Bitcoin Poker – Top 10 Bitcoin Online Poker Sites in 2023
Now, I know that most of you have probably heard of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, and how the currency is used for online payments. But I’m also guessing that you haven’t used it for playing in real-money poker sites because not many poker operators accept this form of payment.
Since real money is at stake, there shouldn’t be any shortcuts. You should get acquainted with all the ins and outs of how this digital currency is used for depositing and withdrawing in poker sites.
This is precisely why I composed this in-depth guide — to show you what Bitcoin is all about and how to facilitate easy, quick, and 100% safe payments on real-money poker sites using this innovative cryptocurrency.
Here’s a brief recap of all the things that we covered in our Bitcoin poker handbook:
- Best Bitcoin Poker Rooms
- What Is Bitcoin and how it works for poker?
- How to deposit on poker sites using Bitcoin
- Advantages of Bitcoin poker
- Drawbacks of using Bitcoin for poker payments
- Differences between Bitcoin and traditional payments
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Are you ready for take-off? Buckle up!
Best Bitcoin Online Poker Sites
Bitcoin poker is still in its infancy stage as not many operators have implemented this payment service onto their gambling sites. And out of those available, you still need to find a poker site that’s both reliable and of high quality.
In order to spare you the agony of having to scour the web for hours looking for a Bitcoin-friendly poker platform, I’ve compiled a list of the best Bitcoin poker sites. All of my picks have been thoroughly tested and verified by a team of experts. They’ve reassured me that these are the finest Bitcoin poker sites in terms of the quality of games, customer service, software, and other relevant aspects.
By all means, have at it!
My list of the best US poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2023:
- BetOnline Poker
- Ignition Poker
- Everygame Poker
- Juicy Stakes Poker
- Americas Cardroom
- Bovada Poker
- BlackChip Poker
- SportsBetting Poker
100% Legal & Licensed Verified Bonus Mobile Friendly Advertiser Disclosure. Must be +18 to participate.
BetOnline Poker
100% up to $1000
$100,000
in Guaranteed Tournaments
Why We Ranked BetOnline Poker in Position #1
BetOnline may not be a crypto-only platform, but it ranks #1 in our list of the best Bitcoin poker sites because it features fast, secure, and convenient ways to make deposits and withdrawals using digital gold. In addition, players can use a range of other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Litecoin, Dash, and Bitcoin Cash. Most importantly, BetOnline features increased bonuses for BTC players.
BetOnline launched its poker offer in 2011 in Panama. It was one of the first platforms to introduce Bitcoin for poker players and remained the top choice for many BTC lovers.
Pros
- Bitcoin and other cryptos accepted and easy to use
- Excellent reputation among poker players
- Smooth software
- Great selection of tournaments
- Enticing welcome bonus
- Top 5 US poker site based on traffic
Cons
- Additional fees might be charged for some payment methods (not BTC)
- Bank wire withdrawals take a long time
Overview
BetOnline was launched in the early 2000s and is now one of the most comprehensive online gambling sites available in the US. Besides poker, users can enjoy a selection of casino games, sports betting, and more.
The platform features a steady flow of players, and it’s ranked as one of the top-performing online poker sites in the US based on the number of active users. The game portfolio is versatile, providing a range of cash games and tournaments, as well as special promotions, including offers for BTC and other cryptos.
In addition to crypto, users can rely on many other payment options, although BTC is definitely the best choice for BetOnline.
Available Poker Games
In addition to the popular options, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud, you’ll find some uncommon ones, like 32 Card Draw and Americana. They come in various betting formats, especially Texas Hold’em and Omaha, which feature Limit, No Limit, and Pot Limit cash games and tournaments.
Tournament formats are also versatile, many being fast-paced, including a range of sit-and-gos with jackpot prizes.
Bonuses
Using promo code NEWBOL, you can get a 100% welcome bonus on your first deposit of up to $1,000. The bonus is locked, and $5 is unlocked every time you reach $50 in rake. You’ll also find a couple of exciting Bitcoin- and crypto-related bonuses, which are more generous than fiat offers. Regular customers can also claim various promos, including a lucrative Bad Beat Jackpot.
Customer Service
You can contact customer support via live chat, email, or phone. In addition, the platform features a lengthy help section where you can read helpful tips and guides to improve your overall experience. Customer support is usually fast to respond, especially to players using the live chat feature.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
In addition to Bitcoin and several other cryptocurrencies, BetOnline accepts various fiat payment methods, including cards, MoneyGram, and more. All deposits are almost instant, but withdrawals take between 24 and 48 hours to process. Bitcoin users can expect payouts shortly after that (depending on overall network congestion).
