Although Tether, also known by its trading initials USDT, is not necessarily one of the cryptocurrencies that all casino players have heard of, it is increasingly becoming popular in the crypto trading world, and thus becoming more commonly accepted as a banking method at crypto casinos. As such, it is certainly worth a comprehensive review, so our readers who are interested can get better acquainted with the ins and outs of Tether gambling.
The most important thing to note is that Tether is considered a stable coin. This means it is inherently tied to the value of the US dollar, so that there are no major exchange rate fluctuations associated with it, unlike what you might experience with other coins such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
In fact, it is often referred to as the digital US dollar due to its coupling, which in essence makes it equally reliable - though of course, the US dollar can fluctuate as well. But we'll get into the details of that a bit more below.
Anyhow, while this makes it somewhat less appealing for those in the crypto trading market for quick gains, it actually makes Tether a good choice for those using it to gamble, ensuring that what you have purchased is essentially how much you have available, at a steady rate.
Top Tether Casinos of 2024 - Our Expert Recommendations
The reality is that the "digital US dollar" is currently on the rise. And we're not talking just in terms of the number of trades or the media attention it garners. More and more companies that are known to accept cryptocurrencies are offering a Tether transaction option alongside other well-known tokens. This is particularly true of online casinos, where USDT is increasingly becoming an accepted banking method.
But not all crypto casinos are created equal of course. And we want to help guide you to the best. As such, we have extensively tested a long list of online casinos to come up with our top picks, as highlighted in the chart below.
While there will obviously be differences between them, what we can say for sure is that all of those on our recommended casinos list consistently perform well, have proven safe, and are fully licensed and fair places to play, plus of course have plenty of games. In other words, the essential must-haves in making your choice.
As we tend to do in our cryptocurrency reviews, let's first take a bit of a look at this coin's history to get a better understanding of where it is coming from and what need it was meant to fill.
So basically, Tether, initially known as Real Coin, is an asset-backed crypto currency that was launched in 2014. Tether Limited, the company behind its launch, is owned by the Hong Kong-based company iFinex Inc.
The aim of its founders was to create a coin with lower volatility, and thereby higher stability than is usually found with other digital currencies, such as Bitcoin. The development for it was based on the blockchain technology known from Bitcoin which builds on juxtapositions of continuous data sets. With the renaming from Real Coin to USDT / Tether, the founders of the coin changed their strategy and have since relied on the proven Litecoin blockchain. The advantage here is a significantly higher transaction speed.
Within a very short time, Tether managed to position itself as a stable coin as desired (or officially stablecoin) in the top crypto charts.
This stability was deliberately achieved through its coupling with the US dollar, earning Tether the nickname "the digital US dollar". There are both advantages and disadvantages to this of course.
Interesting: If you are wondering about this crypto coin's name, it is actually pretty intuitive. The word Tether means "to tie up" or "restrict" movement. And with its pegging to the US dollar, and inherent stability, that is essentially what it delivers. A coin that won't fluctuate too much.
By linking to the US dollar, Tether is less susceptible to the massive exchange rate fluctuations that Bitcoin in particular is known for. In a way, that is good because it breeds stability. On the other hand, as many people buy cryptocurrency for investment purposes rather than purchasing power, it makes Tether a less appealing asset to hold.
That being said, since USDT has established itself as a reliable currency for investors who are not interested in sensational growth, or looking to make a quick buck, it has great appeal to those who are more concerned with being able to rely on the stability of the coin. In other words, the stability is the reason for making the investment in this case.
And for similar reasons, it is appealing to those who actually want to use Tether for buying something, like in our case, funding their online casino account. Hence Tether has become increasingly popular across the gaming industry in particular.
Note: Tether adheres to strict security and global government laws and regulations. With its stability and guidelines, many compare it to a loosely regulated bank and consider it one of the safest cryptocurrencies around. Not only that, its claim that for every Tether (USDT token) held, 1 US dollar is provided in reserve for liquidity purposes was recently confirmed by the FSS law firm. This means that in theory all customer demands for withdrawals could be met in full in cash at any time, though some controversy still remains around this promise.
Why Tether Has Become So Popular
The Tether coin, which is stably linked to the US dollar, is used in many areas today - and by no means only in online gambling. Interestingly, many investors , be it Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, or Litecoin prefer to use their USDT to buy other digital currencies.
The reason they choose to do this is the same reason for its popularity. And that is due in particular to the fact that people can buy / hold it, with the knowledge that no massive fluctuations are to be expected. Fluctuations, after all, are precisely what makes it difficult for Bitcoin investors to correctly assess their risks as within hours, the BTC price can rise or fall to a massive extent. Sure this is great if you "bet" right. But not everyone is in the crypto game for risk. And this is exactly the need that is filled by stable coins like Tether.
