CalvinAyre.com shares the stories about Bitcoin and the digital currency world that generated excitement among our readers.

The past 12 months saw Bitcoin’s value and prominence increase, and our readers couldn’t get enough of these developments. Some of the stories that our readers followed include the following: first, how major brands like Microsoft, Starbucks, and Dell boarded the Bitcoin train as its value shattered the expectations of both its backers and haters. Second, 2017 also saw the rise of Bitcoin Cash, which allows faster transaction speeds and lower fees. Third, SegWit1X failed to deliver on its promise, prompting many industry stakeholders to bet big on Bitcoin Cash.

Check out CalvinAyre.com and its social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to know which other stories made the list.

CalvinAyre.com’s Lee Davy looks into his crystal ball to identify events that are likely to rock the poker world in 2018. This include a showdown between Pokerstars and partypoker, a comeback from Phil Ivey, the rise of Virtue Poker, a tell-all from Chris Ferguson, and lastly, a record-breaking year for charity donations from poker earnings.

With smart contracts on the way for Bitcoin Cash, the Bitcoin ABC lead developer said that it is important to prioritize financial applications on the Bitcoin Cash network, instead of focusing on other features that will likely result to security risks. Right now, the BCH community’s priority is the deployment of a new address format that would end the confusion between BCH and the legacy chain (BTC).

After last week’s High Court decision upholding the 35% tax on all gambling products, SportPesa made good on its threat of scrapping the “the full value” of its deals with Gor Hamia FC, AFC Leopards, Nakuru All Stars, Kenya Harlequins and the SportsPesa Super 8 League.

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) said that in December 2017, Macau posted a total revenue of MOP 22.7b (US $2.8b), marking the former Portuguese enclave’s 17th straight month of year-on-year monthly gains. Macau’s annual figure also rose 19.5% to MOP 265.7b ($33b), ending its three-year streak of annual gaming revenue lows.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has secured the clearance to extend the repayment of its long-term debt to June 30, 2020, and its forbearance agreement with senior lenders to June 30, 2019. This move was made in preparation of tribe’s showdown with MGM Resort International. MGM is expected to open the doors of its $960m hotel and resort casino in Springfield in fall.

While Las Vegas is a gambling haven, did you know that lottery is not allowed in the state of Nevada? According to Article IV, Sec. 24 of the state Constitution, “No lottery shall be authorized by this state, nor shall the sale of lottery tickets be allowed.” Attempts to repeal this provision have been futile.

The deal will allow NetBet to deliver exclusive video bingo solutions in Latin America using Patagonia Entertainment’s video bingo content which spans over 200 titles and feature third-party games from Ortiz, RCT, Zest, FBM, Spinomenal and MGA.

Interested about the developments in the casino industry? Don’t miss Casual Connect USA 2018 where experts in social casino and real-money gaming will talk about the importance of interactivity in leisure and entertainment, innovative game design, and branding and licensing. The conference offers over 20 sessions on the casino industry from more than 45 speakers.