Ignition Poker
100% upto $3000
200% upto $1500
Bitcoin Bonus
Why We Ranked Ignition Poker Poker in Position #2
Like BetOnline, Ignition is a comprehensive online gambling platform offering casino games, sports betting, and online poker. It accepts various payment options, with Bitcoin being the main focus. Ignition also accepts Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether. The platform ensures all Bitcoin transactions are safe, secure, and fast. Moreover, it offers a range of Bitcoin promotions for new and regular customers.
Ignition also ranks exceptionally well in many other aspects, including software, fish rating, and availability for US players (available in 45 states).
Pros
- Accepts Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals
- Accepts other crypto payments
- Instant-play option
- Platform with the highest traffic in the country
- Crypto depositors get increased bonuses
- Anonymous tables
Cons
- Credit card deposits come with additional fees
- Rakeback option not available
- Peak hours might slow down the platform sometimes
Overview
Ignition was established in 2004 under a different name — Bodog. Even though it quickly attracted players from across the US, the platform rebranded to Ignition in 2016. It’s owned by PaiWangLuo, the Costa Rica-licensed company that owns Bovada.
The platform offers everything a player needs for the ultimate online poker experience, including constant player traffic, instant play options for mobile and desktop users, crypto payments, and a range of poker cash games and tournaments.
Available Poker Games
Ignition offers Hold’em and Omaha for every type of player, meaning both budget players and high-rollers can find suitable games.
The platform also features some exciting game modes, such as Zone, which moves you to another table after folding, along with other players who folded, making the action continuous and the overall experience more fun.
Bonuses
The standard bonus for new players is 100% up to $1,000. However, one of the main reasons Ignition ranks so high on our Bitcoin page is the crypto welcome bonus which offers 150% up to $1,500 for newcomers. More importantly, a Bitcoin deposit will trigger a casino bonus of the same size, meaning you can get up to $3,000 in bonuses at Ignition.
There are plenty of other promotions and deals for regular customers, such as referral bonuses, boosts, freerolls, and more. Many of the offers are crypto-focused.
Customer Service
In addition to the Help pages, which offer plenty of valuable information about the platform, you can contact a customer support representative and chat with them. To get in touch, you must explore the FAQ first and select whether you want to use the live chat or send an email. You can also open a discussion at Ignition’s dedicated forum. The standard response time for Ignition’s customer support is 5–7 minutes.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
Ignition has become a crypto-first platform, meaning you can use Bitcoin and several other cryptocurrencies to make deposits and withdrawals. Crypto transactions are encouraged on the website, as fiat options come with additional fees. You can use vouchers or cards for deposits and even request a check by courier for withdrawals.
Everygame Poker
200% upto $1000 Welcome Bonus
36%
Rakeback
Why We Ranked Everygame Poker in Position #3
Everygame accepts a range of deposit and withdrawal methods, three of them cryptocurrencies — Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin. Crypto deposits are free and nearly instant, meaning new players can easily fund their Everygame Poker accounts and enjoy a generous offer of cash games and tournaments.
Everygame also has a generous welcome offer, regardless of your deposit option, and it’s considered a secure and trustworthy platform with excellent mobile compatibility.
Pros
- Three cryptocurrencies accepted for deposits and withdrawals
- Trusted and secure platform
- Competitive welcome bonus
- Plenty of satellite tournaments
- Built with mobile players in mind
- Casual players are welcome
Cons
- Issues with traffic during some parts of the day
- Restrictive withdrawal policies
- Guaranteed prizes at tournaments could be larger
Overview
Everygame Poker is a popular online gambling platform offering its services in several countries, including the US. It has been around for almost 20 years and includes an online casino and sportsbook.
Even though it has a fantastic poker offer and accepts Bitcoin, Everygame didn’t do much to improve the visual aspect of its software. If you don’t mind playing poker on an outdated platform, you could consider Everygame the best on this list. It has a decent selection of cash games and tournaments, a reasonable rake, and top-notch security.
Available Poker Games
The two main offers on the platform are Pot Limit Hold’em and PLO. You’ll find various popular formats, including SNGs, multi-table tournaments, heads-ups, and more if you’re a tournament player. The platform also features a decent selection of satellite tournaments, which can win you a place at a WSOP Circuit table in one of the many live locations where the Circuit hosts its competitions.
Bonuses
New players who decide to deposit at Everygame Poker will receive a 200% match in bonuses up to $1,000 and 25 free spins for a selected slot in the online casino section. Regular customers can enjoy various deals, such as rakeback offers, no-deposit bonuses, reloads, and loyalty benefits.
