From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the hottest debates on crypto and fintech, Axel Hunter Graves is a voice that doesn’t beat around the bush. A seasoned journalist, author of three benchmark books in the gambling tech world, and consultant for major platforms, Axel is one of those guys who moves like a fish in water between blockchain, online betting, and futuristic strategies. We spoke with him to understand where the game is heading and what role NFTs play in all of it. Spoiler: his vision goes way beyond the hype.
Axel, you started out as a traditional journalist. What made you pivot toward crypto and betting?
Axel: Look, I was born in Las Vegas, so gambling is in my blood. But it was in 2017, when I saw how crypto started merging with the betting world, that my mind was blown. It was like watching the future take shape. And as a journalist, when you see a story writing itself... you jump on it.
What grabbed you more: blockchain or gambling?
Axel: Good question. I think it was the intersection of the two. Blockchain has this insane potential to bring transparency and decentralization, and gambling has always carried a certain mystique—and often a lack of trust. Together, they can literally change the game.
You’ve written three books on the topic. What’s changed between the first and the latest?
Axel: A lot. The Crypto Gambler was more of a guide to understanding how crypto was entering the online casino space. In High Stakes and High Tech, we were already talking about smart contracts, DAOs, and deeper concepts. And in the latest one, Beyond the Cards, I dive fully into artificial intelligence, NFTs, and hyper-personalized experiences. What used to be theory is now reality.
What role do you think NFTs play in the gambling world?
Axel: It’s important to understand that for me, as a gambling tech journalist, NFTs hold massive potential for betting and personalized experiences. I’m not just talking about digital collectibles—I'm talking VIP access, unique rewards, customizable avatars in virtual casinos... They could even represent player history or loyalty systems. It’s like giving identity and exclusivity to the game.
Don’t you think NFTs are a bit overhyped?
Axel: Depends on how you use them. If it’s just about selling pixelated monkeys, absolutely. But if NFTs are applied with logic and purpose—like tokenized tickets, non-transferable achievements, or programmable rewards—then they’re a revolution.
Can you give a concrete example of how NFTs could be used in betting?
Axel: Sure. Imagine you win a tournament on a platform and that earns you a unique NFT with benefits: access to other tournaments, prize multipliers, special skins for your avatar... All of that is recorded in your wallet and can’t be faked. That NFT is your trophy, your key, and your VIP credential.
How much does this affect personalization?
Axel: Tremendously. Platforms can offer you bonuses, experiences, and content based on your NFTs. That is, if you have a history of games, achievements, or tournaments in token form, the system can know you better and offer exactly what hooks you the most. Fairer, more fun, and more profitable.
And what about privacy?
Axel: Good point. Everything on-chain is public, but you can also use extra privacy layers. Also, not all NFTs have to be tied to personal data. In fact, many platforms are starting to use zero-knowledge proofs to validate without revealing.
Can you imagine a 100% decentralized casino?
Axel: Totally. In fact, beta versions already exist. These are casinos governed by DAOs, where players vote on rules, decide rewards, and everything is run with smart contracts. The user experience still needs work, but it’s headed in that direction.
How do you see the future of gambling in the metaverse?
Axel: It’s going to explode. We’re talking about virtual casinos where you can walk around, sit at a table with people from all over the world, bet in real time—all with your personalized avatar. It’s social, immersive, and unlike anything we’ve seen before.
What should someone consider before investing in gambling platforms with NFTs?
Axel: First, research the team and the project. There are a lot of scams. Second, understand the real value of that NFT: is it just pretty, or is it useful? And third, don’t invest more than you’re willing to lose. It’s still a wild frontier.
Are there major regulatory risks?
Axel: Absolutely. The legal framework is still blurry. Every country has its own rules, and some don’t even know how to classify an NFT. But the upside is that this pushes serious projects to be more transparent and meet higher standards.
What advice would you give a young person wanting to work in this sector?
Axel: Don’t just focus on the tech or the financial side. This space also needs storytellers, designers, analysts—people who understand users. If you’re passionate and willing to keep learning, there’s a place for you.
And you, do you bet online?
Axel [Laughs]: Sometimes, sure. But more as an experiment. I like to see how platforms work, how users behave, how well they deliver on their promises. It’s part of the job... though I won’t lie—sometimes I get hooked too.
What can we expect from Axel Hunter Graves?
Axel: I’m working on a documentary series about the hidden history of online gambling. And I’ve got a startup idea brewing that combines NFTs, AI, and real-time sports betting. But I’ll tell you more about that in our next interview.
Axel doesn’t just talk about the future—he’s writing it. And like any good player, he does it with his cards on the table.
