariffs won’t cause a significant increase in the price of new vehicles.

Leidos Holdings (LDOS) shares jumped after the defense and technology firm posted better-than-anticipated results as security and defense contracts grew.

Oil and gold futures gained. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note was basically unchanged. The U.S. dollar lost ground to the euro, pound, and yen. Prices for most major cryptocurrencies were mixed, with bitcoin ticking higher.

Playing at online casinos should be an enjoyable experience from start to finish. While games are the main factors, ease and speed of financial transactions also determine overall user satisfaction. With instant withdrawal crypto and Bitcoin casinos on the rise, gambling has never been more seamless.

In this article, we will review 10 of the top instant payout casinos for 2025 based on experience, reputation, and cutting-edge technology. Whether you want to spin the reels on your phone or compete in lucrative daily contests on your PC, one of these recommendations is sure to be a great fit. Let’s get into the details!

List of best instant withdrawal Bitcoin and crypto casinos in 2025:

1. Jackbit Casino – Instant payouts and 100 free spins for new players
2. Flush.com – Fast crypto withdrawals and strong daily promotions
3. 7Bit Casino – Proven platform with fast transactions and massive bonuses
4. BitStarz – Veteran casino with reliable instant crypto payouts
5. Cryptorino – Fast-paying crypto casino with anonymous play and betting
6. BC.Game – Instant withdrawals and up to $220,000 in welcome bonuses
7. FortuneJack – Trusted brand with large crypto jackpots and quick cashouts
8. Winz.io – Modern crypto casino known for speedy transactions
9. JustBit Casino – Built for fast payments with no KYC hassle
10. Stake.com – Big brand with ultra-fast withdrawals and live betting

The top 10 instant crypto casinos in 2025

Before diving into the top picks, it’s important to understand what influences withdrawal speeds. While casinos aim to process payouts ASAP, the underlying blockchain plays a big role. Transactions on slower networks like Bitcoin can take much longer versus faster ones like Ethereum. Compare bonuses, games, and features at the leading Ethereum casinos.

With that in mind, here are the best instant crypto casino options:

1. Jackbit – Easy bonuses and quick withdrawals

A relative newcomer that’s quickly rising through the ranks, Jackbit Casino offers players an impressive modern casino experience to match its rivals. Take advantage of their generous welcome offer to receive 100 free spins simply for making your first deposit.

Jackbit stands out for supporting an extensive range of cryptocurrencies and traditional payment options. This makes depositing and cashing out a breeze whether you prefer Bitcoin, Ethereum, or standard credit cards and e-wallets.

What’s more, the casino processes crypto withdrawals in as little as 10 minutes. Their lightning-fast payouts are some of the fastest in the business. For fun and thrilling casino action without friction or delay, Jackbit is a great pick.

2. Flush.com – Top all-rounder

As one of the true OG’s of the instant withdrawal niche, Flush.com has stood the test of time with a laser focus on speed and service. New players are treated to a 150% matched welcome package worth up to $1,000.

Flush.com lives up to its name by delivering unmatched quickness when it comes to finances. Crypto withdrawals hit digital wallets in real time, while credit card refunds are processed within 24 hours. Their site is optimized for both mobile and desktop play too.

Catering to high rollers and casual gamers alike, Flush.com’s vast game selection across slots, table games, and specialty titles is second to none. Their rock-solid reputation and industry-leading conveniences make Flush.com a top contender.

3. 7Bit Casino – Best game selection

A true one-stop-shop for all things crypto gambling, 7Bit Casino has carved out an impressive niche with its generous bonuses and instant withdrawals. New players can earn up to 5 BTC spread out between matching deposits one through four – that’s huge!

On top of the cashable welcome package, 7Bit offers 250 free spins and 75 no-deposit spins as part of their red carpet treatment. Withdrawals in Bitcoin and selected altcoins take place instantly. You read that right, there is zero waiting around after cashing out wins.

They’ve also got you covered across 4,000+ top-tier games from the best developers. 7Bit Casino strikes an ideal balance of massive perks, seamless finances, and entertainment.

4. BitStarz – Top reload bonuses

BitStarz Casino knows a thing or two about keeping players happy, and their alluring bonuses and rapid payouts show it. Grabbers can receive up to 5 BTC in welcome cash split across four 125% matched deposits.

And that’s not all – you’ll also get 190 free spins and 30 no-deposit spins thrown in for maximum entertainment value right off the bat. Beyond their top-shelf rewards, BitStarz truly shines with blazing-fast crypto payouts processed within 10 minutes.

Their site is optimized for complete functionality on desktop and mobile too. BitStarz offers a little something for everyone with a massive selection including niche progressive jackpot slots. This veteran casino stands out as a fantastic option.

