Bitcoin: confirmations, fees and price swings
Bitcoin is the oldest and most widely used cryptocurrency, and it is the coin most often listed when a cashier accepts crypto. It shares the general features described in our crypto payments guide, but a few points are specific to the Bitcoin network. We do not confirm whether Urho accepts Bitcoin. Methods and limits depend on the operator and your account, so check the cashier first.
Confirmations and timing
A Bitcoin transaction is grouped into a block roughly every ten minutes on average, and each new block adds a confirmation. Operators set how many confirmations they wait for before crediting a deposit. When the network is busy, transactions with low fees can wait much longer. If a deposit seems stuck, check its status in a public block explorer using the transaction ID before contacting support.
Fees
You pay a network fee for every Bitcoin transfer, and that fee varies with demand rather than with the amount sent. Small deposits can therefore be relatively expensive. Exchanges and wallets may add their own charges for buying, sending and selling. The operator may also charge for withdrawals. Add these together before deciding that Bitcoin is a cheap way to pay.
Exchange-rate timing
The value of Bitcoin can move significantly within hours. If your casino balance is kept in euros, the rate at the moment of deposit decides how much you play with, and the rate at withdrawal decides how many coins you receive. If the balance is kept in Bitcoin, its euro value moves even while you are not playing. Either way, the result of a session includes a currency bet you may not have intended to make.
Withdrawals in Bitcoin
To receive a Bitcoin withdrawal, you need a wallet address you control. Double-check it, because a payout sent to a wrong address cannot be recovered. Operators usually review withdrawals and verify identity first, and an active bonus may block a payout until wagering is complete. Keep records of the euro value at deposit and at withdrawal: gains and losses may be relevant for tax where you live.
Checklist
- Network and address match exactly what the cashier shows.
- You know the confirmation rule and the likely network fee.
- You accept that the coin's value can change during your session.
- You keep transaction IDs and euro values for your own records.