The online gambling industry is shifting. Traditional platforms built on fiat payments and legacy infrastructure are facing growing competition from a new wave of crypto-native operators.
DraftKings remains one of the most recognised names in the space. But newer platforms like ZunaBet are drawing attention from a different type of player entirely.
DraftKings: The Established Giant
DraftKings launched in 2012 as a daily fantasy sports platform before expanding into sports betting and online casino gaming. It is now one of the largest regulated gambling operators in the United States.
The platform operates under multiple state-level licences across the US and is publicly traded on NASDAQ. That regulatory footprint gives it credibility, but also comes with significant restrictions.
DraftKings offers a solid sportsbook, a casino section in eligible states, and a well-known loyalty program called Dynasty Rewards. The platform is built for the mainstream American bettor.
Payment options are traditional — bank transfers, debit cards, PayPal, and similar methods. Crypto support is limited or unavailable depending on the state.
Its game library varies by location due to licensing restrictions. Players in some states can access the full casino suite, while others are limited to sports betting only.
DraftKings is polished and trusted. But for players who want crypto payments, global access, or a larger game library, the platform has clear limitations.
ZunaBet: The New Name Getting Attention
ZunaBet launched in 2026, operated by Strathvale Group Ltd under an Anjouan gaming licence (ALSI-202510047-FI2) and registered in Belize. The team behind it brings over 20 years of combined industry experience.
From day one, ZunaBet was built around crypto. It supports 20+ cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, SOL, DOGE, ADA, XRP, and USDT across multiple chains.
There are no platform processing fees. Withdrawals are fast, and the low-fee nature of crypto transactions is built into the core experience rather than bolted on as an afterthought.
The game library stands at 11,294 titles from 63 providers. That includes slots, RNG table games, and live dealer games from names like Pragmatic Play, Evolution, Hacksaw Gaming, Yggdrasil, and BGaming.
That positions ZunaBet as one of the larger crypto-focused libraries currently available. For context, many established crypto casinos operate with far fewer providers and titles.
The sportsbook covers football, basketball, tennis, NHL, and a full roster of esports including CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, and Valorant. Virtual sports and combat sports are also included.
ZunaBet is a genuine hybrid platform — casino, live dealer, sportsbook, esports, and crypto all under one roof. That kind of breadth is rare, especially from a platform that only just launched.
Apps are available for iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS. Live chat support runs 24/7. The interface uses a dark-themed HTML5 design with fast load speeds and full mobile optimisation.
Crypto vs Traditional: A Growing Divide
The gap between crypto platforms and traditional operators is widening. It is not just about payment methods anymore.
Crypto casinos tend to offer faster withdrawals, fewer identity verification hurdles, and lower transaction costs. For players used to waiting days for a bank transfer, the difference is noticeable immediately.
Traditional platforms like DraftKings benefit from strong brand recognition and regulated market access in the US. That brings a layer of consumer protection that crypto platforms are still building toward.
But regulation cuts both ways. Strict state-by-state licensing in the US means DraftKings cannot serve large portions of the global player base. A player in a non-eligible state or country simply cannot access the platform.
ZunaBet, operating under an international licence, is available to a much broader audience. For players outside the US or in unserved states, that accessibility matters.
The crypto-first model also appeals to a younger demographic that is already comfortable managing digital assets. These players are not looking for a bank transfer option — they want instant, low-cost, pseudonymous transactions.
That generational shift is real, and platforms built for it from the ground up have a structural advantage over those retrofitting crypto onto legacy infrastructure.
Loyalty Programs: Traditional Points vs Dragon Evolution
DraftKings uses its Dynasty Rewards system, a tiered points-based program where players earn crowns through real-money wagering. Crowns can be redeemed for bonus credits, free bets, and other rewards.
It works, but it follows the same template most major operators use. Points accumulate, tiers unlock, and rewards are predictable. There is nothing particularly novel about the mechanic.
ZunaBet takes a different approach with its dragon evolution loyalty system, built around a mascot called Zuno. There are six tiers: Squire, Warden, Champion, Divine, Knight, and Ultimate.
Each tier comes with rakeback — from 1% at Squire up to 20% at Ultimate. That is direct cash back on wagers, which is a more transparent and player-friendly structure than many point-conversion systems.
Additional benefits include tier-based free spins scaling up to 1,000 spins, VIP club access, and double wheel spins. The gamified framing gives the program a personality that traditional loyalty systems lack.
Rakeback is particularly valued by high-frequency players. Knowing exactly what percentage of wagers comes back removes the ambiguity that can make points-based systems feel opaque.
For players who take loyalty programs seriously, the ZunaBet structure is more legible, more rewarding at the top end, and more engaging to progress through.
Emerging Alternatives and the Bigger Picture
ZunaBet is not the only new platform entering the space, but it is one of the more fully-formed launches in recent memory. Most new crypto casinos arrive with a limited game library and basic features.
Launching with 11,000+ games, 63 providers, a full sportsbook, esports coverage, dedicated apps, and a structured loyalty program puts ZunaBet ahead of what most newcomers offer.
The platform sits in an interesting strategic position. It is going up against established crypto casinos that have brand recognition but older infrastructure, while also competing with traditional operators that have scale but limited crypto functionality.
That middle ground — where crypto-native design meets a professional-grade game library and sportsbook — is exactly where the next generation of online gambling platforms needs to be.
Which Platform Fits Which Player?
DraftKings is the right choice for US-based players in regulated states who want a familiar, legally compliant experience with mainstream payment methods. The brand is established, the app is polished, and the sportsbook is competitive.
ZunaBet is built for a different kind of player. Someone who holds crypto, wants access to a massive game library, bets on esports as well as traditional sports, and expects a loyalty program that pays back in a way they can actually calculate.
It is also built for players who are tired of the same template. The dragon loyalty system, the breadth of the platform, and the crypto-first infrastructure all suggest a team that understands what the next generation of online casino players actually wants.
DraftKings represents where online gambling has been. ZunaBet represents where it is heading.
For players watching the space and open to trying something new, ZunaBet is the most interesting platform to emerge in 2026. It has the library, the sportsbook, the crypto infrastructure, and a loyalty program worth progressing through.
That combination does not come together often — especially from a platform that is still only getting started.
