Best Crypto Poker Sites 2021: Play Poker with Cryptocurrency

What is Crypto Poker?

Cryptocurrency or crypto poker enables players to play poker using Bitcoin and other cryptos rather than or alongside traditional currencies. Initially, the number of cryptocurrencies supported and casinos accepting cryptos were very few. However, the rising popularity and increased mainstream application of cryptocurrencies, paved the way for crypto poker sites. Players can play poker including cash games, poker tournaments, and the different poker variants using Bitcoin and other cryptos.

Playing poker on the best poker site has many advantages. These include and are not limited to faster payouts, low withdrawal limits, low deposit and withdrawal fees, among others.

Cryptocurrency or virtual currency was created with the objective of providing faster transactions without the hassles of government bureaucracies. The fact that most cryptos are open-source, and decentralized further helps the cause.

Cryptocurrency brings in its own sets of advantages to online casinos, like cryptocurrency poker, crypto sports betting or sportsbook, poker rooms or tables, etc.,

How Does Crypto Poker Online Work?

Crypto poker online is the newest way to play poker with virtual coins in general. Here, players use cryptocurrency rather than fiat currencies for making a deposit, withdrawing, and playing poker at online best crypto gambling sites or poker sites. Crypto poker play is soon turning out to be the preferred way of playing one of the most popular card games.

Even regular poker players are now seeking cryptocurrency poker websites. The reason? For avoiding the hassles involved in using real money like sharing player’s account details with third-party financial institutions. Also, crypto-only poker sites facilitate anonymous yet secure transactions with no third-party involvement.

List of Popular Cryptocurrency Accepted by Online Poker Sites

Choosing the best crypto site from hundreds out there is quite a hurdle. This is because some cryptocurrency-based sites have very few restricted countries and even fewer cryptocurrency options to choose from.

If the websites do support most of the cryptos, picking the perfect crypto for playing online poker is also intimidating. So, here are some of the most popular cryptocurrencies accepted by poker sites online that are safe and legal.

Bitcoin Poker 

Most cryptocurrency poker sites support Bitcoin Poker. They even facilitate Bitcoin video poker for some live card games.

While Bitcoin is synonymous with cryptocurrency, using it as the most preferred crypto or its underlying blockchain technology as a gambling software comes as no surprise.

Ethereum Poker

Ethereum network and its base currency, Ether, is considered the most popular contemporary of Bitcoin.

The application of smart contracts enables automatic processing of the payout onto the player account post winning a game.

While smart contracts are a major benefit of Ethereum poker websites, Ethereum is quite the preferred currency apart from Bitcoin.

Ripple Poker 

Ripple Network and its underlying crypto coin XRP are fast turning out to be the most popular cross-border payment system.

Ripple poker is yet another popular preference of cryptocurrency poker lovers owing to faster yet cheaper transaction charges.

EOS Poker 

The EOS ecosystem consisting of EOS.IO and its cryptocurrency EOS is ideally known for developing DApps in the crypto industry.

EOS poker where the game is incorporated into the blockchain. This makes it safe and legal with the utmost transparency. One can easily exchange EOS for cash or other digital currencies. 

Bitcoin Cash Poker

Bitcoin Cash is yet another digital currency widely preferred by crypto users for profits via speculative investments.

Similar to Bitcoin online casinos, Bitcoin Cash poker is growing in popularity in the crypto world of online gaming.

Cardano Poker

Low fees on tax or no tax at all are one of the main benefits of Cardano poker sites.

Cardano transactions in online poker rooms are faster and safe. In fact, gamblers from online poker-restricted countries can play poker using Cardano currency without having to worry about legalities.

What is Blockchain Poker?

Online poker rooms based on blockchain technology, particularly for cash games and poker tournaments are referred to as Blockchain poker. It differs from cryptocurrency online poker where all transactions involve the use of cryptocurrencies. However, some casinos use blockchain technology for not only online poker room operations and maintenance but overall casino operations.

