There is no denying it. Crypto has moved out of the shadows and into the mainstream. Where we once saw speculative, counterculture trading, we now see institutions adopting crypto and assets being regulated. Now, international companies hold Bitcoin assets, and governments are implementing regulatory frameworks. Digital asset ownership is growing at speed.
However, the crypto era is not solely about coins and currencies. Blockchain technology is being deployed in many ways, including in online casinos. Beyond accepting cryptocurrencies as payment, blockchain technology enables businesses to deploy smart contracts and build systems that operate at lightning-fast speeds. As every transaction is transparent, trust is automatically enhanced. There is a clear tamper-proof record of every action and transaction. Visibility is key to developing mutual trust. Trust and value are interdependent.
Regardless, many people remain wary of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies in general. We decided to sit down with Lara Wilson from online casino review site Casino.ca to find out what she believes defines value for players today.
Hi Lara, welcome to RobTheCoins.com. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit more about the platform you work for?
“Sure, thing! Hi, I am Lara Wilson, and my expertise is online casino reviews and gambling guides. I have over 15 years of experience in the iGaming industry and have a keen interest in start-up ventures, online casinos and online poker. I am one of the resident reviewers at Casino.ca – an independent review site that uses real-world experience to deliver trustworthy casino reviews, regulatory updates and expert gambling guides.”
“Our team has tested over 150 sites and around 21,500 games to help players find the most rewarding and safest online casinos. With over 10 years of experience, our review process handles all the background work so players can get the most enjoyment from their online time. We understand that value is incredibly important, particularly at a time when everything seems to be going up in price. So, as well as finding the best games and safest sites, we also steer readers in the direction of the best bonuses and promotional offers.”
Thanks for that. So, let’s dive straight in and ask: what do you think defines value for players in the crypto era?
“I think the single biggest change that crypto has created is urgency and competition. Traditional payment systems and fiat currencies were so dominant in the past that they could dictate how things worked. When blockchain emerged, it disrupted the system, prompting traditional industries to wake up to the possibilities of a faster digital world. Online casino customers have been among the beneficiaries of these changes. In the past, they might have had to wait hours or days for deposits and withdrawals to clear. Now, eWallets (whether crypto or fiat) provide almost instantaneous transactions. Players do not expect to hang around and are impatient to get on with playing.”
“I think value is the overall experience. It is not just a black-and-white equation or purely financial. Of course, value is about getting the best value for money, but it is also about how much fun a player gets in return for the payment or bonus and how safe the playing environment is. When looking for an online casino offering the biggest payouts, for example, there are plenty of factors a player needs to take into consideration to back up the headline promise.”
“Some online casinos might offer what appear to be incredibly generous payouts, but when we drill down into the specifics, like wagering conditions and return to player (RTP), a different picture can emerge. Value in online casinos is dependent on fairness.
What do you think players should look for when signing up for a crypto casino?
“Our general advice is consistent across all the casinos we review, whether they are crypto or fiat currency ones. You want to choose a casino that is well-designed and offers all the latest features. After all, you are paying for an entertainment experience, and you want to be entertained. There are plenty of casinos in Canada that accept Bitcoin, and some of the best that we have reviewed are Lucky Ones, Slots Gallery and LuckyDays.”
“Before making our recommendations we look out for:
Licensing and security – including valid licensing, SSL encryption, and payment options.
Provably fair games are built into BTC casinos, as they rely on cryptographic hashing. This allows the player to verify each game’s result. If you come across a cryptocurrency platform that does not have this, we suggest you avoid it as it is probably not a legitimate operation. Crypto hashing is a core Bitcoin principle with transparency at the heart of value.
Payments should be processed at lightning speed, and this is an essential feature of any serious crypto casinos as they use blockchain rather than traditional banking systems. Sometimes there can be delays on the blockchain (especially when it is particularly busy), but players should be able to receive their winnings in no time.
Anonymity might be the biggest value factor for some players, and crypto casinos ask for far less personal information than traditional ones. As I said earlier, value is not only about finances, but anonymity could also be the biggest value – it all depends on what you are looking for.”
What else do you look for when considering value?
“I think the biggest test of value is user experience. The best online casinos understand this. Cheap and cheerful is usually not what players are looking for. Online casinos should be well-designed and display all information on the home page so players can easily navigate between sections without wasting time. Dedicated apps are also a big plus in my book. If there is no app, the mobile version needs to feel seamless and load games quickly. The last thing anyone wants when playing online is lag and buffering.
What about bonuses?
“Yes, it would be a bit funny to talk about value and not refer to bonuses. Great online casino bonuses can add a great deal of fun as they let you extend your bankroll and make more wagers. There is usually a good choice of sign-up and welcome bonuses, as well as free spins. Cashback is popular in crypto casinos, where a percentage of your losses is returned as a loyalty incentive. Tournaments can also offer great value play as you can compete on leaderboards and earn cryptocurrency rewards.
Thank you, Lara. As you say, value comes in many shapes and forms! We want to remind our readers that crypto casinos are for fun, not for investment.
