What is Bitcoin?
If you haven’t heard of bitcoin, you must have put in some considerable effort into avoiding it. Most of us know by now that bitcoin is a type of digital currency, also known as cryptocurrency due to the use of encryption when verifying transactions.
Bitcoin (BTC) is probably one of the most well-known cryptocurrencies out there and was one of the first to come on the market. The price of bitcoin is dependant on the supply and demand, meaning that it is more similar to the stock market than conventional currency. Due to the nature of bitcoin, its value is highly volatile, and can rise or fall dramatically.
Given its volatility, you might be wondering why anyone would choose to use it for slot machines. Well, bitcoin has become an increasingly popular banking option with online casinos. This is because the transactions are pretty much instantaneous as they don’t have the same processing time as fiat currency – the regular currency that is transferred by banks – as they can take days to process deposits and withdrawals rather than minuets.
Another reason for choosing bitcoin slots over traditional online casinos is fees. Bitcoin casinos don’t charge any fees which makes fees more affordable. Also, alongside the chance that your winnings may lose value (or your losses increase in value) there is the chance that your winnings will come during a bitcoin upturn and be worth considerably more in a short space of time.
| Bitcoin |
Fiat (regular) currencies |
| Purely digital currency |
Available for digital payments or cash |
| Uses Blockchain – a decentralised ledger of transactions across a peer-to-peer network |
Controlled by financial institutions and kept in banks |
| Volatile due to its unregulated nature |
Relatively stable as the currency is linked to a countries economic state |
An Introduction to Crypto Slots
Crypto slots, or bitcoin slots, are online gambling games you can play with your cryptocurrency. They are a fun and potentially very rewarding way to put your crypto coins to use! Read on to learn more about the exciting and innovative world of crypto slots.
History
Since its invention in 1891 the slot machine, or the fruit machine, has become one of the most iconic and widely enjoyed gambling games in the world. The classic slot machine game requires the player to stop 3 spinning reels and match the symbols, with rewards paid out for successful combinations.
Players today no longer have to visit a casino or bar to enjoy slots; thanks to the emergence of online games in recent decades the game can be played any time, any place!
At first online slots used traditional, or fiat, currency. However, in the last few years, crypto slots have become an increasingly popular option. Cryptocurrency is a decentralised payment method managed through blockchain technology. Bitcoin was the first such cryptocurrency, entering use in 2008.
While Bitcoin technology has been in use for over a decade, there has been a real explosion in its popularity in the last few years. The emergence of bitcoin slots is just one example of an increasing number of uses for cryptocurrency. Companies like Microsoft and Twitch accept payment in bitcoin, and in 2021 El Salvador even became the first country to introduce bitcoin as a legal currency.
What are Bitcoin Slots?
Bitcoin slots refer to online slot machines that allow you to play using bitcoin. If you’re familiar with physical slot machines, you may be curious as to how they work in the digital realm. Well, the difference might not be as big as you think since modern slot machines are always digital – whether online or in the pub. This means that instead of being mechanical, modern slot machines use random number generators to determine a win or loss. These RNG generators are set by algorithms that randomly generate outcomes and they are pretty much the same whether you play in a physical or digital casino. The good thing about playing slots online, is that there are many banking options, which means you can use whatever currency you wish – including crypto.
With the growing popularity of bitcoin, and its worldwide appeal, many online casinos now have cryptocurrency banking options allowing you to play using a variety of crypto. Bitcoin is overwhelmingly the most popular and well-known cryptocurrency on the market and is perfect for online gambling.
Of course, using bitcoin slots is a gamble in more ways than one. As bitcoin has proven itself to be relatively unstable, you may find that you’re spending as well as your winnings can both loose and gain value. However, as you usually receive your winnings in bitcoin, it may not affect you 0 so long as you are happy to keep your money in bitcoin, at least until its next spike.
The main benefit on playing bitcoin slots is the practically instantaneous transactions. As bitcoin doesn’t need to be approved by traditional banking systems, both deposits and withdrawals are super fast, meaning you can begin playing straight away and access your winnings immediately.
