There is so much choice that exists in 2025 for poker players who want to play with cryptocurrencies that it can be overwhelming to decide which cryptopoker site is the best. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you invest in the right online crypto poker site!

In the vast and ever-evolving world of online gaming, cryptocurrencies have carved a unique and increasingly significant niche, especially in the realm of online poker. The journey of cryptocurrencies, from their inception to becoming a pivotal part of the digital economy, reflects a remarkable blend of technology, economics, and a shift towards decentralized financial systems.

Originating with Bitcoin in 2009, the concept of a digital currency that operates independently of a central authority was revolutionary. Cryptocurrencies function on blockchain technology – a digital ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers. This ensures security and transparency, as the records cannot be altered retroactively without altering all subsequent blocks.

What sets cryptocurrencies apart, especially for online poker players, is their ability to provide anonymity, reduce transaction fees, and eliminate banking restrictions that can hamper online gambling. For poker players around the globe, cryptocurrencies offer a seamless method to deposit and withdraw funds from gaming platforms without the need for traditional banking methods. This is particularly valuable in regions where gambling regulations are stringent or where financial institutions restrict gambling transactions.

The evolution of cryptocurrencies has been paralleled by their growing acceptance in various sectors, including online gambling. The digital currency landscape has grown beyond Bitcoin to include a variety of altcoins, such as Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Tether (USDT), each offering unique benefits.

For instance, USDT is a stablecoin, meaning its value is pegged to a fiat currency, providing stability in the often volatile cryptocurrency market. This feature is particularly appealing for online poker players, as it mitigates the risk of value fluctuations between the time of deposit and withdrawal.

In the context of online poker, the integration of cryptocurrencies has not only expanded the horizons for players but also for operators, who now have the ability to offer services to a broader audience without the constraints of traditional financial systems. The anonymity provided by cryptocurrencies ensures privacy, while the decentralized nature of blockchain technology offers a level of security and trust that is often lacking in online transactions.

Top 5 Rooms and Networks Accepting Crypto

Cryptocurrency poker rooms offer a modern way to play online poker with enhanced privacy and quick transactions. Here’s a concise overview of notable platforms:

Operator	Information
Coin Poker	Accepts a variety of cryptocurrencies like USDT, CHP, ETN, BTC, MATIC, and BND, aiming to lower fees through Polygon Network transfers. It supports large transactions, with limits up to $25K per transfer and $100K monthly, charging a 5% fee on cashouts and a reduced 3% for its native currency, CHP.
RedStar Poker	Part of the iPoker network, supports cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, USDT, USDC, Bitcoin Cash, Doge, BNB, and XRP. Deposits range from $10 to $10,000, with daily cashouts from $25 to $3,000, and up to $45,000 monthly. It features a 2% conversion fee for mismatched wallet currencies and a 3% crypto withdrawal fee.
GGPoker	Flagship of the GGNetwork, offers Bitcoin, USDC, ETH, and USDT for transactions, with both deposit and cashout limits set at $100 to $100,000, and a minimal 1% fee for withdrawals. GGPoker hosts a wide range of games, including many poker variants and formats, making it an amazing platform for players.
Chico Network	Accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, USDT, and USDC, with deposits from $10-$20 to $100K-$200K and cashouts from $20-$50 to $100K. A 1% fee is applied from the second monthly cashout. Chico offers a 100% first deposit bonus up to $1,000 but lacks a loyalty system, though it compensates with player races and missions.
Winning Poker Network	Supports BTC, ETH, USDT, and LTC, setting deposit and cashout limits at $10-$2,500. It charges a 5% fee for cashouts over $2,500 and for any second withdrawal within the month.

How We Review Cryptocurrency Poker Sites

Given the wide range of online crypto poker sites that exist today, it is important to understand what is important to you to offer the best recommendation possible.  Different online crypto sites have different strong points, so it is important to know what you want out of an online poker room before transferring your money.

Note – most crypto poker sites will convert your coin to a standard currency to use at the tables, this usually being USD.  While it is not recommended players use crypto poker rooms as investments, players will not see fluctuations in their balance on the poker site but may not receive the same amount of coins when they withdrawal out of the site.

