We are pleased to announce the successful completion and publication of our empirical study “Measuring the Black Market for Online Gambling in Germany”, conducted by the Blockchain Research Lab and funded by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL ; engl. Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States). It represents the first comprehensive attempt in Germany to combine a critical methodological review with a survey of gamblers to assess the size, structure, and dynamics of the illegal online gambling market.

In this blog post, BRL co-founder Dr. Ingo Fiedler argues that the global gold market, built on a highly leveraged structure with many claims backed by little physical metal, is becoming increasingly fragile. While central banks purchase and repatriate gold, investors shift from “paper” gold to tokenised, fully allocated products like Tether’s XAUt. This migration of collateral could trigger a Minsky Moment: a sudden, nonlinear collapse of the paper gold system.

The rise of blockchain-based financial technologies has created new ways to send money across borders. A new study by Prof. Dr. Lennart Ante, published in Telematics and Informatics, provides fresh insights into how stablecoins are being used for remittances—and why skills in both digital technology and finance are key factors driving their adoption and continued use.

Dr. Steinmetz had the opportunity to contribute to a full-day seminar in Zurich on a topic that has become increasingly urgent in the context of gambling addiction: the entanglements between cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and gambling. The event was organized by the Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, specifically by the Institut für Soziale Arbeit und Räume, as part of their “Spielen ohne Sucht” program—an initiative committed to supporting professionals in the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.

: In November 2024, Dr. Steinmetz had the opportunity to contribute to the 14. Fachtag der Fachstelle Glücksspielsucht Steiermark in Graz, Austria—a specialist conference that brought together professionals from the fields of gambling addiction counselling, prevention, politics and economics. Organized by the Fachstelle Glücksspielsucht Steiermark, the event provided a vital platform for addressing both traditional and emerging issues in the domain of gambling-related harms.

We are excited to announce that the Blockchain Research Lab is conducting an empirical study to explore the extent of the black market for online gambling in Germany. The study is funded by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL; Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States). The aim of the study is to shed light on the size and dynamics of this significant yet hidden sector by conducting a survey among gamblers.

Our report titled "Economic Valuation of Physical Activity: A Multilayered Framework" explains just how much physical activity impacts both health and the economy. The report finds that physical activity leads to significant healthcare cost savings, increased productivity, and overall economic gains at individual, corporate, and national levels. The findings demonstrate how much individuals, companies, and even governments can benefit from encouraging regular physical activity.

Our CEO and Co-Founder, Prof. Dr. Lennart Ante, presented on "Blockchain für Real Estate und Real Estate für Blockchain" hosted by Der Wirtschaftsverein für den Hamburger Süden. The event took place on September 17. We would like to thank the organizers for the successful event.

We are happy to report that our CEO, Dr. Lennart Ante, held guest lectures on "Stablecoins and their Relevance to Global Finance" at Mahidol University, hosted by Prof. Dr. Aman Saggu, whom we would like to thank for the excellent organization and warm hospitality.

Our CEO and Co-Founder, Dr. Lennart Ante, presented at the "Real Estate and Technology" conference hosted by The Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies and Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business. We would like to thank the organizers for the successful event.