Cryptocurrency 101

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies, it operates independently of a central bank, making it decentralized. Cryptocurrencies offer numerous advantages such as increased privacy, lower transaction fees, and faster transactions compared to traditional financial systems. It is crucial for players to understand the value and technology behind cryptocurrencies. We are avid gamblers and have been in business reviewing casinos since 2003 and have witnessed numerous changes, transformations and technological advances. This article discusses the advantages and risks of cryptocurrency gambling, the process of using cryptocurrencies, opening a crypto wallet, trading cryptocurrencies, and provides an overview of different cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin SV, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and USD Tether.

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways
Pros
Cons
What is Cryptocurrency?
Advantages
Requirements to use Cryptocurrencies while gambling
Opening a Cryptocurrency Wallet
Opening an Exchange Account
Types of Cryptocurrency
Buying Crypto
Transfer to Digital Wallet
Cryptocurrency Security
Casinos that Accept Cryptocurrencies
FAQ

Key Takeaways

Cryptocurrency is a form of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates independently from a central bank.
Cryptocurrencies offer advantages such as increased privacy, lower transaction fees, and faster transactions compared to traditional financial systems.
To get started with cryptocurrencies, you’ll need a digital wallet and an exchange account, which are crucial for storing and trading digital assets securely.
There are various types of cryptocurrencies available, each with unique features and potential, so it’s important to research and understand them before investing.

Pros:

Enhanced Security: Cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized blockchain technology, ensuring transactions are secure and tamper-proof.
Faster Transactions: Cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals are often processed faster than traditional banking methods, allowing players to access their funds more quickly.
Reduced Fees: Many online casinos offer lower transaction fees for cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals compared to other payment methods.
Increased Anonymity: Cryptocurrency transactions provide a higher level of privacy, as players don’t need to share personal banking details with the casino.
Global Accessibility: Cryptocurrencies can be used from anywhere in the world, making it easier for players in regions with strict banking restrictions to participate in online gambling.
Exclusive Bonuses: Many online casinos offer special bonuses and promotions for players who use cryptocurrencies, enhancing their overall gaming experience.
Transparent Transactions: All cryptocurrency transactions are recorded on a public ledger, ensuring transparency and allowing players to verify the fairness of games.
No Chargebacks: Once a cryptocurrency transaction is confirmed, it cannot be reversed, reducing the risk of fraud for online casinos.

Cons:

Price Volatility: Cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile, with prices fluctuating significantly in short periods. This can affect the value of deposits and winnings.
Limited Acceptance: Not all online casinos accept cryptocurrencies, limiting the choices for players who prefer using digital currencies.
Technical Knowledge Required: Using cryptocurrencies may require a certain level of technical understanding, which can be daunting for some players.
Potential for Loss: If players lose access to their cryptocurrency wallet (e.g., forgetting a password or losing a hardware wallet), they could lose their funds permanently.
Regulatory Concerns: Cryptocurrency regulations vary by country. In some regions, using cryptocurrencies for gambling might be in a legal gray area or even prohibited.
Transaction Irreversibility: Unlike credit card chargebacks, cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible. If a mistake is made (e.g., sending funds to the wrong address), the funds cannot be retrieved.
Security Risks: While cryptocurrencies offer enhanced security, they are not immune to hacks. If an online casino’s security is compromised, players’ funds could be at risk.
Tax Implications: In some countries, cryptocurrency transactions, including gambling wins, may be subject to taxes, and players might need to maintain detailed records for tax reporting.
Lack of Recourse: Traditional banking systems offer certain protections to consumers. With cryptocurrencies, if there’s a dispute or issue, players might have fewer avenues for recourse.
Dependency on Internet Access: Cryptocurrency transactions require internet access. In areas with unstable or no internet connectivity, players might face challenges in accessing their funds.

What is Cryptocurrency?

If you’re new to the world of digital currency, here’s what you need to know about cryptocurrency and why it’s important. Cryptocurrency is a form of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. It operates independently from a central bank, making it decentralized. This decentralization is enabled by blockchain technology – a distributed ledger enforced by a network of computers called nodes.

What’s important to understand?

Now, why should you care? Well, cryptocurrencies offer several advantages over traditional financial systems. They can’t be counterfeited, transactions can’t be reversed arbitrarily by senders, and they provide users more autonomy over their own money than traditional fiat currencies.