Customer Service
To get in touch with the customer service team, click on the Contact button on the home screen, and you’ll find additional information on how to contact them, whether by live chat or email. There are two emails, one for general questions and the other only for payment-related queries.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
Everygame accepts various payment methods, and deposits are usually instant, even if you decide to deposit with Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. In addition, you can use credit and debit cards, e-wallets, Paysafecard, and much more.
WIthdrawals could be improved, as they are somewhat restrictive, and the maximum withdrawal limits are lower compared to competitors, even if you rely on cryptocurrencies to cash out your funds.
Juicy Stakes Poker
Why We Ranked Juicy Stakes Poker in Position #4
Juicy Stakes is an online casino and online poker room similar to Everygame Poker in many regards, which is why the two options are ranked so close to each other on our list. A significant difference between the two is that Juicy Stakes accepts only Bitcoin, while Everygame accepts a couple of other cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals. Nevertheless, Bitcoin users will find that transactions to Juicy Stakes are secure, fast, and trustworthy.
Pros
- Accepts Bitcoin for deposits and withdrawals
- Great welcome offer
- Tournaments for every type of player
- Excellent security protocols
- Industry-topping rakeback deals
- Instant play
Cons
- No anonymous tables
- Low traffic
- Restrictive withdrawal rules
Overview
Licensed in Curacao, Juicy Stakes started operating in 2013 and is considered a sister site to Everygame, as the two platforms share plenty of identical traits. After all, both platforms are part of the Horizon Network, a network of poker sites that are all based and licensed in Curacao.
You’ll find a wide array of professional and amateur poker tournaments on the site, including various WSOP Circuit satellites that can earn you a place at one of WSOPC’s competitions.
Despite being a great platform, Juicy Stakes struggles with traffic from time to time, which is one of its most significant downsides, along with the lack of anonymous play.
Available Poker Games
The three most popular types of poker you’ll find at Juicy Stakes are Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo, with the stakes starting low and going up to $50/$100 for Fixed Limit Hold’em options.
As mentioned, you’ll find many great cash games and tournaments, including satellites that can take you to a WSOPC event in any of the many live poker rooms where the Circuit travels.
Bonuses
After joining Juicy Stakes, you need to deposit using the code 1000JUICY to trigger the welcome bonus — 100% up to $2,000. The bonus will remain locked, and players can unlock it in increments of $5 by collecting FFP.
In addition to the generous welcome offer, regulars also have plenty to look forward to, as Juicy Stakes offers various rakeback deals, reloads, FFP races, and more.
Customer Service
The two primary ways to get in touch with Juicy Stakes customer support are live chat and email. You’ll receive quick and helpful responses to your inquiries in both cases. If you don’t feel like chatting with a support representative, check the comprehensive FAQ section, where you can find more about the platform, deposits, withdrawals, rules, tournaments, bonuses, and so on.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
The platform accepts various fiat payment methods, including e-wallets, credit/debit cards, and more. The only crypto you can use at Juicy Stakes is Bitcoin, which is fast and secure. BTC is available for deposits and withdrawals and features looser limits than most fiat options.
The pending time for withdrawals is 48 hours, and Bitcoin is currently the only method you can use to cash out your winnings.
Americas Cardroom
Why We Ranked Americas Cardroom in Position #5
Americas Cardroom is a US-facing online poker platform that has been operating successfully since it was established in 2001. Even though it accepts fiat payment options, ACR is a crypto-oriented site. Using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is the fastest and most secure way to make transactions to and from the platform. Moreover, there are no fees for cryptos, as opposed to some fiat options, such as Visa, which may be subject to a 10% fee.
Pros
- Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies accepted
- Big prize pools for tournaments
- One of the most popular US sites based on traffic
- Unique game offer
- Generous welcome bonus
- Plenty of promos for regular customers
Cons
- Using HUDs isn’t banned
- Anonymous play is not guaranteed
- Some fiat payment methods come with a fee
Overview
Americas Cardroom is based in Costa Rica and focused on the American market. The poker room became part of the legendary Winning Poker Network a decade after it was founded. What makes it stand out from the pack is an excellent selection of tournaments, some of which feature enormous prize pools. The Venom tournament in 2022 broke the record for this type of competition, offering $10 million in guarantees. In addition to Venom, you’ll find many other similar online events.
The platform also features a range of bonuses, a mobile-friendly site, a lucrative welcome offer, and many unique game modes.
Available Poker Games
The cornerstones of Americas Cardroom’s offer are No Limit and Fixed Limit Holdem, Stud, and Omaha, which start at $0.01/$0.02. Omaha is also suitable for high rollers, offering games at $75/$150.
