Could the New U.S. Crypto Freedom Supercharge Markets and Crypto Entertainment Sector?

A new rule by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) now allows over 5,000 U.S. banks to engage in the crypto business of buying, selling, and holding digital currency without requiring advance approval.

This shift, which was adopted in early 2025, tears down the barrier that has kept traditional banking and crypto apart for years. It's a significant development, and it could shake up both the U.S. crypto space and the new world of crypto entertainment, from sports gambling to casinos and other blockchain-based tech, such as NFTs.

A Shot in the Arm for the Crypto Market?

Starting with the market itself, banks getting into the mix means more money is entering.

It can't be said that crypto has never been so much of a tame ride, prices spiked after Trump's election in 2024, then crashed, losing nearly $1 trillion by December. But with 5,000 banks now authorized to trade and hold digital coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum, the market could see a more level climb. More players mean more selling and buying, which means more liquidity; think of it as greasing the gears of a machine.

The Senate's recent move to regulate stablecoins, dollar-pegged crypto, throws an additional wrinkle into the situation. Stablecoins could make crypto less of a gamble for broad use, bringing in businesses and investors who've been cautious. The result? A market that's bigger, busier, and potentially less prone to flier-like highs and lows.

Crypto and the Entertainment Sector

And then, of course, there's entertainment value, and crypto's a flashy playground. Take the example of sports betting: there are already websites on which people bet Bitcoin on a game, but they've operated in a gray legal zone. Banks getting into the game could change that.

If a bank can hold crypto, sending it to any kind of site should be as simple as sending money. Stablecoins could simplify it further by betting with digital dollars that won't change in value during the game.

In the U.S. market, one of the pioneers of crypto gambling was Stake, and with the advancements made to be made regarding the regulation, using the platform could become much easier. However, for those who still prefer the old-fashioned approach to casino games, Stake.us also has it covered with a promo code which offers coin bonuses and cashbacks for newly registered players.

In the past, as it became more convenient to send money, gambling saw a rise. Think about how credit cards fueled online poker in the early 2000s. Perhaps this is that moment for crypto wagering.

As banks get up to speed to handle digital currencies, patrons won't have to deal with cumbersome timed exchanges to get the most out of their value, and stablecoins could smooth the way, keeping bets level even if the entire market drops. It's a deal that could potentially draw additional discretionary players.

What Could it Mean for NFTs?

As we saw, NFTs have ping-ponged for a while in terms of popularity and practicality, but banks jumping in may revitalize the market.

If banks offer crypto custody of digital assets, buying an NFT may not look so dicey. Imagine a bank holding an NFT tied to a sports moment, like a winning shot, that doubles as a game token.

It's entertainment and technology mixed together, like baseball cards once were, and this new freedom could take it mainstream. The SEC's recent moves also come in handy, as they have thrown out lawsuits against big crypto firms such as Ripple and Coinbase in 2025 and launched a task force to sort out rules.

The Bigger Picture

There's a wild card in all this: Trump's family runs World Liberty Financial, a crypto business that has raised over $500 million. Others worry that it's too politicized and centralized, that it removes the anonymity that was the point of crypto from the beginning, but could still bring energy to the region.

Add to that the banks and stablecoin laws, and the U.S. is a long way to becoming a hub for crypto. The market could balloon as new money rolls in, and entertainment could ride that wave as well.

It's not all smooth sailing; regulations could change again, and there are crashes. But for now, this policy throws the door wide open and can be used for both good and bad.