The highly anticipated launch of ZKasino, a crypto gambling platform, has descended into chaos, with accusations of a rug pull swirling around the project. Despite initial promise, a $350 million valuation, and participation from reputable firms like Certik, the launch left investors fuming and their funds locked away.
From Promise to Puzzlement
ZKasino initially garnered significant interest. Boasting a hefty valuation and backing from crypto exchange MEXC, the project attracted over 10,000 participants who bridged a combined $33 million in Ethereum (ETH) to the network. Investors were lured by the promise of $ZKAS tokens and the ability to reclaim their ETH on demand.
However, cracks began to show before launch. Cancellations of ZKasino’s event in Dubai raised eyebrows, and whispers of mismanagement surfaced from former colleagues and blockchain investigator ZachXBT. Allegations of stolen funds from ZigZag exchange, unpaid contractors, and questionable behavior by the founder, Derivatives Monke, further eroded trust.
Launch Day Disaster
The official launch unfolded disastrously. Instead of the promised ETH redemptions, user funds were automatically converted into $ZKAS tokens, framed as a “favor” for a “seamless transition.” This change, coupled with a website update removing previous promises of ETH refunds, infuriated investors. The vesting period of 15 months for ZKAS tokens added fuel to the fire.
Rug Pull Accusations and Fallout
Outraged investors flooded social media with accusations of a rug pull, targeting ZKasino and Derivatives Monke. Token launchpads and exchange MEXC swiftly distanced themselves, cancelling ZKasino’s IDO and $ZKAS listing, respectively. Meanwhile, the $33 million in ETH was deposited into the staking platform Lido, leaving investors with little recourse.
The ZKasino team has largely remained silent amidst the uproar. A single, unaddressed insult towards a critic on X (presumably Twitter) served only to worsen the public perception. Their latest announcement focused on a technical implementation detail, seemingly oblivious to the investor outrage.
The Future Remains Uncertain:
With millions of dollars locked away and trust shattered, ZKasino’s future hangs in the balance. Whether Derivatives Monke’s promise to “keep building” will resonate with aggrieved investors remains to be seen. This incident serves as a stark reminder for crypto enthusiasts to conduct thorough due diligence before investing, especially in projects with seemingly too-good-to-be-true promises.
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