Crypto Currencies Accepted

Not every real money online poker sites accepts all different cryptocurrencies.  Most accept the more popular coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum but if your money is invested in other coins, you should either look to transfer to a more widely accepted coin or focus on online crypto rooms that specialize in the less popular coins.  Some sites accept over 60 different coins, while others focus on only the most popular.  Also, is a site known for quick withdrawals or do you have to go through hoops to get your coins back?

Crypto Poker Bonuses

Some online crypto poker rooms offer great online poker welcome bonuses with no strings attached; other sites could even prioritize depositing in specific coins by giving you even better crypto bonus offers.  Some still have huge offers but require you to play through a specific amount of rake to get it.  This could make the cryptocurrency poker bonus unattainable depending on the stakes and volume you plan to play, so pay close attention to the strings attached.  Regardless of which bonus you choose to take advantage of – always read the fine print!

Poker Software

An online poker room – crypto or not – should make you feel like you are playing poker, not a video game.  Some key points we recommend you consider:

• Lobbies that are clean, clutter free, easy to search and filter and do not try and distract you with other features of the site such as the casino or sportsbook
• Game play that is customizable, easy to play and supports multi-tabling
• Sites that are accessible on mobile and tablets and can be downloaded onto desktops
• Support that is easy to find and easy to connect to
• The ability to use tools to assist you while playing such as HUD’s

Player Traffic

The best crypto poker site is no good if there is not sufficient player traffic at the times you want to play on the games you want to play.  Scoping out various poker rooms when you would generally be online and settling down to your grind is important, as some sites cater more towards the time zones in Asia and Australia, others to Europe and others to the Americas.

More players generally mean a wider range of skill levels – sure, you are going to run into skilled players at any times, but some sites will see softer competition on specific variants so scouting the competition will help you avoid jumping into a shark tank.

Available Poker Games

We reviewed different forms of poker as certain sites are better for cash grinders than tournaments, and vice versa.  While all sites offer Texas Hold’em, we also look at the availability of:

• Omaha / PLO
• Short Deck
• Fast Fold Poker
• Sit n Go’s, including Jackpot SnG’s
• Mixed Games

Tournaments

Most poker rooms offer marquee tournaments or series throughout the year that can attract more players to the site.  Huge guarantees will attract a lot of players while specialized series and live event satellites could present amazing opportunities to travel to play poker.  We look at how complete a site’s tournament schedule is, including the variety of games and buy-ins that will suit the recreational poker player.

Registration Process

Some sites require verification before playing while others allow you to sign up with an e-mail, deposit and off you go.  How easy it is to get into a poker room could be a sign of wanting more players to sign-up, but it also could introduce the possibility of cheaters and multi-accounts joining.  Is a site reputable and known for weeding out bots and those cheating, or has the site turned a blind eye to this?

The Benefits of Playing Poker With Crypto

Playing with cryptocurrencies has grown in popularity with poker players specifically because of the control the player has of their money.  Moving coins from crypto poker sites is an easy and generally quick process and can allow a player to pivot quickly.  Poker rooms can also act as a safe place where the funds are insulated from the high volatility of crypto markets. 

It is simpler for a poker player to transfer coins out of their wallets onto a poker room and back, versus withdrawing to their bank account, and then re-depositing to their crypto wallet.  Many poker players have also made money with cryptocurrencies and have used that to increase their poker bankrolls, although we do NOT recommend treating a cryptocurrency as a safe investment option.

Poker and NFT’s

NFT’s, or Non-Fungible Token, have become more popular as cryptocurrencies have grown and expanded.  Many top poker pros have gotten behind NFT projects such as Tony G, but there is a growing interest in the poker community that sites are investigating how to incorporate NFT’s into their games.  Some are investigating using NFT’s as avatars in-game, where others could use them as poker trading cards or trophies, like the WSOP awarding bracelets and circuit rings.  It is too early to tell how crypto will grow with poker sites outside of the digital currency, but it is worth keeping an eye on how NFT’s evolve.

Available Cryptocurrencies at Poker Rooms

As mentioned above, not all crypto poker sites will accept all forms of currency, so below are some of the more popular coins and where they can be used as an online deposit option.

