The use of Bitcoin in online gambling has become a popular attraction for gamblers all around the world. Due to its decentralized nature and a host of accompanying benefits, the pioneer cryptocurrency has been used as a tool to make gambling more efficient. Bitcoin gambling creates an entry point for cryptocurrency holders to venture into gambling, and it allows gamblers to become cryptocurrency holders.
Over the years since Bitcoin casinos started emerging, their game selections have increased substantially to accommodate the influx of gamblers who hold digital currency. One of the most popular Bitcoin casino games that continues drawing gamblers to online casinos is Bitcoin Poker.
How does Bitcoin Poker work?
Bitcoin poker works just like conventional poker games, but with the added benefits that blockchain technology provides. These include:
Significantly faster deposit and withdrawal speeds
Anonymity and privacy
Better security
Accessibility
Low fees
Transparency
Users register on poker sites, or casinos that offer poker game selections, and place bets using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Their winnings are held in a remote wallet and can be withdrawn to a Bitcoin wallet at any time. This makes the gaming experience more convenient for both players and operators.
Good Bitcoin poker sites consider everything from quick, and easy transactions, to interesting game selections, neat user interfaces, and juicy deposit bonuses. Here are a few of the best Bitcoin poker sites:
Ignition
Ignition is a fairly popular Bitcoin poker room, where US players do not face any restrictions. The site was created in 2004, at the height of the online poker frenzy, and has been in constant operation since then. It is littered with exciting bonuses and remains the largest site for cash games that cater to the US market. Ignition supports Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android platforms, and is easily downloadable on Mac. The casino accepts payments using Visa, Bitcoin, and Mastercard, while withdrawals are paid out via Bitcoin, Check, and Wire Transfer. Ignition offers its players a bonus of 100% up to $1,000 for poker, and 100% up to $1,000 for their casino.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is another large, and popular Bitcoin casino with a great poker offering. Based in Costa Rica, the Nitrogen platform was established in 2013 and has continued to grow since then. In addition to its poker section, the site also offers a comprehensive sportsbook and casino with 100% provably fair Bitcoin games such as Bitcoin Dice, One Deck Blackjack, Two Deck Blackjack, and Eight Deck Blackjack. Since the casino is browser-based, there is no need for a software download. Its poker section offers players a “Nitro Rewards Program” that lets them earn loyalty points. These points can be exchanged for rewards later.
FortuneJack
This casino has one of the neatest interfaces of all the Bitcoin casinos. With its listing of more than 1000 games, it is easily one of the best Bitcoin Poker sites on the internet. It has several promotions, and ensures that players can compete in leaderboard challenges and tournaments. FortuneJack accepts payments in Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, ZCash, Dogecoin, Monero, Ethereum, and Dash, but does not accept any fiat currency. So, users with fiat currency would have to convert it on a cryptocurrency exchange before they can play. Some popular FortuneJack bonuses are a first deposit welcome bonus of 130% up to 0.5 BTC, and a monthly deposit bonus of 100% up to 1 BTC.
America’s Cardroom
This is credited as the second-largest poker network in the US market, as well as the ninth-largest poker network in the world. The platform has existed since 2001, offering players games such as Texas Hold'em, Stud, and Omaha. It is a secure platform, with a great interface that will certainly appeal to new players, and supports Windows, iOS, and Android platforms. Deposits can be carried out using Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Dash, and other cryptocurrencies, as well as fiat payment channels like Visa, Mastercard, and Cash Transfer. America’s cardroom offers players a bonus of 100% up to $1,000 for poker and 20 free Jackpot Poker tournaments.
BetOnline
BetOnline was established in 2011 under the Panama Gaming Commission and is the third largest poker platform targeting the US market. Currently, the platform offers a wide variety of poker games, casino games, and even a sportsbook. Its poker offerings include Bonus Poker, Texas Hold'em, Double Bonus, All American, 7 Card Stud, Deuces Wild, Five Draw poker, Americana, Omaha, 32 Card Draw, and Bonus Deluxe. Its software is compatible with Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, and Instant Play systems. Payments can be made using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Visa, Skrill, Mastercard, Cash Transfer, Wire Transfer, and Neteller. BetOnline offers a sign-up bonus of 200% up to $1,000 on any poker game, with a minimum deposit of $100.
1xBit
1xBit is one of the highest rated and most popular provably fair poker sites in existence. Apart from poker, there are other games such as Bitcoin Dice, Roulette, Slots, and Blackjack available for players to choose from. 1xBit was established in 2011, and operates with a Curacao license. Unfortunately, the US, the UK and Iran are restricted from playing on the site. 1XBit is inclusive and supports about 49 languages. Its user interface is easy to play with, even for fairly new players.
SwC
SwC Poker is a popular Bitcoin-only casino that offers a wide range of poker games. Its games include Hold'em, Chinese, Standard Chinese, OFC Pineapple, and Omaha. Draw Games include Triple Stud, 5 Card Draw, Badugi, Badeucy, Badacey, 2-7 Single, and Triple Draw. The platform is available to US players and has a fast deposit and withdrawal time. Players on SWC are completely anonymous and are provided a 5-50% rake back, freerolls every day, and a bad beat jackpot.
Intertops
Intertops is one of the oldest online casinos and has a large game selection which includes Texas Hold’em, Omaha High Poker, and Omaha Hi/Lo Poker. Intertops supports multiple software platforms and offer players a bonus of 200% up to $1000, and 25 free spins.
Tigergaming.com
This poker site was established in 1999 and is one of the oldest of such platforms. Tigergaming offers games such as No-Limit Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha, Limit Hold'em, and Omaha Hi-Lo. The site has a responsive mobile platform as well as fast and secure transactions in fiat currency. Bonus packages include a 100% match bonus up to $1000, as well as a $10,000 weekly cash leaderboard challenge, and a $5,000 multi-table leaderboard challenge.
Cloudbet
Cloudbet is one of the oldest Bitcoin casinos offering poker games. It was established in 2013 and operates under a Curacao license. It offers many other games outside of poker and and also features sports betting in many different categories, including football. It is open to US players and accepts payments in the form of both Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash. New players on the Cloudbet platform, are entitled to 100% match bonus up to 5 BTC or 5 BCH. They also have an interesting loyalty plan in which users earn points for playing games. These points can be exchanged for games at a later date.
Final Thoughts
The Bitcoin gambling niche is growing at a fast rate, with games like poker leading the charge. Between 2014 and 2017, Bitcoin gamblers wagered approximately $4.5 billion dollars worth of BTC. This figure is estimated to grow in the coming years, and gambling may become more lucrative than ever as casinos push out more bonuses and rewards systems to attract players.
Gambling is risky on its own, but combined with the loosely regulated cryptocurrency industry, it is a lot worse. To avoid scams and theft, gamblers must carry out tons of research before entrusting online casinos with their money or data.
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