Interesting tidbit: Another stable crypto coin currency, the EURt, has been launched by the same team behind USDT, which is more or less a Tether variant based on the euro (rather than the dollar). It is currently very rare to find an online casino that works with EURt, but this could change. Similarly, at the rare crypto casino there is the option to make payments with USDG, a.k.a. Tether Gold. As the name suggests, this currency is linked to the price of gold, wherein 1 token has the same value as an ounce of gold.
Video: How are Tether tokens Issued
How Banking with Tether at an Online Casino Works
So now that we have covered some of the basics of Tether, let's talk a bit more about what we are really here to understand. And that is banking with Tether.
Essentially, banking with Tether is going to be exactly like conducting a transaction with any other cryptocurrency. So you have nothing to worry about there. It is a streamlined process pretty much anywhere you go, and should be entirely familiar to you from previous transactions. And even if you haven't yet tried a crypto casino yet, the learning curve is basically non-existent.
Really, in a nutshell, all that you need to do in order to get started is:
Compare popular crypto casinos – we suggest our recommended ones above. Then choose one.
Register a casino account - This should take less than a minute at most crypto casinos, which generally do not require much personal information beyond a username and password to get started.
Log in to your account and open the cash register or wallet, whichever it is called at the casino you have chosen.
Under the Deposit tab, select Tether (USDT) as your currency from the list shown onscreen.
Scan the QR code shown onscreen with your smartphone, or alternatively, copy the unique wallet address and paste it into your own crypto wallet.
Set the amount you would like to deposit, and follow any onscreen instructions to complete the transaction.
Once you have done that, it usually does not take more than a few minutes for the credit to show up in your casino account. However, it is important to note that Tether, like other cryptocurrencies, is subject to blockchain confirmations in order to complete a transaction. In the case of Tether, the number is usually 12-14 or so, which is more than some other popular coins. So keep this in mind, as it can slightly delay the transfer of funds, though this is rare.
Most online casinos will credit the amount you deposit specifically in USDT. In this way, multiple currencies in your casino balance can be separated from one another without any problems - if you have chosen to fund your casino account with more than one currency that is.
As for payouts, in general, game stakes are also settled in USDT. However, keep in mind that some crypto casinos which allow for banking in digital coins, actually have a fiat (such as dollars) set for their interface. You may see wagering options and win sums listed in dollars, but when you cash out, rest assured your winnings will be paid out in Tether.
Perhaps most importantly, cashout will be as seamless and smooth as outlined above for deposits. This is crypto after all. And that is one of its big benefits. Just always make sure to enter the address and sums for your transaction correctly, and hold on to your wallet info, as not even Tether Ltd. will be able to help you if you make a mistake.
Where to Get Tether Coins
Like other cryptocurrencies, Tether can be bought quickly, securely, and easily on common crypto exchanges. While the token is best known as being traded 1:1 with the dollar, it is now available everywhere and can be exchanged for euros and other fiat currencies like British pounds or Canadian dollars just as easily.
In general, to buy Tether, all you need is a customer account with one of the well-known crypto platforms, such as Bitpanda or Coinbase. From our experience, we can particularly recommend the following platforms for their service and security:
Registration is necessary to use these platforms, but that is quick and easy. And since they all accommodate a wide range of fiat currencies, you should be able to trade in whatever currency you hold. Of course, if you want to explore other coins like Ethereum, Litecoin, or Bitcoin, while you are there, then go for it too!
Tip: If you do not yet have a crypto wallet, most reputable crypto casinos will have a link from their cashier to a third-party provider like MoonPay where you can purchase digital coins and get started on your crypto adventure.
Also, it is important not to rely on any old trading platform or wallet service that comes along. Rather we suggest you plan a little time to compare as many proven providers as possible. That is because although the exchange rate per USDT is pretty much always the same across platforms, the fees can vary slightly, and this may be something that you want to consider if you are planning on making numerous transactions over the long haul. That being said, saving transaction fees should not be your only aim in choosing a wallet service. Transparency and fair terms, after all, are probably even more important.
Important tip: While it has been confirmed that $1 is actually withheld per USDT, essentially protecting its value, each coin owner is responsible for protecting their own funds. The easiest way for investors and casino players to protect themselves from a hacker attack is to use a cold wallet, which should be kept safe (and private!), because this is the only way to avoid unauthorised access.
Pros and Cons of Playing at a Tether Casino
Of course, we are guessing, one of the big questions our readers have, has to do with the pros and cons of gambling at an online casino using Tether. So let us take a look at that too, starting with the pros.