5. Cryptorino – Fast-paying crypto casino

Cryptorino is a rising crypto casino that prioritizes privacy and instant withdrawals. New users can sign up using only an email address, with no KYC verification required. The platform accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Tether, and other major coins, enabling secure and quick transactions from the start.

Game variety is solid, with 6,000+ slots, live dealer tables, and specialty games. For bettors, there’s a dedicated sportsbook covering traditional sports and esports. Cryptorino also offers regular promotions, including 10% cashback every Thursday and matched deposit bonuses for both casino and sports betting.

What sets Cryptorino apart is its combination of privacy and speed. Withdrawals are typically processed within minutes, especially when using crypto wallets. That makes it a great choice for players who want to gamble without delays — and without revealing personal information.

6. BC.Game – Best overall bonuses

A longtime leader in the space, BC.Game continues to push boundaries with its industry-leading welcome package and lightning-fast financials. New players can enjoy a massive 360% matched deposit bonus across their first 4 deposits, worth up to a whopping $220,000 total. Among crypto casino welcome bonuses, this one stands out as the best.

On top of that, BC.Game dishes out free spins daily to keep the fun flowing. And if you want to bet on sports, they’ve got you covered with a huge 200% matched free bet bonus as well.

As for withdrawals, BC.Game really shines – you can expect funds from crypto sales and withdrawals to hit your wallet within 10 minutes. Their site is optimized for both mobile and desktop, so you can spin on the subway or bet before bed with equal ease. Reputation, selection, and rewards – this platform delivers it all.

7. FortuneJack – Top live games

Veterans in crypto gambling, FortuneJack continues setting standards high with their unmatched bonus structure and rapid payouts. New members can receive up to 6 whole BTC spread over four 110% matched deposits.

That’s not all – FortuneJack rewards explorers with 450 free spins as well as 100 no-deposit spins upfront. As if that wasn’t enough, they proudly advertise “instant” crypto withdrawals that materialize in your wallet in the blink of an eye.

Their robust platform caters to high rollers and casuals alike with specialty games, live dealer action, and a dedicated sportsbook. All around, FortuneJack offers a rich experience with loads of perks and financial convenience without compromise.

8. Winz – Best design for users

Winz.io has quickly earned recognition as a leader in instant withdrawals and innovative contests. New users can take advantage of 0.1 BTC and $20 in bonus cash plus entry into their Golden Spin wheel competition.

Winz offers over 8000 games. Crypto withdrawals are processed instantly, while credit options take just one business day. Their state-of-the-art platform delivers buttery smooth gameplay on any device too.

Winz.io differentiates itself further with unique experiences like in-game challenges and weekly freebies. It’s little touches like these that cement Winz as a premiere spot for top-notch service, action-packed entertainment, and rapid payouts.

9. JustBit – Top speed

Though relatively new on the scene, JustBit Casino has garnered plenty of praise for its simple yet effective welcome package and best-in-class withdrawal speeds. New members can unlock up to $750 across three deposits of 125% each, plus 75 free spins for fun right off the bat.

But where JustBit truly shines is finances – they proudly advertise “instant” payouts for crypto sales and transfers. Our experience corroborates their claim, with BTC withdrawals taking mere seconds to initiate. Credit options take a leisurely 24 hours too.

JustBit also caters well to players on the go with an optimized mobile experience to match the desktop. All in all, their emphasis on speed, bonuses, and mobile-friendliness is a recipe for satisfaction.

10. Stake.com – Top gambling metaverse

Stake hosts lucrative $100k+ prize pool daily races where players bet virtual funds trying to outpace others. They also run customized casino challenges with rankings, leaderboards, and payouts for top performers. Regular prize giveaways and freerolls add extra incentives. While payouts take up to 1 hour, Stake’s engaging games make the wait pass in no time.

Their smooth web/mobile platform hosts 5,000+ top games too. Stake provides a unique social spin on gambling with creatively designed contests. It’s a refreshing alternative for those seeking interactive entertainment over big bonuses.

Factors to consider when choosing an instant crypto casino

When picking between these top options, consider the following factors based on your preferences:

• Welcome bonus value – bigger is better generally, but watch out for complex terms
• Game selection – diversity is king, but quality matters more
• Withdrawal speed – seconds or minutes is ideal for instant access
• Crypto options – check which coins they support for flexibility
• Bonus terms – make sure you understand wagering requirements
• Customer support – reputable sites have 24/7 live chat
• Trustworthiness – avoid newbies, favour experienced brands
• Mobile compatibility – check apps or mobile site usability
• Additional perks – VIP programs, cashback, tournaments etc

Carefully weigh up each casino based on your priorities to find the perfect instant crypto betting experience.

The bottom line

In the modern online gambling landscape, seamless finances are table stakes. The top instant withdrawal casinos reviewed here go above and beyond with lightning experiences, massive perks, and premium entertainment value.

