Playing Poker with Bitcoin: A Guide to the Best Crypto Poker Sites in 2023
The Evolution of Online Poker: A Dive into Crypto Poker Platforms
The online poker industry has become increasingly competitive, with numerous platforms offering the option to play poker with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. From attracting new players with lucrative bonuses to enhancing gaming experiences with innovative technology, these platforms are transforming the way we play poker.
Top Crypto Poker Platforms of 2023
Crypto poker refers to online poker games that use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others as their primary currency. Cryptocurrencies, being decentralized, offer certain advantages that traditional fiat currencies do not. For example, transactions are usually faster, fees are lower, and in some cases, players can maintain more anonymity. Crypto poker platforms work by allowing players to deposit their crypto assets into a secure, online account on the platform. Players can then use these assets to enter poker games and tournaments. Winnings are also paid out in cryptocurrency, which can be withdrawn to the player's private crypto wallet.
CoinPoker
Unlike the more traditional platforms mentioned above, CoinPoker is a revolutionary poker platform that focuses exclusively on cryptocurrency transactions. It uses USDT as its main in-game currency and CHP as a bonus fuel. It offers instant and secure transactions with USDT, ETH, BTC, or CHP tokens and doesn't require KYC checks.
CoinPoker is also community-centric, focusing on feedback and ideas from its players, and offers numerous promotions, including the opportunity to win thousands in fiat value each week2. Notably, CoinPoker's random number generator (RNG), which is used for card shuffling, is fully decentralized. This means all players at the table have an input on the card shuffling, making the process transparent and verifiably fair.
CoinPoker also offers a mobile application, allowing players to enjoy the same gaming experience on the go2. The platform allows withdrawals in USDT, ETH, CHP, or BTC, and it has no minimum deposit requirement, though the minimum withdrawal is 5 USDT2. It also offers a 33% rakeback to players who pay community contributions in CHP, which is paid out every Monday.
Account verification on CoinPoker is done through the Civic application, a blockchain-based project specializing in secure identity verification.
While all of these platforms offer unique features and advantages, choosing the best Bitcoin poker site depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether it's the variety of games, the anonymity, the reputation, or the innovative use of blockchain technology, each platform offers a unique value proposition to its users.
BetOnline Poker
BetOnline Poker is an online casino that offers not just poker, but also sports betting, esports, and casino games. They accept a broad range of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many others1. However, it's important to note that BetOnline does not offer anonymous play, requiring users to provide personal information to open an account. Their reputation is a subject of some debate with a mixture of positive and negative reviews1.
Bovada Poker
Bovada.lv, a renowned sports betting and casino brand, also offers the option to play poker with Bitcoin. Like BetOnline, Bovada doesn't allow anonymous play, requiring players to provide personal information during registration. Despite this, they have earned a solid reputation thanks to their official license from Curacao and their SSL security license1.
Black Chip Poker & Americas Cardroom
Black Chip Poker is another popular Bitcoin-friendly platform. In addition to poker, it also offers sports betting options. While it doesn't offer anonymous play, it has a Player Protection program that hides players' names until they've paid to play. This measure is aimed at preventing experienced players from targeting weaker ones. It has a long-standing presence in the industry and a reputation to match
Advantages of Crypto Poker
- Speed of transactions: Cryptocurrency transactions can be processed more quickly than traditional bank transactions, meaning players can deposit and withdraw funds with less waiting time.
- Lower fees: Because cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, the costs associated with depositing and withdrawing money can be significantly lower than traditional banking methods.
- Anonymity: Some crypto poker sites offer more privacy than traditional poker sites, as players can create accounts and play games without providing personal information.
- Global access: Cryptocurrencies aren't tied to any specific country or bank, which means players from around the world can participate without worrying about currency conversion or international banking fees.
However, it's important to note that while crypto poker offers many benefits, it also has its risks, including the volatility of cryptocurrencies and potential security issues. Therefore, players should always do thorough research before choosing a crypto poker platform to ensure it is secure and reputable.