Blockchain: The Key to a Secure Online Gambling Future
Online gambling has exploded in popularity over the last two decades. As more jurisdictions legalize and regulate internet gaming globally, the online gambling industry reached over $66.7 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow to $92.9 billion by 2023.
However, as the industry grows, so do concerns around security and fairness of Godman Casino. Blockchain technology offers online casinos and sportsbooks the ability to provide provably fair gaming and build trust with customers in a virtually “trustless” environment.
What is Blockchain Technology?
A blockchain is a digital ledger or database that is shared publicly or privately among a decentralized network of computers. It records transactions in a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof manner due to its cryptographic nature. Some key attributes of blockchain technology:
- Decentralized – No single entity controls the network
- Transparent – All participants can view transaction details
- Secure – Uses cryptography to keep data private and accurate
- Immutable – Past records can’t be changed without altering all subsequent records
Blockchain for Online Gambling Provably Fair Gaming
One of the main concerns customers have with internet gaming sites is whether the games are fair or if the odds are stacked against them. Unlike land-based casinos which are heavily regulated, online sites rely on random number generator (RNG) software to ensure fair gaming.
Blockchain integrates cryptographic hashing technology to allow both the player and casino to verify game fairness. All gaming data inputs are hashed and put on the blockchain each round. Players can reference the past hash keys to validate game outputs.
Here’s an example provably fair gaming flow:
- Player inputs bet amount to start a round of slots
- Casino inputs the RNG seed key for that round
- The two keys are combined and hashed on the blockchain
- Slots game calculates outcome using RNG software
- Player can verify the hash matches the RNG output for that round
In this way, the player can cryptographically verify through the immutable blockchain record that the game outputs were not tampered with or altered in the casino’s favor.
Enhanced Security
Identity fraud and account takeovers are risks with any online financial transaction. Centralized databases containing usernames, passwords, banking data and other account details are vulnerable attack points for hackers.
Because there is no central point controlling a blockchain network, customer data can be more securely encrypted and partitioned across thousands of computers globally. This makes hacking customer accounts much more difficult compared to traditional centralized data storage.
Blockchain-based free slots online casinos also allow players to control access to their data using private keys. Your private key acts as your digital signature providing access and control of your funds and gaming account. Wallets hold private keys and let players maintain custody of assets.
Here are some other key security benefits blockchains offer gambling sites:
- Uses end-to-end encryption for all transactions
- Customers control assets using private keys and wallets
- Partitions and backs up data across decentralized network
- Uses pseudonymous public addresses instead of real customer names
Faster Payments
One common complaint against internet gaming sites are delayed deposits and withdrawals. These frustrations often stem from middlemen payment processors and cross border transactions involving banks in different countries and regulatory jurisdictions.
Blockchain enables online gambling sites to directly transfer player funds without third-party intermediaries. Cryptocurrency deposits and cashouts can be completed within minutes compared to days or even weeks through traditional electronic funds transfers (EFTs).
For example, here are average crypto transaction speeds:
- Bitcoin: 60 minutes
- Ethereum: 2-5 minutes
- Litecoin: 2-5 minutes
- Ripple XRP: 3-5 seconds
Cryptocurrencies allow online betting sites to move funds globally and gain access to new markets where traditional fiat transactions may be more difficult or restricted.
Increased Trust and Transparency
Trust has always been a major hurdle for online gambling operators to overcome with customers. However, blockchain technology can establish trust by programmatically enforcing its rules for fairness, privacy, uptime, and funds security across the network.
Blockchains also add a heightened level of transparency between players and casinos. All parties on a blockchain network can view real-time reporting of gaming statistics, payouts, and bonuses which are permanently recorded on the chain. Players don’t have to take an operator’s word regarding bonuses, house edge percentages, or max payouts. They can verify the math themselves across millions of hands, rolls, or bets historically.
The Future of Online Gambling Security
As blockchain technology advances, we will continue seeing more internet gaming sites adopt its security, transparency, and performance benefits. Early movers integrating provably fair gaming and cryptocurrency support have a distinct edge in attracting and retain players over old-school offshore betting sites.
While blockchain won’t solve all the challenges facing online gambling operators, such as regulation and responsible gaming, it definitely provides solutions to some of the most pressing security issues in the industry today. Internet gaming on the blockchain instills player confidence that their bets, funds, and personal data are provably secure and fair.