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Crypto Poker: Everything You Need To Know To Play Poker With Crypto

Written by: Jordan Conroy 10 min read
Crypto poker sites have become increasingly popular for the tremendous benefits they offer their players. They allow you to deposit and withdraw funds using a variety of cryptocurrencies, providing fast and secure payment. Here, we will explore the other advantages and disadvantages of playing poker with crypto, and provide tips for getting the most out of this unique experience.
Close-up of a stack of bitcoin coins on the background of a stack of casino chips. Bitcoin casino game. Cryptocurrency excitement. Bet on bitcoins.

What is Crypto Poker?

Crypto Poker refers to the practice of playing poker games using cryptocurrencies as the primary form of currency for betting and transactions. Instead of using traditional currencies like US dollars or euros, players use digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, or other crypto assets to participate in poker games.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the advantages of crypto poker, step-by-step instructions on getting started, trusted platforms to play on, the top exchanges and wallets to house your crypto, and much more.

Top Crypto Poker Sites

We have curated a list of the best crypto poker sites that offer you a seamless fusion of cutting-edge technology and thrilling gameplay. From renowned platforms with a wide range of poker variants to secure and reliable transactions, these top online poker sites provide the ultimate crypto-friendly environment for players seeking an exciting poker experience.

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Playing Online Poker with Crypto

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PLAY POKER WITH CRYPTO

Below you will find a step-by-step guide to help you play online poker with Bitcoin or other digital assets. This includes registering for an exchange, funding your account, buying crypto, getting a cryptocurrency wallet, sending crypto from your exchange to your wallet, signing up for a poker site, and funding your poker account. Some of these steps may not be necessary for your specific situation, so feel free to skip steps you’ve already done.

Popular Cryptocurrencies for Poker

When it comes to playing poker with cryptocurrencies, there are several popular digital currencies that have gained recognition and acceptance within the online poker community. These cryptocurrencies offer unique features and advantages that make them attractive options for players. Let’s take a look:

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin is the original and most well-known cryptocurrency and carries the highest value. It is widely accepted in the online poker community and offers secure and anonymous transactions. Bitcoin’s large user base makes it a popular choice for crypto poker players and there are a number of great Bitcoin poker sites to choose from.

2. Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum is a decentralized platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used for transactions within the Ethereum network and is also accepted by many crypto poker sites. Ethereum’s flexibility and programmability open up possibilities for innovative features and game mechanics in crypto poker.

3. Litecoin (LTC)

Litecoin is often considered the silver to Bitcoin’s gold. It offers faster transaction confirmation times and a different hashing algorithm, making it more accessible for smaller transactions. Many online poker sites accept Litecoin, providing players with a reliable and efficient alternative to Bitcoin.

4. Ripple (XRP)

Ripple is a digital payment protocol that facilitates fast, low-cost international money transfers. While not as widely supported in the crypto poker community as Bitcoin or Ethereum, some platforms accept Ripple as a form of payment. Ripple’s focus on facilitating seamless cross-border transactions may appeal to players looking for quick and cost-effective transfers.

5. Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

Bitcoin Cash is a cryptocurrency that emerged as a result of a hard fork from Bitcoin. It offers faster transaction speeds and lower fees compared to Bitcoin. Bitcoin Cash is accepted by select crypto poker sites, providing an alternative for players seeking a balance between transaction efficiency and broader adoption.

6. Cardano (ADA)

Cardano is a blockchain platform that aims to provide a secure and sustainable infrastructure for the development of decentralized applications. Its native cryptocurrency, ADA, is accepted by some crypto poker platforms. Cardano’s focus on scalability and sustainability makes it an interesting choice for players seeking a forward-looking blockchain solution.

7. Dogecoin (DOGE)

Originally created as a lighthearted cryptocurrency, Dogecoin has gained a significant following and community. While not as widely supported in the crypto poker industry as other cryptocurrencies, some platforms accept Dogecoin as a payment option. Dogecoin’s playful nature and active community may appeal to players looking for a fun and unique poker experience.

