Crypto’s betting boom: Will you ride the wave or get wiped out?

In summary, the rapid growth and excitement around speculative platforms like Polymarket and Pump.fun raise important questions about sustainability and potential risks. These platforms tap into the fear of missing out (FOMO) and offer quick gains, but they also come with significant risks of losing money. The market is becoming increasingly saturated, making it challenging for traders to find profitable investments. Furthermore, these platforms can be likened to intellectualized gambling, as users are still betting on uncertain outcomes. It’s crucial to approach speculative investments with caution, critical thinking, and a clear understanding of the potential risks involved. Don’t invest money you can’t afford to lose and make decisions based on data and analysis rather than emotions. The hype surrounding these platforms may fade over time, leading to a decline in transactions and users.


Does participating in Polymarket’s prediction markets or Pump.fun’s meme coin craze present an opportunity to amass substantial cryptocurrency wealth, or is it a risky endeavor that could potentially result in significant financial losses?

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In the dynamic realm of cryptocurrencies, earning profits has consistently required a bold approach due to the ever-changing landscape of trends and emerging technologies.

During the initial stages, the focus was primarily on extracting Bitcoin (BTC) and keeping it in anticipation of a price increase. Subsequently, we entered the period of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), which presented investors with opportunities to invest in emerging projects prior to their launch, frequently resulting in substantial profits.

In the near future, the financial landscape will undergo significant transformation with the emergence of decentralized finance (DeFi). This innovation brings about novel methods for generating income within the cryptocurrency sphere, namely lending, borrowing, and yield farming. Subsequently, NFTs entered the scene.

Today, the limelight shifts to speculation as platforms such as Polymarket and Pump.fun simplify the process, enabling individuals to earn by voicing their forecasts.

As a cryptocurrency investor and enthusiast, I’ve been keeping an eye on the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, and one project that has really piqued my interest is Polymarket. Launched in 2020, this platform has revolutionized the way we approach betting.

I, as an analyst, would express it this way: In May 2024, I observed that Polymarket successfully raised $70 million in Series B funding. Notable investors, including Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund and Ethereum (ETH) co-founder Vitalik Buterin, participated in this round. Their involvement signifies a significant endorsement of confidence in the potential future growth and success of the Polymarket platform.

Alternatively, Pump.fun, which runs on Solana (SOL), allows users to develop personalized digital tokens and trade them. With a total income of more than $58 million from fees and SOL earnings, it has thrived during the surge of meme coin popularity.

This platform, with no trading fees and unique features such as token bonding curves and migration schedules, has become a popular destination for investors looking to make speculative moves.

Large sums of money are flowing into Polymarket and Pump.fun at an unprecedented rate, signaling a significant trend of speculative investment in the cryptocurrency sphere. However, it’s essential to understand how these platforms function, and what we might anticipate in the near future.

To gain a better understanding of how these cryptocurrency platforms function and the potential trends shaping crypto speculation in the future, let’s delve deeper into their inner workings.

Gambling or predicting: the blurring lines

Polymarket stands out as a unique platform where users can convert predictions about future events into potential financial investments.

Fundamentally, Polymarket functions based on an intriguing concept: allowing users to purchase stock in various potential results of upcoming events.

The value of these Gnosis Conditional Tokens ERC-1155 shares changes in response to market fluctuations, mirroring the aggregate anticipation of the probability of the associated event occurring.

This means that as more people bet on a particular outcome, the price of those shares increases. 

As an analyst, I would explain it this way: I have the option to cash out my shares prior to the outcome being determined and secure a profit. Alternatively, I can keep my shares in the hope that my prediction is accurate and collect a payout of 1 USDC for each share once the event has been resolved.

If you’re considering wagering on the likelihood of a white Christmas in New York, head over to Polymarket where you’ll discover this particular prediction market.

To join in, you’ll need to utilize USDC, a stablecoin for the transaction. You can then purchase shares reflecting either “Yes, it will snow” or “No, it won’t snow.”

Imagine you purchase ten shares of the “Yes” stock priced at 0.70 USDC apiece in the belief that there’s a 70% chance of an event occurring. The market determines this price based on collective beliefs. As more individuals wager on the opposite outcome, the price for “Yes” could decrease while that for “No” might increase.

