Cryptocurrency Glossary for Casino Players
Crypto casinos use terms you won't find at traditional online casinos. Words like "server seed," "gas fee," and "rakeback" can be confusing if you're new to this space.
This glossary explains over 200 terms organized by topic. You can browse by category using the links below, or search for a specific term.
Whether you're a gambler learning crypto or a crypto user trying casino games for the first time, this page will help you understand the language.
Blockchain and Network Terms
These terms explain how cryptocurrency networks work. Understanding them helps you make sense of deposits, confirmations, and why crypto transactions differ from traditional payments.
Block: A bundle of transactions grouped together and added to the blockchain. Each block contains a record of recent transactions and links to the previous block.
Block explorer: A website that lets you view all transactions on a blockchain. You can use it to check whether your deposit or withdrawal has been confirmed.
Block time: The average time between new blocks being added to a blockchain. Bitcoin's block time is roughly 10 minutes; Litecoin's is 2.5 minutes; Solana's is under 1 second.
Blockchain: A digital ledger that records transactions across many computers. No single party controls it, and once data is added, it cannot be changed.
Confirmation: When a transaction is included in a block and verified by the network. Most crypto casinos require 1–3 confirmations before crediting your deposit.
Consensus: The method a blockchain uses to agree on which transactions are valid. Different blockchains use different consensus mechanisms, such as proof of work or proof of stake.
Decentralization: Spreading control across many participants rather than one central authority. Decentralized networks have no single point of failure or control.
Distributed ledger: A database shared and synchronised across multiple locations or participants. Blockchain is one type of distributed ledger.
Finality: The point at which a transaction becomes irreversible. Once a transaction reaches finality, it cannot be undone or altered.
Fork: A change to a blockchain's rules. A soft fork is backward-compatible; a hard fork creates a permanent split, sometimes resulting in a new cryptocurrency.
Hash: A fixed-length string of characters generated from input data using a mathematical function. Hashes are central to blockchain security and provably fair gaming.
Immutability: The property of being unchangeable. Once transactions are recorded on a blockchain, they cannot be modified or deleted.
Layer 1: The base blockchain network itself, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Layer 1 handles core security and consensus.
Layer 2: A secondary network built on top of a Layer 1 blockchain to improve speed or reduce fees. The Lightning Network is Bitcoin's most widely used Layer 2.
Mainnet: The live, operational version of a blockchain where real transactions occur with real value.
Mempool: The waiting area for unconfirmed transactions. When the network is congested, transactions queue in the mempool until miners or validators process them.
Node: A computer that maintains a copy of the blockchain and helps validate transactions. More nodes mean a more decentralized and secure network.
Oracle: A service that feeds real-world data to a blockchain. Crypto sportsbooks use oracles to verify match results and settle bets.
Smart contract: Self-executing code stored on a blockchain that automatically carries out actions when conditions are met.
Testnet: A separate blockchain used for testing and development. Testnet coins have no real value.
TPS (transactions per second): A measure of how many transactions a blockchain can process. Higher TPS generally means faster deposits and withdrawals.
Cryptocurrency Types
Different cryptocurrencies serve different purposes. Some aim to be digital money, others power smart contract platforms, and some maintain a stable value linked to traditional currencies.
This section covers the types you'll encounter most often at crypto casinos.
Altcoin: Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Ethereum, Solana, and Litecoin are all altcoins.
Bitcoin (BTC): The first and most widely accepted cryptocurrency, created in 2009. Most crypto casinos support Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals.
Circulating supply: The number of coins currently available and in circulation. This figure affects a cryptocurrency's market cap.
Coin: A cryptocurrency that operates on its own blockchain. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana are coins. Compare with "token" below.
Ethereum (ETH): The second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, known for its smart contract capabilities. Many crypto casinos accept ETH..
Gwei: A tiny unit of Ethereum used to measure gas fees. One Gwei equals 0.000000001 ETH.
Market cap: The total value of a cryptocurrency, calculated by multiplying the current price by the circulating supply.