Please note that the availability of cryptocurrencies for poker may vary depending on the platform and region. It’s always advisable to check with the specific online poker site for their supported cryptocurrencies before making a deposit.

WHERE TO PLAY CRYPTO POKER

In this section, we will take you on a tour of the most reputable and feature-rich poker sites that support cryptocurrency as a payment option. Whether you’re seeking a user-friendly interface, diverse game selection, attractive bonuses, or top-notch security, we have handpicked the best online poker rooms that excel in each aspect.

Ignition Ignition

Ignition Poker

If you’re looking for the best place to play online poker with cryptocurrency, Ignition Poker is the place for you. They offer a number of bonuses including weekly rewards, faster withdrawals, and higher maximum transactions. Ignition makes it so easy to play online poker with crypto that they provide a full step-by-step guide to depositing and playing with your favorite coin.

Key Info

• Cryptocurrency Options: Bitcoin, Bitcoin SV, Bitcoin cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether
• Crypto Deposit Min/Max: $10/$5,000
• Welcome Bonus: 150% up to $3000 with you first deposit
• Highlight: High number of Crypto Deposit Options

Pros

  • Fast withdrawals within 15-20 minutes
  • Multiple bonus options using Crypto
  • Lower transaction fees

Cons

  • No mobile app
Bovada Bovada

Bovada Poker

Bovada Poker loves crypto users. They offer a free to get ‘Crypto Exclusive’ membership program to online poker players who deposit using cryptocurrency. This program provides users with premium rewards and bonuses, as well as other exclusive benefits. Combine this with their anonymous tables, great mobile experience, and high traffic, and you’ll see why Bovada Poker is one of our highest-rated Bitcoin poker sites.

Key Info

• Cryptocurrency Options: Bitcoin, Bitcoin SV, Bitcoin cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether
• Crypto Deposit Min/Max: $10/$5,000
• Welcome Bonus: 125% up to $3,750 on Crypto Deposit
• Highlight: High number of Tournaments

Pros

  • No fees on deposits
  • 24/7 Crypto Support
  • Soft games

Cons

  • Little high-stakes actions
Bodog Bodog

BODOG

Bodog gears its online poker site towards recreational players, with anonymous tables to limit bum hunting and a lack of a rakeback program to discourage high-volume players. This creates a welcoming place to play poker online with plenty of soft poker games, which is great for players looking for an alternative to some of the more grind-y sites. With a variety of games to play, as well as fast cashouts, Bodog is definitely a recreational fan favorite.

Key Info

  • Cryptocurrency options: Bitcoin/Bitcoin Cash/Bitcoin SV/Litecoin/Ethereum
  • Crypto Deposit Min/Max: BTC/BCH/BSV/LTC: $10/$5000 | ETH: $60/$5000
  • Welcome Bonus: 100% matched deposit up to $1000
  • Highlight: The softness of its games.

Pros

  • Good selection of games.
  • Easy to use site design.
  • Plenty of traffic.

Cons

  • Limited promotions for existing customers.
GG Poker logo GG Poker logo

GGPOKER

As the biggest poker site on the Canadian market, GG Poker has started to incorporate cryptocurrency payments. While they currently only accept Bitcoin, we can see them adding more currencies in the future. What more can we say about GG that hasn’t been said? They have everything from huge tournament guarantees and soft poker games to a large player base and innovative game features. Unfortunately, this crypto poker site is not available for players in the United States, so American players will have to venture somewhere else.

Key Info

  • Cryptocurrency options: Bitcoin
  • Crypto Deposit Min/Max: $10/$50,000
  • Welcome Bonus: 100% matched deposit up to $600
  • Highlight: High poker traffic

Pros

  • Highest poker traffic in the industry.
  • Huge tournament guarantees.
  • Generous welcome bonus.