As a crypto investor, I would put it this way: When I purchase 10 shares of “Yes” at a price of 0.70 USDC apiece, and the event occurs, I’ll receive 10 USDC in return. This results in a profit of 3 USDC (10 USDC – 7 USDC), which translates to a significant 42.9% return on investment (ROI). However, if I decide to sell my shares before the event and at a higher price, such as 0.90 USDC per share, my ROI would be more modest at 28.6%. But, it’s crucial to remember that if my prediction turns out to be incorrect, my entire investment will be wiped out.

The significant influence of Polymarket is evident in its swift expansion. According to current figures, over $500 million have been placed as bets on the US elections alone. Moreover, there are additional substantial amounts wagered on various other subjects such as crypto, Euro 2024, and the Middle East crisis.

As a researcher studying the trends in decentralized markets, I’ve observed an impressive increase in transaction activity on Polymarket, based on data from Dune Analytics.

From January through April, I observed daily transaction volumes ranging from 1,000 to 2,000. However, starting in late May, there was a significant increase, with numbers reaching between 7,000 and 15,000. The highest peak occurred on June 29, following the first presidential debate where Biden’s performance was perceived as lackluster.

Crypto’s betting boom: Will you ride the wave or get wiped out?

As an analyst, I’ve observed a consistent upward trend in monthly volumes. Starting from $39 million in April, there was a notable increase to $63 million in May, and then a remarkable jump to $111 million in June. Within the first ten days of July, we’ve already surpassed the $57 million mark, suggesting that this month could potentially outdo June’s figures.

Crypto’s betting boom: Will you ride the wave or get wiped out?

As a data analyst, I’ve discovered that on average, users wager approximately $196 in USDC per bet. Simultaneously, there are countless contests ongoing, each valued in the millions, enticing more individuals to join the action.

As a researcher studying the trending behaviors in the cryptocurrency market, I’ve noticed an intriguing shift in investor preferences. The appeal of instant profits and the excitement of guessing real-world outcomes have drawn many individuals away from conventional crypto trading. Speculation on current events has now emerged as a dominant force within the crypto sphere.

Pump and dump with Pump.fun

Swiftly gaining popularity as the preferred destination for creating and trading customized digital tokens, Pump.fun takes advantage of the intense excitement and investment craze in the cryptocurrency sector.

Developers can easily create tokens on this platform at a low initial expense, with transaction fees roughly equating to $2. The platform generates income through a 1% fee on every token transaction, in addition to charging 2 SOL for tokens that become liquid enough to be featured on the decentralized exchange, Raydium.

Although Pump.fun is known for its groundbreaking methods, it hasn’t escaped criticism. The fact that the platform operates with a closed source and restricts access to its APIs has caused some concern.

Additionally, although Pump.fun asserts that its no-presale and no-insider allocation policy is designed to shield investors from rug pulls, this measure doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of trader losses.

Developers hold the advantage of being able to purchase substantial amounts of tokens prior to wider trader involvement. Should a token pique investor curiosity, these developers may subsequently sell their stockpile on the market, causing a price drop and potentially earning significant profits at the cost of other investors.

The appeal of Pump.fun comes from automatically listing tokens on Raydium when their market cap reaches $69,000. This significant threshold excites users who exclaim, “We’ll send this coin to Raydium!” Yet, it doesn’t ensure complete safety since developers may still misappropriate the liquidity and vanish.

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed an intriguing trend on the Pump.fun platform. Celebrities have joined in, adding fuel to the hype. For instance, rapper Iggy Azalea and media personality Caitlyn Jenner have introduced their own tokens. This star-studded entrance has piqued my interest and that of many other investors in Solana-based meme coins. Every day, these celebrity-endorsed tokens, along with other meme coins on the platform, see substantial trading volumes, reaching into the millions of dollars.

As an analyst, I’ve examined the data, and the activity on Pump.fun is truly impressive. On a regular day, we see over 10,000 transactions taking place. At its busiest, this number jumps to an astonishing 20,000 transactions. To date, the total number of transactions has surpassed the 1.3 million mark. This level of activity generates daily revenue and fees between $500,000 and $2 million.

Crypto’s betting boom: Will you ride the wave or get wiped out?
Crypto’s betting boom: Will you ride the wave or get wiped out?

As a researcher studying the development of this platform since its launch in January, I’ve found that over 1.325 million tokens have been introduced, equating to an average of approximately 5,000 new tokens each day.