Max supply: The maximum number of coins that will ever exist. Bitcoin's max supply is 21 million.
mBTC (millibitcoin): One thousandth of a Bitcoin (0.001 BTC). Some casinos display balances and bets in mBTC for easier reading.
Meme coin: A cryptocurrency created as a joke or based on internet culture, such as Dogecoin or Shiba Inu. Some crypto casinos accept popular meme coins.
Native token: A cryptocurrency built into a specific platform. Some casinos issue their own native tokens that offer benefits like cashback or staking rewards.
Privacy coin: A cryptocurrency designed to hide transaction details. Monero and Zcash are examples. Some casinos accept privacy coins for added anonymity.
Satoshi (sat): The smallest unit of Bitcoin, equal to 0.00000001 BTC. Many crypto casinos display bets and wins in satoshis.
Solana (SOL): A high-speed blockchain known for fast transactions and low fees.
Stablecoin: A cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, usually linked to a currency like the US dollar. Stablecoins let you avoid price volatility while using crypto.
Token: A cryptocurrency that runs on another blockchain rather than its own. USDT runs on multiple blockchains including Ethereum and Tron.
USDC (USD Coin): A regulated stablecoin linked to the US dollar, issued by Circle.
USDT (Tether): The most widely used stablecoin, linked to the US dollar. Many players prefer USDT to avoid Bitcoin's price swings..
Wrapped token: A token that represents another cryptocurrency on a different blockchain. Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) lets you use Bitcoin's value on Ethereum.
Wallets and Storage
A crypto wallet stores the keys you need to access your cryptocurrency. Understanding wallet types helps you choose the right setup for funding your casino account.
Browser extension wallet: A wallet that runs as a browser add-on, such as MetaMask or Phantom. These make it easy to connect to crypto casinos and approve transactions quickly.
Cold wallet: A wallet that stays offline, protecting your crypto from online threats. Cold wallets include hardware wallets and paper wallets.
Custodial wallet: A wallet where a third party holds your private keys. When you deposit crypto at a casino, the casino controls those funds in a custodial wallet until you withdraw.
Hardware wallet: A physical device that stores your private keys offline. Ledger and Trezor are popular brands. Hardware wallets offer strong security for funds you're not actively using.
HD wallet (hierarchical deterministic wallet): A wallet that generates all your addresses from a single seed phrase. Most modern wallets are HD wallets, making backup and recovery straightforward.
Hot wallet: A wallet connected to the internet, making it convenient for frequent transactions but more vulnerable to hacks. Mobile apps, browser extensions, and exchange wallets are hot wallets.
Multi-sig (multi-signature): A wallet that requires multiple private keys to authorise a transaction. Some users set up multi-sig for added security on large holdings.
Non-custodial wallet: A wallet where you control your own private keys. You're responsible for security, but no third party can freeze or access your funds.
Paper wallet: A printed document containing your public and private keys. Paper wallets are a form of cold storage but are rarely used today due to inconvenience and risk of damage.
Private key: A secret code that proves ownership of your crypto and lets you authorise transactions. Never share your private key with anyone.
Public key: A cryptographic code derived from your private key. Your wallet address is generated from your public key and can be shared safely to receive funds.
Recovery phrase: See "seed phrase" below.
Seed phrase: A series of 12 or 24 words that can restore your entire wallet if you lose access. Store it offline in a secure location. Anyone with your seed phrase can access your funds.
Software wallet: A wallet application installed on your computer or phone. Examples include Exodus, Trust Wallet, and Electrum.
Wallet: Software or hardware that stores your private keys and lets you send, receive, and manage cryptocurrency.
Wallet address: A string of letters and numbers where you can receive cryptocurrency. Similar to a bank account number, but unique to each blockchain.
Transactions and Fees
Every time you move cryptocurrency, the network charges a fee to process the transaction. Fees vary by blockchain and network conditions, which is why your deposit costs might differ from one day to the next.
BEP-20: A token standard on the BNB Smart Chain (formerly Binance Smart Chain). Sending USDT via BEP-20 is often cheaper than using Ethereum's ERC-20 network.
