While it’s true that cryptocurrencies existed before Bitcoin, it’s also true that Bitcoin made them famous. Introduced in 2009, this cryptocurrency is still the most popular player in this growing market. But what exactly does Bitcoin represent?
This is a type of digital asset that you can use as a means of exchange, investment, and savings, just like fiat currency or paper money. Even though there are hundreds of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin is the most popular and valuable option. As we said, it was established in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, an alias of a person whose identity is still unknown. One of the most exciting things about this unique currency is its decentralized nature. In other words, no single person or central/government institution is behind it. You should expect a complex decentralized system with thousands of computers networked across the globe through so-called blockchains.
Bitcoin can be sold and bought. It can also be created and used as an investment, as a means of exchange, or as a type of savings. Of course, it can also be used for online gambling. In fact, Bitcoin gambling is becoming increasingly popular among modern players because this form of gambling promises many benefits. Bitcoin online gambling provides enhanced security and safety, for example. It also promises anonymity, fast transactions, low (or no) fees, and more. So, it’s no wonder why there are so many new Bitcoin gambling websites popping up every month. If you are interested in learning more about Bitcoin gambling online and how to find the best place to play with this cryptocurrency, keep reading our guide.
Even if you are not a seasoned online gambler, you probably know that online casinos provide various payment methods. Some are more popular than others, but we can’t say there’s an ideal solution for all players. Simply put, they all come with certain advantages and disadvantages.
When it comes to Bitcoin, one of the most significant benefits you can expect from it is faster transactions. Players who want to deposit or withdraw money from their casino accounts want to know when their funds will become available. In the case of depositing, most online casinos process these requests instantly regardless of the players’ preferred payment method. The same goes for the payment systems. So, there are two things you should consider when analyzing processing times – the time that the gambling website needs to process these requests and the time required by the payment system you selected. In any case, the depositing part doesn’t make a big difference because you will top up your account in almost all cases in seconds. The situation is different with the withdrawals. For example, it might take up to 5 business days to get paid when you choose credit/debit cards or bank transfers, on top of the casino’s day or two needed to process these requests. This is where Bitcoin gambling comes into play. Namely, most online casinos will take care of Bitcoin withdrawals in an hour or two. In addition, it usually takes up to one hour to get the funds in your wallet.
Another thing that’s worth mentioning is the lower fees. Once again, most gambling websites will not charge you for depositing funds into your account, no matter which banking method you select. On the other hand, they might collect fees for the withdrawal requests. The good news is that these fees are usually low or non-existent when using Bitcoin or cryptocurrency. This makes sense because casino sites generally charge fees because they have to pay for the specific payment systems players have chosen (typically, they have to pay the banks or other financial institutions). As previously mentioned, there’s no centralized body behind Bitcoin, so there’s no need for hefty fees for Bitcoin gambling transactions.
Online casino bonuses are one of the most attractive things about online gambling. What’s important to remember is that Bitcoin gambling takes these casino bonuses to another level. Namely, many gambling sites provide special bonuses designed for crypto players. For instance, if there’s a regular welcome bonus worth 100% of your first deposit up to $1,000, the Bitcoin welcome bonus can reach 200% and/or up to $2,000. Many casinos support cryptocurrency gambling because it’s easier for them to manage these transactions, and they don’t have to pay fees or communicate with financial institutions. Let’s not forget that these boosted Bitcoin bonus deals are not limited to welcome offers. You can also expect bigger reload bonuses.
Bitcoin online gambling adds an extra layer of privacy. The Bitcoin wallet you have doesn’t include personal information like your name, address, or phone number. In theory, government officials or bank employees can always open your account and check where and when you have made transfers. That’s something they can’t do when you use a Bitcoin wallet. Of course, it’s up to the Bitcoin gambling site to choose whether they will ask their users to provide personal information during the registration and/or verification process.
Now let’s sum up the pros of Bitcoin gambling online:
There’s no doubt that the pros outweigh the cons of Bitcoin gambling, but there are still (at least) some things that some users might find disadvantageous. For starters, Bitcoin is volatile. Some might argue that fiat currencies are volatile too. For example, the US dollar lost 10% of its value compared to the Euro in January 2021. Still, its value increased by 20% after a few months. However, the volatility of Bitcoin is much higher. These changes can reach over 50% of their value in a day or two. So, if you are considering cryptocurrency for online gambling, you should consider this volatility.