One of the main reasons that people like USDT so much is the stability of its value. Spelled out for casino purposes, that means you are not exposed to major price fluctuations, so you won't potentially lose tonnes of money in terms of the exchange rate while you have it in use at the casino.
If you are a high roller, for example, and deposited $5,000 with USDT, the only gamble you would be making would be on the slots or whichever game you are playing. But if you made that same deposit in BTC, your coin value, as its sitting in your casino account, would also be a gamble as much as your actual play. That is because it could potentially multiply in value outside, between the time you deposit and play, and then drop again in value as you go to withdraw, missing out on a big exchange rate payday.
The other big advantage USDT offers is essentially the same as all digital tokens, and that is the inherent security factor of crypto coins, made even better if the casino offers 2-factor authorisation as well.
And of course, there is the speed of transactions, particularly for payouts which can be completed in a short time. Though remember, you can't get around bonus conditions even with crypto when it comes time to cash out, so always keep an eye on that.
Tether benefits at a glance:
Accepted at many crypto casinos
Stable coin - 1:1 value, identical to the US dollar
While the USDT coin is becoming an increasingly popular payment method at preferred online casinos, it is not yet accepted by all. For example, at last check, Bitstarz and Lucky Days, probably the most well-known crypto casinos around, have yet to adopt it. So that's a bummer.
Although the subject of investment has little to do with casinos, it still needs to be addressed. While the clear course of USDT, based on the US dollar, can be a blessing, it can also be a "curse" at the same time. That is because although stability is great for many reasons, and the big appeal of this particular coin, if you want to make a killing on the market, this isn't the coin to go with.
However, it does not have to be a zero-sum game. Many investors, in fact, diversify their portfolios exactly for these two reasons - some money is in a slow and steady path, and other investments are in the market for hopefully a quick profit.
Main USDT disadvantages:
Less common than Bitcoin and Ethereum, so accepted at fewer places;
Less suitable for investors who are looking to make significant gains.
How Is USDT Different from Other Digital Coins?
As a so-called stable coin, Tether is decisively different from cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin in its very essence.
In fact, USDT is one of the few digital coins to-date that is linked to a real equivalent value, namely the US dollar. This gives it the highest possible value stability and therefore significantly greater security for investors.
As a whole, this is what we would say makes the coin special:
Stablecoin - relatively minor price fluctuations
Low volatility
High security standards
Low network transaction fees
Security First - The Key Factor in Choosing Tether Casinos
While we already made our Tether casino recommendations above, we wanted to remind you of an important matter. And that is, that security comes first when choosing an online casino.
If a casino is not licensed and regulated, you cannot rely on its security. This applies to transactions as much as things like fair gameplay. And so you must always make sure that the casino you choose is fully licensed and registered with a recognised body, which in the case of crypto casinos most often tends to be a Curacao gaming license. All of the casinos we have recommended above, are needless to say fully licensed and regulated by appropriate bodies. That is part of why we picked them, and so choosing any one of those will be a secure choice.
Deposit Limits at USDT Casinos
Unlimited entertainment and unlimited transactions are the distinct features associated with crypto casinos. Regardless of whether the deposit is made with Tether or other digital currencies, there are often no upper limits in terms of deposit amounts. That being said, often based on local regulation, there will be limits in place. For example, in Germany, this limit is 1,000 EUR. However, even if a limit is specified, this generally only applies per transaction, so in theory players can still reload their accounts as often as they like to get to larger sums.
In terms of minimum transactions, the lower limit is often 10 USDT at a time. That being said, there may be small deviations because every crypto casino has its own requirements regarding the minimum deposit amount. Regardless, it should be something comfortable, and within the norms of what is generally considered a minimum deposit, in the value of the $10 to $20 range.
The real online crypto gambling advantage, however, many would argue is the unlimited amounts that can be paid out in one go. True, there are many online casinos out there that do not put a cap on crypto withdrawals - whether in USDT or BTC - but keep in mind some do. So you will need to check the policy at the casino you choose. In any event, crypto casinos know players' expectations from their establishments, so you should be able to get a larger amount than usual out at a time. Above a certain amount, like at "regular" online casinos, verification must be completed beforehand. This includes submitting account verification documents like picture ID, a current energy bill, and the likes.
What games are available when the credit is loaded as USDT depends on the casino operator. In general, however, from most of what we have seen, if an operator offers USDT as a banking method, all of the games offered can be played in USDT too. Simple as that. There are exceptions out there that may delegate certain games only to BTC bets or fiat play (if it's a hybrid casino), but this is extremely rare, and is unlikely to be something that you will encounter.
