How to integrate Bitcoin payments on your website
As online gambling platforms look to future-proof their operations, the ability to integrate Bitcoin payments on your website is quickly shifting from a differentiator to a strategic necessity. Once limited to niche crypto casinos, Bitcoin payments are now being adopted by smaller independent platforms and large operators aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly shifting payments landscape.
At the core of this shift lies a growing demand for flexibility, speed, and financial sovereignty—values that align closely with the principles of crypto-native users. At the same time, innovations like the Bitcoin Lightning Network address long-standing pain points such as transaction latency and high network fees, enabling real-time, low-cost payments at scale while offering an enhanced user payment experience.
However, to integrate Bitcoin payments on your website successfully, you must go beyond simply adding a new payment method. You must navigate a complex landscape of regulatory requirements, technical implementation, and user experience expectations. Success hinges on getting several key pillars right—security, compliance, infrastructure, and education—while also anticipating common challenges and knowing how to address them.
The current landscape of cryptocurrency payments in online gambling
The integration of cryptocurrencies into the online gambling sector has evolved significantly, reflecting broader trends in digital finance and player preferences. Recent data reveals nuanced shifts in the usage of various cryptocurrencies within iGaming platforms.
Dominance of Bitcoin and rise of altcoins
Bitcoin continues to be the most utilized cryptocurrency for online betting. However, its dominance is experiencing a notable decline as alternative cryptocurrencies (altcoins) gain traction. According to SOFTSWISS’s 2024 annual crypto industry report, altcoins now represent nearly half of all crypto wagers, a substantial increase from previous years. Specifically, Tether (USDT) and Litecoin (LTC) have seen significant growth, with Tether’s share increasing by 7.3 percentage points and Litecoin by 6.5 percentage points.
Growth in crypto bet volume
The total volume of crypto bets has shown resilience and growth. Reports suggest a 15.2% increase in the Crypto Bet Sum during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This indicates sustained player interest and confidence in using cryptocurrencies for online gambling activities.
Market projections and diversification
Looking ahead, the global cryptocurrency market is projected to reach nearly €44 billion in revenue by 2025, with an expected user base of approximately 861 million. This anticipated growth suggests further diversification within the iGaming sector, with stablecoins like USDT gaining prominence—not only for their price stability and ability to mitigate volatility but also due to their recent integration with the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
Best practices to integrate Bitcoin payments in your website and online casino
To integrate Bitcoin payments in your website and in online casino platforms you have to have a thoughtful, strategic approach. From compliance and security to technical infrastructure and user experience, there are multiple layers to get right.
Below are the key best practices that operators should consider when implementing Bitcoin payments.
1. Build security-first infrastructure
Security is foundational in online gambling, and even more critical when integrating cryptocurrency payments. With blockchain transactions being irreversible, any vulnerability in the payment flow can have significant financial and reputational consequences.
Operators must therefore adopt a security-first mindset and ensure that their payment infrastructure includes the following core measures:
- End-to-end encryption: All transaction data should be encrypted during transmission to protect users against interception or tampering.
- Multi-signature wallet architecture: Multi-sig wallets add an extra layer of protection by requiring multiple approvals for any transaction.
- Regular security audits and monitoring: Continuous penetration testing and code audits help identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
- Cybersecurity layer integration: Beyond the basics, platforms should apply a dedicated cybersecurity layer across the entire stack.
When evaluating infrastructure, operators should ensure that security is not just a checklist, but an embedded part of the platform’s DNA.
2. Embed compliance into the payment flow
As jurisdictions around the world continue to refine their stance on crypto, operators must ensure that every element of the payment experience aligns with local and international regulatory frameworks.
Key compliance considerations include:
- MiCA and Travel Rule readiness: Under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework in the EU, platforms facilitating crypto payments must operate under a MiCA license and comply with the Travel Rule. This requires working with partners who are prepared to meet these obligations.
- Reinforced KYC and AML protocols: Identity verification and anti-money laundering processes must be seamlessly embedded into the crypto onboarding flow without compromising the user experience.
- Consumer protection standards: Regulatory expectations are expanding to include areas beyond financial compliance. Operators must ensure transparent fee structures, game fairness, and platform solvency visibility.
Crypto-native PSPs that proactively embed these protections—rather than bolting them on—will not only reduce compliance risk but also build greater trust with users and regulators alike.
3. Leverage the lightning network for speed and cost efficiency
Bitcoin Layer 1 transactions are reliable but often slow and expensive, especially during periods of high network congestion. For iGaming platforms that require instant deposit confirmation and low transaction costs at any time, Bitcoin Layer 2 networks like the Lightning Network are the optimal solution.
Benefits include:
- Instant payments with finality in milliseconds..
- Minimal network fees, enabling microtransactions without eroding margins.
- Improved cash flow for both users and operators due to faster settlements.
Platforms not leveraging Lightning when integrating Bitcoin payments in online casinos are likely to fall behind in both UX and operational efficiency.