Crypto’s betting boom: Will you ride the wave or get wiped out?

Two prominent cryptocurrencies with a market value exceeding $150 million each as of July 10 are Billy (BILLY) and Daddy Tate (DADDY). These digital assets can be found on major crypto exchanges like CoinMarketCap, yet they lack practical uses beyond generating excitement and speculation.

The buzz at Pump.fun is undeniable – fresh coins emerge at regular intervals, igniting instant interest and significant trading activity. The excitement of the community is clearly demonstrated through their prompt interactions and lively commentary following every new release.

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed a shift in the way people approach gambling and investment. Instead of relying on chance at casinos with games like poker or slots, we now have the exciting opportunity to pick trending coins through platforms such as Pump.fun. The thrill lies in the potential for significant returns rather than just luck.

The future of speculative frenzy: caution ahead

With the increasing buzz surrounding platforms such as Polymarket and Pump.fun, it’s essential to assess the longevity of this trend and identify any potential hazards that may emerge.

As a crypto investor, I’ve come across tweets that use the allure of exclusivity to generate buzz around new token drops. One such tweet recently caught my attention, stating that only those who interact with the tweet would be granted access. In simpler terms, this means that engagement with the tweet serves as a sort of entry ticket for those interested in securing a spot in the upcoming token sale.

The pump will drop every 24 hours for those engaging with this tweet.

This link is exclusively accessible to those interacting with this post.

Our reach extends to millions.

And yes, we currently have 17 collaborators (in earnest).

— Noah (@Noahhweb3) July 10, 2024

This type of marketing exploits the human fear of missing out (FOMO), urging individuals to act impulsively without fully assessing potential risks. The swift responses of “I’m in” and “Let’s do it” illustrate just how easily people can be carried away by the allure of immediate rewards.

Simultaneously, a different individual has voiced disappointment over the crowded meme coin market. They have announced their decision to quit trading meme coins because of the dilution allegedly brought about by platforms such as Pump.fun.

I’ve decided to abandon trading meme coins. currently holding onto $mao and $daumen as I’ve already incurred losses and no longer care if their values reach zero. The market is heavily saturated due to the manipulation, making it an unproductive investment at this point. It’s been a waste of both time and money for me after this experience.

— lupo (@lupoxbt) July 8, 2024

With an increasing number of tokens being introduced into the market, it becomes increasingly challenging to find profitable investments. Regrettably, numerous traders wind up possessing tokens devoid of value, having squandered both their time and financial resources. Despite a few individuals reaping substantial profits, the majority encounter losses.

At the same time, another tweet has labeled Polymarket as “intellectually stimulating wagers.” This description holds true.

Polymarket represents an advanced form of wagering, giving participants a sense of intellectual engagement and superiority, much like traditional gambling but with an added layer of sophistication.

— Laura Minquini (@LauraMinquini) July 10, 2024

As a market analyst, I would put it this way: Although Polymarket provides a complex platform for wagering on future occurrences, it essentially maintains the core activity’s inherent characteristic – that being, engaging in gambling.

As a data analyst, I would express it this way: While using this platform might give you a sense of control and confidence in your forecasts, it’s essential to remember that unpredictability is inherent in any investment scenario. The potential for financial loss persists regardless of how well-informed your predictions may be.

As a seasoned analyst, I’ve observed that the buzz surrounding these cryptocurrency platforms isn’t an entirely new phenomenon. Take Friends.tech for instance. When it debuted, it was the center of attention, generating widespread enthusiasm and making headlines. However, over the course of time, the initial excitement seemed to wane, leaving it as merely another player in the congested crypto market. The platform experienced a significant decline in both transactions and user base, with statistics indicating a 90% reduction from its peak.

Many speculative platforms follow a common trend: they experience a rapid surge in usage and generate significant buzz, only to eventually fade in appeal as investors shift their focus to new and supposedly more promising opportunities.

When considering jumping into the world of speculation, remember the following: Speculative ventures involve significant risk. While there’s a possibility of substantial gains, the likelihood of incurring losses is equally high. Make sure not to put at risk funds that you cannot afford to lose.

Instead of getting carried away by the excitement and hype, carefully evaluate information and make informed decisions using data and logical analysis. Be wary of the allure of speculation, and always keep in mind the possible risks involved.

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2024-07-11 15:59