spunk.bet → Blog → What Are Bitcoin Runes
Updated February 2026 · 20 min read
If you have been anywhere near crypto Twitter lately, you have probably seen people talking about Bitcoin Runes. And if you are like most people, you have no idea what they are talking about.
That is not your fault. The explanations out there are terrible. They are full of technical jargon, protocol specifications, and references to things you have never heard of. "Runes use OP_RETURN to etch fungible token protocols on the Bitcoin UTXO set." Great. What does that mean in English?
This guide explains Bitcoin Runes in plain language. No computer science degree required. If you can understand how regular money works, you can understand Runes.
Here it is in one paragraph.
Bitcoin Runes are custom tokens that live on the Bitcoin blockchain. Think of Bitcoin like a highway. For years, the only vehicle allowed on that highway was BTC (Bitcoin itself). Runes are a new system that lets people create and drive other vehicles on that same highway. Each Rune is its own token with its own name, its own supply, and its own community. But they all ride on Bitcoin's infrastructure.
That is it. That is what Runes are. Custom tokens on Bitcoin.
If you have heard of tokens on Ethereum like USDC, Shiba Inu, or Uniswap, Runes are the Bitcoin version of that concept. Ethereum has had custom tokens since 2015. Bitcoin only got a good system for it in 2024 with the Runes protocol.
The SPUNK BET rune token is an example of a Rune. It is a custom token that lives on Bitcoin and is used as the currency for 10 free provably fair games. You can claim 10,000 SPUNK rune tokens for free every 24 hours and play dice, crash, slots, and seven other games without spending a cent.
Think of Bitcoin like the US Postal Service. The postal service has infrastructure: mailboxes, trucks, sorting facilities, delivery routes. For decades, that infrastructure was only used to deliver one thing: regular mail (that is BTC, Bitcoin itself).
Now imagine someone figured out a clever way to also send packages through the same postal system. Same trucks. Same routes. Same infrastructure. But now you can send all kinds of things, not just letters. Each package could contain something different: trading cards, game tokens, loyalty points, concert tickets.
That is what Runes did for Bitcoin. The Bitcoin network already had incredible infrastructure. Thousands of miners securing the network. Nodes spread across the globe. Fifteen years of proven reliability. Runes found a way to use that existing infrastructure to create and move custom tokens.
Each Rune token is like a different type of package. SPUNK BET tokens are gaming tokens. Other Runes might be meme tokens, loyalty tokens, governance tokens, or anything else their creators decide. They all use Bitcoin's postal system (blockchain) for delivery.
To understand why Runes exist, you need to understand a simple problem.
Bitcoin is the most secure blockchain in the world. It has the most miners, the most nodes, the longest track record, and the most trust. It is the gold standard of crypto infrastructure.
But for most of its history, you could only do one thing with Bitcoin: send BTC from one address to another. That is like having the world's best highway system and only allowing sedans on it. No trucks, no buses, no motorcycles. Just sedans.
Meanwhile, Ethereum built a smaller highway system that allowed all kinds of vehicles from day one. Thousands of tokens were created on Ethereum. DeFi, NFTs, gaming, stablecoins -- all of it happened on Ethereum because Bitcoin did not support it.
Bitcoin developers watched this and thought: why are we sending all this activity to other blockchains when Bitcoin has the best infrastructure? There should be a way to do this on Bitcoin.
Several attempts were made:
Runes exist because Bitcoin deserved a proper token system. One that does not clog the network, does not waste space, and works the way Bitcoin transactions are supposed to work.
In January 2023, Casey Rodarmor launched the Ordinals protocol. This let people inscribe data directly into Bitcoin transactions, creating what people call Bitcoin NFTs. It was a big deal. Suddenly Bitcoin was not just for sending money. You could store images, text, and other data on the most secure blockchain in the world.