Bitcoin slots vs physical slots
| Physical Slots |
Bitcoin Slots |
| Uses digital Random Number Generators to determine wins. |
Uses digital Random Number Generators to determine wins. |
| Come in multiple types and usually includes bonuses |
Come in multiple types and usually includes bonuses |
| Needs coins to operate |
Can use bitcoin to play |
| Available to play in a gambling venue |
Can play at home in your pyjamas |
Benefits
Many people are attracted to cryptocurrency because it is decentralised. There is no need for a central banking authority to verify or approve transactions, and many argue that bitcoin is therefore a far more democratic payment system. As cryptocurrencies are not tied to any national currency, they are also in theory less volatile to changing currency values, particularly in countries where inflation is an issue.
These benefits of cryptocurrency make crypto slots attractive to many. Using crypto slots rather than traditional online slots gives players privacy as their banks can’t see transactions. In many countries, there are limits on how much players can legally deposit and withdraw on gambling sites. The privacy of crypto slots can allow players to bypass these restrictions, though we advise you to check the legality of this practice in your country.
Where to Get Bitcoin
So now you know a bit more about bitcoin slots, you may be wondering how you can get your hands on some. There are a number of ways you can buy bitcoin. Although when you are spending bitcoin, your personal data is protected and you won’t need to provide personal information, buying bitcoin can be a lot like opening a bank account. Below I’ve listed some of the ways to obtain bitcoin
Use a Crypto Wallet
There are many crypto wallets on the market, and they also come in different types as well as from different companies. Crypto wallets can be hardware, desktop, or mobile so you should determine how you will use the wallet before you buy one. Bitcoins have their own wallet app available called Bitcoin.com Wallet. Once you have brought and installed the wallet software, you can buy bitcoin through the wallet app and keep your bitcoin in your wallet. You can have as many wallets as you want to keep your bitcoin organised and in order. When you first buy bitcoin through your wallet you will have to verify your identity, but every purchase after that will be nearly instantaneous.
Buy through the Bitcoin website
To buy through the Bitcoin website, you first need a Bitcoin address. This is typically a stream of random numbers and letters which is where the Bitcoin will be sent to. To get an address, you will need to get a wallet (think of the address as the safe and the wallet as the keys) however, you can still use the address if you lose the wallet, as your wallet generates the keys which you can then print out and save in addition to having them in your wallet. Simple!
When buying bitcoin from bitcoins webpage, just select bitcoin, input how much you want to pay and in which currency, click “buy,” then enter your bitcoin (or wallet) address. To add to your Bitcoin.com wallet you would then open your wallet app and tap the receive icon before selecting bitcoin and the wallet you want it to go into, then copy your address and paste it into the Bitcoin.com website. Then provide your payment details to complete the purchase.
Buy from a Cryptocurrency Exchange Site
For this you’ll need to set up an account with the exchange site. Any purchases will then be added to your exchange account. Most users would then send it from their exchange account into their crypto wallet for added security and control.
Buy Bitcoin through the Casino
Most online crypto casinos will allow you to purchase crypto through their site for it to be automatically deposited into your account. This might sound like an easier option, considering the identity verifications plus the time it takes setting up wallets and crypto addresses. However, there are a few things to consider before you take this route. Firstly, the sites usually have a minimum spend, so you will have to spend a certain amount on bitcoin, and its usually at least €50. The next thing to consider is that if you want to use cryptocurrency for anonymity or speed, buying it with your bank card sort of defeats the point. Lastly, you will still need to set up a crypto wallet if you want to withdraw any winnings, as your winnings will be in Bitcoin.
Ultimately the best and simplest route to take would be to set up a crypto wallet and purchase through your wallet. If you already have a wallet set up, you can then buy through the casino if its easier at the time, but you’ll still be able to withdraw your bitcoin winnings instantly.
Types of Bitcoin Slot Games
After finding a reputable site that meets your needs, the next thing to consider is what type of crypto slots you want to play! Take your time to find a game that suits your needs and appeals to you. If you’re just starting out playing bitcoin slots you may want to keep it simple, but there is a whole world of varied gameplay out there to explore!