Here are a few categories to choose from:
Slot machines
Jackpot games
Live casino games
Roulette
Game shows
Blackjack
Scratch cards
Video poker
Just keep in mind, while some casinos accept crypto for banking purposes, they do not technically do so for betting purposes. What happens at these types of places is that basically the operator automatically converts crypto credit for playing into a fiat currency like euros, and then displays the current credit value and the bet amount in euros. So you are banking in USDT but betting in the equivalent value of EUR essentially. If this sounds confusing, it is not.
Most online casinos have a user interface that easily lets you see the value of what you are betting in crypto or fiat to help you keep track. Also, when you go to cash out, the conversion will be done automatically, and you will get your USDT out in full at the correct rate. So again, no worries there.
Of course, if you have any questions, these are the exact kinds of things a good casino's support team is equipped to address. So make sure to ask should you feel the need.
Tips & Tricks for Paying with USDT
There isn't really anything we would say differently in terms of tips or tricks that can pay off for USDT than we would about any other crypto coin and how you would use it at a casino.
That being said, if you want to maximise your play, it is always worth noting the following:
Choose a crypto casino with a USDT bonus
Make sure to compare games, promotions, and customer service (ie. the full package)
Use a crypto wallet that charges low transaction fees
Pay attention to possible deposit and withdrawal limits
Keep an eye on the dollar rate to buy cheap USDT
Set loss and bet limits in the casino to help you manage your budget
Popular Alternatives to Tether
We have already covered the advantages of Tether over other digital coins above, so this may seem a bit redundant. However, we wanted to take a moment to distinctly point out other options, since we certainly aren't wed to any one crypto over another.
"The ones we pointed out above are probably your best bet in terms of ubiquity. That is, Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum, at minimum are definitely going to be available at more online casinos at the moment. That could make them a good alternative if this is a consideration."Vienne Garcia – Author and Casino Expert
But these are just a few suggestions. There are also plenty of other digital cash options on the market, and in reality you will need to do the research to determine which coins are best for your portfolio and gambling purposes.
Tether Casino FAQ
Precisely because USDT is relatively new in the gaming industry, it will probably take a while before it gains a similar level of awareness and acceptance than say, the crypto pioneer, Bitcoin. So it's okay if you still have some questions.
While we have already covered what we considered most of the basics above, we have put together this short FAQ section to help you further explore some areas that may be of particular interest.
1.) What does it mean when people say a crypto coin is a stablecoin?
People throw around terms so often that this is actually an excellent question! Basically, the background behind so-called stable coins, which include Tether above all, is the minimisation of massive price fluctuations. Hence the word stable as in firm, constant, or unwavering. Which you may know, is about the exact opposite of the experience with Bitcoin, whose price can be all over the place, even within a given day.
In order to achieve this steadiness, stable coins are linked to fixed values. For example, in the case of USDT, to the exchange rate of the US dollar. This means it will only fluctuate as much as the value of the dollar. And while it has seen a little more movement than usual these days, again, it is no comparison to the wild fluctuations of things like Bitcoin. Comparatively, you could look at it as the difference between investing in government bonds versus the high-tech sector. One is solid with little movement and predictable results. The other is volatile but has far greater profit potential.
Strictly speaking, there are three different forms of stable coins. They can be linked to the base value of a real money currency like USDT is, they can be linked to other cryptocurrencies, or they can be linked to certain algorithms.
Yes. All transactions on the blockchain network are subject to transaction fees. And Tether is no exception. So expect a small deduction for each transaction you make. However, the emphasis is on small, as USDT is known for having lower fees than others.
This applies to transactions that are trades as much as casino deposits, so keep that in mind.
If this is something you don't like, there is little you can do about it. The casino is not responsible for blockchain policy. It is between you and your wallet service. That being said, beyond the inevitable blockchain fees, a good operator will not tack on any other costs. So if you do see such a thing, we would say it is time to make a different choice.
As for how to determine those transaction fees, from our experience, good operators are transparent about all network transaction fees too. Many show them in full detail under each payment method, both when you go to deposit and to withdraw. You can also check under the casino's FAQ section, or contact customer support which should be able to provide these details as well.
We already pretty much covered this one above, but since it is so important to the player experience, we think it is worth reiterating here.
In order to acquire Tether, you will have to do little more than choose a crypto exchange such as Binance, Coinbase, or the likes, set up a personal account, and then deposit funds in a fiat currency of your choice. Once credited, the money can be exchanged for any of the available digital assets, also known as tokens or crypto coins. The process usually only takes a few minutes.