Pros and Cons of Crypto Poker

Pros	Cons
Exclusive bonus offers	High volatility
Charges a low fee for deposits made	Irreversible deposits
The same-day payout for faster withdrawals	Most platforms do not provide phone support
Very low or no charges for withdrawals
Multiple payment options to withdraw funds and to make deposits
In-built crypto wallets
Top-notch security features
24/7 access to customer support team

Advantages of Crypto Online Poker

Poker crypto offers a myriad of advantages. Some of the major ones are listed below;

Blockchain technology

Every cryptocurrency, whether a popular one such as Bitcoin or the latest like Cardano, has a blockchain network or public ledgers. These public ledgers contain every transaction information pertaining to the particular coin.

Cryptocurrency transactions can never be erased from the blockchain, hence cryptocurrency-based poker websites are well-known for the utmost transparency.

Smart Contracts

Particular cryptocurrencies like Ethereum have smart contracts technology that facilitates automatic payments or cashouts.

Faster transactions

Yet again, depending on the type of cryptocurrency, the poker sites process faster transactions owing to lightning-fast payment verification and confirmation. Typically, Bitcoin transactions are processed in under 10 minutes while other digital currencies like XRP take a few seconds.

User anonymity

Most poker enthusiasts prefer anonymity, which is offered by cryptocurrencies. Sometimes, the cryptocurrency transactions cannot be traced back to the user. Although the transaction is linked to the blockchain, determining the source of the transaction takes considerable time. Thus, gamers who want to avoid hassles involving government bureaucracies or laws opt for cryptocurrency poker.

Decentralized currency

Most of the cryptocurrencies are open-sourced and decentralized and not governed by a single authority. Unlike fiat money that is controlled by governments, the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies makes them an ideal payment option for gambling requirements.

Disadvantages of Crypto Online Poker

Advantages outweigh drawbacks in poker with crypto. Needless to say, there are a few limitations that are as follows;

High volatility

While this may be considered as one of the disadvantages, it could turn out advantageous when the value of the crypto-coin rises rather than falling. High volatility still poses a threat as there are chances for the crypto to lose its underlying value in terms of price, which may lead to losses when exchanging for real cash. In other words, high volatility is a disadvantage of the digital coin rather than the poker crypto platform.

Irreversible transaction

Lack of chargebacks or refunds is yet another disadvantage, unlike real money that is credited back to the user account. Thus, when a deposit is made, the poker balance cannot be withdrawn unless fulfilling the wagering requirements. That said, one must place bets a certain number of times before withdrawing the funds into their online wallet.

Why Should You Play Online Poker That Supports Cryptocurrencies?

Cryptocurrencies are mostly decentralized or not controlled by any government or financial institution. This means that players do not have to worry about the bank or government-imposed restrictions involving every fiat money transaction. Apart from this, some of the other reasons include;

Accessibility

Regular poker sites pose the problem of accessibility owing to gambling rules and regulations imposed by the players’ jurisdictions. Some of the online poker sites provide easy accessibility as they favor anonymous registrations to create one’s crypto casino account. Such that players gain access to the crypto casino’s a poker room, sports book or sports betting site, poker tournament, etc. While this may be true, it is important to find out whether the platform accepts players from certain countries or not.

Real money payment methods like credit card payment or other payment gateways require a player’s bank account details. And, depending on the players’ country of residence, certain banks allow while others restrict the funding of one’s gaming account with real money. Cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets allow players to fund their gaming account without such restrictions. This is one of the major reasons why most players today opt for online poker sites that support cryptocurrencies.

Anonymity

As stated above, finding a poker site, which accepts players without hassles is quite difficult. Poker with crypto sites, however, solve this dilemma as they provide user anonymity. Funding one’s account only requires a digital wallet and private keys. With this, they can easily transfer crypto funds to start playing various poker games.

While the anonymous transactions are difficult to trace back to the account holder, cryptos offer added safety due to the blockchain network. A crypto online poker platform not only accepts digital coins but may also support fiat payments enabling players to exchange funds before withdrawing the funds.