Whether you’re after huge first deposit matches, lucrative daily spins, or innovative contests, these 10 operators deliver convenient games and payouts without compromise. Never wait around to start having fun or cashing out wins.

The instant crypto and Bitcoin casinos on this list set the gold standard for overall user satisfaction from sign-up to payout. Their robust perks, futuristic operations, and top-shelf games make for an enjoyable gambling experience from start to finish.

Interested in betting on the go? Read our list of the best crypto casino apps for slots, blackjack, and other games.

Shares of medical equipment company Koninklijke Philips (PHG) shares are dropping Tuesday after the Dutch conglomerate said it had cut its target profit margin due to tariffs.

The company, which announced the new guidance as it posted better-than-expected quarterly sales, said it was reducing its full-year adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization (EBITA) margin target. Its first-quarter adjusted EBITA margin had fallen 80 basis points year-over-year to 8.6%.

“Philips’ outlook for full year 2025 is updated to include the assumed impact of currently announced tariffs,” the company said, citing an “uncertain macro environment.”

“This includes current bilateral US-China and rest of world tariffs, the resumption of the paused US tariffs on July 9 and excludes potential wider economic impact,” the company said. It kept its comparable sales growth forecast unchanged at between 1% and 3%.

The company said it projects its full-year adjusted EBITA margin range to be 10.8%-11.3%, including an estimated net tariff impact of 250-300 million euros after  “substantial tariff mitigations.” That amounts to a 100 bps reduction versus the previous forecast.

The lowered guidance comes as the company posted first-quarter sales that beat analysts’ estimates. The company posted revenue of 4.1 billion euros versus a 4 billion euros consensus forecast from analysts polled by Visible Alpha.

The company’s shares are down a bit more than 2% this year.

Vital Statistics
Location: West Africa
Neighbours: Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo
Capital city: Accra
Population (2023): 33.79 million
Official language: English
GDP per capita (2023): $2,260
GDP growth (2024): 5.7%, forecast 4% (2025)
Inflation: 23.8% (December 2024), forecast: 11.9% (2025)
Currency: Cedi
Credit Rating: Caa2, “Positive” outlook (Moody’s, October 2024); CCC+ (Fitch, October 2024); CCC+ with stable outlook (S&P Global Ratings, October 2024)
Investment promotion agency: Ghana Investment Promotion Centre
Investment Incentives: Repatriation of dividends and profits after tax. Generous immigrant quotas for foreign companies based on amount of paid-up capital, ranging from one automatic immigrant quota for investment between $50,000 and $250,000 to four automatic immi- grant quotas for investment of $700,000 and above. Seven special economic zones, each offering a unique set of incentives and advantages. Tax exemptions for investments in priority areas.
Corruption Perceptions Index rank (2024): 80 out of 180 countries
Political risk: Occasional civil and opposition party protests. Political stability is strong, with elections generally smooth. The latest election in December 2024 was peaceful, with the incumbent president calling the opposition candidate to concede defeat.
Security risk: Ghana is free from terrorist attacks, but its northern neighbor, Burkina Faso, faces attacks from Islamic militants, raising concerns about security threats in northern Ghana. Local chieftaincy disputes; illegal mining of gold, bauxite, and other minerals; and herders/farmers conflicts are also common.

Pros
Political Stability
Pro-business policies
World’s second-largest cocoa producer, expanding gold and oil production
Government plans to boost spending on infrastructure funding by $10 billion
Government plans to establish a Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) to support foreign exchange inflows and gold reserves
Rising status as an investment hub in West Africa

Cons
Vulnerability to climate change
Corruption perception
Government plans to cut public spending
Vulnerability to commodities price changes

Sources: Trading Economics, Ghana Statistical Service, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Ghana’s 2025 Budget Document, Fitch Ratings, International Monetary Fund, Moody’s, S&P Global Ratings, World Bank, WorldData.

DoorDash shares are sinking Tuesday after the food-delivery company posted first-quarter revenue that undershot analysts’ forecasts.

DoorDash—which separately announced that it was buying U.K. firm Deliveroo for nearly $4 billion and restaurant booking platform SevenRooms for $1.2 billion—had announced yesterday that it was moving forward its results to before markets opened Tuesday instead of after the bell Wednesday.

The San Francisco-based company reported Q1 revenue of $3.03 billion, below the $3.10 billion expectation of analysts polled by Visible Alpha. Earnings per share of $0.44 topped estimates of $0.39.

For the second quarter, DoorDash sees Marketplace GOV—the total dollar value of orders completed on its Marketplaces—of $23.3 billion to $23.7 billion and adjusted EBITDA between $600 million and $650 million. Analysts expect $23.5 billion and $633.1 million, respectively, per Visible Alpha.