On this platform, you’ll find unique modes and competitions such as The Cage, Spin to Get In, The Beast, and more. A couple of high-paying tournaments worth mentioning, besides Venom, are Online Super Series and Million Dollar Sundays.
Bonuses
All new members who decide to join the platform will be able to claim a 100% welcome bonus up to $2,000. The money will be locked in a bonus balance and be released in increments of $1 for every 27.5 Award Points you collect while playing cash games and tournaments on the platform. You’ll find plenty of other exciting deals, including a six-tier loyalty scheme that boasts a range of benefits for the most active and successful players.
Customer Service
You can contact customer service via live chat, phone, email, or social media. To get one of the available support agents quickly, it’s best to use the live chat feature or a toll-free call.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies are accepted at Americas Cardroom, with the minimum deposit being $10 (as opposed to $25 for fiat payment options). Moreover, BTC maximum limits are higher, making this option suitable for high rollers. Besides cryptocurrencies, you can use other fiat payment options, including cards and e-wallets.
Bitcoin is also the best method for withdrawals thanks to looser limits and shorter overall pending times (up to 48 hours).
Bovada Poker
Why We Ranked Bovada Poker in Position #6
If you have at least some poker experience, you’ve probably heard of Bovada, as it’s the most popular and largest poker platform in the US, praised for its excellent software, mobile availability, tournament offer, and more.
It’s also a crypto-friendly platform offering fast and reliable Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals. On top of that, the website features special promotions aimed at BTC and crypto users, which are more lucrative than standard deals.
Pros
- Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash accepted for deposits and withdrawals
- Largest US-facing online poker platform
- Great and long-lasting reputation
- Safe and secure online poker site
- Great option for mobile poker players
- Vast range of cash games and tournaments
Cons
- Some tournaments unavailable on the mobile site
- Sporadic connection issues
Overview
Bovada started as Bodog and operated under that name for a few years. It even had a four-year break, returning as Bovada, a licensed platform with a permit from the Curacao regulator. Over the years, the platform built the largest following in the US, meaning you don’t have to worry about traffic for any cash game or tournament.
Bovada is user-friendly, whether you access it via desktop or mobile. Moreover, it features several interesting fast game modes, including Zone Poker.
Available Poker Games
Bovada likes to make things simple. Even though it has thousands of active players, they can only play the usual options, such as Hold’em and Omaha. Hold’em comes in all three popular variations: No Limit, Pot Limit, and Fixed Limit. The stakes start at $0.02/$0.05, with the largest limit being $30/$60.
Bonuses
New players can receive a 100% up to $500 welcome bonus, which they can redeem using bonus code PWB500. The welcome bonus is unlocked in increments of $5 for every 150 Reward Points you collect as part of the rewards scheme.
Bitcoin users can earn an additional $75 using the unique refer-a-friend deal. Bovada also offers various bonuses and promos for its online casino and sports betting sections.
Customer Service
Bovada’s customer service is perhaps one of its strongest assets, as it’s easy to get in touch with a representative via live chat, and they are usually quick to respond and help you out. If you prefer long-form questions, you can send an email and get a response within 24 hours. Finally, Bovada offers a comprehensive help center with all the information about the platform, its poker offer, and more.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
Bovada accepts both credit cards and cryptocurrencies but offers much better conditions for crypto users. Using fiat comes with relatively high fees, which do not apply to those who decide to deposit and withdraw using Bitcoin and other altcoins. These come with loose limits and a quick processing time. The only rule is that withdrawals in BTC are only available once every three days.
BlackChip Poker
100% upto $1000 Welcome Bonus
$250
$250 New Depositors Freeroll
Why We Ranked Black Chip Poker in Position #7
Black Chip Poker is also part of Winning Poker Network, the leading network in the US for poker sites, with Americas Cardroom as its most famous member. Although not as popular as ACR, Black Chip still deserves a place on our list thanks to its quick and reliable crypto deposit and withdrawal options.
Pros
- Accepts Bitcoin and a range of other cryptos
- Enticing welcome bonus
- Great poker software
- Decent player traffic
- Quick payouts with crypto
Cons
- HUDs aren’t banned
- No access for Mac and iOS users
Overview
Black Chip Poker started at the Winning Poker Network, a Costa Rica-based company, in 2012. The platform itself features a Curacao license. The website is packed with tournaments, lucrative bonuses, and various payment options.
Unfortunately, the platform lacks an appropriate mobile option, so we couldn’t rank it higher. Even though it has launched an Android app, it remains unavailable for Mac and iOS users. Windows PC and Android users are likely to have a great time.
Available Poker Games
In addition to the standard Pot Limit, Fixed Limit, and No Limit Texas Hold’em, PLO, and Omaha Hi/Lo, BCP features several less famous but equally exciting poker games, including Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo.
