Polymarket Will Serve As Clearinghouse For DraftKings’s Railbird

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October 23, 2025

DraftKings, a leading U.S. sports betting platform, has acquired Railbird Technologies—a CFTC-regulated designated contract market (DCM) specializing in event-based contracts—to expand into prediction markets.

As part of this move, blockchain-based prediction platform Polymarket will serve as the official clearinghouse for DraftKings’ new “DraftKings Predictions” mobile app, handling trade verification, collateral management, and settlement to ensure secure and fair operations.

This partnership was announced by Polymarket founder Shayne Coplan on October 22, 2025, shortly after the Railbird acquisition news broke. DraftKings purchased Railbird founded in 2021 and CFTC-approved as a DCM in June 2025 for an undisclosed amount one report speculates around $250M.

Railbird’s platform enables regulated event contracts on non-sports topics like finance, entertainment, and culture, with potential expansion to sports in states without existing sports betting (e.g., California, Texas).

Polymarket’s Role: Through its QC Clearing arm acquired from QCEX for $112M in June 2025, Polymarket will act as the backend intermediary, reducing counterparty risk and leveraging its expertise in decentralized prediction markets. This aligns with a recent CFTC no-action letter easing reporting requirements for event contracts.

DraftKings Predictions app is slated for release in the coming months, initially focusing on non-sports events to comply with regulations. CEO Jason Robins highlighted the combo of Railbird’s tech, DraftKings’ 28-state reach, and mobile expertise as a “win” for the $4B+ monthly prediction market sector.

Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi have exploded in 2025, with October trading volumes already at $4.63B Kalshi leading at $2.87B. DraftKings’ entry pits it against these players while benefiting from Polymarket’s infrastructure.

Polymarket also inked a multi-year NHL licensing deal on the same day, signaling U.S. sports betting integration. This deal bridges traditional sports betting with crypto-native prediction markets, potentially accelerating mainstream adoption.

It could reshape competition, with DraftKings using its brand to capture non-crypto users, while Polymarket gains B2B revenue and regulatory credibility. However, concerns linger about blurring lines between gambling and finance, as noted by analysts. Shares of DraftKings rose ~2% post-announcement, though down 8% YTD.

DraftKings’ entry into prediction markets, leveraging Polymarket’s blockchain-based clearinghouse, bridges traditional sports betting with decentralized platforms. This could drive broader acceptance of prediction markets among non-crypto users, given DraftKings’ established brand and 28-state presence.

DraftKings becomes a direct competitor to platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, which dominate with $4.63B in October 2025 trading volume. Its mobile expertise and regulatory compliance via Railbird’s DCM status may attract users seeking regulated alternatives, potentially pressuring standalone prediction platforms.

By serving as DraftKings’ clearinghouse, Polymarket secures a stable B2B revenue stream and enhances its regulatory credibility through QC Clearing’s CFTC alignment. This strengthens its position in the U.S. market, especially after its NHL licensing deal.

The blurring of gambling and financial speculation raises questions about consumer protection and market integrity. Analysts note potential risks of unchecked speculation in event contracts, which could invite stricter CFTC oversight.

The “DraftKings Predictions” app, focusing initially on non-sports events (e.g., finance, entertainment), could tap into states without sports betting, like California and Texas, expanding the $4B+ prediction market sector.

DraftKings’ stock rose ~2% after the announcement, reflecting optimism, though its 8% YTD decline suggests broader market challenges. X posts highlight excitement for innovative markets like crypto events, potentially boosting user engagement.

These dynamics suggest a transformative moment for prediction markets, balancing growth potential with regulatory and competitive hurdles.

Tesla’s Record Deliveries Fail to Lift Profit as Costs and Tariffs Erode Gains

By

Samuel Nwite

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October 23, 2025

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Tesla delivered a record 497,099 vehicles in the third quarter of 2025, marking its strongest sales performance in over a year. But the record-breaking quarter did not translate into higher earnings. Instead, the company’s net profit fell 37% year-on-year to $1.4 billion, underscoring how rising costs, tariffs, and internal restructuring have squeezed margins even amid robust demand.

According to a shareholder letter released Wednesday, Tesla generated $21.2 billion in automotive revenue, its highest in over a year, driven largely by a surge of U.S. customers rushing to take advantage of the expiring federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credit. Yet, despite this revenue boost, the company’s bottom line continued to weaken, exposing deeper structural pressures within the world’s most valuable automaker.

