Bitcoin Sports Betting
With credit cards having been banned for gambling purposes in the UK in April 2020, many punters have had to seek an alternative when it comes to funding their activity on betting sites. Cryptocurrency revolutionised the betting industry, with Bitcoin being accepted by an increasing number of bookies. While Bitcoin is more commonly associated with casino sites, those placing sports bets are now coming to terms with it too. Bitcoin is more accessible than ever before too, with this method of payment eliminating some common problems which punters face, including security, convenience and speed.
All of the Bitcoin betting sites discussed on this page are fully licensed and regulated, with the specifics surrounding payments differing between them.
Selecting Your BTC Sportsbook – 5 Factors to Consider
Bitcoin is certainly not a traditional method of payment, however its speed and safety make it makes it increasing appealing to punters. Many transactions are processed instantly, while they are 100% anonymous. However, when selecting a Bitcoin sportsbook, there are a number of factors in which betting customers must take into consideration.
What is Bitcoin?
The history behind Bitcoin remains somewhat up in the air, however many attribute it to Satoshi Nakomoto back in 2018. The peer-to-peer digital currency operates without a central bank or administrator, meaning that funds can be transferred without intermediaries. Bitcoin is the most popular of the many cryptocurrencies available today, with payments being verified by network nodes and recorded on what is known as a blockchain. It was in 2016 when UK bookies started to introduce Bitcoin as a payment method, with many looking to take advantage of over 5 million cryptocurrency wallet holders.
How Does Bitcoin Work?
A Bitcoin is often regarded as a computer file that is stored in a digital wallet. Customers can send and receive Bitcoins, with every transaction processed being recorded in a blockchain, which is public list. As such, users can keep track of Bitcoins, ensuring that they are not copied or spent without authorisation. Bitcoins can be purchased using real money, created using a computer or through selling items to others.
What Do I Need to Bet with Bitcoin?
Before you can start betting using Bitcoin, there are a few things in which punters must do. Firstly, customers must first select a bookie that accepts payments through Bitcoin. A good number of betting sites are now available to punters in the UK, so choose your favourite and sign up. Secondly, customers must also open an e-wallet, which is where your Bitcoins will be stored. The next step is to purchase Bitcoins at the exchange rate on the day, whether it be via a debit card or another method of payment. Once you have valid Bitcoins in your wallet, they can be used to deposit on your chosen betting site. Deposits made using Bitcoin are instant.
How to Bet Using Bitcoin
There is no way to bet using Bitcoin without a wallet. Meanwhile, there are also a few other factors to get your head around. Your wallet is effectively a cryptocurrency bank account, where purchases and sales can be made. A host of different wallets are available, with some being downloadable, while most operate on browsers. Be sure to keep your wallet secure once it is active, which can be achieved by regularly backing it up.
Some fees may be incurred when using Bitcoin, however these are very small in most cases. Such fees help to keep the cryptocurrency in operation. Bitcoin is fully encrypted, while it is kept secure within the relevant blockchain. The fact that Bitcoin payments are hidden also allows for anonymity, while servers across the globe keep it decentralised.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Betting Using Bitcoin
Bitcoin’s growing popularity comes down to a host of benefits, while there are relatively few limitations to speak of. The following are the main advantages and disadvantages of betting using Bitcoin:
Advantages:
Anonymity – When betting using Bitcoin, punters do not have to provide their real name, phone number, address of bank card details. Bitcoin offers complete anonymity, with only an active email or Bitcoin wallet address being needed to deposit and withdraw funds. It is worth noting that some Bitcoin betting sites have KYC (Know Your Customer) verification in place. Here, punters must upload a form of identification before withdrawals can be made.
Instant Payments – The majority of payments made using Bitcoin will be instant. Especially useful when it comes to taking advantage of live sports markets, there are rarely any frustrating waits for punters. Meanwhile, customers can also get their hands on winnings immediately, unlike with other payment methods.
Bonuses – The bonuses found at Bitcoin betting sites are often significantly larger than those available through traditional bookies. A 100% matched deposit bonus up to 5BTC is available on some Bitcoin betting site, while ongoing promotions available to Bitcoin users may also be found.
Odds – The odds found at Bitcoin betting sites are generally very attractive. Competitive odds make all the difference, with there being nothing stopping punters signing up on more than one site. This ensures that they can take advantage of nothing but the best prices.
Innovation – Whether it be live streaming, cash out, live chat, pulse betting or mutual betting, Bitcoin betting sites often come with the latest features and technology. Such features can add to the overall user experience.
Disadvantages:
Regulation – Betting sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority are unlikely to hand out licenses to Bitcoin betting sites. As a result, those looking to bet using Bitcoin may well have to sign up with an offshore bookie.
Value – Bitcoin, along with other cryptocurrencies, fluctuate in value from day to day. One day, £100 worth of Bitcoin can be worth £120, while the next it drops to £80. Whilst predicting value changes is difficult, this is something that users must come to terms with.
Security – The security involved with using Bitcoin on betting sites generally comes down to punters themselves. Users must ensure that their details remain safe at all times, avoiding personal errors in the process. Be sure to not use an easy password or one linked to other platforms, as this will potentially lead to hacking.
How to Deposit Using Bitcoin
Depositing funds on a betting site using Bitcoin is relatively simple, with the process being achieved by following these steps:
- Log in to your sports betting account on the website or mobile app of your chosen bookie.