DoorDash shares sank 8% soon after the opening bell. They are up 12% this year.

Think that the class action plaintiffs’ attorney has a good case? Now you can invest in it, says James Koutoulas, CEO of JurisTrade, which he calls “the first secondary marketplace for litigation assets.”

Spreading risk and reward from big lawsuits makes sense. They can pay out billions, but involve huge upfront costs and take years to resolve. And of course, the value of a losing case drops to zero. Some $30 billion in litigation finance already circulates in an ad hoc fashion, according to Koutoulas. He aims to create tradeable securities, which can be bought or sold at various stages of a lawsuit’s progress, from inception to settlement or judgment.

“You’ll see two or three turns on these cases,” he explains. “We allow investors to pick when they want to come in, like VC investors pick the A-round or C-round.”

Koutoulas draws on his experience helping customers of bankrupt derivatives dealer MF Global recoup $6.7 billion from bankruptcy proceedings a decade ago. Launched in March, Miami-based JurisTrade has so far listed nine cases, with drivers ranging from California wildfires to sexual assault and a nominal recovery value of $70 million. It’s a start.

Not that JurisTrade aims for a Bloomberg ticker and retail investment flows. “This is very much a big boy world,” Koutoulas says. “Every investment is very bespoke.” The exchange’s minimum stake is $500,000. In practice, he says the investors are institutions and family offices that deal in much bigger sums.

Lawsuits lack the transparency that moves stock and bond prices: financial statements, profit guidance, and ratings agencies. Early-stage investors rely heavily on the track record of the litigating firm and “descriptions of the case without the parties’ names,” Koutoulas says.

He explains that this is potentially good news for plaintiffs’ lawyers who want additional funding to pursue their other cases, but it may not be such good news for corporate defendants. “The big opponent of litigation finance is always the chamber of commerce, which claims it will generate more frivolous suits,” says Koutoulas.

ChatGPT maker OpenAI announced Monday that it will remain under control of its nonprofit board.

Rather than transitioning toward a for-profit structure as planned, OpenAI said the limited liability corporation (LLC) that makes ChatGPT and its other AI tools will instead transition to a public benefit corporation (PBC) still controlled by its board.

“OpenAI was founded as a nonprofit, is today a nonprofit that oversees and controls the for-profit, and going forward will remain a nonprofit that oversees and controls the for-profit,” it said. “That will not change.”

The PBC will be required to act in the interests of both its shareholders and its larger stated mission, while the nonprofit structure previously kept OpenAI’s investors like Microsoft (MSFT) from having official input on matters like CEO Sam Altman’s brief 2023 ouster as head of the company. OpenAI said Monday that the nonprofit will become a “big shareholder” in the PBC.

OpenAI said it made the decision after consulting with the attorneys general of Delaware and California, who would have had to approve the for-profit transformation.

“Altman said the changes proposed Monday would still allow it to access a $30 billion chunk of investment from SoftBank, which had been dependent upon the successful restructuring,” The Wall Street Journal reported.

Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk, who co-founded OpenAI, has criticized the attempt to shift to a fully for-profit model as a betrayal of its original mission to work toward the benefit of humanity, and sued to block the transformation.

Donald Trump’s new global tariff regime could be great for Brazil, it turns out. Here’s why.

China, which Trump hit with new tariffs of 145% last month, has of course imposed its own retaliatory measures. Beijing is aiming its guns at American farmers, who make up an important slice of Trump voters.

Flash back to last year, when China was one of the three largest destinations for US agricultural products. According to the Department of Agriculture, these exports repre- sented close to $25 billion in value in 2024. They are unlikely to reach that number this year.

In March, President Xi Jinping announced extra tariffs of 15% on US chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton and a 10% increase on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. When Trump raised the bar, China followed with tariffs of 125% on US soybeans.

Chinese consumers will not starve. Brazilian farmers can easily replace American products with their own soybeans and corn. They also have chicken and eggs. Fortunately for them, Brazilian chicken farms escaped the bird flu outbreak, and Brazilian farmers are ready to ship their birds to Asia.

Japan could be another new outlet. Japan imported 40% of its beef from the US last year, but new American tariffs on auto imports have offended Tokyo. Why not try Brazilian meat? That’s what President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva suggested on a recent trip to Japan. The message is the same in Europe. In December, the EU signed a deal with Mercosur that would eliminate 90% of tariffs between Europe and the South American group of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. The agreement awaits ratification by the constituent EU states; Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad visited the EU at the end of March to emphasize the benefits of the deal. Ironically, the Trump-created new world order could also support increased exports of Brazilian shoes to the US. Americans, deprived of cheap Chinese footwear, could switch to Brazilian models. With its abundant sup- ply of leather, Brazil is the biggest producer of shoes outside of Asia.