Cons

  • Limited mixed game options.
BetOnline BetOnline

BETONLINE

Considered by many to be one of the best online poker rooms in the US, the BetOnline brand launched in 1991 and has offered poker since 2011. After relaunching its poker software in 2016, BetOnline has been one of the best-looking sites on the market and a great place to play poker online. As a top 3 site in terms of US traffic, there is a wide range of poker games to play, including freerolls, tournaments, and cash games.

Key Info

  • Cryptocurrency options: Bitcoin/Ethereum/Litecoin/Bitcoin Cash/Ripple
  • Crypto Deposit Min/Max: $20/$3500
  • Welcome Bonus: 100% matched deposit up to $1000
  • Highlight: Its stunning software design

Pros

  • High traffic.
  • Lots of low-limit cash games.
  • Great welcome bonus.

Cons

  • No iOS mobile app.

Advantages of Playing Online Poker With Crypto

So, what sets apart a poker site that accepts cryptocurrency from any other? After all, it’s the same game, so can a few different deposit methods truly make a significant difference? Well, depositing with crypto brings several advantages that you won’t find with other methods. Let’s delve into the numerous benefits of playing on an online poker site that supports cryptocurrency and explore why it’s worth considering.

Bonus Offers For Crypto Poker

Crypto buttons

One reservation that people have about using cryptocurrency as a deposit option is that they may not be eligible for bonuses and promotions. However, while this may have been true in the early days of cryptocurrency, all the best crypto poker sites allow their players to take full advantage of the bonuses they offer, no matter how they deposit. Let’s look at some of the bonus offers available for players depositing with Bitcoin.

MATCHED DEPOSIT BONUSES

Players who deposit with Bitcoin have access to the matched deposit bonuses available at the top online poker sites. These bonuses will match a certain percentage of your deposit up to a certain amount. The most common matched deposit bonus you’ll see is a 100% matched deposit bonus, which means that your Bitcoin deposit will be doubled! However, players often need to unlock this bonus by paying rake, so always read the terms and conditions before playing.

FREE POKER CHIPS/BUY-INS

Arguably the best bonus a poker player can have, these bonuses give you a chance to play on Bitcoin poker sites for free. Most sites that offer this promotion will have a certain amount you need to deposit to unlock this reward. You’ll often need to play through the bonus several times before it becomes eligible for withdrawal, but this will be at the discretion of the crypto poker site. Unfortunately, we’re finding it increasingly hard to find sites that offer this type of bonus, so be on the lookout for the ones that do!

FREE BETS

Most Bitcoin poker sites have branched out into the world of online casinos and online sportsbooks. As a result, some of the bonuses they offer will relate to those aspects of their site, whether it’s free sports bets or free casino bets. These offers allow you to try online casino games for free, but most come with wagering requirements that you must meet before the bonus becomes eligible for withdrawal.

HOW TO BUY CRYPTO FROM AN EXCHANGE

Buying crypto from an exchange is one of the most convenient ways to make a cryptocurrency purchase for your online poker escapades. While the process may differ slightly from one exchange to another, they all follow the same broad strokes, so we’ve created a guide to help you make your first cryptocurrency purchase.

It’s as easy as that! You’ve just made your first cryptocurrency purchase!

WHAT BANKING METHODS DO EXCHANGES ACCEPT?

If you’re looking to convert some of your fiat money to cryptocurrency, it’s important to know your options for getting your money on and off your chosen exchange. The exact banking methods available to you will vary depending on the exchange you use and the country you live in, as some governments have much tighter restrictions for allowing banks to facilitate transactions to crypto exchanges.

Credit/Debit Card

The most popular way to deposit money to a crypto exchange is with a credit/debit card. This payment method is extremely convenient, as it’s just like online shopping; simply put in your card details and the amount you’d like to deposit, and away you go. The downside to using credit/debit cards is that the transaction limits are usually lower than other methods and the fees are relatively high in comparison – but you’re paying for the convenience.