The problem was that Ordinals caused a lot of debate. Bitcoin purists said the network should only be used for financial transactions. Ordinals supporters said the network should be used for whatever people are willing to pay fees for. The debate got heated.
Then BRC-20 tokens appeared in March 2023. Someone figured out how to use Ordinals inscriptions to create fungible tokens on Bitcoin. It worked, but it was messy. BRC-20 tokens created a huge amount of unnecessary data on the blockchain. Thousands of "junk" inscriptions clogged the network and drove up fees for everyone.
Casey Rodarmor saw this and thought: I can do better. In September 2023 he proposed the Runes protocol. It launched in April 2024, timed to coincide with the Bitcoin halving event.
The key difference is that Runes are designed to be efficient. They use a part of Bitcoin transactions called OP_RETURN (do not worry about the name) that is specifically meant for storing small amounts of data. This keeps Runes transactions clean and prevents the blockchain bloat that BRC-20 caused.
Since launching, Runes have become the standard for fungible tokens on Bitcoin. Thousands of Rune tokens have been created, including gaming tokens like SPUNK BET, meme tokens, community tokens, and more.
I am going to explain how Runes work without using a single technical term that I do not immediately define. Here goes.
When someone wants to create a new Rune token, they "etch" it onto the Bitcoin blockchain. Etching is just the fancy word for creating. You pick a name for your token, decide how many tokens will exist (the total supply), and set any rules like whether more can be created later.
This is a one-time action. Once a Rune is etched, it exists on Bitcoin forever. The creator cannot change the name or the rules after the fact. It is permanent.
After a Rune is etched, tokens need to be distributed. This is called minting. The creator can set up different minting rules. Some Runes let anyone mint tokens for free (first come, first served). Others give all tokens to the creator to distribute however they want. Some have a combination.
For example, the SPUNK BET token was etched with a fixed supply. Tokens are distributed through the daily faucet at spunk.bet, where anyone can claim 10,000 free tokens every 24 hours.
Once you have Rune tokens, you can send them to anyone with a compatible wallet. Sending Runes works just like sending Bitcoin. You enter the recipient's address, choose how many tokens to send, pay a small Bitcoin transaction fee, and hit send. The transfer is recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain permanently.
What you do with Rune tokens depends on the specific token. Some are used for gaming (like SPUNK BET tokens for playing dice, crash, slots, and other games). Some are meme tokens that people trade for fun. Some are used for governance (voting on project decisions). Some are loyalty tokens. The use case is up to the creator and the community.
People confuse these three things all the time. Here is the simple breakdown.
Ordinals are for unique, one-of-a-kind items. Think of them like digital art, collectibles, or certificates. Each Ordinal inscription is different from every other one. If you have Ordinal #12345, nobody else has that exact same thing. This is like NFTs on Ethereum.
BRC-20 was the first attempt at creating fungible (interchangeable) tokens on Bitcoin. It used Ordinals inscriptions in a clever but inefficient way. It worked, but it created unnecessary blockchain data and drove up fees. Think of BRC-20 as the prototype. It proved the concept but was not ready for prime time.
Runes are the improved version of BRC-20. They create fungible tokens more efficiently, with less blockchain bloat, and in a way that aligns better with how Bitcoin transactions actually work. Runes are the production model that replaced the prototype.
| Feature | Ordinals | BRC-20 | Runes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Non-fungible (unique) | Fungible (interchangeable) | Fungible (interchangeable) |
| Like | NFTs on Ethereum | ERC-20 tokens (old way) | ERC-20 tokens (better way) |
| Efficiency | Moderate | Low (lots of bloat) | High (clean transactions) |
| Status | Active and popular | Being replaced by Runes | Current standard |
| Example | Bitcoin Puppets NFTs | ORDI token | SPUNK BET token |
The simple rule: Ordinals are for one-of-a-kind things (like art). Runes are for tokens (like currencies). BRC-20 is the old version of Runes that is being phased out.