Block time: The average interval between new blocks on a blockchain. Shorter block times mean faster initial confirmations. See "block time" under Blockchain and Network Terms for more detail.
Bridging: Moving cryptocurrency from one blockchain to another. If a casino only accepts USDT on Tron but you hold it on Ethereum, you would need to bridge it across.
Confirmation: Verification that your transaction has been included in a block. Casinos typically require 1–3 confirmations for deposits, depending on the cryptocurrency and amount.
ERC-20: A token standard on the Ethereum blockchain. Many tokens, including USDT and USDC, exist as ERC-20 tokens. Fees can be high during network congestion.
Gas fee: The fee paid to process a transaction on Ethereum and compatible networks. Gas fees fluctuate based on network demand.
Gas limit: The maximum amount of gas you're willing to spend on a transaction. Setting it too low can cause your transaction to fail.
Gwei: The unit used to measure gas prices on Ethereum. One Gwei equals 0.000000001 ETH. Lower Gwei means cheaper transactions.
Lightning Network: A Layer 2 network built on Bitcoin that enables near-instant, low-fee transactions. Some crypto casinos support Lightning deposits and withdrawals for faster Bitcoin payments.
Network congestion: When too many transactions compete for limited block space. Congestion causes slower confirmations and higher fees.
Network fee: The cost of sending a transaction, paid to miners or validators who process it. Also called a transaction fee.
Pending transaction: A transaction waiting in the mempool to be confirmed. You can check its status using a block explorer.
Transaction: The transfer of cryptocurrency from one address to another, recorded on the blockchain.
Transaction fee: See "network fee" above.
Transaction hash (TXID): A unique identifier for your transaction. You can paste the TXID into a block explorer to track your deposit or withdrawal.
TRC-20: A token standard on the Tron blockchain. TRC-20 transfers are typically faster and cheaper than ERC-20, making it a popular choice for USDT deposits.
Trading and Exchanges
Before you can gamble with crypto, you usually need to buy some. Exchanges are where most people purchase cryptocurrency using traditional money or trade between different coins.
AML (anti-money laundering): Rules that require financial services, including exchanges, to verify user identities and monitor for suspicious activity.
ATH (all-time high): The highest price a cryptocurrency has ever reached.
ATL (all-time low): The lowest price a cryptocurrency has ever recorded.
Bear market: A prolonged period of falling prices. During bear markets, your crypto holdings lose value.
Bull market: A prolonged period of rising prices. Many players prefer gambling during bull markets when their crypto is gaining value.
CEX (centralised exchange): An exchange operated by a company that holds your funds and processes trades. Coinbase, Kraken, and Binance are centralized exchanges. Most require KYC verification.
DEX (decentralised exchange): An exchange that lets you trade directly from your wallet without a middleman. Uniswap and Jupiter are examples. DEXs typically don't require identity verification.
DYOR (do your own research): A reminder to investigate before investing or trusting a platform. Common advice in crypto communities.
Fiat on-ramp: A service that lets you buy cryptocurrency using traditional currency like dollars or euros. Most CEXs offer fiat on-ramps via bank transfer or card payment.
FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt): Negative information or rumours, whether true or false, that causes panic selling or distrust.
HODL: Slang for holding cryptocurrency long-term rather than selling. Originated from a misspelled forum post and became a popular meme.
KYC (know your customer): Identity verification required by regulated exchanges and some casinos. KYC typically involves submitting ID documents and proof of address. See our full guide to.
Limit order: An order to buy or sell at a specific price. The trade only executes if the market reaches your target price.
Liquidity: How easily an asset can be bought or sold without affecting its price. High liquidity means tighter spreads and faster trades.
Market order: An order to buy or sell immediately at the current market price.
Order book: A list of all open buy and sell orders on an exchange, showing prices and quantities.
Slippage: The difference between your expected price and the actual price you receive. Slippage increases when liquidity is low or you're trading large amounts.
Spread: The gap between the highest buy price and lowest sell price. Tighter spreads mean lower trading costs.