Bitcoin Poker Sites

Arguably the most popular and the oldest coin out today, Bitcoin can be found on many online poker sites as a deposit and withdraw option.  The downside of its popularity is that you pay the highest transaction fees, so make sure you understand how many coins the poker room wants for your desired amount before confirming the deposit and sending your coins to the poker room.

Here are some of the best Bitcoin poker sites:

• GGPoker
• SWC Poker
• WPT Global

Ethereum Poker Sites

Ethereum was born into the crypto world in 2015 and has quickly become the second largest coin in terms of market capitalization, next to Bitcoin.  The coin still carries high transaction fees though, so like Bitcoin, players need to fully understand what they are being charged for the deposit.

Sites that currently accept Ethereum deposits:

• WPT Global

Litecoin Poker Sites

One of the earliest altcoins inspired by Bitcoin, Litecoin has been on the market since 2011 but has not seen the same growth in popularity as Bitcoin or Ethereum has.  Analysts believe it has a bright future, and the transaction fees are much smaller than with the other coins so it could offer crypto poker players the best of both worlds.

Sites that currently accept Litecoin deposits:

• WPT Global

Dogecoin Poker Sites

One of the most popular memes that exist is the dog going to the moon, inspired by Dogecoin.  Originally created as a joke, the coin has been very popular with investors looking for lower fees and a higher upside than larger crypto coins.  One downside is the price – dogecoin trades for less than a penny currently, meaning any fluctuation in the price greatly affects the value of one’s portfolio.

How to Register at a Crypto Poker Site

The process to start playing poker with cryptocurrency is almost identical and just as easy as with regular FIAT currencies. Once you have done your research or selected one of our recommended crypto poker sites, the process is as follows:

1. Register an account: After clicking the registration button you will need to follow the site’s process for signing up. This usually includes entering personal details such as name, address, email and phone number.
2. Verify your account: The majority of poker sites require some form of KYC verification, which is basically a verification process that confirms who you are to the operator. Depending on the crypto poker site, the KYC-verification process may come right after registration or at the first request for a withdrawal. This is completely normal.
3. Request to make a deposit: When you make your cryptocurrency deposit, you must first navigate to the “Deposits” page. From here, you will choose how much you wish to deposit, and which cryptocurrency you want to use, and the site will provide you with an address of their wallet to send the coins to.
4. Transfer cryptocurrency to the poker account: Then, you will have to go onto your crypto wallet, and follow the instructions carefully for transferring coins to another wallet. This could include special codes or reference numbers in the comment section so, be sure to always follow all steps from the poker client.  Copy the address you were given and submit the request. You may need to wait a few minutes to a couple of hours for the transaction to complete, but your money will show up online before you know it.
5. Start playing poker with crypto: That’s it! Once your cryptocurrency deposit has reached the account you can finally enjoy your favorite crypto poker games online.

A reminder – most online crypto poker sites use a centralized currently, generally USD or Euros to play on their tables and tournaments.  The site will convert your coin to that currency, and vice versa when you go to withdrawal.

Legal Status of Playing Poker With Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning that they are not managed by a government, nor recognized as legal tender and not subject to laws so it is not against the law to play online poker with crypto.  Note that in some parts of the world – most US States, Australia, etc., online poker itself is not regulated, so there is risk playing in these parts of the world on unregulated sites.  If you are playing from a country where there are no laws prohibiting playing online poker with centralized currencies, there would be no difference in playing with cryptocurrencies.

Getting Started with Cryptocurrencies

Getting started with cryptocurrencies might seem daunting at first, but it’s simpler than it appears. There are primarily three ways to obtain cryptocurrencies: buying, mining, and earning.

Buying cryptocurrencies is the most straightforward method. This can be done through online exchanges, where you can exchange traditional money (like dollars, euros, or yen) for cryptocurrencies. To start, you’ll need to create an account on an exchange, verify your identity (to comply with financial regulations), and then use a bank transfer or a credit card to purchase your chosen cryptocurrency.

Mining cryptocurrencies involves using computer hardware to solve complex mathematical problems that validate transactions on the blockchain. When these problems are solved, the miner is rewarded with a specific amount of cryptocurrency. However, mining is resource-intensive and not as accessible to the average person due to the high cost of equipment and the significant amount of electricity required.

Earning cryptocurrencies is another option, where individuals receive payment in cryptocurrency for services rendered or products sold. This method is becoming increasingly popular among freelancers and online businesses.