Bank Transfers

Some exchanges do allow direct bank transfers as a deposit method. Once your account has been verified, this method will have limits in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, so you’ll have no problem getting all the money you want to convert onto the site. However, some banks are cracking down on crypto transactions and will flag your deposit as a fraudulent transaction at best and flat-out block the transaction at worst.

E-wallets

E-wallets are another option for depositing money to exchanges, though the exact providers available to you will vary from site to site. It’s important to note that not all crypto exchanges will allow you to deposit fiat currency to trade; some of them only allow crypto deposits and only support crypto trading pairs.

TOP 5 CRYPTO EXCHANGES

Now that we know what exchanges are, why they’re important, and how you can get your money onto them, let’s take a look at the best ones on the market! There are a number of great choices that can get you the crypto you need to start enjoying the best Bitcoin poker sites in no time.

Binance logo Binance logo

BINANCE

One of the most prominent exchanges in the crypto space is Binance. They’re one of the largest exchanges in the world in terms of trading volume and support over 150 cryptocurrencies. Not only is their site great to look at, they have one of the best fee structures across any exchange, meaning that more of your money goes into investing. They even offer discounts on their already low fees if you use their proprietary coin (BNB) to pay for trading fees.

Highlight: Low trading fees with discounts available.

Lowlight: It could be too complicated for beginners to buy and sell crypto.

Coinbase logo Coinbase logo

COINBASE

Coinbase is often the first exchange that many people use due to its popularity and ease of use. When you sign up to Coinbase for the first time, the account creation and onboarding process is really simple to follow, meaning that even if you’re a complete novice, you’ll have no trouble using the app. The fact that it’s available on mobile makes it even easier to use, as all it takes is a few taps/clicks, and you’ve deposited your fiat and traded it for crypto.

Coinbase is perfect for beginners, as not only do they have one of the easiest-to-use platforms on the market, but they also have a variety of learning tools that teach you how to trade and stake certain cryptocurrencies. You’re also rewarded with a small amount of cryptocurrency for completing the lesson, allowing you to earn while you learn.

Highlight: Easy to use interface and fast purchase process.

Lowlight: High fees compared to other exchanges.

Kraken Logo Kraken Logo

KRAKEN

One of the oldest exchanges we have on our list, Kraken is one of the first crypto exchanges to exist, having launched in 2011. In the crypto world, where fads come and go within a couple of days, they must be doing something right to have lasted this long. While it doesn’t have a gimmick that makes it stand out from the crowd, it does a lot of things very well, making it a solid choice in such a crowded market.

It is ranked second in the CERtification Platform’s top 100 exchanges by cybersecurity rating; it has low fees (lower than Coinbase), margin trading, staking, and a range of analytical tools to assist with trading. If you’re looking for a reliable cryptocurrency exchange, Kraken is an excellent choice.

Highlight: Excellent security and all-around solid exchange.

Lowlight: Limited range of fiat and cryptocurrencies available to trade.

etoro logo etoro logo

E-TORO

While e-Toro may be best known for stocks and shares trading, they also have a fully integrated cryptocurrency exchange. There are over 60 coins to trade, and there is a lot of educational content on the platform, making it easy to learn how to buy, sell, and trade crypto. You also have access to the e-Toro network, which allows you to follow and communicate with top traders to help you get better and make smarter decisions.

Highlight: Ability to follow and copy other traders’ portfolios.

Lowlight: The site was hacked in 2020 and has lower security scores than other sites.

crypto.com logo crypto.com logo

CRYPTO.COM

If you’re looking for an exchange with a lot of security, Crypto.com is one of the best options available. In fact, it’s ranked number one in the CERtifciation Platform’s top 100 exchanges! It has multiple layers of protection against cyberattacks and crypto fraud, making it one of the safest places to trade your crypto.

While security is its main feature, there are plenty of other great benefits to using this site. There are over 250 cryptocurrencies available to trade, as well as margin trading, NFT support, and crypto loans. It’s even easy to get your money on the site, as they accept both Visa and bank transfers as payment options.