Moreover, BCP offers a wide selection of poker tournaments, including some lucrative ones with guaranteed prizes of $100k and more.
Bonuses
New players who join the platform and deposit at least $25 can claim a 100% up to $2,000 welcome bonus. Like on many other sites, the bonus is unlocked in increments. BCP will unlock $1 for every 27.5 points you collect as part of the platform’s loyalty program.
Customer Service
Players can reach out to one of the customer support representatives via the live chat feature, which is the most convenient method to chat with the support team. Additionally, they can fill out a contact form on the site and send it as an email. Multi-lingual support makes BCP stand out, as you can chat in English and Spanish.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
Black Chip Poker encourages players to use cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (although dozens of altcoins are also accepted), by offering no fees and looser deposit and withdrawal limits. It also accepts various fiat payment methods, such as credit cards and e-wallets, but BTC remains the #1 choice for many players.
SportsBetting Poker
100% upto $1000
+$250,000
in Guaranteed Tournaments
Why We Ranked SportsBetting Poker in Position #8
Even though it was built with sports betting in mind, SB Poker plays a vital role on the platform, which is why it made it to our list of the best Bitcoin sites for poker. The brand has a long and successful history, featuring outstanding poker software and a generous selection of games and tournaments.
The platform accepts Bitcoin, along with several altcoins. Still, it’s one of the few that also has favorable conditions for those who prefer to use fiat payments, including cards, e-wallets, wire transfers, and more.
Pros
- Accepts BTC and several other cryptos
- Solid deposit welcome bonus for new players
- Mobile and desktop software is great
- Payouts in crypto are fast
- Competition not too stiff
Cons
- HUDs aren’t blocked
- The tournament schedule could be better
Overview
SportsBetting was initially just a sportsbook, and wagering on sports remains its primary product. However, it became a poker hub for US players in 2012, attracting thousands of them and becoming a popular option in the country.
This Panama-licensed platform is solid, offering a decent welcome bonus, a great selection of poker cash games and tournaments, and well-designed software that works on mobile devices and desktops. Most importantly, it’s versatile when it comes to payment methods, accepting a range of fiat and crypto payment options.
Available Poker Games
SportsBetting Poker offers many games, including No Limit Hold’em, Omaha, Americana, 32 Card Draw, 7 Card Stud, and more.
Bonuses
New players can get a 100% bonus up to $1,000 on their first deposit using code NEWSB. The minimum required to trigger the promotion is $50, and the bonus is unlocked in increments of $5 for every $50 worth of rake.
Customer Service
Players can get in touch with customer support via live chat, email, and phone at SportsBetting, and all three methods are available round-the-clock. You can also send an email for inquiries specific to poker at [email protected]. The customer support team doesn’t take long to respond. In fact, live chat will connect you to an available agent within minutes.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
Even though credit card success rates for deposits are among the best in the US at SportsBetting, it’s still better to use Bitcoin and other cryptos for depositing and cashing out your funds due to much looser minimum and maximum limits. Crypto withdrawals are processed within 48 hours.
What Is Bitcoin and how it works for poker?
Since some of our readers may not be familiar with the concept of Bitcoin, we’ll start from scratch.
Bitcoin is a digital payment network invented in 2009 that uses peer-to-peer technology to process instant payments and is the latest innovation in the field of cryptography, digital anonymity and crypto-currencies. This currency was said to have been invented by Satoshi Nakamoto, although the real name of its inventor remains in the dark. The core idea behind Bitcoin is to provide users with almost complete anonymity with each transaction.
The key thing that you have to realize about Bitcoin is that it doesn’t have a physical form; only balances that are safeguarded on a public ledger which is accessible by everyone. Bitcoins are not associated or backed by any bank or government, which makes it particularly appealing for players that can’t use traditional payment methods in real-money poker sites due to governmental restrictions.
We’re not going to get down to the nitty-gritty of all the technicalities involved with Bitcoin, because it may be a bit overwhelming. And honestly, you don’t need to worry yourself with learning all the terminology in order to use Bitcoin for playing online poker. So, we’ll show you straight away how to deposit and withdraw Bitcoin on poker sites.
If you’re interested in learning the mechanics of Bitcoin, here’s a handy video that could help you get familiar with the subject.
WeUseCoins
How Do Bitcoins Work?
It’s quite a simple procedure of buying and selling bitcoins using regular money from the currency of your choice. Namely, there are multiple services which can be accessed online, offering bitcoins for sale.
The interesting segment about this phenomenon is how to explain its value. Overall, one can perceive at as intrinsic value, interconnected with the actual bitcoin. Just like anything else on the market, it can fluctuate in regards to its supply and demand ratio.