Trading pair: Two currencies that can be exchanged for each other on an exchange, such as BTC/USDT or ETH/USD.
Volatility: How much and how quickly a price moves. Bitcoin is more volatile than stablecoins, which is why some players prefer USDT for gambling.
Whale: Someone who holds a large amount of cryptocurrency. Whale transactions can move markets.
Security and Privacy
Crypto gives you more control over your money, but that also means more responsibility. Understanding common threats helps you protect your funds, and knowing your privacy options lets you decide how much information to share.
2FA (two-factor authentication): A security layer that requires a second form of verification beyond your password, usually a code from an app like Google Authenticator. Always enable 2FA on exchanges and casino accounts.
51% attack: When a single entity gains control of more than half a blockchain's computing power, allowing them to manipulate transactions. This is extremely difficult on large networks like Bitcoin.
Address poisoning: A scam where attackers send tiny transactions from addresses that look similar to ones you've used, hoping you'll accidentally copy the wrong address and send funds to them.
Anonymity: The state of being completely unidentifiable. True anonymity is difficult to achieve, even with cryptocurrency.
Dusting attack: Sending tiny amounts of crypto to many wallets to track their activity and potentially identify owners. The dust itself isn't dangerous, but it can compromise privacy.
Encryption: Converting data into a coded format that can only be read with the correct key. Encryption protects your wallet and communications.
Exit scam: When a platform's operators disappear with user funds. This has happened with both exchanges and casinos, which is why reputation matters.
Honeypot: A scam token or contract designed to let you buy but prevent you from selling. Common in DeFi but worth knowing if you explore casino tokens.
Mixer (tumbler): A service that blends your cryptocurrency with others to obscure its origin. Used for privacy but also associated with money laundering, so some exchanges block funds that have passed through mixers.
No-KYC: A platform that doesn't require identity verification. Many crypto casinos operate without KYC, allowing you to play with just an email address.
Phishing: Fake websites or messages designed to steal your login details or private keys. Always double-check URLs and never click suspicious links.
Privacy coin: A cryptocurrency designed to hide transaction details. Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC) are the most well-known privacy coins.
Pseudonymity: Using an identifier (like a wallet address) that isn't directly tied to your real identity. Crypto is pseudonymous by default, but activity can sometimes be traced.
Rug pull: When developers abandon a project and take investor funds. Common with new tokens and DeFi projects. Stick to established casinos and tokens.
Scam: Any scheme designed to steal your crypto. Scams range from fake casinos to phishing sites to fraudulent investment schemes.
VPN (virtual private network): Software that masks your IP address and encrypts your internet connection. Some players use VPNs for privacy, though many casinos prohibit VPN use in their terms.
Wallet drainer: Malicious code that tricks you into signing a transaction that empties your wallet. Often hidden in fake airdrops or NFT mints.
Zero-knowledge proof: A cryptographic method that proves something is true without revealing the underlying data. Used by some privacy coins and emerging in blockchain applications.
Provably Fair Gaming
Provably fair is a verification system unique to crypto casinos. It uses cryptography to prove that game outcomes weren't manipulated, letting you check the fairness of every bet yourself.
Client seed: A random value you provide or generate that influences the game outcome. Because you control the client seed, the casino cannot predict or manipulate the final result.
Cryptographic proof: Mathematical evidence that something is true without requiring trust. Provably fair systems use cryptographic proof to verify game fairness.
Fairness verification: The process of checking that a game outcome was generated honestly. Most provably fair casinos provide a verification tool where you can input your seeds and confirm the result.
Hash: A fixed-length string generated by running data through a hashing algorithm. The casino shows you a hash of the server seed before you bet, then reveals the actual seed afterward so you can verify it matches.
Hashed seed: The server seed after it has been run through a hashing algorithm. You see this before placing your bet, and it proves the casino committed to an outcome in advance.
Hashing algorithm: A mathematical function that converts data into a fixed-length string. The same input always produces the same output, but you cannot reverse-engineer the input from the output.