- Enter the cashier page and select Bitcoin as your preferred method of payment.
- Enter the amount in which you wish to deposit.
- Log in to your Bitcoin wallet using the relevant details.
- Confirm your deposit.
- Place bets!
Is Bitcoin Safe?
It is difficult to provide a definitive answer to this question, as it really depends on how users operate, as well as the Bitcoin betting site they sign up with. There are of course some steps that customers can take to ensure that give themselves the best possible chance of being secure, surrounding passwords, reputable bookies and wallets.
3 Bitcoin Bookmakers We Recommend
While the number of Bitcoin bookmakers available to punters is growing quickly, there are some betting sites that stand out from the crowd. The following are the Bitcoin bookies in which we recommend to punters:
CloudBet – Founded in 2013, CloudBet is one of the many betting sites specialising in cryptocurrency payments. Signing up at CloudBet takes just a matter of minutes, with new customers being in a position to claim a welcome bonus worth up to 5 BTC. A good number of pre-match, live and outright sports markets are available, with odds being competitive across the board. Available in English and a host of other languages, both Bitcoin and Bitcoin cash are accepted. Minimum deposits start at just 0.001 BTC, with both deposits and withdrawals being instant. A host of other cryptocurrencies are available, while a specialist Esports betting page is also available. 24/7 customer support is available, while the bookie is fully licensed and regulated by the Curacao eGaming and E-Gambling Montenegro.
Sportsbet.io – Sportbet is another leading bookie when it comes to Bitcoin betting. The official betting partner of Arsenal, Southampton and Watford, Sportsbet is licensed by the Government of Curaçao. A host of promotions are available, with sports including football, basketball, tennis and American football featuring heavily. The Clubhouse offers rewards and prizes to customers, while hundreds of casino games are also on offer. Sportsbet is also a leading platform when it comes to virtual sports markets, with new events kicking off every couple of minutes. A sportsbet mobile app is also available to both iOS and Android users, with deposits via Bitcoin being available across the board.
1XBet – Established in 2011, 1XBet is another Bitcoin betting site licensed by the Government of Curacao. The Russian bookie has some 400,000 customers to its name, who are attracted because of the wide range of markets and features on offer, along with the quality of odds. A 100% matched deposit bonus is available, along with a huge number of ongoing promotions for existing customers. Ethereum is another cryptocurrency available at 1XBet, who deliver 24/7 customer support and casino games from top software providers.
Alternatives to Bitcoin
If you are not 100% convinced by what you have read about Bitcoin, then fear not. A host of other payment methods are available at betting sites today, with the following being among the alternatives in which we recommend:
PayPal – With over two decades of experience to its name, PayPal is undoubtedly the most popular e-wallet platform in the world today. Accepted by the vast majority of bookies, payments using PayPal are quick, secure, convenient and easy to process. There is no need to enter your bank card details on your betting account when using PayPal, with deposits and withdrawals generally being completed free of charge, starting at around £/$10.
ApplePay – With Apple devices being so popular today, it perhaps comes as little surprise that ApplePay has been incorporated by many bookies too. Funds can be deposited using either thumbprint or eye recognition software, with transactions being instant. Many bonuses offered by bookies today can now also be utilised through ApplePay.
Trustly – Trustly is another increasingly popular payment method at betting sites. The Swedish company was founded in 2008, with transactions being processed through PayPal and TransferWise. Trustly is available across Europe, with links with hundreds of banks making it more accessible than ever.
Bitcoin Betting FAQ
Are bonuses available on Bitcoin betting sites? An increasing number of betting sites are recognising the importance of cryptocurrencies, meaning that bonuses can often be earned when depositing using Bitcoin. This will differ between bookies, so be sure to look at the terms and conditions before signing up.
Which are the best tennis bookmakers that accept Bitcoin? The likes of CloudBet, Sportsbet.io and 1XBet all offer a large number of tennis markets, with those depositing using Bitcoin being able to bet on their favourite players on both the men’s and women’s tours.
Is Bitcoin legal? Bitcoin is considered legal in a number of countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Canada, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Russia and all countries in the EU.
Is betting with Bitcoin anonymous? Yes. Customers are able to bet anonymously using Bitcoin. There is no need to enter you personal details when depositing and withdrawing with Bitcoin, with only your wallet log in information being required.
Do transactions come with fees? The majority of Bitcoin transactions are processed without any fees, which is one of its main selling points. However, some bookies will not cover the costs involved, so be sure to look into this before signing up.
Are there other digital cryptocurrencies? Absolutely! A host of cryptocurrencies can be found online today. Ethereum, Tether and Litecoin are some of the other popular cryptocurrencies accepted at betting sites.
Is betting with Bitcoin legal? Betting with Bitcoin is legal, as long as you are doing so with a bookie that is fully licensed and regulated. The majority of Bitcoin betting sites will be licensed by the Government of Curacao.
How to choose the right crypto sportsbooks? When deciding which cryptocurrency to use, there are a number of factors to consider. Take into account the speed of payments, along with security, availability, speed, anonymity and value.
Why do gamblers love crypto sports betting? Many gamblers enjoy sports betting using cryptocurrencies because of its ease of use and convenience. Meanwhile, the bonuses and odds found at such betting sites are often more appealing than offered by traditional bookies.