Bitcoin slot games are a lot like regular slot machines, but with bitcoin as your chosen banking option. In this section I’m going to go into a bit of detail about the three types of bitcoin slot games that you will typically find.
Classic 3-Reel
This really is the basic, most simple bitcoin slot game going. You get three ‘reels’ that rotate and you have to get three matching symbols to win. While most players prefer more options and features, most good websites that offer bitcoin slots will have at least one classic three-reel slot game available.
For beginners, the classic three-reel crypto slots are probably the best choice. Typically you stake an amount, press ‘Spin’, and then try to stop the reels and match the symbols to win a payout. The 3-reel game is the simplest to play, and therefore a good choice for newcomers to crypto slots.
Progressive Jackpot
If you want to play bitcoin slot games because you hope to get a massive pay-out, then you’ll want to focus your efforts on the progressive jackpot type of slots. They are very similar to the bonus style slots (described below), but with a jackpot that increases until it is won. The prizes just keep on rolling over until the jackpot is won, which is why you stand the chance for a significant win.
The jackpot for these games increases each time the game is played but not won. There is a chance, therefore, to win large sums. The probability of a large payout is however relatively low.
Bonus Slots
Most modern slot machines tend offer the player a more exciting and engaging experience by having slots with plenty of bonus features. These types of bitcoin slot games are packed with different ways to win. Below I’ve listed the key features of the bonus style slot games.
Different games offer different rewards and bonus rounds, which can often generate generous payouts. Take a look at what’s on offer when you are choosing which bitcoin slots to play.
5×3 Reel
These games follow the same principles as 3-reel, but with more reels. 6, 7 and even 10 reel games are out there! The more reels, the more complex the game, although there is a higher probability of winning a payout.
Most of the bitcoin slots you will encounter will be packed with bonuses and offer more ways to win. Bitcoin slots will usually have the 5×3 reel layout, meaning you will have more chance of getting a winning combo than with the classic 3 reels. This is because with the 5×3 reel layout there are more ‘paylines’ than with the classic game. A payline is the number of lines that can get you a win, and this layout has 25 possible paylines which offers the chance of multiple wins from one spin.
Paylines are the combinations of symbols in a game that generate a payout. Different crypto slots have different numbers of paylines you can bet on. The more paylines you play the greater the probability of winning, but also the higher the cost!
Wild Symbols
Wild symbols can help you win as they can substitute any other symbol. For example, if you have two matching symbols next to a wild symbol, this will equal three matching symbols and get you a win.
Features Rounds
Features rounds are occasionally accessible, depending on the bitcoin slot game you are playing. You will usually have to land three or more bonus symbols to progress to a features round. Each features round has a different structure, but they usually offer a higher chancing of winning big and are laden with graphics and sound effects creating an entertainingly interactive experience.
Cascading slots
Unlike traditional slots, which show reels spinning, in cascading slots symbols fall into place from the top. When symbols are successfully matched they disappear and new symbols come down to fill the gaps (somewhat like the classic game Tetris). It is therefore possible to get secondary ‘free’ rolls if new winning combinations are created when new symbols come down. Cascading slots are, however, more complicated to play, and perhaps not the best choice for beginners.
This seems a good point to mention that no matter what the type of bitcoin slot you play, it’s always a risk. You should never bet with more than you are prepared to lose and always gamble responsibly.
How to Choose a Bitcoin Slot Site
The online casino market is booming and there is a plethora of sites out there offering bitcoin clot games. But how do you choose which site to go with? After all, playing the slots is already a gamble so you don’t want to add to that and risk choosing a dodgy online casino. This is especially important as bitcoin casinos can be more unregulated than traditional online casinos.
Later in this article we have listed our top ten sites to play bitcoin slots, but here is a brief guide to what to look for when choosing a site. Bitcoin gambling has surged in popularity in recent years so when looking for sites that offer bitcoin casino slots, you may feel a bit spoilt for choice. Below we’ll detail some of the things to look out for when choosing a site to play bitcoin slot games.
Reputation
The number one thing to look out for when choosing a bitcoin slot site is its reputation. An effective way to gauge that is by checking player reviews. However, you will have to take some reviews with a pinch of salt, after all losing money does not tend to make people feel complimentary.