HMAC (hash-based message authentication code): A specific type of hash that combines a secret key with the message. Some provably fair systems use HMAC-SHA256 to generate game outcomes.
Nonce: A number that increases with each bet, ensuring every game produces a unique outcome even if your seeds stay the same. Without the nonce, identical seeds would create identical results.
Provably fair: A system that lets players verify game outcomes were determined fairly using cryptography. The casino commits to a result before you bet, then reveals the proof afterward.
RNG (random number generator): Software that produces unpredictable numbers used to determine game outcomes. Traditional casinos rely on third-party audits to verify their RNG; provably fair casinos let you verify each result yourself.
Seed: A value used to generate random outcomes. Provably fair systems combine the server seed, client seed, and nonce to produce each game result.
Seed reveal: When the casino shows you the unhashed server seed after your betting session ends. This lets you verify that the hashed seed you saw earlier matches the actual seed used.
Server seed: A random value generated by the casino. It's hashed and shown to you before you play, then revealed in full after you rotate to a new seed, allowing verification.
SHA-256: A widely used hashing algorithm that produces a 256-bit output. Bitcoin uses SHA-256, and so do most provably fair systems.
Unhashed seed: The original server seed before hashing. You only see this after your session ends, so you can compare it against the hash you were shown earlier.
Crypto Casino Operations
Crypto casinos run differently from traditional online casinos. Some accept only cryptocurrency, others offer both crypto and regular currency, and licensing varies widely across the industry.
Anjouan license: A gambling license issued by Anjouan, part of the Comoros Islands. A newer licensing option with minimal requirements, increasingly used by crypto casinos.
Casino license: Official permission from a regulatory authority to operate a gambling business. Licenses set rules around player protection, fair gaming, and financial conduct.
Crypto casino: An online casino that accepts cryptocurrency for deposits and withdrawals. Some are crypto-only; others also accept traditional payment methods.
Crypto-only casino: A casino that exclusively accepts cryptocurrency. These platforms typically offer faster withdrawals and often operate without KYC requirements.
Curaçao license: A gambling license issued by Curaçao eGaming. The most common license among crypto casinos serving US players, though player protections are weaker than strictly regulated jurisdictions.
Game provider: A company that develops casino games. Providers like Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, and BGaming supply games to multiple casinos.
Gray market: Casinos operating in jurisdictions where online gambling isn't explicitly legal or illegal. Most crypto casinos accepting US players fall into this category.
House edge: The mathematical advantage the casino holds over players, expressed as a percentage. A 2% house edge means the casino expects to keep $2 of every $100 wagered over time.
Hybrid casino: A casino that accepts both cryptocurrency and traditional payment methods like cards and bank transfers.
Instant withdrawal: A withdrawal processed immediately or within minutes rather than hours or days. Crypto casinos often offer instant withdrawals for verified accounts.
Maximum withdrawal: The largest amount you can withdraw in a single transaction or time period. Limits vary by casino and VIP status.
Minimum deposit: The smallest amount a casino accepts as a deposit. Crypto casinos often have lower minimums than traditional casinos.
Offshore casino: A casino licensed outside the United States. Nearly all crypto casinos available to US players are offshore operations.
Processing time: How long a withdrawal takes from request to receipt. Crypto withdrawals are often faster than traditional methods, though casino review times still apply.
RTP (return to player): The percentage of wagered money a game pays back over time. A 96% RTP means the game returns $96 for every $100 wagered on average.
Sweepstakes casino: A legal model in the US where players purchase virtual currency and can redeem winnings for prizes. Not the same as crypto casinos but sometimes confused with them.
Variance: How results spread around the expected average. High-variance games pay out less often but with larger wins; low-variance games pay smaller amounts more frequently.
Volatility: Often used interchangeably with variance. Describes how risky a game feels in terms of win frequency and size.
Casino Games
Crypto casinos offer both traditional casino games and titles you won't find anywhere else. Many crypto-original games are provably fair, letting you verify every outcome yourself.