But let’s not forget value. The value of cryptocurrencies fluctuates due to various factors such as supply and demand dynamics, technological advancements, regulatory news or events impacting the crypto market at large.

Advantages of Gambling with Cryptocurrency

You’ll typically find that gambling with digital assets offers increased privacy and lower transaction fees. One notable advantage of using cryptocurrency in gambling is the level of anonymity it provides. You won’t need to share sensitive information with online casinos, which significantly reduces the risk of data breaches.

You can enjoy faster transactions when you gamble with cryptocurrencies. Traditional payment methods often have delays and hefty charges; but with crypto, your deposits and withdrawals are nearly instant and carry minimal fees.

There’s a growing number of online gambling services accepting cryptocurrency too, extending more choices for players. These platforms often offer generous bonuses for crypto users which can enhance your overall gaming experience.

However, despite these advantages, there are risks associated with cryptocurrency gambling that you should be aware of. Since this industry is relatively new and unregulated, scams abound. Additionally, the volatile nature of digital currencies could mean that your winnings today might be worth less tomorrow.

What is required to use Cryptocurrencies

To start using digital assets, you’ll need a digital wallet and an exchange account where you can buy and sell these virtual currencies. A digital wallet is where you store your cryptocurrencies, while the exchange is like a stock market for crypto. It’s crucial to choose reliable platforms since they ensure that your transactions are secure.

As a user, understanding how this technology works may seem daunting at first but don’t worry. Cryptocurrencies operate on a technology called blockchain; it’s basically a decentralized network that records all transactions made with the currency. This network is maintained by its users who validate and record transactions in return for more of the cryptocurrency – a process known as mining.

Here is what you need to use Cryptocurrencies

Crypto Wallet
Exchange Account
Proof of Identity
Funding (Debit Card is quickest)

Opening a Crypto Wallet

Opening a digital wallet is your first step into the world of virtual assets, and it’s easier than you might think. As an investor, this gives you a personal address to start buying and selling cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, ethereum, or ripple.

Let’s walk through this process together. First, you’ll need to choose a reliable digital wallet provider. There are many available online that support multiple types of cryptocurrency trading. It’s crucial to choose one that has robust security features because protecting your investments should be your top priority.

After setting up your account with your chosen provider, you’ll be given a unique key—think of it as the bank account number for all things crypto. This key safeguards all transactions linked to bitcoins or other currencies in your portfolio.

Using real-world currency, often referred to as fiat currency, you can buy bitcoin, ethereum, ripple or any other available cryptos. Below are 3 different wallets that can be used.

Wallet	Fee	Currencies Supported	Platforms
Exodus	FREE	Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash & more	Desktop & Mobile
Trezor	$219	Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash & more	Desktop & Mobile
Edge	FREE	Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Eos, Stellar, XRP, Dash, Monero	Mobile

Opening an Exchange account

Once you’ve got your digital wallet set up, it’s time to open an exchange account where you’ll be able to trade virtual assets. You’re not just limited to Bitcoin, there’s a whole universe of virtual currencies out there waiting for you such as Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum Classic, Bitcoin Gold and Dogecoin among others.

Litecoin’s faster transaction confirmation times make it attractive while Bitcoin Cash’s larger block sizes offer more capacity for transactions. Ethereum Classic stands out with its focus on decentralization and immutability whereas Bitcoin Gold aims at restoring mining functionality with common Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). And who can ignore Dogecoin’s growing popularity fueled by social media hype?

Coinbase, Cash App and eToro are a few different exchanges you can use.

Coinbase

Coinbase is a popular cryptocurrency exchange available in over 100 countries with 73 million verified users. It offers account creation for individuals and businesses, allowing users to buy, sell, and manage their holdings starting with just $25. Coinbase also provides rewards for referrals, daily rewards for holding cryptocurrencies, and educational resources to help users learn about crypto basics.

Cash App

Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank, that offers convenient and instant transactions for sending and receiving money, stocks, and bitcoin. It provides free services for sending and receiving money, stocks, or bitcoin within the app. Cash App’s banking services are provided by its bank partner(s), and its bitcoin services are provided by Block, Inc (formerly known as Square, Inc).

eToro

eToro is a well-established crypto exchange that has been in operation since before the launch of the Bitcoin network. The platform supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and is available in over 70 countries. eToro also offers a standalone crypto exchange called eToroX, which provides additional services such as credit lines and API services. Both eToro and eToroX can be accessed through web browsers as well as Android and iOS applications.

