How Crypto Casinos Stack Up Against Their More Established Counterparts

Crypto Casinos vs. Traditional Casinos: Which is Better?

The rise of crypto casinos has added a new dimension to the online gaming industry. They've challenged the dominance of traditional casinos thanks to their unique blockchain edge and, of course, crypto payments! If you're a keen casino player then you might be wondering how crypto casinos stack up against the 'standard' online casino offering. Here's a quick look!

Transaction Times

One of the standout features of cryptocurrency is the potential for lightning-fast transaction times. Since cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, deposits and withdrawals can be processed almost instantly. In most cases, crypto transactions are completed within 10-30 minutes, regardless of the amount. However, there's also internal processing to consider, which in some less established casinos can take a while. While the crypto space is still relatively new which means that even with a 30-minute processing time, it's not always possible to keep up with well-established casinos. Traditional online casinos rely on third-party payment processors such as banks, credit cards, or e-wallets. Withdrawals at these traditional sites can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 business days, depending on the method used. Looking for sites with Visa Fast Funds, or fast internal processing times is the way to go. For players who want fast transactions, prioritizing established sites, either crypto or traditional, will usually yield the best results.

Game Variety and Poker Options

While crypto casinos have made significant strides in expanding their game selection, there are some well-established sites that it's almost impossible to compete with. Some casino sites offer tens of thousands of games, covering the full spectrum of table games, live dealers, slots, and poker. It's in this last category, poker, that crypto casinos fall noticeably short. One of the areas where more well-established casinos are notably ahead is in the field of poker. Being one of the more specialist casino games, it's possible to find Texas Hold'em at some crypto casinos, but pretty unusual to find the other variants. For fans of Omaha poker, for example, turning to one of the big poker sites is the way to go. Plus, the option to play on a specialist interface and cycle through a few different variants is always welcome.

Player Anonymity

If you value privacy then crypto casinos just nose into the lead. They offer a high level of anonymity, often requiring nothing more than a wallet address to get started. This simplicity can allow for a quicker sign-up process and greater discretion, but remember that all licensed casinos should still adhere to the Know Your Customer (KYC) policy, crypto or not. If you're playing in a licensed market then crypto casinos do still just have the edge.

Bonuses and Promotions

Bonuses and promotions are a tricky one, as both traditional and crypto casinos have their strengths. Often, the bonus at a crypto casino will be for a larger total sum than one at a traditional casino. However, they can be subject to some pretty 'tasty' wagering requirements. If you're claiming a deposit bonus then this is the thing you need to watch out for. It's best to look at each casino and its terms in turn. If you find one with a wagering requirement of somewhere around the 35x mark then you've done pretty well!

Accessibility and Global Reach

The decentralized nature of crypto casinos gives them a significant advantage when it comes to global accessibility. In countries with volatile local currencies, some players prefer to use crypto casinos rather than rely on fiat currency. Not only is it often possible to switch from Bitcoin to Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies, but this usually avoids conversion fees. Additionally, crypto casinos are accessible in many countries, allowing frequent travelers to enjoy a consistent gaming experience wherever they are.

A Final Note

In a lot of these cases, the decision is a personal one. If you're already a crypto fan then you're probably going to opt for the crypto casino option. Conversely, if you don't even have a crypto wallet, why would you go to the hassle of opening one up just to use a casino? Particularly if you can already find hundreds of viable fiat currency alternatives. While crypto casinos are growing in popularity, there are always going to be those who prefer the traditional option. Feel free to decide which side of the fence you're on, but don't be afraid to deviate if you find a casino offering something special.