Auto-cashout: A feature in crash games that automatically cashes out your bet at a multiplier you set in advance. Useful if you don't want to time your exit manually.
Baccarat: A card game where you bet on whether the player or banker hand will score closer to 9. Simple rules and a low house edge make it popular with high rollers.
Blackjack: A card game where you try to beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over. One of the lowest house edge games when played with basic strategy.
Crash: A crypto-original game where a multiplier rises from 1x until it randomly crashes. You win if you cash out before the crash. Simple, fast, and often provably fair.
Dice: A crypto-original game where you predict whether a random number will land over or under a target you set. You control the odds and potential payout by adjusting your target.
Keno: A lottery-style game where you pick numbers and win based on how many match the random draw. Easy to play with highly variable payouts.
Limbo: A crypto-original game where you set a target multiplier and win if the random result exceeds it. Higher targets mean bigger payouts but lower odds.
Live casino: Games streamed in real time with human dealers. Live blackjack, roulette, and baccarat let you play against a real dealer from your device.
Mines: A crypto-original game based on Minesweeper. You reveal tiles on a grid, collecting multipliers while avoiding hidden mines. More mines mean higher risk and bigger rewards.
Multiplier: The factor by which your stake is multiplied when you win. A $10 bet at 2x returns $20. Crypto-original games often display potential multipliers upfront.
Original games: Casino games developed specifically for crypto platforms rather than traditional providers. Crash, Mines, Limbo, and Plinko are common examples, often with provably fair verification.
Plinko: A game where a ball drops through a pegged board and lands in a prize pocket at the bottom. Payouts depend on where the ball lands, with edges typically offering the highest multipliers.
Provably fair games: Games that use cryptographic verification so you can confirm each outcome wasn't manipulated. Most crypto-original games are provably fair. See the Provably Fair Gaming section above for terminology.
RNG games: Games where outcomes are determined by a random number generator rather than a live dealer. Slots, video poker, and most table games use RNG.
Roulette: A table game where you bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. Available in American (two zeros, higher house edge) and European (one zero, lower house edge) versions.
Slots: Games with spinning reels and symbol combinations that determine wins. The most popular game type at online casinos, with thousands of titles available.
Table games: A category including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker variants. Generally offer lower house edges than slots.
Tower: A crypto-original game where you climb levels by selecting safe tiles. Each level increases your multiplier, but hitting a trap ends the game.
Video poker: A poker-based slot machine where you're dealt cards and choose which to hold. Skilled play can reduce the house edge significantly.
Bonuses and Promotions
Crypto casinos offer many of the same bonus types as traditional online casinos, plus some unique features you'll only find at crypto platforms. Understanding the terms helps you spot good value and avoid disappointment.
Browse current offers at crypto casino bonuses.
Bonus abuse: Using bonuses in ways the casino considers unfair, such as creating multiple accounts or exploiting loopholes. Casinos may void winnings or close accounts for suspected abuse.
Bonus code: A word or phrase you enter during registration or deposit to claim a specific bonus. Not all bonuses require codes.
Cashback: A bonus that returns a percentage of your losses over a set period. Unlike rakeback, cashback only applies when you lose.
Comp points: Points earned through play that can be exchanged for bonuses, cash, or other rewards. Often tied to VIP and loyalty programs.
Crypto faucet: A feature at some casinos that gives you tiny amounts of cryptocurrency for free, usually once per day. Amounts are small but let you try games without depositing.
Deposit bonus: A bonus that matches a percentage of your deposit. A 100% deposit bonus up to $500 means depositing $500 gives you $500 in bonus funds.
Free spins: Bonus spins on slot games, either given as a promotion or triggered within a game. Winnings from free spins usually come with wagering requirements.
Game weighting: How much different games contribute toward wagering requirements. Slots often count 100%, while blackjack might count 10% or not at all.
Loyalty program: A system that rewards ongoing play with points, perks, and bonuses. Often structured in tiers based on how much you wager.
Maximum bet: rule A limit on how much you can stake per bet while playing with bonus funds. Exceeding this limit can void your bonus and winnings.