Highlight: Exceptional cybersecurity ratings.

Lowlight: Relatively low trading volume.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

While the top five are our most recommended, that doesn’t mean they’re the only good crypto exchanges on the market. There are plenty of great exchanges that you should check out, like the ones below.

  • Changelly
  • KuCoin
  • VirgoCX
  • Coinmama
  • Shakepay
  • CoinSmart
  • IO
  • Huobi
  • Bitpanda

Storing Your Cryptocurrency on a Wallet for Poker

While a crypto exchange is necessary to get started playing online poker with crypto, it is advised not to keep your cryptocurrency on an exchange due to the lack of control over your private keys. These keys are necessary for accessing your coins to play poker. If the exchange is hacked, your funds could be wiped out, and even without a hack, the exchange may freeze withdrawals, leaving you unable to access your cryptocurrency.

To ensure security and control, it is best to create a personal Bitcoin wallet where you can store your crypto long-term. However, if you intend to actively trade, keeping a small amount on the exchange can be convenient and help minimize fees, while keeping the majority of your crypto in a personal wallet for added security.

WHAT IS A CRYPTO WALLET?

Crypto wallets are necessary for owning and accessing cryptocurrency. Similar to how cash requires a wallet and online money needs a bank account or e-wallet, cryptocurrency needs a dedicated place for access. A crypto wallet stores your private keys, which are essential for authorizing transactions from your wallet’s address. All crypto assets are stored on the blockchain and associated with specific addresses. To legally own cryptocurrency and use it for online poker, you need to transfer it to an address you control first.

SOFTWARE VS. HARDWARE WALLETS

People store their cryptocurrency in two popular ways: software wallets and hardware wallets. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s take a closer look at them.

TOP 5 HARDWARE WALLETS

The first hardware wallet was created in 2013, and in the decade since, some fantastic devices have come to market. Let’s take a look at the best ones.

Ledger logo Ledger logo

LEDGER NANO X

Frequently cited as one of the best Bitcoin wallets on the market, the Ledger Nano X is everything you need in a hardware wallet. It supports over 5500 different cryptocurrencies and can hold 100 different currencies simultaneously. It has a fantastic screen, improved security features, and even BlueTooth functionality so that you can manage it from your phone.

Cost: $149

Supported Platforms: Windows 8.1+, macOS 10.14+, Linux, iOS 13+, Android 7+

Supported Cryptocurrencies: 5500+

Concurrent Apps: 100

Ledger logo Ledger logo

LEDGER NANO S PLUS

The Ledger Nano S is a cheaper alternative to the Nano X that still has all of the essential features. It also supports over 5500 cryptocurrencies and allows you to have 100 currencies simultaneously. While it doesn’t have BlueTooth, it has a great screen and is perfect for those who are looking for a hardware wallet while on a budget.

Cost: $79

Supported Platforms: Windows 8+, macOS 10.8+, Linux, Android 7+

Supported Cryptocurrencies: 5500+

Concurrent Apps: 100

Trezor Logo Trezor Logo

TREZOR MODEL T

Another established heavyweight in the hardware wallet industry is Trezor, and their flagship device is its Model T. While it’s the most expensive device on our list, it has the capability of holding all supported cryptocurrencies simultaneously, unlike the Ledger, which is limited to 100. So if you’re heavily diversified, this is the device for you.

Cost: $255

Supported Platforms: Windows 10+, macOS 10.11+, Linux, Android

Supported Cryptocurrencies: 1200+

Concurrent Apps: 1200+

Trezor Logo Trezor Logo

TREZOR MODEL ONE

The Trezor Model One is the answer to Ledger’s Nano S/S Plus. They’re similarly priced and have similar functionalities. Some prefer the slimmer form of the Nano S Plus, but the Trezor Model One has a bigger screen, which may tip the balance for some people.