Types of Bitcoin Poker Rooms
There are three types of poker rooms which allow players to participate with bitcoin as a currency.
- The first type is bitcoin-only poker sites. These are specialized poker sites which only allow players who use bitcoin as a method of payment. Here, there is no other option, which is why there are no currency convertors. In this line of thought, there is not fee for conversion as well.
- The second type is bitcoin-inclusive poker sites, as these online poker rooms have the standard array of accepted currencies, but they also accept players who use bitcoins. A convertor is provided here, as bitcoins understandably vary in value from one currency to the next.
- As for the final type, it’s important that you know how bitcoins are actually kept and stored. Namely, e-wallets have been present for quite some time in this field, which makes them a familiar term by now. Considering their digital ‘physique’, bitcoins are stored in such e-wallets. Hence, there are also poker rooms which allow bitcoins as a payment method, but only through Neteller.
How to Use Bitcoin on Online Poker Sites — Step-by-Step Guide
Using Bitcoin on real-money poker sites can seem a bit complex for beginners, but in reality, it’s easy as pie. We’ll walk you through the entire process.Register on a Crypto Exchange Platform
In order to use BTCs on poker sites, you must obtain them first. This can be done on an online cryptocurrency exchange — a place where you purchase bitcoins for flat money. You should think of the exchange as a Bitcoin store.Now, picking an exchange might be a bit tricky due to legal restrictions associated with using the service. You should do your research, and pick an exchange that’s legal to use in your country of residence.
For the sake of explanation, we’ll use uphold.com — a massively popular exchange in the USA.
Once you navigate to Uphold’s official website, find the Sign Up button and click on it to create an account. You then have to provide some basic information such as email, password, country of residence, and full name. As soon as you fill out the required fields, the operator will send a verification code to your email. Open the email and verify your account.
Note that Uphold may ask you to submit additional proof of your identity before you’re allowed to use the service. On this note, you may have to provide:
- ID card
- Passport
- Driver’s license
In most cases, the verification procedure takes only a few minutes, but sometimes it may take a week or so.
Purchase the Bitcoin
Once you have successfully verified your Uphold (exchange) account, it’s time to get some BTCs. The first step is purchasing a fiat currency (EUR or USD) so that you can “swap” it for Bitcoins.As you can see, you can fund your account in numerous ways, including:
- Credit/Debit cards
- Wire Transfer
- Directly from Bank Account (ACH)
This process is quite fast if you opt for credit and debit cards — bank transfers take a bit longer. On the flip side, credit and debit cards charge a small fee. Regardless, you should be able to purchase fiat currency and exchange it into Bitcoins hassle-free.
A word of caution: in some instances, your bank will flag crypto exchanges. If that happens, you’ll have to call the bank to verify the transaction or use Mastercard/Visa secure code. You have to find the deposit method that works for you. Smaller transactions are more likely to go through without any problem.
Set Up a Bitcoin Wallet
The next step is creating a Bitcoin wallet. You cannot deposit to real-money poker sites directly from the exchange, so you’ll have to set up an account with a Bitcoin wallet provider.Essentially, a Bitcoin wallet is a software that stores your BTCs — pretty much the same way an e-wallet stores your flat cash. It acts as an intermediary between the Bitcoin platform and the poker site.
A Bitcoin wallet is what you’ll use to deposit to online poker sites and where you’ll receive withdrawals from poker sites.
There are several Bitcoin wallet services that you can use for making transactions on poker sites, and each of them has its own benefits and drawbacks. Most of them are completely free of charge. I recommend that you do your homework, and find the one that meets your needs the most. Here are our top Bitcoin wallet choices:
- Bitpay
- Electrum
- Blockchain.info
- Ledger Nano S
- Coinbase
Transfer the Bitcoins from the Exchange to Your Wallet
Assuming that you’ve purchased Bitcoins in an exchange platform and created a Bitcoin wallet, there is only one thing left to do before you can play on Bitcoin poker sites — transfer the BTCs from the exchange to your wallet.This part is pretty self-explanatory. You can easily find the feature that allows crypto transfers in all exchanges and wallets.
All you have to do is input the number of Bitcoins you want to send to your wallet and use the two-factor authentication to verify the payment. Then find your wallet address and copy it into the exchange transfer form. Some exchanges and wallets offer a QR code scan so that you don’t have to copy and scan your address — you can merely scan the code using your phone.
Create an Account on a Poker Site
If you’ve followed all the previous steps, you’re all set to go and make your first deposit on a real-money online poker site. We used Bovada as an example. Bovada is one of our recommended poker sites and one of the best Bitcoin poker sites on the US poker market.Signing up for an account on Bovada is a straightforward process. You have to click the Join button and follow the registration prompts. Naturally, you must provide a combination of your name, email, phone number, and personal address.
