Bitcoin breaks $121,000: Trumps tariffs ignite a crypto rally as the iGaming industry takes note
US President announces new trade duties on the EU and Mexico. Bitcoin hits a new all-time high. The gaming sector watches closely as politics, finance and decentralisation converge.
Bitcoin reaches record level: $121,352
Bitcoin has soared to a new all-time high, , signaling a pivotal moment for the entire cryptocurrency ecosystem. Analysts agree that the recent surge C with BTC reaching $121,352 in the past 24 hours C is directly linked to an announcement from President Donald Trump, confirming a new wave of trade tariffs on the European Union and Mexico.
The knock-on effect on traditional markets was immediate: the dollar weakened, Wall Street opened in the red, and investors moved quickly towards alternative assets. Bitcoin once again proved its status as a digital safe haven, rising 1.9% on the day.
Trump doubles down on tariffs, crypto responds
President Trumps statement outlined punitive tariffs on steel, semiconductors, vehicles and other strategic imports, directly targeting EU and Mexican exports. The announcement, widely interpreted as a return to US protectionism, triggered instability in global markets, but had the opposite effect on crypto.
Investors view Bitcoin as a stable alternative amid growing geopolitical tensions. Thanks to its decentralised and deflationary design, it is increasingly seen as a hedge against fiscal, monetary and trade uncertainty. Trump’s move was not just economic, but symbolic – signaling a structural shift in the role of digital assets on the global stage.
The strategic Bitcoin reserve and Trumps crypto doctrine
The Trump administrations support for Bitcoin is not merely rhetorical. In March 2025, the President signed an executive order establishing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, a federally controlled fund made up of BTC seized in criminal and civil proceedings. These holdings are not intended for liquidation, but are instead designated as strategic national reserves.
This is a historic precedent: for the first time, a Western government is including Bitcoin as part of its sovereign balance sheet. Simultaneously, Trump has blocked all plans to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC), stating that a Fed-backed token would threaten individual economic freedom.
Ethereum, altcoin and a broader rally
Bitcoins momentum has lifted the rest of the market. , posting a daily gain of 1.8%. Solana, Dogecoin, XRP and Cardano also rose between 2% and 4%, indicating a broad-based crypto rally driven in part by anticipation of regulatory reform in Washington.
Two key bills are currently under review in Congress. The Genius Act seeks to regulate stablecoins backed 1:1 by the US dollar, while the Clarity Act aims to clearly define the jurisdictional boundaries between the SEC and CFTC regarding digital asset oversight. President Trump has publicly supported both initiatives, reinforcing the United States ambition to become a global hub for crypto innovation.
The iGaming sector braces for impact
The surge in Bitcoin is having a direct impact on the iGaming industry, where operators accepting crypto are already seeing a rise in average deposit size, player engagement and high roller activity.
Crypto-native 바카라s and hybrid platforms are well-positioned to benefit, expanding their offerings to include additional tokens, faster withdrawals and Web3 loyalty programmes. Yet this opportunity comes with responsibility. Increased asset values bring greater security risks, including heightened threats of cyberattacks, fraud and asset volatility.
Regulators in Europe and offshore jurisdictions such as Malta, Cura?ao, and the Isle of Man are expected to pay close attention. The potential ripple effects of US legislation could lead to stricter enforcement of KYC, AML and transparency standards across international gaming markets.
Beyond the rally: a volatile but defining moment
Despite the excitement, cautious voices warn that a rally driven by political developments and presidential remarks may not be sustainable. Without clear, enforceable regulation, the market remains exposed to sudden swings, speculative manipulation and reputational risk.
Bitcoin above $121,000 is a landmark in the evolution of digital financebut it also tests the maturity of the ecosystem. For the iGaming sector, the path forward lies in embracing innovation while ensuring compliance, operational resilience and transparency.
Crypto, politics and gaming: building a new global balance
The Bitcoin rally, sparked by Trumps tariffs and bolstered by pro-crypto legislation, marks a turning point in the global digital economy. It reflects a deeper transformation in the relationships between technology, policy and finance. The iGaming industry – long at the forefront of digital adoption – now faces a unique chance to consolidate its leadership in this new era.
But this opportunity must be matched by strategic foresight and responsible implementation. The line between progress and speculation remains thin. What is clear, however, is that crypto is no longer a parallel economy – it is rapidly becoming part of the system. And iGaming is already part of that story.
This article was first published in Italian on 14 July 2025.
