Crypto Casino Glossary
From altcoins to wagering requirements—every term you need to understand crypto gambling.
A
Altcoin
Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Examples include Ethereum, Litecoin, Solana, and thousands of others. Many crypto casinos accept multiple altcoins for deposits and withdrawals.
B
Bankroll
The total amount of money a player has set aside specifically for gambling. Proper bankroll management involves only betting a small percentage (typically 1-2%) of your total bankroll on any single wager.
BEP20
A token standard on Binance Smart Chain (BSC). BEP20 tokens like USDT on BSC offer lower fees than Ethereum but require using the correct network when depositing to avoid lost funds.
Bonus Abuse
Exploiting casino bonuses in ways that violate terms of service, such as creating multiple accounts or using prohibited betting strategies. Can result in account closure and fund confiscation.
C
Cashback
A bonus where the casino returns a percentage of your net losses over a period. Unlike rakeback, cashback only applies when you lose money. Common rates range from 5-20%.
Client Seed
In provably fair gaming, a random string provided by the player that influences game outcomes. Combined with the server seed to generate results, ensuring the casino cannot manipulate outcomes.
Cold Wallet
Cryptocurrency storage that is not connected to the internet, such as hardware wallets or paper wallets. More secure than hot wallets for long-term storage but less convenient for frequent transactions.
Confirmation
When a cryptocurrency transaction is verified and added to the blockchain. Bitcoin typically requires 3-6 confirmations for casino deposits. More confirmations = more security but longer wait times.
Crash Game
A popular crypto casino game where a multiplier increases from 1x until it randomly "crashes." Players must cash out before the crash to win. Known for provably fair verification and high volatility.
Cryptocurrency
Digital currency secured by cryptography and typically operating on decentralized blockchain networks. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT are the most common cryptocurrencies used at online casinos.
Curacao License
A gambling license issued by the government of Curacao. One of the most common licenses for crypto casinos due to relatively low requirements. Offers basic player protection but less oversight than Malta or UK licenses.
D
Deposit Bonus
A bonus given when you deposit funds, typically expressed as a percentage match. A "100% up to $500" bonus means the casino matches your deposit dollar-for-dollar up to $500.
E
ERC20
The token standard for Ethereum network tokens, including USDT and USDC on Ethereum. ERC20 transactions can have high gas fees during network congestion.
F
Fiat Currency
Government-issued currency like USD, EUR, or GBP. Some crypto casinos are "crypto-only" while others also accept fiat deposits and withdrawals.
Free Spins
Bonus spins on slot machines that don't require wagering your own money. Often part of welcome packages or promotions. May come with wagering requirements before winnings can be withdrawn.
G
Gas Fees
Transaction fees on the Ethereum network paid to validators for processing transactions. Gas fees fluctuate based on network demand and can significantly impact small deposits.
H
Hash
A fixed-length string produced by a cryptographic function. In provably fair gaming, the server seed hash is shown before betting to prove the outcome was predetermined.
High Roller
A player who wagers large amounts of money. High rollers often receive special VIP treatment, higher limits, and personalized bonuses.
Hot Wallet
Cryptocurrency storage connected to the internet for convenient transactions. More vulnerable to hacking than cold wallets. Recommended only for amounts you plan to use soon.
House Edge
The mathematical advantage the casino has over players, expressed as a percentage. A 2% house edge means the casino expects to keep $2 of every $100 wagered over time.
I
Instant Withdrawal
Withdrawals processed immediately or within minutes rather than hours or days. Crypto casinos often offer faster withdrawals than traditional casinos due to blockchain efficiency.
K
KYC (Know Your Customer)
Identity verification required by some casinos, typically involving ID documents and proof of address. No-KYC casinos allow play without verification, offering more privacy.
L
Layer 2
Scaling solutions built on top of base blockchains to improve speed and reduce fees. Lightning Network (Bitcoin) and Arbitrum (Ethereum) are examples.
Lightning Network
A Layer 2 payment protocol for Bitcoin enabling instant, near-zero fee transactions. Increasingly supported by crypto casinos for deposits and withdrawals.