Types of Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin

Bitcoin is the first and most well-known type of cryptocurrency. Created by an individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, it introduced a completely new form of currency to the world. The decentralized nature of bitcoin means that transactions can’t be tampered with once they’re recorded on the blockchain. However, this doesn’t eliminate all risks. Protecting your wallet is crucial – if someone gets access to it, they could potentially steal all your bitcoins.

Bitcoin mining is essentially how new bitcoins are created. By solving complex mathematical problems, miners verify transactions and add them to the blockchain – a public ledger. Miners are then compensated with Bitcoin.

Bitcoin SV

Bitcoin SV’s often the preferred choice for its stability and scalability. It’s a digital currency that stands out due to SV’s scalability, making it faster and more efficient than many alternatives. Your transactions can process quickly, regardless of volume, thanks to the power of SV’s blockchain potential.

This cryptocurrency is also tightly aligned with Satoshi Nakamoto’s original vision for Bitcoin – hence the name Bitcoin “SV,” standing for “Satoshi Vision.”

Bitcoin Cash

Bitcoin Cash’s known for its increased block size in comparison to Bitcoin, which allows for more transactions to be processed. This is where Cash’s scalability comes into play. It’s designed to handle more transactions per second. As a result, you’re less likely to experience delays and high transaction fees that can plague other cryptocurrencies.

When Bitcoin Cash split from Bitcoin in 2017, those who held Bitcoin received an equivalent amount of Bitcoin Cash. This created instant liquidity and value which contributed towards its adoption.

Litecoin

Litecoin’s often hailed as the silver to Bitcoin’s gold, with its faster transaction times and larger supply cap. You’ll find that Litecoin’s scalability is one of its main advantages over other cryptocurrencies. It can handle a higher volume of transactions thanks to its faster block generation rate.

Ethereum

Ethereum has the ability to execute smart contracts and decentralized applications without any downtime or third-party interference. It’s an open-source blockchain system that has revolutionized the world of cryptocurrency.

When it comes to Smart Contracts, Ethereum is king. These are self-executing contracts where the terms are written into code. They’re automatically executed when conditions are met, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This makes transactions faster, cheaper and more transparent.

USD Tether

USD Tether is a stablecoin that’s pegged to the US dollar and aims to keep cryptocurrency valuations steady. You might find Tether’s stability quite appealing, especially if you’re tired of the wild price swings associated with other cryptocurrencies.

Every transaction you make on the Tether network is publicly visible on the blockchain ledger. This transparency allows for unprecedented levels of accountability and traceability in financial transactions. With traditional banking systems, sending money overseas can be expensive and slow; it’s here where Tether shines brightest! Using this stablecoin for your international transfers could save you a bundle while also speeding up transaction times significantly.

Buying Crypto

To buy these assets, you’ll need to set up an account on a cryptocurrency exchange. Here’s where you can trade traditional currency for digital coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum. You’ve got options when choosing an exchange; consider factors such as transfer speeds, transfer fees, and wallet compatibility.

Once your account is set up and funded with cash or card payment, you’re ready to buy. Always be mindful of market trends before making a purchase decision – prices can fluctuate rapidly! Whether it’s Steem or Stratis that’s caught your eye – do your research first.

Remember: owning these digital assets means taking on risk. But with careful planning and strategic investing in platforms like Augur or other crypto projects might just prove profitable in this dynamic world of cryptocurrencies. Don’t dive headfirst without understanding what you’re getting into!

Transferring to a Wallet

After buying your digital assets, it’s crucial to transfer them to a secure wallet for safekeeping. There are many digital wallets available, Exodus is a highly rated, and one that we recommend.

Think of your wallet as your personal bank vault. It’s where you keep all the crypto assets that you’ve acquired. Transferring your assets isn’t a complex process. It is just about knowing the right steps and following them.

When transferring cryptocurrencies into your wallet, ensure that the wallet you are using supports these specific types of crypto and match the currency you are sending. Bitcoin can only be transferred to a Bitcoin Wallet Address, Bitcoin Cash can only be transferred to a Bitcoin Cash wallet address. These different address are NOT interchangable.