Other ways of assessing a sites reputation are by checking their licence. The licence required is dependent on the country you are in (not all sites are available in all countries.) Sites can obtain licences from a number of sources, but it is generally agreed that having a licence from the UKGC or the Malta Gaming Authority means that the site is pretty trustworthy. This is because these authorities have the strictest rules and regulations that the sites must meet at all times. Occasionally online casinos try and operate without obtaining a license, and it’s no stretch of the imagination to say that its probably because their operation is not above board.
Some bitcoin slot sites have been running for years, and this is also a fairly good indication of trustworthiness. If the site is popular years after its launch, then they must be doing something right.
Bonuses
All sites offer bonuses and promotions, but you need to ensure that they will benefit you. All bitcoin slot sites are competing for your business, so they will offer great welcome bonuses and ongoing offers, but you have to make sure you will be able to take full advantage of what is on offer. Look specifically at the crypto bonuses, and if there are any promotions for the slots offered.
Make sure you can play
Most sites nowadays make you prove you are in the country or state you say you are, and some sites will block you depending on your IP address. While it is tempting to try and circumvent these restrictions, especially if you are in an area where gambling is highly regulated, you risk losing your deposit and any subsequent winnings. If you are found to be using a VPN the site can withhold your money. All of this can be found in the terms and conditions, so its always a good thing to read these through before you make a deposit.
Do you like the site?
This may seem like an obvious factor, but you have to like the sites interface and game selection. With most bitcoin slot sites you can take a look around the site and check out the game selection before you sign up, so once you have a short list it’s a good idea to try out the site before you buy in.
Dos and Don’ts of Choosing a Bitcoin Slot Site
| Do |
Don’t |
| Shop around |
Go with the first site that comes up on your internet search |
| Check out bitcoin bonuses |
Ignore the T&Cs of promotions assuming that you will be eligible |
| Check the licence |
Go with an unlicenced site or try and get around gambling laws in your country |
| Read the reviews |
Sign up and make a deposit without researching |
| Test the interface before signing up |
|
Pros and Cons of Bitcoin Slots
Like everything in life, there are upsides and downsides. If you are unsure as to whether you would like to play slots using bitcoin, we’ll go through some of the pros and cons to help you decide.
| Pros |
Cons |
| Faster transactions |
Highly volatile currency |
| More privacy |
Can be unregulated |
| Low fees |
Not available on all sites |
| Better security |
|
The main pro of using bitcoin for online slots is the speed of transactions. Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies, essentially cut out the middleman meaning that the transaction is between the payer and the payee directly. As there is no financial institution to go through, the money can be transferred in a matter of minuets. This can mean the difference between waiting five business days for your withdrawn winnings to hit your account or having them in five minutes. Understandably this is a bid draw for online slots players.
The lack of a conventional financial institution has other benefits. As bitcoin transactions don’t go through the bank also means that users often have lower transaction fees and can sometimes forgo the fees altogether.
Bitcoin also provides an extra layer of privacy and security. Bitcoin uses blockchain technology that provides anonymous transactions. This means that the only information shared is the during the transaction is the address of your crypto wallet. As players don’t need to provide any personal information, data, or bank details. Slots players are also drawn to the extra layer of security provided by cryptocurrency and its technology. Crypto wallets are highly protected, and transactions can be checked to make sure the casino is operating fairly. This means that not only is your bitcoin protected from scam sites, but it is also almost impossible for hackers to access your funds.
Of course, there are downsides to using bitcoin for slot games. The most obvious issue is the volatility of the currency. This is a double-edged sword, as the value of bitcoin can rise just as quickly as it falls. This volatility can mean that your wins can gain value, however it can also result in your wins losing their value, or your losses becoming harder to handle should the value suddenly shoot up! The fact that the value bitcoin can change very quickly means that some people see it as a stock option rather than an actual currency. This aspect of bitcoin also means that not every online casino offers it as a banking option.