At some point, you may have to download the software for the online poker platform. The download links should be clearly displayed somewhere on the homepage. If you can’t find them, I suggest that you contact customer support for help.
Deposit to Poker Sites Using Bitcoin
Depositing Bitcoin to real-money poker sites is extremely easy. The process can vary between different operators, but it should basically look something like this:- Find the Cashier or Deposit section (should be located under your account tab)
- Select Bitcoin from the list of available payment methods
- Type in the number of bitcoins you want to deposit
- Copy the poker operator’s Bitcoin address (or scan it via QR code)
- Go to your Bitcoin wallet
- Input the amount you want to transfer to the poker site and click Send
- The funds should almost instantly reach your poker account (maximum 15 minutes)
- Have fun at the table!
Top Tip for Bitcoin Deposits
As the value of Bitcoin is going to be changing often in regards to its value to your own home currency then when you are playing poker and using Bitcoin as your chosen banking option you should always try and time your withdrawals to perfection.
For by requesting a withdrawal back to your Bitcoin Wallet when the exchange rate is in your favour then you will get more cashback and opposed to withdrawing your Bitcoin when the exchange rate of low and unappealing so always keep that in mind!
Withdrawing Funds from the Bitcoin Real-Money Poker Site
If you learned how to properly deposit Bitcoins into your account on poker sites, then you’ll have no problems whatsoever when it’s time to cash out the hard-earned winnings. Essentially, you have to go through a reverse procedure from when you were depositing BTC. Here’s the drill:- Log into your poker account
- Go to the Cashier section and click on Withdrawal
- Select Bitcoin and input the amount you want to cash out
- Copy the poker operator’s address and go to your Bitcoin wallet service
- Paste the address and confirm the payment
- Go to your crypto exchange platform
- Copy your wallet’s address and paste it into the exchange transfer form
- Exchange BTCs for fiat currency
- Send the funds to your bank account
You can now withdraw your poker winnings. The procedure may seem daunting, but after a while, you’ll realize that it’s actually easier to withdraw from poker sites using Bitcoin than the traditional credit card or wire transfer.
Advantages of Using Bitcoin for playing Online Poker
Although certain skeptics may appear a bit surprised by the end of this list, the use of bitcoin does have a beneficial effect. To be quite frank, using Bitcoin in poker sites is not all roses. But let me assure you that there isn’t such a thing as a perfect payment method — they all have their own pros and cons.
Compared to other payment providers, Bitcoin is vastly beneficial to poker players and I’m going to explain why.
Easier Accessibility
Even if you manage to find a poker site that accepts players from your country, or go to an offshore-based poker site, you may not be able to deposit funds to it. For instance, most banks in the US will not authorize payments targeted towards out-of-state regulated poker sites.
By using Bitcoin, you can circumvent these nagging restrictions. As we said earlier, Bitcoin is not subject to any governmental or banking laws. That means that if you manage to find a Bitcoin poker site, there is no law or regulation that could prevent you from making a deposit.
Unrivaled Anonymity
Not only does Bitcoin provide anonymity at the poker table, but it also allows players to transfer winnings to a bank account without having to elaborate where they came from. This is particularly beneficial for those living in countries where gambling winnings are taxable.
Low to Non-Existent Fees
Transferring bitcoin to real-money poker sites might only involve mining fees, which are quite low. Or in some instances, the poker operator itself may charge a fee. But generally, Bitcoin fees are much lower compared to those of traditional payment methods.
Top-Notch Safety
Furthermore, once you make your Bitcoin deposit on a real-money poker site, the funds will go directly into cold storage with keys that are kept safely offline and away from prying eyes. I have yet to hear about a major theft on a Bitcoin poker site.
Undeniably Fair
Bitcoin and crypto gambling sites use algorithms for generating odds that are provably fair, courtesy of blockchain technology — the underlying technology of all cryptocurrencies. All the top poker sites integrate provably fair features to ensure that their games are genuinely fair and random.
Disadvantages of Using Bitcoin for Playing Online Poker
Bitcoin is slowly gaining momentum in the poker industry, but it has not yet been adopted by all the biggest poker sites. That means that the number of Bitcoin-friendly poker platforms is still limited.
Another drawback of using Bitcoin in online gambling is that its value is widely unstable and unpredictable. This may not present an obstacle for casual players, but for high stakes players, it can be a deal-breaker.