In addition, Bitcoin gambling is not an option in many online casinos. Of course, you can expect to find dozens of gambling websites that accept Bitcoin and other popular cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Tether. Still, some of the best options in the market have decided to stay away from these currencies. On the other hand, debit and credit cards are accepted in almost every online casino. We should also note that there are gambling sites that are entirely focused on cryptocurrencies. These are usually known as Bitcoin casinos or crypto casinos.
So, here are the two top cons related to this form of gambling:
Now that you’ve learned what Bitcoin is and the benefits you can expect from this payment method, it’s time to see how to gamble with Bitcoin. Before we reveal the details, let’s note that Bitcoin gambling is a simple process that doesn’t require special skills or knowledge. There are just a few things you should consider before getting involved in Bitcoin online gambling.
Every player who wants to send and receive Bitcoin must own a wallet. This virtual checking account allows you to make deposits and withdrawals. Before we discuss creating a wallet like this, we should mention three main types. First, we have the online wallets that exist on the Internet. Then there are software wallets you can keep on your personal computer or mobile device. Finally, we have the hardware solution – independent devices that don’t have to be connected to the Internet.
Creating a Bitcoin wallet is thus dependent on the option you choose. The most popular form is the online or web-based wallet. You can create one by visiting websites offering such services: Blockchain.info, Coinbase, BTC.com, etc. Follow the sign-up instructions, and you will be ready to send and receive Bitcoin in minutes. Remember that these online solutions might be vulnerable to hacker attacks. There were cases in the past where websites simply took their users’ funds and vanished. On the other hand, software wallets are a bit safer. In this case, you must download and install a wallet app on your personal computer or mobile device.
Unless you are planning on mining Bitcoin, you will have to purchase this cryptocurrency so you can enjoy the benefits of Bitcoin gambling. There are several ways in which you can conduct this activity. The most popular and probably the easiest way to do this is to use an online exchange service (think of currency exchanges). So, you should identify a good exchange service on the Internet (CoinBase, Xapo, etc.) and become a registered member. After that, you can convert any currency into Bitcoin. To proceed, you must link your bank account or share credit or debit card information. Some exchange services accept e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill.
Besides exchange services, players can find Bitcoin sellers in online discussion groups and forums. We’re talking about physical trades with local sellers. All you have to do is arrange a meet-up and conduct the transaction. Our advice is to get in touch with experienced sellers with a good reputation. After all, you don’t want to get scammed. Finally, we have the Bitcoin ATMs. Did you know that there are over 30,000 ATMs that accept Bitcoin across the United States? Most ATMs like this only work with cash, but you can also find some that accept credit and/or debit cards.
Once you get Bitcoin, it’s time to look for a Bitcoin gambling online site. We’ve already noted that there are two types of websites. First, we have websites that accept standard payment methods plus cryptocurrencies. Next, there are exclusive crypto or Bitcoin gambling platforms. No matter which option you choose, you can expect a memorable experience if you look at a reputable site.
The research process can take a lot of time because there are hundreds of websites like this. Googling these options will provide thousands of results, which means hours of research. In our opinion, it’s best to find a review website with sections dedicated to Bitcoin iGaming where you can read about the pros and cons of joining specific online Bitcoin casinos. After all, every player has unique needs and expectations. These reviews analyze every aspect of the casino that affects your gaming experience. Once again, we will mention that it’s crucial to find an unbiased review website because some of them are created solely for the purpose of promoting specific sites. So, even if you think you’ve found the right match, take a few minutes to check whether the review is realistic by visiting and analyzing the Bitcoin gambling site itself.
Suppose you have used an online casino and played games for real money. In that case, you will not have any problem making a deposit at a crypto betting site. The process is more or less identical, but there’s one different thing. So, you must first become a registered member and verify your account (if needed). After that, you should open your account’s control panel on the casino’s homepage and check the cashier options page. Selecting the deposit option will reveal your solutions, including cryptocurrencies.
The difference compared to other deposit methods is that you must copy the blockchain address provided by your online casino. This is a unique address related to your casino account. So, after copying the address, you must open your Bitcoin wallet (online/web-based or software) and select the amount you want to transfer to your casino account. The copied blockchain address must be pasted into the Send To section. After that, just click the send button and wait for the funds to arrive. The good news is that players can expect their funds in minutes. In other words, they can start playing their favorite casino games with real money right away.
To be honest, not every Bitcoin-friendly platform promises bonuses tailored for crypto users. However, players should know that even if there are no specially designed Bitcoin bonus deals, they should be able to use the regular bonuses even when making deposits in Bitcoin in online casinos that accept cryptocurrencies and fiat currency. Of course, finding a site that rewards players for using Bitcoin would be best.