Get 10,000 free SPUNK rune tokens daily. Play 10 provably fair games. No deposit ever.
Claim Free SPUNK Runes →Runes are showing up in more places every month. Here are the main use cases in 2026.
This is one of the most popular uses. Gaming platforms create Rune tokens as in-game currency. SPUNK BET is a great example. The SPUNK rune token powers 10 different provably fair casino games including dice, crash, slots, roulette, plinko, mines, tower, limbo, wheel, and keno. Players get free tokens daily and use them across all the games.
Just like DOGE and SHIB on other blockchains, Bitcoin now has its own meme token ecosystem through Runes. Community-driven tokens with fun names and loyal followings. Some have grown to significant market caps. Most will not. But the culture is thriving.
Projects create Rune tokens to reward their community members. Hold the token to get access to exclusive content, vote on decisions, or receive rewards. Similar to loyalty programs at stores, but on the blockchain where everything is transparent.
Some people buy and sell Rune tokens purely as an investment or for short-term trading. Rune token marketplaces let you swap between different Runes and BTC. Like any trading, this involves risk. Prices can go up or down dramatically.
Because Rune tokens can be sent in small amounts, they work well for tipping content creators, paying for micro-services, or sending small rewards. Sending $0.10 worth of a Rune token is practical in a way that sending $0.10 of BTC is not (because the transaction fee would be higher than the amount).
There are several ways to get your hands on Rune tokens.
Some Rune projects give away tokens for free through faucets. SPUNK BET gives 10,000 free SPUNK rune tokens every 24 hours. You just click claim and the tokens appear in your account instantly. This is the easiest way to get started with Runes without spending any money.
When a new Rune launches with open minting, you can mint tokens yourself. This requires a compatible wallet and a small Bitcoin fee for the transaction. Follow Rune communities on Twitter and Discord to hear about new minting opportunities.
Rune tokens are traded on marketplaces. Some popular options include Magic Eden (which supports Bitcoin Runes), OKX, and dedicated Rune trading platforms. You connect your Bitcoin wallet, deposit BTC, and swap it for whatever Rune token you want.
Some Rune projects airdrop tokens to existing Bitcoin holders or community members. Being active in the Bitcoin and Runes community increases your chances of receiving airdrops.
On platforms like SPUNK BET, you can grow your token balance through gameplay. Start with the free 10,000 daily tokens, play games like crash or dice, and if you win, your balance increases. Winning is never guaranteed, but the provably fair mechanics mean the games are honest.
You need a wallet that supports Runes specifically. Not all Bitcoin wallets do. Here are the ones that work.
The most popular wallet for Bitcoin Runes. Available as a browser extension and mobile app. Clean interface, Rune support built in, and connects to most Rune marketplaces. This is what I recommend for most people.
Another solid browser extension wallet with Rune support. Good for people who also use Stacks (another Bitcoin layer). The renaming from Hiro to Leather was confusing but the wallet itself is reliable.
UniSat was one of the first wallets to support BRC-20 tokens and added Rune support quickly. Also has a built-in marketplace for buying and selling Rune tokens directly in the wallet.
If you use the OKX exchange, their wallet has built-in Rune support. Convenient if you want to easily move between the exchange and your personal wallet.
For maximum security, especially if you hold significant value in Rune tokens, pair your software wallet with a Ledger hardware wallet. Hardware wallets keep your private keys offline where hackers cannot reach them.
I would not be doing my job if I did not tell you about the risks. Here is what you need to know.
Thousands of Rune tokens have been created. The vast majority will go to zero. This is exactly what happened with tokens on Ethereum. For every USDC or UNI that succeeded, thousands of tokens launched, pumped briefly, and then died. Do not invest money you cannot afford to lose in any Rune token.
Moving Rune tokens requires a Bitcoin transaction, which means paying Bitcoin network fees. These fees fluctuate based on network demand. During busy periods, fees can spike significantly. Free platforms like SPUNK BET avoid this problem because the tokens are managed on-platform and you do not need to make blockchain transactions to play.