A Record Quarter Masking a Profit Slump

Tesla’s profit decline comes after what had been a difficult start to the year. Sales had dropped sharply in the first quarter, a downturn analysts partly linked to CEO Elon Musk’s political entanglements with the Trump administration, which alienated some customers and generated negative publicity.

The third-quarter rebound — driven by incentive-driven U.S. buyers — offered a temporary lift. But Tesla’s cost base expanded far faster than its revenue. The company reported a 50% increase in operating expenses (OpEx) compared with the same period in 2024, citing heavy investments in artificial intelligence (AI), research and development, and restructuring charges totaling nearly $240 million.

Tesla did not specify the nature of those restructuring costs, but sources familiar with the matter have tied them to the shutdown of the company’s Dojo supercomputer project, a six-year effort intended to strengthen Tesla’s neural network training capabilities.

The company’s letter also identified U.S. tariffs as a significant drag on profits, a development that highlights an unusual irony: Musk — who reportedly spent more than $300 million supporting Donald Trump’s return to the White House — is now contending with trade policies that have directly hurt Tesla’s business.

Tesla’s gross margins have steadily declined since 2022, when the company began aggressively cutting prices to defend its global market share against Chinese rivals like BYD and XPeng. Those price cuts helped stimulate demand, but at the expense of profitability.

The third-quarter data confirmed that trend. Despite the record shipment volume, Tesla’s operating margin fell to its lowest point in nearly four years, reflecting both pricing pressure and ballooning expenses. Analysts say the combination of tariffs on imported components, higher logistics costs, and AI infrastructure spending has created a profitability ceiling that Tesla has struggled to break through.

With the year-end approaching, Tesla now faces the daunting task of producing another record quarter — or better — to match its 2024 delivery totals. That goal looks increasingly challenging given softening demand in Europe and parts of Asia, where local competitors are offering cheaper EVs with comparable range and features.

A Strategic Shift Away from Cars

Musk, however, has spent much of the past two years trying to reframe Tesla’s narrative beyond carmaking. In shareholder briefings and public statements, he has urged investors to view Tesla as a technology and robotics company, not merely an automaker.

“We’re at a critical inflection point for Tesla and our strategy going forward as we bring AI into the real world,” Musk said on Wednesday’s earnings call.

Central to that vision is Musk’s push to create a global network of self-driving robotaxis — an initiative he believes could one day rival ride-hailing giants like Uber. Tesla is at the “beginning of scaling, quite massively, Full Self-Driving and Robotaxi, and fundamentally changing the nature of transport,” he said.

Tesla has also heavily promoted its humanoid robot, Optimus, which Musk has described as the company’s most important long-term product, even predicting it could eventually become “the best-selling product of all time.”

Yet, Wednesday’s shareholder letter offered little new information on either front. Progress on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software remains incremental, with regulators still reluctant to approve large-scale deployment in most jurisdictions. Meanwhile, Optimus remains in the prototype phase, and Tesla has not disclosed any commercial timelines or cost details.

For many investors, the lack of clarity raises questions about whether Tesla’s core automotive business, which remains its only consistent revenue engine, can sustain the company through its costly technological pivots.

Investor Tensions Over Musk’s $1 Trillion Pay Plan

The disappointing quarterly profit numbers land just weeks before Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting, where investors will vote on a $1 trillion stock compensation plan for Musk — a proposal that has already become one of the most contentious in corporate history.

The plan, if approved, would grant Musk one of the largest single payouts ever awarded to a corporate executive. Advisory firms Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis have both urged shareholders to vote against the proposal, arguing that it is excessive and poorly aligned with recent performance.

Nonetheless, given Musk’s near-cult following among retail shareholders and the overwhelming support he has received in prior compensation votes, the proposal is widely expected to pass.

Tariffs, Politics, and Uncertain Growth

The trade friction between Washington and key trading partners is now adding another layer of complexity to Tesla’s outlook. The Trump administration’s new tariff regime on vehicle imports and electric components has driven up Tesla’s production costs in North America, particularly for models relying on parts sourced from Asia.

These tariffs also risk depressing overseas demand for U.S.-made vehicles at a time when Tesla is already battling slowing EV sales growth globally.

At the same time, Musk’s growing proximity to Washington has complicated the company’s public image. His political advocacy has drawn both loyalty and backlash, and some analysts believe it has contributed to brand polarization among U.S. consumers — particularly younger, urban buyers once core to Tesla’s growth.

However, Tesla remains profitable, but its once unstoppable momentum has slowed. The company that once promised 50% year-over-year growth is now struggling to defend margins and sustain investor confidence amid shifting politics, rising costs, and the enormous financial demands of its AI and robotics ambitions.