Claiming your special Bitcoin bonus doesn’t work the same in all casinos. For example, in many cases, the bonus is awarded to the players automatically when they place their first deposit as long as they have accepted receiving bonuses during the registration process. Yet, some gambling sites might ask you to type in a bonus code to claim the bonus. To avoid problems and ensure that you get these deals, you should read the bonus terms and conditions. Pay attention to the wagering requirements because they significantly impact these deals. The same goes for the game contribution rates.
In addition to the excitement of casino games, there’s one more thing that puts a smile on a player’s face—the moment they decide to withdraw their earnings from a gambling site. Generally speaking, there are fewer withdrawal methods compared to deposit options. However, almost all Bitcoin gambling sites that accept this cryptocurrency as a deposit method also offer it as a withdrawal option. It would be wise to check these things before becoming a registered user and using real money. Now let’s describe the withdrawal process in detail.
First, you should visit the casino cashier. This section is not found in the same place in all Bitcoin casinos, but there are usually just a few options. For example, some display your current balance in the upper part of the homepage. When you click on it, you reveal a deposit button. So, simply click on it to proceed. In other cases, you should open your account and look for the cashier or payout button/section.
Once you get to the casino cashier, you can choose the preferred payout method. Obviously, you should select Bitcoin in this case. Don’t forget that most Bitcoin casino platforms will display helpful information related to the payment method, like the processing time, potential fees, and minimum and maximum limits, before choosing that method.
Next, players must find the button that lets them generate the Bitcoin wallet address. You should expect a string of letters and numbers that are difficult to remember. That’s why it’s highly recommended to copy the address. Some players take an additional step and paste the wallet address to Notepad or MS Word just in case the next step occurs in the same window.
In this step, the most important thing is to check the amount you selected. You want to ensure that you have chosen the proper withdrawal amount. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to withdraw small amounts of money, especially when fees are involved. Also, you should select the destination for your cryptocurrency if requested.
The final step is to confirm the withdrawal and wait for the payout. As we said before, the processing time depends on the casino. Still, it usually doesn’t take more than a couple of hours for the website to release the funds. This doesn’t mean you’ll have the funds in your wallet after that. The Bitcoin system also needs around an hour (sometimes less) to finish the transaction. Yet, this is still one of the fastest casino payment options you have.
If you want to get the most from your next Bitcoin online gambling activity, you should choose a trustworthy Bitcoin gambling website. Gone are the days when crypto casinos were considered something shady, and scammers were looking for unwary players so they could take advantage of them. Still, there are reports of untrustworthy Bitcoin sites every now and then. So, you should still be cautious and consider a few things before using a website like this.
Most experts agree that the best idea is to join a licensed website. Many governments or independent bodies issue licenses to gambling websites around the world. For example, many Bitcoin gambling sites in the United States are licensed in Costa Rica. There are also websites with licenses issued by the Government of Curacao, the MGA (Malta Gaming Authority), the UK Gambling Commission, the Government of Gibraltar, and so on. Indeed, some unlicensed options might be legit. Still, it’s better to stay with the licensed ones, especially when we know their number is very high and finding a good one is not a problem.
A trustworthy site is also a secure website. They pay attention to the security and safety of their users by integrating the latest encryption technologies and adding firewalls. Even though Bitcoin transfers are anonymous and secure, there’s still a chance for hackers to intercept the transactions and abuse them. This is a difficult task when there’s a good level of encryption and firewalls.
Lastly, players should check the casino’s reputation. This might look difficult for newly established websites, but there’s something that can help you. You can check the company behind the website. Typically, this information is found at the bottom of the homepage. You should be safe if this company manages other casino sites with a long history and good reputation. For the older platforms, you just have to check users’ comments on public forums and discussion groups. Also, you can always visit a review website and read expert opinions about Bitcoin casinos. Make sure to find a reliable site focused on helping players, not their sponsors.
Besides regular Bitcoin casinos where you can play casino games like slots, blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, there are online poker Bitcoin websites. As a matter of fact, we have several types of online poker Bitcoin platforms. To start with, there are websites dedicated to online poker accepting cryptocurrencies. Next, you can play poker games in an online casino offering other types of casino games. The third category includes casinos, with a special page dedicated to this game. Once again, we encourage our readers to check gambling affiliate websites, where they can read reviews about the best online poker Bitcoin options.