Lastly, remember that security is paramount when dealing with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Altcoin and others. Always keep your private keys confidential and only use wallets from trusted sources.

Security and Privacy

Cryptocurrency transactions are recorded on a blockchain—a public ledger—but your personal information should remain private. Encrypt all sensitive information to ensure hackers can’t easily access it.

Privacy in cryptocurrency isn’t just about shielding personal information—it’s also about transaction anonymity. Remember that every time you make a transaction using digital currency like Bitcoin or Litecoin, that action is permanently recorded on the blockchain.

Lastly—and this might seem obvious—don’t share sensitive account details with anyone else. This includes login credentials for exchanges or wallets holding your cryptocurrencies.

Securely managing these assets may feel daunting initially but remember: it’s ultimately safeguarding what potentially could be a significant investment for you.

Cryptocurrency Gambling Sites

In the digital age, cryptocurrency has revolutionized various industries, and the gambling sector is no exception. With the promise of enhanced security, faster transactions, and increased anonymity, many online casinos have embraced cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as a preferred payment method. Let’s delve into three prominent online casinos that have integrated cryptocurrency into their platforms.

Bovada Casino

Bovada Casino, a renowned name in the online gambling world, offers a plethora of games ranging from slots to table games. Their platform is user-friendly, ensuring both novices and seasoned gamblers have a seamless experience. Bovada stands out with its impressive bonuses, especially the Bitcoin Welcome Bonus, which can significantly boost a player’s initial deposit. With a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, they offer 24/7 customer support and ensure swift payouts, making it a top choice for many.

Slots.lv Casino

Slots.lv Casino is a haven for slot enthusiasts. With over 400 games, players are spoilt for choice. Their platform is not only visually appealing but also easy to navigate. They offer a lucrative Bitcoin Welcome Bonus, emphasizing their commitment to cryptocurrency users. Their customer service is top-notch, ensuring players’ queries and concerns are addressed promptly. With a robust mobile platform, players can enjoy their favorite games on the go.

Ignition Casino

Ignition Casino promises a thrilling gambling experience with its vast selection of games, from slots to poker. Their platform boasts high-quality graphics and realistic sound effects, ensuring players are immersed in their gaming experience. Ignition Casino is also known for its generous bonuses, including a notable welcome bonus that can significantly enhance a player’s initial deposit. They offer various banking options, including Bitcoin, ensuring transactions are swift and secure. Their commitment to player satisfaction is evident in their 24/7 customer support and emphasis on security.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Value of Cryptocurrency Fluctuate and What Factors Influence It?

You’re asking about the factors influencing cryptocurrency’s value. It fluctuates based on supply and demand, market sentiment, technological advancements, regulatory news, and overall economic health. These elements impact its perceived worth and adoption rate.

Are There Any Legal Implications or Regulations Around the Use of Cryptocurrencies?

Yes, there are legal implications for using cryptocurrencies. It’s regulated differently worldwide. Some countries embrace it, while others ban it. You’ll need to understand your local laws before getting involved with cryptocurrency transactions.

Is It Possible to Convert Cryptocurrency Back Into Traditional Currency?

Yes, you can convert cryptocurrency back into traditional currency. It’s done through a process called ‘selling’ on an exchange platform. Once sold, you can withdraw your money in the form of traditional currency.

How Do I Declare My Cryptocurrency for Tax Purposes?

To declare your cryptocurrency for tax purposes, you’ll need to report it as a capital gain or loss. Track all transactions, calculate your gains or losses, and include them on your annual tax return.

Can I Use Cryptocurrencies to Purchase Goods and Services in Everyday Transactions?

Yes, you can use cryptocurrencies to buy goods and services. Many businesses accept them. However, it’s not as widespread as traditional currency yet, so you’ll need to check if a specific place accepts crypto payments.

How do I gamble at online casinos using cryptocurrencies?

It’s easier than it appears. It takes only 6 steps to begin using crypto at your favorite online casino.

Sign up and get a crypto wallet
Sign up at an exchange account
Provide Proof of Identity
Purchase Crypto at your exchange account
Transfer to your Crypto Wallet
Using your Crypto Wallet, deposit funds into your online casino