Even with record deliveries, Tesla’s third-quarter report shows that the company’s financial gravity is catching up. Musk’s bold vision of a robot-driven future may yet define Tesla’s long-term identity, but for now, the company’s profitability still depends on the very business Musk seems most eager to transcend — building and selling cars.

Kraken’s xStocks Has Surpassed $5B on cEX and DEX Trading Volumes

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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October 23, 2025

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Kraken, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, announced that its tokenized equities platform—branded as xStocks—has surpassed $5 billion in combined centralized exchange (CEX) and decentralized exchange (DEX) trading volume since its launch in July 2025.

This rapid growth underscores the surging demand for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, allowing non-U.S. users to trade digital representations of U.S. stocks and ETFs 24/7 on blockchain rails. Alongside this, Kraken reported that revenues from the xStocks product have doubled, reflecting sustained user engagement rather than one-off curiosity.

Kraken’s Q3 2025 financial update provides context for this achievement, showing explosive overall growth. xStocks platform has generated over $1 billion in on-chain transactions and attracted more than 37,000 unique holders.

It offers tokenized versions of 60 U.S. equities like Apple, Nvidia, Meta as SPL tokens on the Solana blockchain, backed 1:1 by real assets held in custody under European regulations. Users can trade via Kraken Pro or the consumer app, and tokens are composable for DeFi uses like lending.

Restricted to non-U.S. jurisdictions over 160 countries, with recent expansions to Europe. Integrations with platforms like Bybit, Phantom, OKX Wallet, and Telegram enhance liquidity and accessibility. Developed with Backed Finance, xStocks combines regulated token issuance with blockchain flexibility, addressing pain points like limited trading hours and high cross-border fees in traditional finance.

Kraken as an early leader in the RWA tokenization space, blending the $1 trillion crypto market with the $55 trillion global equities sector. Tokenized assets enable fractional ownership, instant settlements, and global access without intermediaries—potentially unlocking trillions in liquidity if U.S. regulations evolve to allow broader participation.

Kraken’s revenue doubling from xStocks signals real traction, driven by returning traders and institutional interest. The news has sparked buzz on X (formerly Twitter), with outlets like The Block amplifying the story and analysts highlighting its implications for DeFi-TradFi convergence.

However, challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles and market volatility that could affect tokenized holdings. Kraken’s momentum—bolstered by acquisitions like NinjaTrader and Small Exchange—suggests tokenized equities could become a core revenue driver. As RWAs are projected to hit $10 trillion on-chain by 2030, this is a pivotal step in redefining asset trading.

RWA tokenization involves converting physical or traditional financial assets into digital tokens on a blockchain. This process bridges traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi), offering several advantages:24/7 Trading and Accessibility Tokenized assets can be traded globally, anytime, unlike traditional markets with fixed hours. This suits investors across time zones.

Non-U.S. users, as seen with Kraken’s xStocks, can access U.S. equities without navigating complex cross-border regulations or intermediaries. Fractional Ownership Tokenization allows assets to be divided into smaller units, enabling fractional ownership.

For example, a $1,000 stock or a $1M property can be split into affordable tokens, democratizing investment for retail users. By enabling trading on blockchain platforms, tokenized assets unlock liquidity for traditionally illiquid markets. Kraken’s $5B trading volume for tokenized equities highlights this potential.

Tokens can be integrated into DeFi protocols for lending, borrowing, or collateral, further enhancing liquidity. Blockchain-based settlements are near-instantaneous, compared to T+2 or longer in traditional markets.

Eliminating intermediaries (brokers, clearinghouses) reduces fees, especially for cross-border trades. Blockchain’s immutable ledger ensures transparent ownership records, reducing fraud risks. Smart contracts automate processes like dividends or settlements, minimizing errors and costs.

Interoperability with DeFi Tokenized RWAs, like Kraken’s SPL tokens on Solana, can be used in DeFi ecosystems (e.g., lending on Aave, staking). This creates new revenue streams and use cases, blending TradFi stability with DeFi innovation.

Tokenization removes geographic barriers, allowing investors in over 160 countries as with Kraken’s xStocks to participate in markets previously restricted by regulation or infrastructure. Tokens can embed programmable features, like automated dividend payouts or governance rights, enhancing asset utility.

New financial products, like tokenized ETF baskets or hybrid securities, become feasible. Compliance with laws like the EU’s MiCA or U.S. securities rules is complex, limiting availability. Tokenized assets require trusted custodians to hold underlying assets, introducing counterparty risk.

