Crypto is definitely not a new thing in the Hong Kong gambling market. Especially now that more players are turning to it, Hong Kong online casinos have not stopped integrating crypto to stay relevant. And just recently, Statista approximated that the number of users will reach 1.68 million by 2028.
If you have been keeping a close eye on emerging trends, you will agree that the spread of crypto in Hong Kong casinos is only a reflection of a global trend. At an international level, the global user base reached 560 million in 2024, having increased by almost 190 percent between 2018 and 2020. With this number expected to increase, more businesses, including online casinos, are turning to cryptocurrencies to enhance their competitiveness.
The Rise of Crypto in Online Casinos
As you have already seen, online casinos began integrating crypto in response to its widespread adoption. In fact, around 35.96% of bets placed in the first quarter of 2022 were done using cryptocurrencies. This was like a 10% increase from the previous year. And that is why, besides offering engaging features like exclusive bonuses and account managers, different categories of casinos – whether high-roller or lower-roller – are now using such currencies to also have a share in this growing market. With the internet becoming popular, you can now read more about the best high-stake online casinos with just a simple touch of a button from any place.
Discussions around safe gambling have not stopped dominating this industry. You definitely do not want your account hacked as you interact with any online platform – security is often one of the first things we are likely to consider before engaging. Cryptocurrency applies blockchain technology that can help reduce malicious attacks through its distributed ledger technology. And this can either be private or public. To appeal to tech-savvy fans, Hong Kong online casinos have increasingly adopted crypto to ensure that fans can gamble with peace of mind.
What are Public and Private Blockchains?
If you have used either Bitcoin or Ethereum, you must have noticed that they are usually permissionless, as anyone can join and validate transactions. This is what a public blockchain security infrastructure looks like. That is to say that the security’s code base is open source and that open-source communities continuously monitor its features and efficiency.
So, there will be validators and node operators whose responsibility will be to maintain the network along with numerous other developers who develop the code. For these types of networks, you also have to practice good security hygiene as a user to contribute to its overall security. Even though they are permissionless, that doesn’t mean that there are no organizations that oversee their development. In Ethereum, for instance, we have the Ethereum Foundation.
Just like the name suggests, private blockchains are more centralized, and access is limited. And, while public blockchains utilize the security-by-numbers approach, private ones are pretty much efficient due to reduced computational work. On the flip side of the coin, private infrastructures face the risk of manipulation, especially because the organization maintaining the network has complete authority over the whole structure.
What Benefits Should Hong Kong Casino Players Expect?
As a player, paying up to 1-3% of every transaction for credit card payments can be a complete pain. That’s where crypto now comes in – its transactional fees can actually cost as low as 0.1%. However, this figure can vary based on the cryptocurrency; Bitcoin, for example, incurs about 0.37% network fee. The deal becomes even better when you can save money by finding better exchange rates and promotions.
For those that have used Bitcoin or any other digital asset, you have experienced the magical speed these currencies offer. Some of the deposits and withdrawals using crypto are almost instantaneous. This has become vital in eliminating the long waiting times that are associated with traditional payment methods. For example, traditional methods like Bank wires can take up to 2-5 business days, which might not be convenient for you. Therefore, if you start using crypto, then the hassle is over.
You probably prefer your information to be kept anonymous or private, and cryptocurrency does just that. When signing up for a casino with traditional payment methods, you need to provide your financial details for transactions. However, when dealing with crypto, you are only required to provide your wallet address, as transactions happen from the casino wallet directly to the player wallet. This enhances anonymity, safeguards identity and therefore protects financial information.
Another advantage that crypto users obtain is global accessibility without restrictions. Unlike some traditional payment methods that cannot transcend some country boundaries, crypto payments traverse all geographical boundaries and regulatory restrictions. Offshore casinos that are accessible to Hong Kong players become easy to work with as cryptocurrencies balance the playing field.
Without a shadow of a doubt, almost every casino player favors a fair gaming experience. Blockchain technology that powers crypto ensures transparency and fairness in casinos by offering provably fair gaming. Players are able to verify the integrity of game outcomes and ensure the credibility of casinos.
