And no, these are ponzi schemes. Saying "this is a ponzi" doesn't not make it a ponzi. Here's how you can tell that something is a ponzi scheme: IF THE PERSON RUNNING IT SAYS THAT IT IS A PONZI SCHEME!
the definition of ponzi does not say anything about the customer knowing it is one or not.
but: i think ponzis which are advertising themselves as gambling are ok. i have a problem with ponzis marketed as an investment