Live Dealer
Casino games streamed in real-time with human dealers. Combines online convenience with authentic casino atmosphere. Popular games include blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
M
Max Bet
The maximum amount you can wager on a single bet. When playing with bonus funds, casinos often impose lower max bet limits (e.g., $5 per spin) to prevent bonus abuse.
Mempool
The waiting area for unconfirmed cryptocurrency transactions. When the mempool is full, transactions take longer and may require higher fees to process quickly.
Minimum Deposit
The smallest amount a casino accepts as a deposit. Crypto casinos often have lower minimums than traditional casinos due to lower payment processing costs.
Multiplier
A factor by which winnings are increased. In crash games, the multiplier grows until the crash. In slots, multipliers can boost wins during bonus features.
N
No Deposit Bonus
A bonus given without requiring a deposit. Usually small amounts with high wagering requirements. Good for testing a casino but rarely provides significant value.
Nonce
A number used once in provably fair systems. Combined with server and client seeds, the nonce (which increments with each bet) ensures each game has a unique outcome.
P
Plinko
A casino game where a ball drops through a pegged board into prize slots. Outcomes are determined by the ball's path. Popular in crypto casinos for its simplicity and provably fair verification.
Private Key
A secret code that proves ownership of cryptocurrency and allows spending. Never share your private key. If someone has your private key, they control your funds.
Provably Fair
A cryptographic system allowing players to verify that game outcomes are random and not manipulated. Uses server seeds, client seeds, and hashing algorithms to ensure transparency.
R
Rakeback
A percentage of all wagers returned to the player regardless of win/loss outcome. Unlike cashback, rakeback pays even when you win. Common in VIP programs.
Reload Bonus
A bonus offered on deposits after your initial welcome bonus. Usually smaller percentages than welcome bonuses but can provide ongoing value for regular players.
RNG (Random Number Generator)
Software that generates random outcomes for casino games. Traditional casinos use certified RNG systems audited by third parties, unlike provably fair which allows player verification.
RTP (Return to Player)
The percentage of wagered money a game pays back to players over time. A 96% RTP means $96 returned per $100 wagered on average. Higher RTP = better for players.
S
Satoshi
The smallest unit of Bitcoin, equal to 0.00000001 BTC. Named after Bitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. Some casinos display balances in satoshis rather than BTC.
Seed Phrase
A series of words (usually 12 or 24) that can recover a cryptocurrency wallet. Store securely offline. Anyone with your seed phrase can access your funds.
Server Seed
In provably fair gaming, a random string generated by the casino before you bet. Shown as a hash initially, then revealed after betting to prove the outcome was predetermined.
SHA-256
A cryptographic hash function used in Bitcoin and provably fair systems. Produces a unique 64-character hash from any input. Used to verify server seeds haven't been changed.
Slots
Casino games with spinning reels and various symbols. Modern video slots feature bonus rounds, free spins, and progressive jackpots. The most popular game category at online casinos.
Stablecoin
A cryptocurrency designed to maintain stable value, typically pegged to USD. USDT and USDC are the most popular. Eliminates price volatility during gambling sessions.
T
TRC20
A token standard on the Tron network. TRC20 USDT is popular for casino transactions due to low fees (typically $1) and fast confirmations.
V
Variance
The statistical measure of how results deviate from expected value. High variance games have bigger swings (large wins and losses). Low variance games provide steadier, smaller results.
VIP Program
Loyalty programs rewarding regular players with perks like cashback, rakeback, personal managers, and exclusive bonuses. Higher tiers typically require more wagering volume.
W
Wagering Requirement
The number of times you must bet bonus funds before withdrawing. A $100 bonus with 40x wagering means betting $4,000 total before withdrawal. Lower requirements = better value.
Wallet
Software or hardware that stores cryptocurrency by managing private keys. Hot wallets connect to the internet; cold wallets stay offline. Examples: MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Ledger.
Whale
A player who wagers extremely large amounts. Whales receive premium VIP treatment and can negotiate custom bonuses and limits with casinos.
Withdrawal Limit
Maximum amount you can withdraw in a given period (daily, weekly, monthly). Higher VIP levels often have increased limits. Important to check before large wins.