Lower Fees

Low transactional charges including crypto deposits are a major highlight of online poker platforms supporting cryptos. Compared to a standard online poker room, crypto-supported tables allow gamers to bag a spot with a lower deposit or bankroll. Low withdrawal fees or free deposits are yet another advantage.

Crypto or digital currency poker players play other casino games as well for free or using very low deposits. In fact, they may also gain free spins as either a deposit or a welcome bonus for playing casino games like slots. Some also have a very low minimum deposit requirement for playing a poker game or even a poker tournament.

Easier Games

Compared to real money poker, its crypto alternative is quite new. This means, most of the major league poker players who earn big money choose weaker opponents on such platforms. Crypto poker calls for easier games as the big league players seldom visit these sides, and hence, providing ample opportunities for amateurs to win big. While this may be true, one must always remember that poker is a game of strategy and skills rather than luck. Thus, newcomers must choose safe crypto poker tables wisely. 

Provably Fair

Provably fair games owing to blockchain technology of the underlying cryptocurrency is yet another major advantage of crypto online poker. Provably fair implies that the game uses an integrated algorithm that ensures the game’s fairness. Poker crypto ensures fair odds that are truly random accredited to the blockchain networks.

Although most platforms provide computer-generated results, they are not provably fair, meaning, luck would play a major role. Nevertheless, provably fair poker games provide gamers equal opportunities to showcase their poker skills and strategies.

How to Choose Online Cryptocurrency Poker Site?

Many online poker sites have crypto poker rooms yet, choosing the one that offers the best bonuses like a welcome bonus, a deposit bonus, or a cash back bonus, free spins, etc. along with other perks like privacy, safety, low transaction fees, etc. could be quite intimidating.

Below are some of the pointers that would certainly help in choosing an online poker site supporting major cryptocurrencies.

Reputation and regulation

Reputation and regulation really matter where gambling sites are concerned as they are controlled by the gambling laws of both the casino’s and players’ jurisdictions. The same applies to crypto poker sites.

Most of the reputable online poker sites are licensed and registered under gambling laws. Such reputable online poker sites showcase their license and registration numbers on the Homepage and FAQ section. They also have some of the best opinions and reviews from poker communities. Choosing a cryptocurrency-based poker platform that is highly regulated is very important for player safety.

Player traffic

Oftentimes, finding other players for live table games like Blackjack can be difficult. Needless to say, this is not the case in a best crypto casino. Owing to their reputation and safety, most play poker with crypto platforms boast of large traffic, which helps users participate in games at their time of convenience. In fact, few sites also host a poker room that is live 24/7 with regular dealing of cards.

The availability of other games or a sportsbook page apart from poker games may be reasoned for heavy traffic alongside the opportunity of free games. As a matter of fact, player footfall can be deemed as an effective factor to gauge the authenticity of any poker site.

Game Types

Game libraries offered are expected to vary and are determined by the crypto-based poker website. Some of the sites offer a wide assortment of game collections including Omaha Cash games while others have a limited number of games that one can play exclusively using digital coins.

Payments

Depending on the fact whether the crypto gaming platform is crypto-only or a hybrid platform, users can opt for a plethora of payment methods. Most of the hybrid sites that support both fiat and crypto payment methods offer bank wire transfers, credit/debit card payments, etc. for buying cryptos.

The crypto-only platforms allow users to fund their accounts via their registered crypto wallet. The users can also make withdrawals into the same wallet. Typically, most exchanges and even casino sites offer wallet services for the safekeeping of the cryptos. In fact, some even enable the cold storage of cryptocurrency funds.

Another salient feature of most poker with crypto platforms is that the methods that one uses to make deposits to place wagers will be the same ones used to withdraw funds. That is, if a direct transfer was made from the wallet to the poker account, the amount that you win will be transferred to the same wallet address.

Bonuses

Bonuses offered are expected to vary as per the website. While some crypto casinos may offer free spins, others may provide a deposit bonus or a welcome bonus to new account holders. Crypto poker sites may either offer the bonus in the form of cryptos or their equivalent fiat money. Thus, based on one’s requirements, they can opt for either.