Once you have crypto cash, you will want to keep it in either a hardware wallet or a digital wallet to keep it private and safe. From there, just like "real" cash you can spend it or trade it, however in this case using your wallet address or a QR code, instead of say a credit card or bills.
4.) Is it safe to pay with Tether at an online casino?
Yes, of course. It is absolutely safe, and certainly no less secure than other cryptocurrencies, which in general are known as a safe form of banking. Ultimately, however, these things always depend on which operator you choose, so certainly make sure it is licensed and regulated at a minimum, and uses secure encryption technology for transactions.
Ideally, you would also want the operator to offer the option to complete transactions using the 2-factor authentication method in order to protect them from unauthorised access as best as possible. In addition to a suitable wallet, the Google Authenticator app will be required in this case, which you can download for free from the Google Play Store.
But in any event, with the way crypto transactions are done, including Tether, it's really going to be enough with an individual wallet address generated for each deposit, to which your payment can be made via your own wallet. Alternatively, you can simply scan the associated QR code that is also displayed in the cashier using your smartphone or tablet, which is also super secure and precise in terms of assuring your money is getting to the right place.
5.) How can I tell if a Tether casino is reputable?
When it comes to finding a reputable online casino, we always offer the same advice, no matter which currency you are gambling in, or where you actually live. And that is, that first and foremost the casino must be licensed and regulated. This can be from MGA Malta or the Curacao Gaming Board, the UK Gambling Commission, or a number of other recognised bodies.
Beyond that, we always advise looking at things like the bonus terms and playthrough. Are they fair and attainable? Or will you never be able to cash out once you claim a bonus? Speaking of cashing out, that's another important factor. That is, make sure payment terms are fair, and that there is an explicit schedule available detailing how you would get potential winnings out in a timely manner, and in full.
Most bonuses we have found online are quoted in USD or EUR for fiat currencies, and BTC for cryptos. That being said, this is often just a convenience thing in terms of the user interface, with the advertised bonus amount generally being available in all currencies the casino offers.
What that means in less fancy talk is that while not explicitly advertised, there are indeed plenty of USDT bonuses around.
Bizzo for its part also converts bonuses into USDT should that be your preference. Instead of the 100 EUR mentioned in the bonus package, players can just as easily claim up to 100 Tether tokens plus the specified 100 free spins. The prerequisite is a deposit of 50 USDT, though of course you can deposit more if you want to collect on the full value of the bonus.
$500 (or USDT) waving at new customers who register at Stake. The 100% welcome bonus up to a maximum of $500 is only available with the bonus code "casinoguide". The first deposit must be at least 50 euros, or an equivalent amount in another available digital currency, and must be made within 24 hours of registration.
And at Cloudbet too you can get welcome bonus cash coming in at 50,000 USDT, plus the complete package of 200 free spins with a Tether first deposit. You have 365 days to claim bonus after the deposit and the bonus is withdrawable immediately; no wagering requirements.
In other words, most providers are very generous and do not leave customers out in the cold who prefer Tether to other cryptocurrencies. Just make sure you always check the bonus conditions, as they can differ quite a bit depending on the casino, and therefore affect how easy they are to complete. From our experience, an up to 40X wagering requirement is generally fair.
Bottom line, while investors are generally most enthusiastic about making money from Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, pure casino players often prefer the stability of Tether. And its appeal, as we have seen, is multi-fold.
Due to its high security standards and low volatility, it has quickly made it to the top of the crypto rankings. Acquiring and trading it is super easy, and you don't have to worry about following the charts to keep track of its exchange rate as it remains identical to the US dollar, so it can be a time saver and stress saver to boot! And the transaction fees are relatively small, which is a good thing as well.
Safe and reputable, it has continued to grow in popularity over the years, which means it is also accepted at more and more online casinos, increasing the convenience factor too. As such, it can make for an excellent choice for casino banking to bet on all of the tops games and categories from slots, to blackjack, roulette, and more. Really, it is up to you.
Tether were tested and reviewed by Peter Schmidt and Vienne Garcia
I'll admit that I'm a bit of an old hand when it comes to online casinos. I've seen so much of the business that it's practically unmatched. After working with offline casinos for more than two decades, I moved into the online casino industry looking for a new challenge. Distinguishing a good casino from a bad one is an art, and I am happy to apply my expertise to check and test casino sites to deliver expert casino analyses.
I've been working in the online casino landscape in Malta for more than 10 years and have seen how the industry works from customer service roles to the backend of the business. While I am lucky enough to call myself a native on the sunny island called Malta, I also enjoy travelling and have travelled across Canada! After wandering through the great white north, I have decided to share my knowledge and now work with Canadian players to compile accurate casino reviews to help players navigate through the hundreds of gaming sites online.
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