In the online poker world, several cryptocurrencies stand out for their popularity and acceptance:

• Bitcoin (BTC) – the first and most well-known cryptocurrency. Its widespread recognition and acceptance make it a popular choice for online poker sites.
• Ethereum (ETH) – known for its smart contract functionality, Ethereum allows more complex transaction types and has been adopted by some poker sites for its flexibility.
• USDT (Tether) – a stablecoin whose value is pegged to the US dollar, offering the stability of fiat currency with the benefits of cryptocurrency. It’s particularly popular in poker for those looking to avoid the volatility commonly associated with other cryptocurrencies.

These cryptocurrencies offer a blend of security, privacy, and ease of transaction that makes them particularly suited for online poker, allowing players to focus on the game rather than worrying about the safety of their funds or personal information.

Cryptocurrency Wallets for Poker Players

When you dive into the world of cryptocurrencies, one of the first things you’ll need is a place to store them. This is where cryptocurrency wallets come into play. A wallet doesn’t actually “store” your cryptocurrency in the traditional sense; instead, it holds the keys that allow you to access your cryptocurrency on the blockchain. There are two main types of wallets: hot wallets and cold storage, each with its own set of advantages and challenges.

Hot Wallets

Hot Wallets are connected to the internet and provide a convenient way to access and manage your cryptocurrencies. Think of them as your everyday wallet where you keep the cash you might need for daily expenses. They come in various forms, including online wallets, mobile apps, and desktop software. The major advantage of hot wallets is their convenience, allowing for quick transactions and easy access. However, this connectivity also makes them more vulnerable to online attacks, phishing scams, and other security breaches.

Cold Storage

Cold Storage refers to any cryptocurrency storage method that is not connected to the internet. This includes hardware wallets (physical devices that store your keys) and paper wallets (a physical document containing your keys). Cold storage is like a safe deposit box for your cryptocurrencies, offering a higher level of security compared to hot wallets because they are immune to online hacking attempts. The downside is that accessing your funds can be more cumbersome, and if you lose the physical device or document and haven’t backed up your keys, your cryptocurrencies could be lost forever.

Choosing a Secure Cryptocurrency Wallet

When selecting a wallet, consider the following:

• Look for wallets with strong security measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), multi-signature support, and regular software updates.
• Choose wallets from reputable companies that have a track record of security and reliability.
• Ensure the wallet has an easy-to-use interface. You should be able to easily send, receive, and manage your cryptocurrencies.
• Make sure the wallet supports the cryptocurrencies you want to use for online poker.

Setting Up a Cryptocurrency Wallet

1. Decide between a hot wallet for convenience or cold storage for enhanced security. For poker players, a hot wallet might be suitable for smaller, daily transactions, while cold storage is better for larger amounts of cryptocurrency savings.
2. Based on the criteria above, pick a wallet provider. Popular choices include Coinbase for hot wallets and Ledger or Trezor for hardware wallets.
3. Follow the provider’s instructions to create your wallet. This will usually involve downloading software or purchasing a hardware device.
4. Set up all available security features, including 2FA. Write down your recovery phrase (a series of words given to you when you create your wallet) and store it in a safe place. This phrase is crucial for accessing your funds if you ever lose your wallet or forget your password.
5. Purchase cryptocurrency through an exchange or receive it from another party and transfer it to your new wallet. For a hot wallet, you’ll likely need to provide your wallet’s address to the sender. For cold storage, the process might involve connecting your hardware wallet to a computer or scanning a QR code.
6. Before moving large amounts of cryptocurrency, send a small amount as a test to ensure everything works correctly.

Using Tether (USDT) for Online Poker

USDT, or Tether, stands out in the cryptocurrency world for its unique feature: it’s a stablecoin. This means its value is designed to be stable by being pegged to a traditional currency, like the US dollar. For online poker players, this offers a significant advantage: stability. Unlike other cryptocurrencies, whose values can fluctuate wildly from one day to the next, USDT’s value remains relatively constant, providing a sense of security and predictability in your bankroll management.

Differences Between USDT on Different Blockchains

USDT operates on several blockchains, including Ethereum (as an ERC-20 token) and Tron (as a TRC-20 token). These versions of USDT are essentially the same in value but differ in transaction speeds and fees.

