Over the past few years, virtual currencies, which are also commonly referred to as digital currencies or cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, DogeCoin, and Ripple, are now more widely accepted as a viable online payment method on many of today’s most popular ‘regular’ online gambling and sweepstakes sites.
In other words, instead of having to use traditional online payment methods or APMs (alternative payment methods) like Visa and PayPal or fiat currencies like US dollars, Euros, and Pound Sterling, you can top up your account and cash out your winnings using blockchain technology payments and cryptocurrency.
Let’s dive straight in and take a closer look at which sites accept virtual currencies and what kind of games, services, bonuses, promotions, and security are typically available on these sites.
Where can I use virtual currencies to play online slots, blackjack, roulette, and other classic favourites?
If you want to play computer-generated online slot machines, table & card games, scratchcards, bingo, keno, video poker, Slingo, and several other popular gameplay like this using virtual currency instead of your local fiat currency, then my best advice would be to join a regular online gambling site that accepts cryptocurrency or a sweepstakes site.
A sweepstakes site is essentially the same as a ‘regular’ gambling site, except on a sweepstakes site, there is no gambling involved. In other words, there’s no risk involved.
Purchases at sweepstakes sites are not necessary, meaning you don’t have to deposit money to play any of their games, unlike a regular online gambling site, where a deposit is required (but never forced) if you want to play in real money mode.
These popular social gaming sites use a two-coin system, which essentially means that when you join a reputable sweepstakes casino like those currently featured on the well-known askgamblers.com iGaming review site, you will receive a certain amount of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins for free as part of the initial sign-up bonus.
Gold Coins can be used to play any onsite game, but you can’t win real prizes with this virtual currency, which also has no monetary value in the real world. To win real-world prizes (e.g., vouchers, merchandise, vacations, etc.) and cash prizes, you must use your Sweeps Coins.
What happens if I run out of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins?
Don’t worry if you run off either, because getting more is easy. For example, if the Free Coins run out, they can be topped up in the following ways:
- You can contact the toll-free player support (I always use the live chat feature) and then ask the friendly/professionally trained support agents to top up my account with Gold Coins). They are always more than happy to oblige
- On several occasions, I have won Gold Coins by taking part in online slot machine tournaments or by participating in [and winning] onsite raffles, prize draws, and promotions
- Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly or monthly newsletters because most sites will send you bonus codes to get extra Gold Coins. Remember to check the box that says you wish to receive newsletters/promotions via email directly to your inbox. However, if you think you’re receiving too many emails, you can easily opt-out at a later date
- Also, try to check out their social media platforms. You can often find competitions and Gold Coin bonus codes on your sweepstakes casino’s Facebook or Twitter page, for example
- You can also get more free Gold Coins on some sites by unlocking in-game rewards
If you run out of Sweeps Coins, you can purchase more, but you would need to complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) account verification process before you can cash out any cash prizes you win.
I’ve purchased several bundles/packages before, and I always use PayPal, but most sites also now allow you to purchase additional Sweeps Coins using Visa, Mastercard, and various other trusted online payment methods. You can also purchase more coins using many of the cryptocurrencies I mentioned above.
What should you look for in a good online casino that accepts virtual currencies?
Before signing up to a regular online casino or sweepstakes casino that accepts virtual currencies, I suggest conducting your own due diligence and basic background checks to determine if the site is safe. The easiest way to do this is to read the expert reviews.
Today’s best virtual currency sites will always have top-notch customer service, 24/7 player support, and high levels of encryption (typically protected by 128-bit or higher SSL encryption), ensuring your personal details, money, and account are in safe hands.
The safest and most secure sites will be licensed and regulated by at least one or more mid/top-tier gaming commissions/licensing authorities and will be owned and operated by a trusted company with a superb track record.
They will also have hundreds of games from several well-established software providers with high or above-average RTP% payout rates.
I’ve also found that the best sites will actively promote responsible gambling and may have a selection of safer gambling tools I can use to help me stay within my budget.
Final thoughts
The one important thing I mustn’t forget to mention is the welcome bonuses and any other bonuses you claim on sites like this. Before accepting a bonus, always take a minute or so to read the terms and conditions because they contain crucial information about your bonus.
The Ts and Cs will help you get the most out of your bonus and will tell you how much you must wager before you can withdraw any winnings you have made from your bonus (known as the wagering requirement).
Ts and Cs also tell you how long you have to complete them, which games are going to help you complete them in as little time as possible, and if any deposit methods are excluded from the bonus. In other words, don’t forget to read the terms and conditions to avoid disappointment.