Runes launched in April 2024. As of February 2026, the protocol is less than two years old. Young technology comes with bugs, growing pains, and unexpected issues. The Runes protocol has been solid so far, but keep this in mind.
Scammers create fake Rune tokens with names similar to popular tokens. They set up fake minting pages that steal your Bitcoin. They impersonate project founders on social media. Always double-check token contract details, use official links, and never share your private keys or seed phrase.
Free Rune tokens from faucets like SPUNK BET are entertainment. Do not treat them as a retirement plan. If you decide to buy Rune tokens with real money, do your own research, only invest what you can afford to lose, and understand that prices can drop to zero.
Where are Runes headed? Nobody knows for certain, but here are the trends worth watching.
More gaming platforms will adopt Runes. The combination of Bitcoin's security with the flexibility of custom tokens makes Runes ideal for gaming. Expect more platforms like SPUNK BET to launch with Rune-based economies.
DeFi on Bitcoin. Decentralized finance (lending, borrowing, trading) is coming to Bitcoin through Runes. Several projects are building exchanges and lending platforms that use Rune tokens. Bitcoin DeFi is still early but growing fast.
Integration with Lightning Network. The Lightning Network makes Bitcoin transactions instant and nearly free. Combining Runes with Lightning would allow instant token transfers at minimal cost. This is being worked on and could be a game changer.
More institutional attention. As Runes mature, larger companies and financial institutions may start paying attention. Bitcoin-native tokens benefit from Bitcoin's brand recognition and security, which matters to institutional players.
Better wallets and tools. The Rune wallet experience is improving rapidly. Expect smoother interfaces, better marketplace integration, and more features over the next year. Platforms like spunk.codes already offer free tools for crypto users and will continue expanding.
Want to learn more about related topics? Check out our complete Bitcoin Runes guide, our breakdown of Runes vs BRC-20, or our Ordinals NFT beginner's guide.
Bitcoin Runes are custom tokens that live on the Bitcoin blockchain. Think of them like creating your own currency that rides on Bitcoin's infrastructure. Each Rune has its own name, supply, and purpose. They are similar to ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum but built on Bitcoin instead.
No. Ordinals are for unique, one-of-a-kind items like digital art (similar to NFTs). Runes are for fungible tokens where every unit is the same (similar to currencies). They are created by the same developer (Casey Rodarmor) and both live on Bitcoin, but they serve different purposes.
The easiest way is through faucets. SPUNK BET gives away 10,000 free SPUNK rune tokens every 24 hours. Just visit spunk.bet, click claim, and your tokens appear instantly. No deposit, no credit card, no KYC needed. Some new Rune launches also offer free minting.
Yes. Regular Bitcoin wallets like Coinbase or Cash App do not support Runes. You need a Rune-compatible wallet like Xverse, Leather, UniSat, or OKX Wallet. These are free to download. For playing on SPUNK BET, you do not need an external wallet at all because tokens are managed in your account.
Some Rune tokens have gained value. Many more have lost value or gone to zero. Like any crypto investment, Runes are volatile and risky. Never invest money you cannot afford to lose. Free faucets like SPUNK BET let you experience Runes without any financial risk.
Both are fungible token systems on Bitcoin, but Runes are the improved version. BRC-20 was the first attempt and worked but was inefficient, creating unnecessary blockchain data. Runes use a cleaner method that reduces bloat and aligns better with how Bitcoin transactions work. Runes are replacing BRC-20 as the standard.
Absolutely. SPUNK BET uses the SPUNK rune token as currency for 10 provably fair games including dice, crash, slots, roulette, plinko, mines, tower, limbo, wheel, and keno. You get 10,000 free tokens daily and can play all games without depositing. Gaming is one of the fastest-growing use cases for Runes.
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