Undoubtedly, Bitcoin has become one of the favorite payment methods for online bettors. More and more punters from the United States (and other parts of our planet) use it to wager money on sporting events. Generally speaking, most Bitcoin gambling websites have sports betting pages. Also, some started as sports betting sites and later added casino sections. So, finding a good Bitcoin online sports betting platform shouldn’t take much effort. We should mention that these options accept bets on the most popular sports and leagues. For US players, this means wagering on the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA, and other sporting events. Additionally, some websites started offering special bets related to politics, TV shows, music events, and more. To maximize the benefits, opt for sports betting platforms with good odds.
If you are still unsure of what makes Bitcoin online gambling a better option than traditional online gambling, you should read this section of our guide to Bitcoin gambling. Of course, we don’t claim that Internet-based Bitcoin gambling is an absolute winner. Still, there are so many good things about it that you simply can’t ignore it if you plan on online gambling.
Let’s begin with the registration and verification process. A regular online gambling website will almost always ask you for personal information like your full name, home address, country, email, and/or phone number during registration. That’s not the case with BTC gambling sites, at least not all of them. Most Bitcoin sites don’t need this sensitive information that will reveal your identity. They just provide codes for transfers of funds, and that’s it. So, if anonymity is high on your list of preferred things when online gambling, you should definitely look for a BTC website.
Furthermore, we have the aspect of security. We must say that every modern online casino, be it Bitcoin or traditional, does its best to protect its clients. They do this by introducing state-of-the-art encryption protocols and security tools like firewalls. Yet, there’s one thing that makes Bitcoin online gambling sites better: the transactions. The craftiest hackers can exploit the platform’s vulnerabilities when processing deposit or withdrawal requests. But, it all depends on the payment method you choose. When there are cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin involved, there’s an extra layer of protection provided by blockchain technology. Simply put, if you want to stay safe, Bitcoin casinos are your best option.
When it comes to casino games, this is where both options are more or less the same. Thousands of casino games (slots, poker, baccarat, roulette, scratch cards, blackjack, keno, video poker, etc.) are available on these sites. It’s worth noting that some Bitcoin gambling websites recently started creating or offering simple games (especially crash games) for crypto players. Another advantage for Bitcoin gambling sites and those looking to try something new. As for the software providers, we believe that the same popular providers like IGT, NetEnt, Microgaming, Playson, and others strike deals with both Bitcoin and traditional casinos.
Payment speed is another thing players should analyze before joining any gambling website. Bitcoin gambling websites generally process payment requests in an hour or two. Experienced players know this is not that important regarding deposits because most online casinos will process these requests without delay. So, the main difference is noticeable when you request a withdrawal. Unlike wire transfers or debit/credit card withdrawals, which can last several business days, it takes no more than two hours for a Bitcoin casino to process your withdrawal request. The transfer to your wallet can take one or two hours, so you’ll have your winnings in your wallet in 3-4 hours.
Of course, traditional online gambling is available on more websites. Still, as you can see, it’s worth looking for Bitcoin casinos.
Do you still have some unanswered questions? Check our Bitcoin Gambling Online FAQ section for answers.
In general, this activity is legal. Of course, every country has its own laws and regulations, and the same goes for the US states. It’s safe to say that crypto gambling in the United States is legal in the states where gambling is legal. Currently, there are six states where you can do this legally.
Yes. Most Bitcoin sites designed for gamblers don’t look much different than traditional gambling websites. The main difference is the payment method. So, you can expect various slot games, blackjack titles, roulette games, poker releases, and other popular casino games.
Absolutely. If you find a reputable Bitcoin casino, you can rest assured that your Bitcoin gambling activities are perfectly safe. These websites encrypt your transactions and provide firewalls and other tools that prevent hackers from breaking into your accounts and wallets. In many cases, Bitcoin gambling is safer than regular gambling.
No. Bitcoin might be the most popular cryptocurrency on online sports betting sites, but most websites also offer other cryptocurrencies. These so-called altcoins (alternative digital currencies to Bitcoin) include Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Tether, Cardano, XRP, etc.
It’s challenging to provide a simple answer to this question because there are several types of Bitcoin wallets that you can use and multiple brands. Generally speaking (regardless of the type – desktop, mobile, hardware, web-based, etc.), Blockstream, BRD, and Electrum are among the best solutions.
Just like players, betting sites and casinos benefit from Bitcoin transactions. For example, they get fast P2P (peer-to-peer) transactions. They can also accept payments from players across the globe without any limitations. Finally, there are low processing fees.