The Impact of Cryptocurrency on Australian Gambling: A New Era of Digital Betting
The rise of cryptocurrencies in the Australian landscape took many industries by storm, including the gambling industry. This is because they improved payments on betting platforms by offering fast and more secure transactions.
Aussies widely use cryptocurrencies in various online casinos and sportsbooks. As a matter of fact, studies show that already in 2019, crypto was the most preferred payment option for 30.7% of Australian gamblers. In this article, we will explore the impact of these digital currencies on Australia’s gambling industry.
About Cryptocurrencies
A cryptocurrency is a virtual or digital currency designed for use as a medium of exchange through computer networks. What makes it different from other currencies is that it is secured by cryptography and doesn’t rely on central authorities. In fact, cryptocurrencies are not maintained by banks and the government.
They are widely accepted today, and you can use them to pay for goods and services. Some of the most popular digital currencies include Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Binance Coin, and USDT.
Status of the Australian Crypto Industry
Aussies are allowed to buy, sell, store, receive, and trade crypto, which has boosted the growth of the cryptocurrency industry in Australia. Studies show that the number of users in Australia’s crypto market is expected to reach 11.38 million people by 2025.
Moreover, the revenue from the market is forecasted to reach $799.3 million in 2024, and the user penetration will be 42.40% in the same year.
The increasing number of blockchain startups and crypto exchanges in the country also show a growing interest in cryptocurrencies. Additionally, several real money online casinos in Australia have embraced these digital currencies.
The Impact of Cryptocurrencies on Gambling in Australia
1. Provide Faster Transactions
Cryptocurrencies have improved the speed of transactions on Australian gambling platforms. Unlike traditional payment methods like bank transfers with a long pending period, crypto transactions are near instant. Your deposits on the gambling platform reflect immediately on your account, which enables you to place your bets on time.
On the other hand, withdrawals are also quick. Aussies can access their winnings from the casino or sportsbooks more quickly using cryptocurrencies. This has attracted many Australian gamblers to these digital currencies, who were tired of the frustrating wait times of other payment options.
2. Offer More Payment Options
Since digital currencies were introduced, the number of payment channels has increased. Besides debit and credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets, online casinos and sportsbooks also support many cryptocurrencies. They have a variety of the most popular crypto banking options, such as Ripple, Bitcoin, Coinbase, Cardano, and Tether.
Aussies now have more payment options to use on their online gaming and betting adventures than before. The variety offers flexible banking services to gamblers for both deposits and withdrawals. Another amazing thing is that cryptocurrencies bring heavy competition against other payment service providers like e-wallets. This pushes them to improve their services.
3. Support Secure Transactions
Crypto transactions are protected by blockchain security to reduce risks of attacks and fraud. It protects them by utilizing cybersecurity frameworks and assurance services. For example, all customer transactions are recorded or kept in a decentralized network, which makes it difficult to tamper.
Not only that, transactions are also anonymous. The punter’s personal information is not tied to any transaction, which protects Aussies from identity theft. All this keeps Australian gamblers safe from the rampant cyberattacks in the online world.
4. Have Low Service Fees
The fees Australian gambling platforms charge on crypto transactions are lower compared to traditional banking options. This is because digital currencies reduce transfer costs and have lower network fees by eliminating intermediaries like banks. They enable gamblers to get higher payouts during withdrawals and make gambling economically attractive.
Furthermore, the lower fees of cryptocurrencies enable punters with small bankrolls to make small deposits on gambling platforms. It would have been difficult for them to use other payment methods that charge high fees on deposits.
5. Inspired by the Rise of Crypto Casinos and Sportsbooks
Thanks to the popularity of cryptocurrencies in Australia, many gaming platforms operate entirely using digital currencies instead of real money. Aussies can finance their accounts, stake on various games, and withdraw winnings using crypto. There are also crypto sports betting platforms.
However, Australia has recently made it illegal to use crypto to wager in online casinos and sportsbooks. Despite that, it is legal to use them on offshore gambling platforms and many Aussies are choosing them as the best alternatives.
6. Promote Global Accessibility
Another great impact of cryptocurrencies on Australia is the improved access to gambling platforms. They don’t impose restrictions on cross-border transactions like the local banking options. So, digital currencies make it easier for people to gamble on various websites around the world.
Today, Aussies enjoy borderless gameplay on gambling platforms outside Australia using crypto. Additionally, cryptocurrencies provide underbanked individuals with financial inclusion. They offer them accessible and secure ways to engage in virtual gambling activities.
Cryptocurrencies Improved the Australian Gambling Industry
Despite Australia banning the use of cryptocurrencies on online gambling platforms, we can’t ignore their contributions. They have greatly improved payments in virtual casinos and sportsbooks, which has made them darling to Australian gamblers. Aussies now have faster and more secure transactions on their gambling adventures than before. Let’s hope the country will reconsider its decision to ban them.
