Are Crypto & Bitcoin Casinos Fair?
Crypto and Bitcoin casinos can be fair, yes. This is especially true when they hold reputable licenses like UKGC, MGA, and Curacao. Also, if the casino collaborates with independent testing agencies like eCOGRA, that’s a good sign.
These measures ensure that games are regularly audited for fairness and that the casino operates within regulatory standards.
But not all crypto casinos offer fair games and tested outcomes. Some crypto casinos even have poor regulations, usually those owning the Isle of Man Gambling License.
So, while many crypto casinos strive for fairness through licensing and independent testing, some concerns remain. These include the anonymity of transactions, which can make it challenging to trace and regulate activities effectively.
Can Bitcoin Casinos Rig Their Games?
It's a nuanced question. All casino games are designed with a house edge. The house edge is the mathematical advantage that ensures the casino makes a profit over the long term on each game they offer.
But transparency is key.
If a casino clearly establishes and adheres to rules and regulations without deviation, the game is unlikely to be rigged.
For instance, if a game fails to disclose exact payouts or if rules are inconsistently applied, it raises concerns about fairness. Each game is designed with a specific house edge, so variations in payouts are normal.
The crucial factor lies in whether the casino operates transparently and consistently within these parameters.
So yes, in a way, Bitcoin casinos can surely be rigged, but those that are licensed and regulated are not.
Most Rigged Casino Games
If we look at the payout rate in the long run, all casino games are rigged (see explanation above). But there are some games that are offering low payouts, so we might as well call them the most rigged games.
- Slots:
Slot machines are hugely popular with gamblers because they’re easy to play and entertaining. But, slots vary from 2% to 10% in house edge. This means that the casino gets uš to 10% of all wagers, which is a lot!
Let’s compare two slot games with different house edges. First, we got Reel King from Novomatic, with an average RTP of 93.94% - this means that the house edge is 6.06%. This slot has 20 paylines and the volatility is low, but when the machine pays, it pays out big.
On the other hand, we have Mega Joker by NetEnt with a high RTP of 99%. This slot game is highly volatile, but the payouts are smaller. With only 5 paylines and 5x3 reels, you can expect a lot of smaller wins in this game.
- Wheel of Fortune
When it comes to Wheel of Fortune, you bet on whether the wheel stops on $1, $5, $10, $20, or a joker. Even if you bet on the wheel landing on a $1 mark, which is considered the safest bet, the house edge is still 11%. Betting on a joker is even riskier, with the house advantage skyrocketing to 24%.
Now, this shows that playing Wheel of Fortune relies only on luck. So, if you want to practice high-risk gambling, this is the perfect game. But in the long run, playing this game must feel like being robbed by a casino.
- Keno
In Keno, there are 80 numbers. The house picks 20, and you win according to how many of those 20 you selected. Just don’t start looking at the actual mathematical probabilities involved; they will make your eyes spin like one of those slots we just talked about.
The house edge varies from 20% to 29% — yikes! This is usually the worst game to play at the casino in terms of your odds of winning, so if you do play, know that you’re unlikely to win in the long run… probably ever.
Now, to give you the best picture of how bad these games are in terms of the house edge, I’ll show you the table featuring some other games’ numbers.
| Game | Average House Edge | Volatility | Based On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roulette (European) | 2.7% | Low to Medium | Luck |
| Roulette (American) | 5.26% | Low to Medium | Luck |
| Blackjack | 0.5% - 2% | Low | Skill |
| Slots | 2% - 10% | High | Luck |
| Craps (Pass Line) | 1.36% | Low to Medium | Mix |
| Keno | 25% - 29% | High | Luck |
What Are the Risks of Crypto Casinos?
When it comes to crypto gambling, I’ve found a few risks that every player should be aware of, even outside of asking yourself whether online casino games are rigged or not.
- Legal Framework
One of the main risks of online crypto gambling is the lack of regulation or a proper legal framework to govern this type of currency. The crypto space is largely unregulated and decentralized.
Unlike fiat money, cryptocurrencies aren't issued or backed by any government or monetary entity. This uncertainty can have serious implications for daily transactions, trading, and gambling. If something goes wrong, it's tough for courts to settle disputes without a clear legal framework governing these digital assets.
- Volatility
All assets have some level of volatility, but cryptocurrency is probably one of the most volatile assets available. This means that one crypto coin can vary in value on a daily basis.This can also be a massive disadvantage in online gambling, as players are constantly exposed to the risk of seeing the value of their coins drop significantly at any moment.
While some may capitalize on this volatility to increase their potential winnings, it requires a thorough understanding of the market.
The unpredictability can also play into patterns that lead to addiction. And though stablecoins offer a safer option, they are not entirely bulletproof. This is seen in the crash of UST, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar that went to zero within hours back in 2022.