Last but not least, you can only access Bitcoin physically from whatever device you’re using. What this means is that Bitcoins could get permanently lost in case of a hard drive crash, or if your device gets stolen. With no way of getting them back, you could lose a massive amount of money in only a few seconds.
Bitcoin Poker Sites vs. Real-Money Poker Sites
There are several differences between Bitcoin and traditional payment methods, such as credit/debit cards and e-wallets. For one, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are not dependent on banks like e-wallets, for example.
Bitcoin uses wallets, which are similar in concept to your e-banking or PayPal/Skrill/Neteller wallet. The big difference between using a Bitcoin wallet and a payment provider like PayPal is that the latter is tied to a bank account, which means that it’s more prone to hacker attacks and account freezes.
Also, Bitcoin fees are much lower than fees associated with using credit and debit cards on poker sites, or even e-wallets, for that matter.
Another difference is seen in the speed of transactions. Bitcoin transactions are lightning-fast, even when withdrawing funds from poker sites, which isn’t the case with all payment methods, particularly bank wire transfers that take several working days to process.
Conclusion
That’s it guys — you now have the knowledge to use Bitcoin in online poker sites. It has a bit of a learning curve, no doubt about it. The upside is that, once you get the hang of it, it’s actually one of the most straightforward payment methods, with a lot less friction than credit card or wire transfer.
Since there aren’t many Bitcoin poker sites to choose from, it may be easier for you to simply pick one from my site. All of my picks are reliable and safe, and I’ve been using these poker sites myself for years now.
If I can be of assistance with anything else, feel free to contact me — I’ll be more than willing to help you out. In the meantime, you should explore my comprehensive poker hub, there’s plenty of cool stuff that you might be interested in.
FAQs
Some very rare an unique poker game variants are available at quite a number of our handpicked Bitcoin accepting poker sites and one such poker game variant is Abyssinia Poker, below are some more questions that you may be seeking the answers to.
Are Bitcoin poker sites legal?
How Many Poker Sites Accept Bitcoin
Can I play poker games with BTC?
What Bitcoin Poker Games are available?
In fact you will find just as many pout limit, fixed limit or even no limit poker games on offer at all Bitcoin accepting poker sites so you will never be restricted in regards to the number and types of poker games you can play
In fact as Bitcoin Poker is proving to be so every popular you are also going to find there will be no shortage of fellow poker players logged into those sites so you will have plenty of opponents to take on when you sign up and start to use those online poker sites.
Do poker site have Omaha Poker?
Make sure however that you find one of our Bitcoin accepting poker sites that is going to allow you to make a deposit that you can afford as many of them do have very low Bitcoin deposit limits, so low rolling players are going to be easily able to play at those poker sites
Is Bitcoin available in every country?
Are there any Bitcoin bonuses?
Are Bitcoin depositing players going to get bonuses?
To give you an incentive to make deposits and to sign up at those poker sites using Bitcoin you will also find a plethora of different bonuses are also available to you, many of which are very high valued Bitcoin deposit match type bonuses.
Can I make Bitcoin payments on poker sites via mobile?
Do I need a credit card of bank account to gamble on bitcoin poker sites?
Am I able to play bitcoin poker on mobile devices?
How can I convert bitcoins into another currency (Euro/Dollar)?
What is a Bitcoin Wallet?
What is the Currency Exchange Rate of Bitcoin?
Do I have to play in Bitcoin Currency?
Many poker sites will allow you to play for a fraction of a Bitcoin or some sites will turn one Bitcoin into their own unique credit type system where you will get so many poker playing credits for each one Bitcoin you deposit.
That results in players being bale to play for low stakes rather than very high stake amounts. With that in mind always check out just how the Bitcoin accepting poker sites turns your deposits into poker chips as the way they do that can vary from site to site.
Are Bitcoin Poker Tournaments available?
Please do check through the websites of any of our featured poker sites that you have taken an interest to for when you do so you will find a poker tournament schedule displayed on their websites and this is going to allow you to select any tournament that may be about to start.
Can I play Bitcoin Poker for Free?
Are online poker sites as fair as land based poker rooms?
Therefore every one of our Bitcoin accepting poker sites all hold a full and full and valid gambling license, and as such you do have the added protection of that gaming commission and will always get a fair outcome on any poker game you do decide to play when using Bitcoin to make your deposits.
Can all poker players use Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is accepted at a lot of different poker sites, and as such you will never have any difficulties funding your poker site account using Bitcoin as long as you are old enough to sign up and then play at those poker sites.
Am I at risk using Bitcoin?
As our featured Bitcoin accepting poker sites are fully licensed that also means that your funds are kept in a fully segregated and ring fenced account and you are going to have access to those funds at any time, so there are no risk involved in using Bitcoin.