Typically, promotions and bonus offers can be applied for the first few deposits made. However, some sites offer them regularly. Thus, choosing the one with many benefits will help players in the long run where they can participate in a poker room or tournament for free.

While researching for this review, we came across crypto casino platforms that allow players to use their deposits for playing cash games as well. Such casinos support a plethora of poker games preferred by a broad spectrum of poker enthusiasts.

Game Fairness

Game fairness or authenticity has always been a major issue where a standard casino or a poker room is concerned. The inclusion of crypto deposits and withdrawals has ensured fair games as everything is recorded on the blockchain network. Thus, players can rest assured to win whenever they apply a well-tested poker strategy. In fact, many regular crypto online poker players offer a positive review where cryptocurrency gaming sites are concerned.

How to register and deposit at a Crypto poker site?

Listed below is a step-by-step guide on how to start playing at a legal poker website;

Step 1: Choose a trusted website

As stated earlier there are many cryptocurrency-only and hybrid poker sites. Each has a unique perk. However, choosing the right one that matches the specific needs of the player is important. For instance, whether the site features enhanced security or inbuilt wallets for cold storage, additional bonus offers, among others.

Step 2: Open an account

Once a suitable site is chosen, the next step is registration. Based on the privacy policies of the website, some have a very simple application form while others have additional documentation. Needless to say, for player security and funds safety, we recommend sites that have KYC requirements and email verification.

Step 3: Buy Cryptocurrency from Crypto Exchange and transfer funds to your poker account

The next step is to add funds to play into the gaming account. The most common method involves transferring cryptocurrency tokens from a cryptocurrency exchange or wallet. One can create a cryptocurrency wallet or exchange account while registering with the casino.

It is convenient to choose the right exchange that supports gambling based on the payment methods supported. Some exchanges allow visitors to exchange one digital token for another while others enable them to buy them using real money.

Step 4: Join a poker game – choose from cash tables, sit and go, or a tournament

The next step involves choosing a suitable game to play. As mentioned earlier, different sites offer different choices of poker game types to play.

Step 5: Withdraw your winnings back to your private Crypto wallet account

When you fund your poker account to place a bet via your crypto wallet, the amount that you win is then credited back to the same wallet. Users can link their existing wallets to the gambling platform or use a wallet offered by the platform. In fact, some of the best platforms provide cold storage or offline storage of cryptos for added safety.

What types of poker games can be played at a Crypto Poker site?

Depending on the fact whether it is a cryptocurrency-only or hybrid poker site, the types of games also vary. Accordingly, there are cryptocurrency-only games to play, which may be limited, or games that can be played for both real money and cryptocurrencies.

The bonus on offer is also limited to certain games. Thus, while choosing an ideal game, consider whether the bonus amount can be used to play the game or not.

It also depends on the chosen casino where the number of games may range from a handful to a few hundred. Also, the casino may limit the number of games that can be played using the bonus amount credited to the gaming account.

Cash Tables

Cash tables and Sit and Go poker are the common types of cryptocurrency-based poker games. While playing cash table games, one must consider the below-mentioned factors.

Blinds: Important aspects to consider when choosing a game are house edge; whether the game can be played by wagering the bonus amount acquired, etc.

Determining the stakes that one wants to play is quite imperative. This is achieved by assessing the blinds in poker. Blinds are crucial to maintaining the game’s consistency by ensuring the gamers do not fold after every hand is dealt.

Limit vs No Limit Poker: Poker sites offering cryptocurrency payments offer different variants of the games. Some are also broadly classified as limit and no-limit poker. As the name suggests, limit poker implies the limited amount a player can raise per hand, unlike no-limit poker where the amount is unlimited per hand. Thus, based on one’s preference, they may choose a game accordingly. We, however, recommend limit rather than no-limit poker as the player stands the chance of losing only the amount they are prepared to lose as a risk management strategy.