- Cyberattacks and Safety
Although the blockchain provides a high level of security for transactions, online crypto-gambling sites are not entirely safe from hackers. When players connect their wallets to gambling platforms and transfer funds, those funds are stored on the blockchain that powers the platform, always at risk of being seized by skilled hackers.
There have been instances where hackers have stolen millions from blockchains. Despite the security offered by blockchain technology, the risk of potential attacks and breaches remains a concern.
Truth be told, reputable online casinos like BC.Game are trying their best with high-grade security features like SSL encryption. But, the concern about crypto wallet safety remains no matter what.
- Prevention of Problem Gambling
An often overlooked but equally relevant risk is the lack of measures to prevent problem gambling behaviors. Many online crypto-gambling platforms offer little to no consumer protection due to their unregulated nature.
This translates into poor or nonexistent measures to prevent problematic gambling patterns. It’s easy for someone to create multiple email addresses and gamble with little oversight. That’s why I always recommend online gambling platforms like Cloudbet, with a well-organized responsible gambling program.
What Are Some Bitcoin Casinos That Are Not a Scam?
While writing this article, I did a lot of research about the overall safety and legality of Bitcoin casinos. Throughout my research, I found a couple of well-known names in the industry. Now, let’s see which online casino is not rigged:
BC.Game
Since 2017, BC.Game has been one of the top Bitcoin casino sites, and I’ve found it to be a standout for several reasons. The casino offers an impressive selection of over 9,000 games, including online Bitcoin slots and live games.
What really sets BC.Game apart is its commitment to fair gaming and security. The casino operates with a reputable license from Curacao. Plus, the casino uses Provably Fair games and a fair RNG testing model for game fairness.
The welcome bonus of up to 220.000 BCD is among the largest I’ve seen. Additionally, BC.Game accepts 150 different coins and provides almost instant payouts (one to six hours wait).
It's important to note that BC.Game is not a KYC-free casino, so you’ll need to provide identification when you want to withdraw funds. This, again, shows that BC.Game is taking security seriously.
Stake
Stake Casino is a massive online platform where I've enjoyed countless games, from slots and table games to live games and unique Stake Originals. This casino features over 5000 games divided into 13 gaming categories, so you can easily find what you’re looking for.
When it comes to safety and security, Stake Casino doesn't disappoint. This casino features SSL encryption technology and provably fair game outcome model. You can even see the whole formula on how the outcomes are calculated in the Provably Fair section.
The platform’s commitment to security extends to its user interface, which is available in multiple languages, such as English, German, French, and Portuguese. On top of that, making deposits and withdrawals using BTC is quite easy as this platform supports the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
Betplay
Betplay Casino is a place where you can find a huge collection of casino games, including popular slots like Wanted Dead or Alive and All Ways Luck. On top of that, Betplay puts a lot of effort into making Bitcoin poker as enjoyable as possible. There’s even a section dedicated only for that.
But what really sets Betplay apart is its strong focus on safety and security. The casino ensures fairness through regular game audits conducted by reputable agencies like TST and eCOGRA. Additionally, the commitment to secure transactions and player data protection with SSL encryption speaks a lot about safety here.
The new player welcome bonus of up to 50,000 uBTC (via a 100% deposit match) is a great way to start your session with some extra funds. No matter the game you choose, this bonus applies, and the wagering contribution is 100% for all casino games.
How to Recognize a Crypto Casino That Isn’t a Scam
Some would say that finding a Bitcoin casinos that are not a scam is hard, but I disagree. Here’s what I take into consideration.
- Reputable licensing:
First and foremost, a good crypto casino should have a reputable license. This means it’s regulated by a recognized authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, or the Curacao Gaming Control Board. These licenses indicate that the casino adheres to strict standards of fairness and security.
- Provably fair games:
Another essential feature is the presence of provably fair games. This system allows you to verify the fairness of each game’s outcome, ensuring that the casino isn't manipulating the results.
Usually, this factor is displayed at the bottom of the page. For example, the Flush iGaming site clearly shows that it supports provably fair games and this game outcome model.
- Secure transactions:
I always check for secure transaction methods. A legitimate crypto casino will use advanced encryption technologies SSL encryption, to protect your funds and personal information. Also, if you notice that there are limited payment methods, that might be a sign of rigged Bitcoin gambling sites.
So, always go for casinos with a huge variety in the payment section. Take Justbit casino, for example. This casino features over six ‘’regular’’ payment methods, plus they support over 12 crypto coins like BTC, ETH, LTC, and XRP.
- Transparent terms and conditions:
Clear and transparent terms and conditions are also a must. A trustworthy casino will provide detailed information about bonuses, wagering requirements, and withdrawal policies.
Remember when I said that transparency is key? Well, I was thinking about clear and easy-to-understand terms and conditions. A good example of this is set on the Bitcasino website. There’s a section at the bottom of the page with all the needed info about how things work at this iGaming hub.
