1) Verify licensing before you deposit
Licensed operators must meet consumer-protection, identity-verification and safer-gambling requirements. In Great Britain you can search the UK Gambling Commission’s Public Register to confirm a site’s licence and view regulatory actions; other jurisdictions provide similar public lookups (for example, Malta’s Gaming Authority issues policy for DLT/crypto in gambling). If a site is missing from an official register, treat it as a red flag.
2) Turn on safer-gambling tools (and know support options)
Set deposit, loss and time limits, enable “reality checks,” and use time-outs before you start. If gambling is harming you or someone you love, use confidential help: in the U.S., the National Problem Gambling Helpline is 1-800-GAMBLER; in Great Britain, multi-operator self-exclusion via GAMSTOP blocks access to licensed online operators, and GamCare provides support resources.
3) Protect your wallet like cash: use safer signing and manage approvals
On Web3 casinos and sportsbooks, prefer EIP-712 “typed-data” signing so you can read exactly what you approve, and review/revoke token allowances regularly using reputable tools or explorers. This reduces the risk that a malicious contract can move your funds later without a fresh prompt.
4) Watch for address-poisoning and QR-code scams
Address-poisoning scams insert look-alike addresses into your history so you paste the attacker’s address by mistake. Wallet vendors and investigators have published guidance and measurements showing large-scale attempts; always verify every character (or use an allow-listed address book). Avoid scanning unknown QR codes—U.S. consumer protection agencies warn scammers hide links in QR codes to steal logins or install malware.
5) Prefer “provably fair” randomness you can verify
Many on-chain games use verifiable randomness, such as Chainlink VRF, which returns random values with cryptographic proofs the contract verifies on-chain before a result is used. Some projects also rely on public randomness beacons (the League of Entropy / drand) so anyone can audit draws. Favor games that publish their fairness method and verification steps.
6) Understand stablecoin and platform risk
Stablecoins are convenient for deposits, but issuers can and do freeze tokens linked to sanctions or crimes; Tether’s own legal terms and official updates describe voluntary wallet-freezing policies and law-enforcement actions. Also remember: in the U.S., crypto assets (including stablecoins held at exchanges) are not protected by FDIC deposit insurance; that coverage applies only to deposits at insured banks.
7) Use phishing-resistant MFA and unique passwords on every account
Enable two-factor authentication everywhere, and when possible use phishing-resistant methods (FIDO2 / WebAuthn security keys) recommended by cybersecurity agencies. This helps prevent account takeovers even if a password leaks or you click a spoofed link.
Quick pre-bet checklist
Confirm the site’s license in an official register. Set hard deposit/loss/time limits. Keep only your active bankroll in a hot wallet; review token approvals after each session. Verify the game’s fairness page (look for VRF or a public randomness beacon). Double-check addresses and avoid unknown QR codes. Turn on phishing-resistant MFA. If gambling stops being fun, use self-exclusion and call a helpline.
FAQs
Do crypto deposits bypass KYC on licensed sites?
No. Licensed operators must verify your identity before allowing gambling; UK rules, for example, require operators to verify name, address and date of birth prior to play or deposits.
Is money on a crypto exchange insured like a bank account?
No. FDIC deposit insurance does not cover crypto assets or non-deposit products; it protects deposits held at insured banks if the bank fails.
How do I check if a casino is licensed?
Search the relevant regulator’s public register; in Great Britain, use the UKGC Public Register to look up businesses and see regulatory actions.
Why do “provably fair” claims matter?
With verifiable randomness (for example, Chainlink VRF), the random value and its proof are validated on-chain before use, letting you independently audit that results weren’t manipulated.
Where can I get help now?
In the U.S., call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. In Great Britain, register with GAMSTOP to block licensed sites and see GamCare for support.