Token values tied to real-world assets can fluctuate with market conditions. RWA tokenization, as demonstrated by Kraken’s $5B milestone, merges the $55T global equities market with the $1T crypto ecosystem. With projections of $10T in on-chain RWAs by 2030, benefits like liquidity, accessibility, and cost-efficiency could redefine how assets are owned and traded globally.

The Last Embrace: Milk Mocha’s Flexible, User-First Ecosystem Window Is Disappearing

By

TI Partners

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October 23, 2025

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For millions globally, the heartwarming interactions of cartoon bears Milk and Mocha are a source of comfort and joy. This deep emotional connection is now the foundation for a sophisticated digital economy with the Milk Mocha crypto ($HUGS). Instead of being a speculative asset, this project channels the power of an established global brand into a community-owned ecosystem, and the initial response has been explosive.

Built on a foundation of utility and shared ownership, the token combines a rich digital world with real-world value. As its presale whitelist approaches maximum capacity, it is gaining significant attention from those who believe a project’s strength comes from its community and its real-world application, not just from hype alone.

What It Is: A Multi-Stage Presale Journey

Imagine a presale that isn’t a single, chaotic event but a carefully planned journey. That’s how the Milk Mocha Token ($HUGS) operates. It uses a 40-stage model that rewards early participants with a transparent and significant mathematical advantage.

Here’s how it works:

The price begins at a highly accessible $0.0002 in Stage 1.
It increases incrementally with each weekly stage, reaching $0.04658496 by Stage 40.
Any tokens unsold at the end of a weekly stage are permanently burned, creating built-in scarcity.

This system means an investment of just $100 in Stage 1 would secure 500,000 tokens, with a potential value of over $23,000 by the final presale stage. It’s an approach that blends a fair launch with powerful deflationary tokenomics.

Why It Matters: A Self-Sustaining Utility Loop

A token’s long-term value is often tied to its utility. The Milk Mocha Token ($HUGS) eliminates concerns about value by creating a self-sustaining economy called the “token loop”. Think of it as an intelligent recycling system for the token.

Key advantages include:

Player Rewards: A portion of all in-game expenditures within the planned Metaverse is funneled directly into a reward pool for players.
Built-in Scarcity: Another portion is sent to a burn mechanism, continuously reducing the total token supply and increasing scarcity.
Future Growth: A final portion funds the Ecosystem Treasury, ensuring a permanent source of capital for future game development, seasonal events, and platform expansion.

This model makes the Milk Mocha Token ($HUGS) a central and necessary component of its own economy, creating organic and continuous demand.

Real-World Use: Beyond Theory and Into Everyday Life

Technology only matters if it works in real life. That’s where the Milk Mocha Token ($HUGS) begins to shine. Its architecture is designed to bridge the digital and physical worlds.

Consider these examples:

NFTs: Exclusive digital collections will be purchasable only with $HUGS, with holders able to burn tokens to upgrade the rarity of their NFTs.
Gaming: The tokens will be used as functional keys to unlock special access within the ecosystem, including exclusive mini-games.
Merchandise: An official store will allow fans to use $HUGS to purchase exclusive physical products like plushies and apparel, some of which will be token-only exclusives.

By creating a direct link between the token and tangible goods and experiences, the Milk Mocha Token ($HUGS) cements its utility far beyond simple trading.

The Investment Angle: Why Community Matters

Every major shift is defined by a project that solves a fundamental problem. The Milk Mocha Token ($HUGS) aims to solve the problem of community value by putting its holders in charge. The whitelist for presale access offers a way to be part of a project positioned around this community-first leap.

Here’s what sets it apart:

True Governance: A DAO with “HugVotes” allows the community to propose and vote on key decisions, from NFT themes to charitable donations.
Flexible Staking: A user-friendly staking system offers a 50% APY, but allows users to unstake at any time without penalty.
Established Brand: The project is built on a globally recognized and beloved brand, providing a massive existing audience.

The project that delivers true utility and empowers its community will likely attract the most dedicated user base. The Milk Mocha Token ($HUGS) stands out by building toward that goal through proven community-centric features.

Building a New Era of Brand Tokenization

The Milk Mocha Token ($HUGS) delivers substance by building a user-first, highly flexible ecosystem powered by a global brand. It achieves this by combining deflationary mechanisms—like token burns—with essential real utility across gaming, NFTs, and merchandise. Crucially, the $HUGS system offers true community governance through its DAO and features a flexible staking program with a fixed 50% APY reward, respecting user freedom above all. This approach is generating intense demand. With the presale whitelist almost full, the window to secure your spot and start earning 50% APY is rapidly closing. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to join an ecosystem where utility and community bond creates lasting value for all.