Buy-In: One must also consider the buy-in sum for playing a game that may vary from one site to another. Simply put, it is the amount that a player needs to bring for playing poker. Every poker variant has a different buy-in requirement. Based on the budget, a player can thus select a suitable poker table.

Sit and Go Tables

Unlike the cash table games, Sit and Go poker tables are considered safer as gamblers lose only the buy-in amount. Apart from this crucial difference, the gameplay and other rules are similar to that of cash table poker.

Tournament Games

Some of the trusted and safe crypto poker platforms are affiliated with the Winning Poker Network. This means the tournament games including the multi-table tournaments offered by such sites often provide guaranteed prize pools. Some of the mobile poker apps are also based on cryptos allowing users access to numerous tournaments on the go.

Cashing Out From a Crypto Poker Website

Complete any ID verification

The registration process varies as per the online poker site. Typically, visitors must provide basic details like email address, contact number, etc, even for free play. Thus, based on the type of registration, one must undergo ID verification like email address verification, phone number verification for processing withdrawals.

Go to the withdrawal

Typically, the feature for withdrawing funds is available in the cashier or payments section in the player dashboard. Here, supported payment methods vary and one can choose a suitable method that involves faster cashouts.

Create a new Crypto address in your personal wallet (not an exchange)

Having a personal cryptocurrency wallet is safe to avoid online thefts. Rather than storing funds in exchanges, we recommend opting for some of the best wallets with enhanced safety features. Make sure to create new addresses for transferring funds every time for better safety.

Add the amount you wish to withdraw

Copy the newly generated address and paste the same to proceed with funds transfer. Withdrawal limit and wagering requirements vary for every site. Thus, choose a site offering very low withdrawal limits and also low withdrawal charges.

Click “Submit,” “Go,”

Verify the wallet address before clicking on the submit or go buttons as payments once made are irreversible.

Conclusion

Crypto or cryptocurrency poker involves using cryptocurrencies for playing online poker. Online poker players no longer are required to deal with the limitations imposed by fiat currencies like inflation, high transaction fees, etc.

With online cryptocurrency poker, players can enjoy a whole lot of benefits. And, these include same-day payouts, instant crypto deposits and withdrawals, faster and cheaper transactions, privacy, and user anonymity.

The best cryptocurrency poker site enables gamblers to buy or exchange one crypto for another crypto or fiat currency. The best part, however, are the casino bonuses like free spins, deposit bonus, cashback bonus, reload bonus, any other promotional bonus, etc. offered by such best crypto poker sites, for a wholesome online gambling experience.

FAQs

Is Crypto Poker Legal?

Players can legally play cash games or poker games in online casinos using cryptocurrency. Nevertheless, poker is legal in most countries where cryptocurrencies are considered to be legal. Needless to say, there are certain countries that ban the use of cryptos, while there are others who consider cryptocurrency like Bitcoin a real currency. For the supported country list, please refer to the FAQ page of the poker with crypto platform.

Are Crypto poker sites regulated and safe to use?

Different poker sites have different privacy policies and regulations. There are also those that are not regulated. The regulated ones are some of the top poker sites that are governed by gambling laws and regulations. These policies are essential in order to protect the privacy and safety of a user’s online gaming account for gambling purposes.

Certain licensed poker sites are also strict about their country restrictions and accept players from select countries only. For more information or gambling-related legal advice, players can refer to the terms and conditions or the FAQ section of the online gambling site.

Can you play poker with Cryptocurrency?

Using cryptocurrency to play poker online has revolutionized the online casino landscape leading to the onset of cryptocurrency poker. Here, a player can deposit cryptos into their poker account, and use the same for playing poker online. Although it has many perks, cryptocurrency casino games like poker are a new concept.

Is Crypto Poker Taxable?

The funds in users’ accounts are subject to tax and determined by the type of currency used. Apart from that, regular taxes that apply when making a withdrawal or deposit from the user’s bank account may apply. Taxes may also apply where the users’ exchange account is concerned and is again determined by the type of exchange account and cryptocurrency used. However, compared to fiat money, cryptocurrencies are subject to very low taxes.