How to Choose the Right Online Crypto Casino

10 factors to consider when evaluating online crypto casinos

1. Licensing and regulation

When evaluating a casino’s legitimacy, the first thing to look for is a valid gambling license. A reputable casino should be licensed by a recognized regulatory body, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, or the Curacao eGaming Licensing Authority.

It’s also essential to check if the casino has any certifications for fair gaming and random number generation. These can be from independent auditors like eCOGRA or iTech Labs.

Consider the following when evaluating a casino’s licensing:

• Licensing body. Casinos with licenses from Curacao are common, but those with licenses from the MGA or UKGC offer stronger player protections.
• Verification. Legitimate casinos usually display their license information prominently. You can verify this information by visiting the licensing authority’s official website.
• Local compliance. Make sure the casino is allowed to operate in your jurisdiction. Usually, if it isn’t, access will be blocked.

2. Geographical restrictions

The legal landscape for crypto casinos varies significantly from one country to another. So, some casinos won’t operate in your region due to legal restrictions.

For instance, in the United States, legality of online gambling, including crypto casinos, is determined on a state-by-state basis. Some states, like Pennsylvania have clear regulations, while others, like California, have outright bans. This creates a patchwork of legal statuses across the country.

Meanwhile, online crypto casinos operating in the UK must comply with the UKGC’s regulations, which are some of the most stringent in the world. The UKGC requires rigorous checks on player protection, AML compliance, and responsible gambling practices.

3. Reputation and trustworthiness

Betting with cryptocurrency entails a few additional risks compared to traditional gambling. Decentralization means there is no central authority or regulatory body to turn to for help if something goes wrong. If there’s a payment issue or game dispute, you’re at the mercy of the casino (and the casino may not even be able to help you).

The easiest way to do research is to use our recommended list of trusted crypto casino sites and read reviews from reputable sources. Avoid casinos with numerous unresolved complaints or those with a history of unethical practices. You’ll see evidence of these in low ratings and bad customer reviews.

4. Game variety and quality

Most sites will have the same core games, like slots and popular table games like
Blackjack. But some casinos offer a wider selection of games from different software providers, making for a better overall gaming experience.

An example of a gaming platform with plenty of variety is 7Bit Casino. With over 8,000 titles from more than 60 top software providers (including well-known names like NetEnt, Betsoft, Pragmatic Play, and Yggdrasil), it’s a paradise no matter what your interests are.

This extensive collection includes a wide range of slots, table games, live dealer games, and even niche options like keno, lotto, and scratch cards. The slot selection alone is vast, boasting over 7,400 titles, which include classic slots, video slots, and progressive jackpot games.

5. Supported cryptocurrencies

Of course, you can’t use a platform that doesn’t facilitate transactions with the coin of your choice. Just about every online casino will support Bitcoin, and most will support Ethereum.

For those of you who want to use different currencies, like Litecoin, Dogecoin, or Bitcoin Cash, check for casinos that accommodate them. You might also find that some sites offer bonuses for using a specific cryptocurrency.

Some sites will support fiat and cryptocurrencies. One of the things we love most about Gxmble is that the platform accepts bets in USD, EUR, GBP, and CAD in addition to Bitcoin and Ethereum. This gives you more flexibility, with the opportunity to place bets with a less volatile currency from time to time.

6. Bonuses and promotions

The best online gaming sites all offer bonuses. That could be:

• Welcome bonus (for registering and making your first deposit)
• No deposit bonus (for registering, no deposit needed)
• Free spins (usually tied to a specific game or slot)
• Cashback offers (to give you a percentage back on your losses)
• Reload bonuses (when you top up your account)
• Loyalty programs

Every casino will offer a different level of bonuses, and some may have more favorable terms than others.

Be sure to check the wagering requirements (how many times you need to play through your bonus) before using them as well. Most sites require at least a 30x rollover (meaning you need to play through the amount 30 times before you can withdraw it). Some can be as high as 50x or more.

7. Security and privacy

One of the best parts about gaming online with cryptocurrency is it isn’t subject to the same strict regulations as traditional payment methods. There are plenty of sites out there with no KYC, which cannot be said for the traditional online gaming market.

Only consider betting with casinos with the following:

• SSL encryption
• Two-factor authentication (2FA)
• A strong privacy policy
• Cold storage for player funds (meaning most of them are kept offline, with a small amount kept in a hot wallet for quick withdrawals)
• A “provably fair” system to verify game outcomes are truly random

8. Customer support

If you run into any issues, it’s essential to have someone available to help you out. Most sites will offer email and live chat support, with phone assistance and detailed FAQ pages being common too.

Look for casinos with dedicated customer service teams that are available 24/7, preferably with multiple contact options (e.g., live chat, email). This is why you really want to go with bigger and more reputable platforms — they’re the ones with the infrastructure to provide top-notch customer service.

You can check out casino forums and review sites to get a sense of how responsive and helpful the customer support team is at each site.

9. Mobile compatibility

Mobile gaming has taken over, with more players using smartphones and tablets to access online casinos than ever before. Make sure your preferred casino offers a mobile-friendly version or app so you can gamble on the go.

Some sites may even offer special bonuses for mobile casino users, making it worth your while to play on your phone or tablet rather than just your computer.

10. Fees and transaction speed

While there aren’t fees associated with cryptocurrency transactions like there are with fiat payments, casinos will still charge fees for things like:

• Withdrawals and deposits
• Currency conversion
• Network fees (“gas fees”)
• Account maintenance

Look for casinos that clearly outline their fee structure in the terms and conditions. Transparency indicates trustworthiness.

Beyond that, the transaction speed can vary depending on the casino’s processing times and the blockchain network used for your chosen cryptocurrency. Bitcoin is typically the slowest, with transactions taking anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Ethereum and other altcoins can be much faster, with some casinos offering almost instant withdrawals.

Final thoughts

Remember that no one quality makes a gaming site better than the next. It’s a combination of all the above mentioned factors that determine whether a platform is right for you.

That said, reviews and trustworthiness are the two most important qualities. Don’t get drawn in by a huge welcome bonus or waived fees just to find out the casino is poorly run.

Do your research, read reviews, and stick to reputable platforms for an enjoyable and safe online gaming experience.