Explore Milk Mocha Now:

Website: ??https://www.milkmocha.com/

X: https://x.com/Milkmochahugs

Telegram: https://t.me/MilkMochaHugs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkmochahugs/

Top 5 Cryptos to Buy as Institutional Appetite Grows for Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP)

By

TI Partners

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October 23, 2025

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Institutional interest in cryptocurrency is coming back as Bitcoin ETPs saw inflows in September and Ethereum ETPs maintained strength despite market corrections. Altcoin ETPs have also surged, primarily driven by Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) as institutional demand increases. As institutions continue to expand their exposure, retail investors are eager to identify the tokens poised for major growth. Below are the top 5 cryptos to buy, led by the emerging meme coin Little Pepe (LILPEPE).

Little Pepe (LILPEPE): The Top Meme-Powered Layer 2 Innovation Crypto

Little Pepe (LILPEPE) leads the list as the most exciting crypto right now. Little Pepe is currently in stage 13 of its presale, priced at $0.0022. Having already raised over $27 million, 120% more compared to the first stage of the presale, demand remains strong. Adding to its credibility, Little Pepe has passed a Certik audit with an impressive 95.49% security score, reinforcing trust in its smart contract integrity. Furthermore, the project is set for dual listings on two major centralized exchanges (CEXs), with strategic plans pointing toward listings on the biggest global platforms soon after launch.The Little Pepe project features a team of anonymous developers who have several meme coins that are currently among the top-performing meme coins and have the potential for exponential growth. To top it all off, Little Pepe has launched a mega giveaway, rewarding the top 3 biggest buyers with 5 ETH, 3 ETH, and 2 ETH, respectively, and 15 random buyers with 0.5 ETH each. With its solid fundamentals, revolutionary technology, and strong community, LILPEPE is one of the best cryptos to buy before listing on exchanges.

Ethereum (ETH): Institutional Demand Strengthens the Bullish Case

Trading near $4,000 after a 20% rebound from early-month lows, ETH has formed a bull flag pattern with support between $3,825 and $3,974 and resistance around $4,260.With over $1.48 billion in ETF inflows recorded this month, institutions are clearly reinforcing their conviction in Ethereum’s long-term prospects. As institutional appetite for Ethereum (ETH) grows, it remains one of the top cryptos to buy for sustained growth.

Ripple (XRP): Massive Demand Signals Confidence

Following the decline, XRP saw renewed institutional interest, rebounding from a price of below $2.30 to $2.37. In recent weeks, institutional whales have amassed over 900 million XRP. XRP’s price jumped this week toward $2.62. Analysts explain that if institutions continue to amass, XRP’s price could rise even more. Nonetheless, based on the increasing institutional demand for Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP), it is obvious that XRP is a strong asset to hold.

Ethena (ENA): The ETH Coin Explosive Momentum

Ethena price is increasing and has gained 184% since October 10, growing from $0.14 to $0.45. The ENA token broke out of a falling wedge and is creating higher highs, and has made contact with the $0.44 support level. With resistance around $0.70, analysts forecast that ENA may reach $0.73 in the near future. As institutional capital filters through the altcoin market, ENA’s strong chart structure and performance make it one of the top cryptos to buy during this wave of renewed investor enthusiasm.

TRON (TRX): Quiet Strength and Steady Institutional Growth

TRON has been on a bullish trajectory. TRON has spent the past few weeks moving sideways and is now trading at around $0.32, with the 20-day SMA offering resistance at $0.34. In addition to the 200-day EMA serving as a support level at $0.28, the continued growth of the ecosystem and network upgrades bode well for the continued upside potential of TRON.

Conclusion

With this increase in demand from institutional investors, Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) have not only regained investor confidence but have also set the stage for the emergence of new cryptocurrencies to watch. While ETH and XRP hold steady, rising crypto like Little Pepe (LILPEPE) is leading the charge for the next wave of high-growth crypto assets.

For more information about Little Pepe (LILPEPE) visit the links below:

Website: https://littlepepe.com

Whitepaper: https://littlepepe.com/whitepaper.pdf

Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken

Twitter/X: https://x.com/littlepepetoken

$777k Giveaway: https://littlepepe.com/777k-giveaway/

Polymarket Will Serve As Clearinghouse For DraftKings’s Railbird

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