Why you need a wallet (and what kind)
A crypto wallet is your account for Web3: it holds your keys and lets you sign deposits, withdrawals, and bets on decentralized casinos. There are two main types:
- Self-custody wallets (you control the keys; examples: MetaMask for EVM chains, Phantom for Solana). With self-custody, you—not a company—hold the Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP). If anyone gets your SRP, they can spend your funds. MetaMask emphasizes that representatives will never ask for your SRP and you must keep it offline and private.
- Custodial accounts (an exchange holds the keys). You usually can’t import a custodial exchange account into MetaMask because you don’t control its private keys.
If you want the broadest compatibility with EVM-based casino dapps (Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, BNB Chain), a MetaMask setup is a good default. For Solana-only games, Phantom is common.
Step 1 — Install from the official source and create your wallet
Only download from official links and app stores. MetaMask’s help center explains how to connect to dapps and reiterates safety: never share your SRP and be cautious when a site asks you to connect. Phantom’s guides similarly stress keeping your recovery phrase private.
During setup, your wallet will show a 12–24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. Write it down on paper, store it offline, and never type it into websites, chats, or “support” forms. MetaMask clarifies that the SRP is the secret controlling the wallet; support will never ask for it.
Optional: pair a hardware wallet (Ledger or Trezor) for stronger protection when you start holding more value. Both vendors provide official steps for connecting to MetaMask.
Step 2 — Add the networks your casino uses
Most decentralized casinos run on EVM networks (Ethereum mainnet, Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, BNB Chain) because fees are low and confirmations are fast. Ethereum.org explains that layer-2 rollups reduce costs compared with mainnet. You can add networks to MetaMask automatically with tools like Chainlist or manually via RPC settings.
Tip: always select the exact network the casino lists on its deposit page before sending funds.
Step 3 — Fund your wallet (buy/transfer crypto)
You can buy crypto directly in MetaMask through integrated on-ramp providers (availability varies by region) or use features like Coinbase Pay or CEX transfers in MetaMask Portfolio.
If you’re moving funds from an exchange, send a tiny test first, confirm it arrives on the correct network, then send the full amount. Coinbase support emphasizes that funds sent to the wrong address/network may be unrecoverable. MetaMask’s help center likewise warns you cannot send tokens directly between networks.
Note for XRP/XLM/EOS: if you ever deposit to an exchange from your wallet, include the destination tag/memo or the funds may be delayed or lost. Kraken and Ledger highlight this requirement.
Step 4 — Connect your wallet to a casino dapp
Most Web3 casinos use a “Connect Wallet” button via WalletConnect or a native MetaMask flow. WalletConnect is a chain-agnostic protocol used by many wallets and apps; you typically scan a QR code or approve a deep link to establish an encrypted connection. MetaMask’s guide covers best practices when connecting—do your own research and never share your SRP.
On mobile, you can also open the casino directly inside the MetaMask or Phantom in-app browser for a smooth connection.
Step 5 — Understand gas fees and approvals before your first bet
Every on-chain action (deposits, approvals, wagers) costs a network fee (“gas”). Etherscan’s Gas Tracker shows live fee levels and typical costs for common actions. Their explainer also shows how to time transactions when the network is less busy.
When a casino smart contract asks for a “token approval,” you’re granting it permission to spend a token (e.g., USDC) from your wallet. Use conservative spending caps when possible and periodically review/revoke old approvals using tools like Etherscan’s or Revoke.cash.
Step 6 — Basic security checklist before you play
- Keep your SRP offline; never paste it into websites or chats. MetaMask will never email/DM you for it.
- Install only from official stores and be wary of impersonators; MetaMask added phishing-site warnings with ChainPatrol to protect users.
- Prefer hardware-wallet confirmation for high-value transfers.
- Verify you’re on the exact network your casino supports before sending. Both MetaMask and major exchanges warn that wrong-network sends can strand funds.
- Revisit approvals monthly; revoke anything you don’t use.
Legal and responsible-gaming essentials
Rules differ by country. In Great Britain, operators must verify identity (name, address, date of birth) before allowing customers to gamble—this is explicit in the UK Gambling Commission’s Licence Condition 17 and public guidance.
If you’re playing with Malta-licensed operators, AML obligations are monitored by the MGA and guided by the FIAU’s Implementing Procedures for the Remote Gaming sector (risk-based CDD, ongoing monitoring, etc.).
If you need help controlling your gambling, use self-exclusion and support resources appropriate to your location (for GB: GAMSTOP and GambleAware).
Quick start: MetaMask + USDC on a low-fee EVM network
- Install MetaMask from the official site and create a wallet; complete the SRP backup.
- Add a low-fee network (e.g., Base or Arbitrum) via Chainlist, or input RPC details manually.
- Buy or transfer USDC to that network using MetaMask’s buy/transfer options or Coinbase Pay. Test with a small amount first.
- On the casino, click Connect and approve via MetaMask/WalletConnect.
- When prompted, grant a minimal token approval and watch gas on Etherscan’s Gas Tracker. Revoke unused approvals after your session.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Sending on the wrong chain (e.g., ERC-20 vs. BEP-20/TRC-20): double-check the network the casino lists. Exchange help centers warn such transfers are often unrecoverable.
- Missing destination tag/memo for exchange deposits in XRP/XLM/EOS: always include the tag/memo shown on your exchange deposit page.
- Accepting unlimited approvals everywhere: set a custom spending cap where supported and review approvals with Revoke.cash or Etherscan’s Token Approval tools.
On Solana? The Phantom route
Phantom’s official guides walk you through creating a wallet and securing the recovery phrase. Once set up, you can fund SOL/USDC, connect to a Solana-based casino via the in-app browser or WalletConnect (if supported), and follow similar safety practices.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the safest way to store my recovery phrase?
Write it on paper, store it offline in multiple locations, and never share it. Consider a metal backup for durability. MetaMask will never ask for your SRP.
Should I use a hardware wallet for Web3 casinos?
If you’re playing with non-trivial funds, yes. Ledger and Trezor support connecting through MetaMask so you confirm transactions on the device.
How do I check if fees are high right now?
Look at Etherscan’s Gas Tracker for live costs and suggested fee tiers.
I sent tokens to the wrong network—what now?
Some transfers can’t be recovered. Check official guidance from your wallet/exchange; many explicitly warn they can’t retrieve wrong-network sends.
Why is the casino asking for ID if it’s “crypto”?
Regulators in many jurisdictions require identity checks before gambling (e.g., UKGC condition 17: verify name, address, date of birth before allowing play).