No deposit bonus: A bonus credited without requiring a deposit. Usually small but lets you try a casino with no financial risk.
Playthrough: See "wagering requirement" below.
Rain (raindrops): A social feature at some crypto casinos where cryptocurrency is randomly distributed to active chat participants. Free money for being online at the right time.
Rakeback: A percentage of the house edge returned to you regardless of whether you win or lose. Different from cashback because it's based on total wagers, not losses.
Reload bonus: A deposit bonus offered to existing players rather than new sign-ups. Usually smaller than welcome bonuses but available regularly.
Rollover: See "wagering requirement" below.
Sticky bonus: Bonus funds that cannot be withdrawn. You can use them to play and withdraw winnings, but the bonus amount itself stays with the casino.
VIP program: A tiered rewards system for high-volume players. Higher tiers unlock better rakeback, faster withdrawals, personal account managers, and exclusive bonuses.
Wager-free bonus: A bonus with no wagering requirements. Any winnings can be withdrawn immediately, making these the most valuable bonus type.
Wagering requirement: The amount you must bet before you can withdraw bonus funds or winnings. A $100 bonus with 30x wagering means you must place $3,000 in bets before cashing out.
Welcome bonus: A bonus offered to new players on their first deposit or series of deposits. Often the largest promotion a casino offers.
Betting and Wagering
These terms cover how bets work, how odds are expressed, and concepts that apply whether you're playing casino games or betting on sports.
For more on how odds work at crypto casinos, see our crypto odds guide. For sports betting with crypto, browse Bitcoin sportsbooks.
Accumulator: A single bet combining multiple selections. All selections must win for the bet to pay out. Also called a parlay.
American odds (moneyline): An odds format common in the US. Positive numbers show profit on a $100 stake (+150 means $100 wins $150). Negative numbers show how much you must stake to win $100 (-150 means $150 wins $100).
Bankroll: The total amount of money you've set aside for gambling. Managing your bankroll helps you play longer and avoid chasing losses.
Bet: A wager placed on a game outcome. Also called a stake.
Bet sizing: How much you wager relative to your bankroll. Conservative bet sizing helps your bankroll survive losing streaks.
Cash out: Settling a bet early for a guaranteed return before the event finishes. Available on some sportsbook bets and built into crash games.
Decimal odds: An odds format showing your total return per unit staked. Odds of 2.50 mean a $10 bet returns $25 (your $10 stake plus $15 profit).
Edge: The mathematical advantage one side has over the other. The house edge favors the casino; a skilled advantage player seeks to gain their own edge.
Expected value (EV): The average amount you can expect to win or lose per bet over time. Positive EV means profitable in the long run; negative EV means the house wins over time.
Fractional odds: An odds format showing profit relative to stake. Odds of 3/1 mean you win $3 for every $1 staked, plus your stake back.
Implied probability: The chance of winning suggested by the odds. Odds of 2.00 imply a 50% chance; odds of 4.00 imply 25%.
In-play betting: Placing bets after an event has started. Odds update in real time based on what's happening.
Loss limit: A self-imposed cap on how much you're willing to lose in a session or time period. A key responsible gambling tool.
Martingale: A betting strategy where you double your stake after each loss, aiming to recover losses with one win. Risky because losing streaks can quickly exceed your bankroll or table limits.
Max win: The maximum amount you can win from a single bet or bonus. Some bonuses cap winnings regardless of your actual result.
Odds: A representation of likelihood and potential payout. Different formats (American, decimal, fractional) express the same information in different ways.
Parlay: A single bet combining multiple selections. All must win for the bet to pay out. Also called an accumulator.
Payout: The amount returned to you when you win, including your original stake.
Stake: The amount of money you risk on a bet.
Unit: A standardized bet size based on your bankroll. If your unit is $10, a "2-unit bet" means $20. Using units helps compare results across different bankroll sizes.
Wager: Another term for a bet.