• ERC-20. Being on the Ethereum network, ERC-20 USDT transactions can be more expensive due to higher gas fees, especially during peak times. However, Ethereum’s widespread adoption means ERC-20 tokens are supported by a vast number of wallets and exchanges.
• TRC-20. On the Tron network, TRC-20 USDT transactions usually cost less in fees and offer faster processing times. This makes TRC-20 a cost-effective option for poker players who prioritize quick and cheap transactions.

Benefits of Using USDT

Benefit	Details
Stability	The main appeal of USDT is its stability. Since it’s pegged to the US dollar, players don’t have to worry about sudden drops in value. This makes it easier to manage winnings and losses without the added layer of currency risk.
Wide Acceptance	Many online poker platforms accept USDT due to its stable nature and the trust it has built within the cryptocurrency community. This wide acceptance means you can easily find games and tournaments that fit your needs.
Anonymity and Security	Like other cryptocurrencies, USDT transactions maintain a level of anonymity and are secured by blockchain technology, ensuring your personal and financial information remains private.

How to Buy, Sell, and Convert USDT

Buying USDT is straightforward. You can purchase it on most cryptocurrency exchanges using traditional currency or other cryptocurrencies. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:

1. Select an exchange that supports USDT and create an account. Verify your account as required to lift any transaction limits.
2. You can use a bank transfer, credit card, or even other cryptocurrencies to buy USDT. Navigate to the USDT section of the exchange, enter the amount you wish to purchase, and complete the transaction.
3. Once you’ve bought USDT, you can keep it in your exchange account, transfer it to a personal cryptocurrency wallet for added security, or deposit it directly into your online poker account.

Selling or converting USDT follows a similar process but in reverse. If you’re looking to convert USDT to another cryptocurrency or back to fiat currency, most exchanges offer this functionality directly on their platform.

Common Scams Targeting Cryptocurrency Users and Poker Players

Scam	Explanation
Phishing	Scammers use fake websites or emails that mimic legitimate platforms, tricking you into entering your sensitive information, such as login credentials or private keys. These fraudulent sites often look remarkably real, making it easy to fall victim if you’re not careful.
Ponzi Schemes and Fake Investments	These scams promise high returns on your cryptocurrency investments but rely on the funds from new investors to pay earlier participants, eventually collapsing.
Impersonation	Fraudsters may pretend to be customer support or known figures in the poker or cryptocurrency community to gain your trust and steal your information.
Malware and Ransomware	Malicious software can be unknowingly downloaded onto your device, giving attackers access to your cryptocurrency wallets and personal data.

Tips on Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing Attempts

Always verify the website’s URL before entering login information. Look for slight misspellings or unusual characters that suggest a fake site.

Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages, especially those urging immediate action, such as claiming your account is at risk.

Use a website’s official communication channels for support queries, rather than responding to direct messages on social media or emails.

Best Practices for Securing Your Cryptocurrency Holdings and Personal Data

• Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security on all accounts related to your cryptocurrency transactions and online poker activities. Preferably, use an authenticator app over SMS-based 2FA.
• Regularly update your software, including your operating system, browser, and any cryptocurrency wallets or applications. This ensures you have the latest security enhancements.
• Back up your wallet regularly and store the backup in a secure location. If your wallet allows, create a recovery phrase and keep it safe.
• Be mindful of your privacy online. Sharing too much information about your cryptocurrency holdings or poker winnings can make you a target.
• Use strong, unique passwords for different sites and services. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely.
• For significant amounts of cryptocurrency, consider using a cold wallet (offline storage) for the best protection against online attacks.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping up this guide, it’s clear that the world of online poker and cryptocurrencies is both vast and intricate. Navigating through it requires a mix of knowledge, caution, and a willingness to learn. Whether you’re a seasoned poker player looking to integrate cryptocurrencies into your game or a newcomer eager to understand the ins and outs of digital currency transactions, remember that the journey is as rewarding as it is challenging.

By staying informed, practicing good security habits, and approaching the digital currency landscape with a healthy dose of skepticism towards too-good-to-be-true offers, you can enjoy the benefits of this dynamic duo safely and effectively.