4. Prioritize seamless user experience (UX)
User experience is a direct driver of conversion and retention. When it comes to cryptocurrency payments, the expectations are even higher: users demand speed, simplicity, and transparency at every step of the flow.
A seamless UX means:
- Frictionless deposit and withdrawal flows, with minimal clicks and fast confirmation times.
- Transparent fee breakdowns, so users know exactly what they’re being charged.
- Mobile-first interfaces, given that a growing share of crypto users engage from smartphones.
- Localized experiences, including language and currency display, to support international audiences.
But UX isn’t just about the front end, it’s also about how easily crypto payments can be integrated into existing systems.
Operators should look for payment providers that offer:
- Flexible API integrations for custom websites or platforms.
- Ready-made widgets or plug-ins that minimize development effort and ensure high reliability.
- Comprehensive setup documentation and technical support to accelerate time-to-market.
5. Choose a scalable, crypto-native payment gateway
Selecting the right payment gateway is one of the most important decisions operators will make when integrating Bitcoin payments. It’s not just about processing transactions—it’s about partnering with a provider that understands the technical, regulatory, and operational nuances of crypto in a high-stakes industry like iGaming.
When evaluating a provider, operators should look for:
- Fiat off-ramp options, including BTC-to-fiat and BTC-to-stablecoin (e.g., USDT) conversions.
- Layer 2 support, such as native Lightning Network compatibility, for lower fees and faster confirmations.
- High availability and scalability, with 99.9%+ uptime guarantees, especially during peak traffic periods.
- Well-documented APIs and SDKs for smooth integration and future-proof development.
- Transparent compliance and licensing for regulated markets.
6. Offer a strategic mix of cryptocurrencies
While some platforms experiment with offering a wide range of digital assets, the most effective approach for iGaming operators is to focus on the cryptocurrencies that truly matter to their users, and that align with their operational goals.
Currently, two assets stand out as essential:
- Bitcoin (BTC): As the most recognized and widely adopted cryptocurrency globally, Bitcoin remains the leading asset in online gambling. It attracts a crypto-native audience, has high user trust, and benefits from deep liquidity across markets. Despite its price volatility, it continues to dominate crypto payment flows within the iGaming space.
- Tether (USDT): USDT offers a crucial counterbalance to Bitcoin’s volatility as the most widely used stablecoin. It allows players to maintain purchasing power without needing to convert back to fiat while giving operators price stability for promotions, rewards, or operational accounting.
Supporting these two assets enables operators to cater to both ends of the user spectrum: those who value the long-term upside and brand recognition of Bitcoin, and those who prefer the predictability and transactional simplicity of USDT. Together, these two cryptocurrencies account for over 70% of all crypto users on iGaming platforms—making them essential for delivering a high-value, relevant payment experience.
7. Strengthen support and enablement teams and players
A successful Bitcoin payment integration doesn’t end at launch. Ongoing support and education—both for internal teams and end users—are critical for long-term performance and operational resilience.
Player support
Cryptocurrency users often have varying levels of experience, and even seasoned users may encounter issues like delayed confirmations, incorrect wallet usage, or confusion around fees. To reduce friction and ensure trust:
- Offer 24/7 player support with staff trained in crypto-specific queries.
- Provide in-platform guidance, such as tooltips, error messages, and confirmation steps.
- Include FAQs and educational content covering wallet setup, transaction tracking, and basic crypto concepts.
Internal enablement
Your support and operations teams also need to understand how the crypto payment stack works—from Layer 1 vs Layer 2 transaction logic to potential scams and regulatory triggers.
Operators should ensure:
- Training and onboarding materials for internal teams.
- Clear incident escalation workflows for crypto-related issues.
- Access to technical documentation and real-time monitoring dashboards, especially during high-volume events.
ElenPAY makes Bitcoin payments easy for online casinos
ElenPAY is a Bitcoin Lightning payment solution purpose-built for online casinos and other regulated industries that combines deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of the operational needs of gambling platforms.
Here’s how ElenPAY simplifies Bitcoin payments in online casinos:
- Instant BTC-to-Fiat and BTC-to-USDT conversion: ElenPAY removes the volatility factor by allowing operators to settle payments in fiat or stablecoins in real-time.
- Lightning-first infrastructure: With built-in Lightning Network support, ElenPAY enables instant, low-cost payments at scale.
- Seamless integration options: Whether through robust APIs or a white label, plug-and-play widget, ElenPAY makes integration fast and flexible.
- Enterprise-grade security: From end-to-end encryption and multi-signature wallets to ongoing security audits, ElenPAY brings a cybersecurity-first approach to every layer of the platform.
- Built-in compliance support: ElenPAY includes essential KYC/AML tooling and is designed to align with emerging crypto regulations such as MiCA and Travel Rule.
- Operator and player enablement: With onboarding resources, multilingual support, and 24/7 technical assistance, ElenPAY empowers both internal teams and end users to adopt crypto payments confidently.
Get in touch with our team for a personalized demo and start offering speed, security, and simplicity in one streamlined Bitcoin Lightning payment solution.
