Crypto Poker vs. Traditional Online Poker: What’s Right For You?

Although relatively new, crypto poker has been welcomed with open arms by the online gaming community, including Ignition Poker. With its quick transactions and highly secure payouts, it’s easy to see why.

With that said, if you’ve never explored this side of online poker, you might be wondering: what are the differences between crypto poker vs traditional poker? More importantly, how can you tell which is right for you?

Let’s take a closer look at traditional poker and crypto poker to help you find the right fit for how you want to play.

Payout Speed: Accessing Your Money

One of the most obvious crypto poker advantages is the speed at which you get your winnings. When you request a withdrawal using a cryptocurrency, processing times are significantly lower than traditional payment methods. This is possible because blockchain networks, which power crypto transfers, are decentralised and aren’t bogged down by time-consuming approvals and verifications. It’s all done on the blockchain.

Traditional fiat currency payment methods, like bank wire or courier checks, require more involvement from a traditional financial institution, hence why they take longer. Typically, you can expect up to 48 hours to process a withdrawal request with these methods. Even after funds are released to the institution, it could take days for them to hit your account.

By contrast, crypto withdrawls are much faster on Ignition Poker:

• Bitcoin: Up to 24 hours
• Bitcoin Cash: Up to 1 hour
• Bitcoin SV: Up to 1 hour
• Ethereum: Up to 1 hour
• Litecoin: Up to 1 hour
• USD Tether: Up to 1 hour

What’s the Best Fit For You?

If you want your winnings, and fast, then you can’t beat crypto poker. The withdrawal process completely bypasses the delays baked into traditional banking, making sure you get your winnings sooner.

That said, while traditional banking takes longer, you’ve also got a lot more oversight. Some players prefer traditional withdrawals for their own peace of mind, particularly if they’re not familiar with the blockchain.

Privacy: Playing Under the Radar

Let’s face it, everyone’s got concerns over their privacy online these days. One of online poker’s big draws is the degree of anonymity and privacy it provides, giving players a way to deal themselves in wherever and whenever they want to play.

Crypto poker takes things a step further, though. You’re already experiencing the benefits of online poker and the anonymity it offers, but because of crypto’s decentralised approach to payouts and withdrawals, there’s no intervention from traditional financial institutions. While there’s a record of the payout, they’re not attached to a name, just your anonymous digital wallet.

What’s the Best Fit For You?

If you’re privacy-minded, then it’s hard to beat the anonymity offered by crypto poker. You don’t need to interact with third-party institutions and your name isn’t attached to anything.

Of course, if you don’t mind sharing some information, then there’s nothing wrong with traditional online poker.

Stability & Volatility: The Risk Factor

There are no two ways about it: cryptocurrencies are usually more volatile than traditional fiat currency. The crypto market isn’t regulated by a central authority by design. This is a significant part of its appeal, but it also creates some risk as crypto markets are trading 24/7. Fluctuations in value can and do happen. On the other hand, though, if you have a big crypto win, you’re able to withdraw it much faster to avoid some of that volatility.

Traditional currencies — be it AUD, USD, EUR, or anything in between — are far less subject to the sort of fluctuations that crypto experiences. Odds are, if you’re withdrawing $1,000 today, it will still be $1,000 tomorrow, give or take a few cents. This level of stability makes it easier to manage funds and calculate profits.

What’s the Best Fit For You?

If you prefer stable and predictable payouts, then traditional online poker is likely a better fit. However, if you’re less risk-averse and don’t mind the uncertainty sometimes affiliated with cryptocurrencies, crypto poker might be right for you.

Bonus & Promotions: Making the Most of Your Money

Whether you play traditional or crypto poker, you’re typically eligible for bonuses and promotions. However, the types of offers you’re eligible for and the amounts you can receive may differ.

In many cases, the same offers are extended to both traditional and crypto players; that said, the crypto bonuses are often higher. For example, the Ignition Poker & Casino Welcome Bonus provides you with up to $2,000 in bonus cash when you make your first deposit with a credit card. But if you make your first deposit with Bitcoin, you can earn up to $3,000 in bonus cash.

Similarly, the Tell-a-Friend Bonus is also more generous to crypto depositors. When someone uses your referral code to sign up, you’ll receive 200% of their first deposit (up to $100). If they deposit using crypto, you’ll get an extra $25 free and clear.

What’s the Best Fit For You?

Crypto poker is ideal if you regularly use bonuses and love getting as much value as possible from them.

In contrast, if your focus is more on enjoying the gameplay (rather than maximising promotions), then there’s less of an incentive for you to explore crypto poker.

Find Your Perfect Online Poker Fit

Both traditional and crypto poker have their pros and cons. However, finding your ideal fit is a matter of personal preference and priorities. If you’re more concerned with stability, familiarity, and regulation, then classic online poker is for you. If you value quick withdrawals, added privacy, and more generous bonuses, then give crypto poker a try.

Best of all, no matter which option you choose, Ignition Poker has you covered. With traditional and crypto poker formats available, you’ll have the freedom to play whichever way suits you best.