The online betting industry was among the first to accept cryptocurrencies as payment methods. The two work well together, as cryptocurrencies allow for anonymous betting and make the transfer faster and safer.
The use of cryptocurrency has also had a long-term effect on the psychology of betting and the player's behavior. Betting was always very tuned in the player's behavior and tried to predict and use it to make a more engaging gameplay. Cryptocurrencies have somewhat changed that, but mostly by speeding up existing trends.
The Psychology of Risk and Reward
Every bet is a measure between risk and reward, making the game compelling for players regardless of their payment method. Players are aware of the risks and even of the small chances of winning, but the allure of potential rewards is always stronger.
A positive outcome triggers a dopamine release, which is tied to a feeling of happenings. That's why so many games have small rewards and incremental winnings for every turn or part of the game. That way, the players get a rush of dopamine and keep on playing.
Cognitive Bias and Gambling
Individual cognitive bias is often on display when players bet online. This is noticeable when players don't make rational decisions based on the information they have at their disposal but feel they are due a win after a few bad turns or that some games are just lucky.
The way online betting sites are designed fosters this behavior and encourages the players to keep wagering after a few bad turns to make up for the losses. Players, however, also have the game's statistics, especially when using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Excitement and Thrill
Betting online can be very exciting, and every turn or spin has a big anticipation build-up. The games are designed to be thrilling and to entice the players to keep betting. Betting sites are made to look like playing the game in a real on-the-ground casino.
The emotional roller-coaster is a vital part of any betting session, and that's why each game is divided into turns and spins so that there are countless small victories and excitement to keep the game interesting. Betting sites use web design, sound design, color patterns, and many other techniques to achieve these goals. A player should be aware of these and try to set up their own betting practices and timetables regardless of those set by the game.
How Cryptocurrencies Fit into This
Traditional casino games can be played with cryptocurrency just as they would with fiat currencies. In fact, conventional casino games were among the first to accept crypto payments. The best baccarat sites accept dozens of cryptocurrencies, and so do the poker and blackjack sites.
However, the use of cryptocurrencies does change the psychology of the game at least somewhat due to its unique features and benefits. In many ways, cryptocurrencies are making the process safer and easier to control, which leads the player to wager more and trust the betting sites that use them.
Wider Accessibility
Using cryptocurrencies as a payment method allows for wider accessibility for betting sites. In some parts of the world, betting isn't allowed, and not all commercial banking options are available. Cryptocurrencies solve this problem since they are decentralized and work independently of central banking institutions.
Wider acceptance leads to a broader pool of players since the betting sites are now available to many who couldn't get access to them before. A wider player pool leads to changes in betting psychology and different betting styles and approaches. Since most of the online betting sites are available on mobile devices, the potential pool of players can include anyone with a phone or a tablet.
Anonymous Betting
Another important feature of cryptocurrency betting sites is the ability to make bets without providing personal information, including their names or bank account numbers. It's an increasingly important feature that creates a sense of trust between the players and the betting site.
This trust also changes how the players perceive the gameplay and their odds. The same goes for using loyalty bonuses and other features made for long-term users. Anonymous betting has become essential in a world where most of our online activity is tracked.
Transparent Odds
Betting sites that use cryptocurrencies are more transparent and open about their odds. The terms of individual wagers are written into the blockchain code itself and, therefore, are available for every player to observe and verify. It's especially important when it comes to games of luck but also applies to card games.
Players change their gameplay and psychological approach to betting if the odds are transparent and easy to verify. This is true even with all the cognitive bias and the excitement players are often caught in when betting for a long time.
Volatility
The value of cryptocurrencies isn't tied to any centralized banking or financial structure. Instead, the value is derived from the market alone. This makes cryptocurrencies more volatile than any fiat currency. Its value can go up several times during a year and is often based on events beyond the control of those who use it.
This affects the players who use cryptocurrency to bet. The value of the winnings the players make this way may change somewhat quickly. For some players, this may mean the winnings are less real, leading to more risk-taking.
Gamification
Another trend in betting psychology has come about due to the use of cryptocurrencies as a payment method. There's a rise in gamification and the addition of mini-games based on luck or skill into traditional casino games. This is done to accommodate the interests and preferences of younger players who are used to computer games.
The use of cryptocurrency facilities such as fast-paced games in which transfers are automated and often immediate. Blockchain is a guarantee that these games are fair, and their terms are often written into the code itself.
Safe Betting Practices
Modern cryptocurrency betting sites have also implemented a variety of safe betting practices and tools to foster responsible betting. These are made to provide the players with ways to prevent overspending, overbetting, and chasing their losses. Instead of leaving the players to set up such practices on their own, these are built into the betting site interface.
These include stop losses and stop wins, a player's bet amount limit, automated breaks, and many others. Betting sites also offer help to those who are struggling with addiction and engage in dangerous betting practices.
To Sum Up
Cryptocurrencies are widely used for betting online. They provide a variety of benefits to both the players and the betting sites. The payments can be automated, and even instant when made with these currencies, and the fees are lower. Payments made with crypto can also be anonymous; players can make them without having a bank account or a card.
Furthermore, the use of cryptocurrencies is changing the psychology of online betting. There's more trust between the players and the casinos while the value of the winnings becomes more volatile. The odds of these games are more transparent and easier for players to verify, and many betting sites create safe betting practices by adding tools the players can use to bet responsibly.
