What to Look for in a Crypto Casino — Everything You Need To Know

Crypto casinos may have exploded in popularity in recent years owing to their ability to offer fast withdrawals, anonymity and security, and a range of innovative new games, but not all platforms are created equal. As with any emerging industry, there are, unfortunately, scams and licensing gray areas that need to be addressed. With this in mind, we’re going to take a look at what to look for in a crypto casino from a player’s perspective. We’ll be taking a look at online security, fairness and transparency, and payment options, to name just a few. 

Licensing and Regulation Considerations 

Although this may not be the most attractive area for prospective players to begin their search, it is arguably the most important. Licensing and regulation exist to keep players safe and to make sure that the playing field is level at all times. 

The Importance of Licensing 

A properly licensed casino combines regulatory oversight with player protection and an enduring sense of fair play that it can readily demonstrate. Without licensing, there is something of a free-for-all approach that benefits no one other than rogue actors who are looking to benefit from gray areas. Jurisdictions such as Malta, Curacao, and Estonia have moved towards regulation and are playing key roles in legitimizing the foundations of the industry.

Simple Steps to Verify a License 

The world of licensing may feel like a black box packed full of legalese, but there are simple ways to start gaining access to it. Checking the casino’s site footer and then cross-referencing with regulator databases allows players to get insights into whether a site is following regulations correctly. If there are clear errors in basic grammar, no physical address where the casino is registered, and no registration numbers, these are strong warning signs that you are looking at an unlicensed platform.

The Importance of Security and Fairness

Security means that your personal and financial details are kept safe when you give them to a crypto casino, whereas fairness means that the playing field is level. Both aspects need to be considered and accounted for if the game is to operate correctly. 

What Are Provably Fair Games?

Anyone can write some eye-catching marketing spiel that talks about fairness, but it’s being able to prove and demonstrate fairness that matters. Crypto casinos are blockchain-based, meaning that they can prove that no one player or operator can unilaterally make changes to the way the game functions. Fairness, then, is inherently built into the very structure of how the casino operates, as opposed to being something that is aimed at. When a game is provably fair, it presents a more compelling case to regulators to be licensed, as it can be shown that players are not being exploited. 

Specific Security Measures 

The combination of SSL encryption and two-factor authentication, alongside the deployment of cold wallets, all add to the overall security rating of a given casino. Users need to know that their deposits are safe and that their personal and financial details cannot be manipulated or misused. For this reason, it is common for crypto casinos to proactively screen passwords and other data that have been identified in breaches. 

Payment Versatility & Transaction Speed 

For adoption rates to increase, crypto casinos need to offer a versatile range of payment options combined with rapid transactions. Without these two core focuses, crypto casinos would struggle to move beyond niche pursuits in many quarters. 

Commonly Accepted Cryptocurrencies 

Examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and USDC, as well as a growing range of altcoins. The point here is not that diversity necessarily means enhanced security, but that it means increased player flexibility. Being able to attract new users is as much about the convenience factor as it is about being able to demonstrate that the legal groundwork has already been laid. Players need to see that they are being offered something that is ultimately of benefit to them in some way. 

The Importance of Transaction Speed 

Instant and near-instant payouts are one of the key differentiators of crypto casinos. While fiat currency withdrawals are often characterized by extended clearing periods, crypto casinos have looked to move in the other direction. Players are then able to access potential winnings without feeling like the casino is attempting to hold onto their losses for as long as possible. 

Focusing On the User Experience 

Technical details and security features aside, the user experience is all-important. A poor experience will put off the vast majority of casual players, and it’s the casuals that are the ones who will ultimately bring the volume needed for any online business to scale and succeed. 

Offers of Welcome Bonuses and Promotions

Bonuses are built around reasonable wagering requirements that require players to only risk a typical-sized deposit to qualify. If, on the other hand, a much larger bonus requires players to risk a far greater amount, this is a warning sign. Although the offer may be initially very eye-catching, it is unrealistic that any new player who is taking a pragmatic approach will be able to qualify. 

Player-Focused Design 

Traditional slots, live casino games, and fluid sports betting integration are all common features in the world of crypto casinos. At the same time, there are also emerging classes of games, such as crash games, but many casual players are initially attracted to more traditional playing methods. Developers understand the importance of familiarity in fostering trust and building market share, so they generally focus on combining this with a smooth UX and full mobile optimization.

Trusted Reviews & Social Proof 

In an age of paid-for reviews and influencers accepting money for social promotion, being able to see verified and trusted reviews has never mattered more. The problem is knowing where to find them. 

Locating Reliable Crypto Casino Reviews

Surveying industry portals and crypto-specific review sites while noting the different aims of independent sources and affiliate-driven sites is a proven approach. Looking for reviews from verified human players who have established online presences is important. There are various crypto casino reviews that help guide users into making informed decisions. 

Identifying Online Review Red Flags

A lack of transparency and a constant stream of pros with little or no cons are often warning signs of promotional content masquerading as independent reviews. Found a “best casino” list with little or no detail about how the games are perceived by players and what their limitations and drawbacks are? The chances are that you are looking at another piece of online marketing. 

Responsible Crypto-Based Gambling 

Players looking to evaluate the overall responsibility of a crypto gambling platform will find it useful to consider the following: 

• Clear deposit limits and self-exclusion steps to help players play within their means
• Active session reminders that promote healthy and sustainable playing habits 
• Details on how the casino keeps players safe, secure, and anonymous online 

These steps are not marketing plus points — they are clear demonstrations that a given crypto casino has the best interests of its players at heart. Without these steps, it is fair to reflect on whether or not the casino is looking to profit from decisions that players make once they develop less-than-healthy playing habits. 

Selecting the Right Crypto Casino

The right crypto casino can only be determined by considering a variety of key elements, including licensing status, security protocols, payment options, and the overall UX. In addition, social elements such as the presence of trusted online reviews and the ability to demonstrate a culture of responsibility are equally important. 

Any player looking to decide where to make a deposit should view their choice as a matter of protecting deposited funds and ensuring fair play. This is the only way to make sure the playing field is both safe and level at all times.