Regulations also can be lax when it comes to bitcoin slots. As online casinos are illegal in some countries, and heavily regulated in many others, users in those countries can be policed via their bank accounts. As Bitcoin is not tied to a particular country, enterprising online casinos can attract players worldwide by allowing sign ups without requiring background checks. Users in restricted countries can easily use bitcoin slots on sites from other less regulated countries using Bitcoin as their currency. This may sound like good news to many players, however gambling regulations are in place for good reasons. As well as stopping money-laundering and controlling the fairness of online slots games, bitcoin does not have the same regulations to prevent gambling addictions.
How to Use Bitcoin Slots
Below is our guide to playing bitcoin slots. For this example, I signed up to BC Games to check out their selection. Although other sites will have different games and slightly different sign ups, they all roughly follow the same format.
The first thing you’ll need to do is pick a site and sign up. It’s a good idea to spend a bit of time researching and trying out a few sites before you make a deposit. This way you’ll know that you are happy with the site before you start wagering any real money. Many sites offer free plays without registering, and you can also check out the games stats such as highest wins and the Return To Player rate. Be sure to double check which sites are available in your region, as some sites will let you sign up and make a deposit even if you are in a restricted country.
How to play
The first step of playing crypto slots is choosing a site! Here is what to look for
What to consider when choosing a site to play
-What do reviews say? While there are many brilliant, legitimate bitcoin slot sites, there are unfortunately also some scammers out there. As bitcoin is decentralised it’s difficult to get your money back once a transaction has gone through. Make sure you take the time to check the reputation of different sites before playing.
-Is the site regulated? The most reputable bitcoin slots sites are regulated by a gaming authority, often the Curacao Gaming Authority. A regulated site is more trustworthy.
-What’s the law? Make sure crypto slots are legal in your country. The cryptocurrency you deposit could be confiscated if you try to play from a jurisdiction where crypto slots are restricted so make sure to do your research before starting to play.
-Is the site end-to-end cryptocurrency? Some online slots will accept cryptocurrency deposits, but convert your money into fiat currencies for gameplay. This negates many of the benefits of using crypto slots, so it’s best to look for a site that is end-to-end cryptocurrency.
-What are the withdrawal limits? Different sites have different daily withdrawal limits, check this limit before playing to ensure it meets your needs.
-Are the games ‘provably fair’? ‘Provably fair’ is a complex new blockchain technology that allows players of crypto slots to verify that the online provider is calculating game odds fairly. Look out for sites that use the technology!
-What payment methods are accepted? Make sure the payment method you plan to use is accepted by the site.
-How long do withdrawals take? Some sites allow you to make withdrawals almost instantly, others take longer to process. Think about what will suit your purposes.
-Does the site offer customer support? Ideally, crypto slots sites should offer comprehensive customer support. It’s important to have someone to contact if anything goes wrong, so look for sites that offer 24/7 support.
-Are there any bonuses or rewards? Many bitcoin slots websites offer incentives to use their services. These can include sign-up bonuses, cashback, VIP programs, and rewards for leveling up. Some prizes can be pretty lucrative, so it’s worth checking out what different sites offer before registering.
Once you’ve registered with a site, set up your wallet, and purchased your crypto, you’re ready to play! All that’s left is to enjoy and hopefully win big! There are a huge variety of bitcoin slot games out there, with all sorts of different themes and bonus rounds. Make sure you try out some different styles of play and explore the extensive world of crypto slots!
Signing up and playing slots
When you’ve found the site you want to use, just locate the “sign up” button and follow the instructions on the pop up to join.
Joining to BC.Game
BC Games have a super simple sign up. In fact, many crypto casinos allow you to sign up without verifying your identity or giving and real personal information. As Bitcoin is also anonymous, it can tempt people in restricted areas to get a VPN and try and access sites that you usually wouldn’t be able to access. However, be warned that while the casinos might let you play anonymously, it can be a different story when you try and withdraw your winnings. These online casinos are perfectly within their rights to withhold funds if you are found to be breaking the terms and agreements of the site.
To sign up to BC Games you’ll be asked to enter your email address and choose a password. Then, by hitting the sign-up button, you confirm you have read the user agreement and that you are over 18.