Cost: $72

Supported Platforms: Windows 10+, macOS 10.11+, Linux, Android

Supported Cryptocurrencies: 1000+

Concurrent Apps: 1000+

Ellipal Logo Ellipal Logo

ELLIPAL TITAN

The Ellipal Titan is a unique hardware wallet on our list as it has its own battery and functions as its own device. Once you have created an account on the device, you need to link it to a mobile app to be able to manage it. It’s a great little device that supports over 10,000 currencies across 44 blockchains, and the phone management app makes it convenient to make transactions.

Cost: $139

Supported Platforms: Android, iOS

Supported Cryptocurrencies: 10,000+

Concurrent Apps: 10,000+

TOP 5 SOFTWARE WALLETS

While hardware wallets offer a lot of security, software wallets are the most popular way to access your cryptocurrency. There are plenty of different options to choose from depending on the particular cryptocurrency you’re looking to store, so let’s look at the best options.

Metamask logo Metamask logo

METAMASK

Metamask is the perfect software wallet for any cryptocurrency on the Ethereum blockchain. It works right in your browser, making it easy to connect to decentralized exchanges such as Uniswap. There’s even the option to buy Ethereum directly from your wallet, meaning you don’t have to bother with exchanges. The only downside is the lack of Bitcoin support.

Cost: Free

Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge

Supported Cryptocurrencies: Any ETH-based token.

Trust Wallet Logo Trust Wallet Logo

TRUST WALLET

Thanks to its simple and intuitive user interface and security features, one of the best phone wallets you can use is Trust Wallet. It also supports an eye-watering 4.5 million assets across 65 blockchains, so whatever coin you’re looking to hold, you can hold it on Trust Wallet.

Cost: Free

Supported Platforms: Android, iOS

Supported Cryptocurrencies: 4.5m+

Atomic Wallet Logo Atomic Wallet Logo

ATOMIC WALLET

If you’re looking for a bit of privacy when it comes to your crypto activity, Atomic Wallet is the best choice for you, as there are no accounts, verification, or KYC when you create your wallet. While it doesn’t support as many currencies as other wallets, they have a dedicated ERC-20 wallet for any tokens on that blockchain. You can even buy crypto directly in your Atomic Wallet.

Cost: Free

Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora

Supported Cryptocurrencies: 432

Guarda Logo Guarda Logo

GUARDA WALLET

Guarda Wallet is a secure crypto wallet with full desktop and mobile support, so you can buy and sell crypto wherever you are. You’re able to stake your crypto directly from your wallet, as well as purchase crypto with your bank card.

Cost: Free

Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Supported Cryptocurrencies: 400,000+

Exodus logo Exodus logo

EXODUS

With an excellent, easy-to-use interface, Exodus is one of the most popular crypto wallets on the market. The way it displays your portfolio is reminiscent of a stock portfolio, with graphs and charts showing the performance of your coins. It even has built-in browser support, so you don’t have to download an app directly onto your machine.

Cost: Free

Supported Platforms: Windows 10+, macOS 10.12+, Linux 4.10+. iOS12+, Android 8.0+

Supported Cryptocurrencies: 233

Conclusion

Crypto poker sites offer a unique and convenient experience for online players. With our step-by-step guide, you can easily navigate the process of playing poker with crypto, from purchasing cryptocurrency on exchanges to choosing the right wallet for storing your digital assets. Keep in mind that it’s important to consider the cons as well, such as market volatility and potential regulatory challenges.

Crypto poker sites provide exciting bonus offers and a range of pros such as increased privacy and faster transactions. By making informed decisions and following our tips, you can enjoy the benefits of playing poker with crypto while keeping your assets secure.

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Jordan conroy

Jordan conroy

Author
A long-time player, Jordan started writing about poker in 2020. He continues to stay on top of the newest poker theory and the latest goings on in the poker world to deliver top-quality content. While poker is his biggest passion, he also closely follows soccer, snooker, and F1.

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