Win limit: A self-imposed target for when to stop playing after winning. Helps you walk away with profits rather than giving them back.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of stress or financial hardship. These terms cover tools and concepts that help you stay in control.
For a fuller discussion of what can go wrong and how to protect yourself, see our guide to crypto gambling risks.
Bankroll management: Setting rules for how much you gamble and how you size your bets. Good bankroll management helps you play within your means and avoid devastating losses.
Chasing losses: Increasing your bets or playing longer to try to win back money you've lost. One of the most common paths to problem gambling.
Cooling-off period: A short break from gambling, typically 24 hours to a few weeks. Less severe than full self-exclusion and useful if you need time to reset.
Deposit limit: A cap on how much you can deposit within a set time period. You set the limit, and the casino enforces it. One of the most effective responsible gambling tools.
Gambling addiction: A behavioral disorder where someone cannot control their urge to gamble despite negative consequences. Also called gambling disorder or compulsive gambling.
Gambling helpline: A phone or chat service offering support for problem gambling. In the US, the National Council on Problem Gambling operates a helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Loss limit: A cap on how much you can lose within a session or time period. Some casinos let you set this alongside deposit limits.
Problem gambling: Gambling behavior that causes harm to you or others. Signs include chasing losses, lying about gambling, and neglecting responsibilities.
Reality check: A notification that reminds you how long you've been playing or how much you've wagered. Helps break the trance of extended sessions.
Responsible gambling: An approach to gambling that treats it as entertainment within affordable limits. Includes setting budgets, time limits, and knowing when to stop.
Self-exclusion: Voluntarily banning yourself from a casino or gambling platform for a set period. During self-exclusion, you cannot access your account or create a new one.
Session limit: A cap on how long you can play in a single session. The casino logs you out when you reach your limit.
Time-out: A short self-exclusion period, usually ranging from 24 hours to 6 weeks. Useful when you need a break but don't want a long-term ban.
Regulatory and Legal Terms
Crypto gambling operates in a complex legal landscape, especially in the United States. These terms help you understand how casinos are licensed and what protections may or may not apply.
For a detailed breakdown of where crypto casinos stand legally, see our crypto casino legality guide.
ADR (alternative dispute resolution): A process for resolving complaints outside of court. Some licensed casinos offer ADR through independent mediators, though options are limited with offshore operators.
AML (anti-money laundering): Regulations requiring financial services to detect and prevent money laundering. Casinos with AML obligations may require identity verification for large transactions.
Dispute resolution: The process for handling complaints between players and casinos. Licensed casinos typically have formal complaint procedures; unlicensed operators may offer little recourse.
Geo-blocking: Technology that restricts access based on your location. Some casinos block players from certain states or countries, while others allow access from anywhere.
Jurisdiction: The legal territory where a casino is licensed and regulated. A casino licensed in Curaçao operates under Curaçao law, not US law.
KYC (know your customer): Identity verification required by some casinos and most exchanges. Typically involves submitting ID documents and proof of address. See our full guide to KYC at crypto casinos.
Licensing: The process of obtaining official permission to operate a gambling business. Licensed casinos must follow rules set by their licensing authority.
Offshore: Operating from outside the United States. Nearly all crypto casinos available to US players are offshore, licensed in jurisdictions like Curaçao or Anjouan.
Regulation: Government oversight of gambling operations. The US has limited federal regulation of online gambling, with most rules set at the state level.
Restricted country: A country or region where a casino does not accept players. Restrictions may be due to licensing rules, local laws, or the casino's own policies.
Restricted state: A US state where a casino blocks access. Some offshore casinos restrict players from states with stricter gambling enforcement.
Self-regulation: When an industry sets its own standards rather than following government rules. Many crypto casinos rely on self-regulation, which offers weaker player protections than licensed operations.
Terms and conditions: The legal agreement between you and the casino. Covers everything from bonus rules to withdrawal limits to dispute procedures. Always worth reading before you deposit.
VPN (virtual private network): Software that masks your location and encrypts your connection. Using a VPN to access a casino from a restricted location typically violates their terms and can result in confiscated funds.