Details required by BC.Game
All you need to do from there is enter your email and your date of birth and you’re in. It really is as easy as that. There is no email verification or personal details submitted.
Adding your name and birthday
On signing up you will receive a free spin to win one bitcoin, and you get a free spin every couple of hours when you are playing. You’ll get this spin regardless of whether you make a deposit, so it’s a great bonus.
BC.Game’s free spin wheel
Once you are in you can personalise your profile. On sign-up you are assigned a random username and avatar. These can be edited by clicking on your profile avatar and then on the “edit” pencil button.
Choosing your username and avatar
By clicking on the pencil icon, you open a pop up where you can edit both the avatar and username as you wish.
Choosing at nickname
Now you’ve got your profile set up the way you like, it’s time to deposit some bitcoin. Clicking on the deposit button will bring up all the banking options, including the bitcoin deposit address. You can even access the deposit address through a QR code making it super simple. If you don’t have a mobile wallet, you can copy and paste the deposit address to make a payment.
Depositing at BC.Game
If you don’t have a crypto wallet, or you just want to use bitcoin for playing slots, you can buy it through the website. However, you will need a crypto wallet to make any withdrawals. Really this feature is for people with a wallet but want to add bitcoin directly into their casino account. That being said, you can keep your bitcoin in your casino account if you wish and set up a wallet at t=a later date should you want to withdraw your balance.
Choosing your payment method
Once you’ve made your deposit, its time to play. The slot games are easily found in the casino section of the site.
Choosing BC.Game’s slots
As you can see, BC Games has an absolutely massive selection of slots, boasting 800 bitcoin slot games to choose from.
Clicking load more to see more slots
All the slots on BC Games currently only display your balance in USD, however these are converted from your bitcoin balance, and any winnings are converted back into bitcoin after you play.
And example slot games
This particular game is heavy on bonuses and is played in a tumble style that is similar to puzzle games like Candy Crush. The matching symbols disappear allowing the symbols above to drop down and create new winning combinations.
Playing Gates of Olympus
This style of game means that you can win small amounts fairly easily, and it makes the game pretty engaging.
How to play this slot
When you have finished playing, your winnings will be converted back into bitcoin and added into your site account where you can withdraw them into your crypto wallet if you wish.
An example winning
Pros and Cons of Crypto Slots
✅The potential to win big The most obvious upside of bitcoin slots is the possibility of winning large sums of cryptocurrency. Particularly when you factor in bonuses and different VIP awards, a lucky run on crypto slots can be very lucrative!
✅Enhanced privacy Compared to traditional online gambling sites, crypto slots providers offer a much greater degree of privacy to the player.
✅Fun! Bitcoin slots are arguably one of the most entertaining ways to use your cryptocurrency. It’s a great way to play diverting games while potentially increasing your crypto holdings.
✅Wide range of choices There are so many crypto slots to choose from! As well as the many different types of gameplay styles outlined above, many games are themed around movies or tv shows and feature exciting art and music. With so much choice there is sure to be a game to suit any player.
❌Luck-based While you have a choice in what games you play and how much you wager, ultimately crypto slots are luck-based games. You can’t develop your skills so every game is a true gamble.
❌Prevalence of scammers Unfortunately some dishonest individuals and organizations have tried to take advantage of the recent boom in bitcoin slots. However, with a little independent research (and many of the tips in this article!) such scams are relatively easy to avoid.
❌Legal restrictions Cryptocurrency is prohibited in many countries, and more restrictions may be on the way. The EU, for example, is moving to introduce laws that remove anonymity from crypto transactions. Laws like this could diminish the appeal of bitcoin slots.
❌Environmental impacts Crypto technology has been criticized due to its heavy carbon footprint. Playing crypto slots unfortunately does have a negative impact on the environment.
Conclusion
This guide has laid out the first steps to starting your crypto slots journey, all that’s left is to start playing! Bear in mind the tips we’ve shared, do your own research, and never wager more than you can comfortably afford. Bitcoin slots are an exciting innovation and there are a whole variety of choices out there, we encourage you to explore what’s on offer and find the game that’s right for you!
