
The casino industry has changed so much from when the first casino game was held until today, from operating with traditional mechanics – enticing players to physically visit establishments that host the games and play at the table or machine – to what’s happening now in casino games like slots and cards. Technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency are being incorporated into casinos nowadays.
In this discussion, we’ll play focus on blockchain technology and casinos. How really does blockchain affect the casino landscape? You’ll learn about both the good and bad impacts blockchain provides to casinos in this piece. But first, let’s orient beginners on what blockchain technology is.
What Blockchain Technology Is
You’ve heard or read about it somewhere, and you should because blockchain technology is becoming increasingly popular.
To put it simply, blockchain refers to an advanced database mechanism that paves the way for the transparent sharing of information within a business network, usually. Here, there is a blockchain database that stores data in blocks (as the name implies), and these are linked together via a chain. Note here as well that the data are chronologically consistent because one cannot just on a whim delete or modify the chain without the network’s consensus.
Thus, blockchain technology takes away the need for a trusted party to administer digital relationships. It is the backbone of cryptocurrency.
Uses Of Blockchain
Blockchain today is undeniably widespread. Its use cases now span industries and institutions, such as the following.
- Financial services – Blockchain can increase the speed of transactions in real time. It can also simplify operations.
- Cryptocurrencies – Perhaps the most popular use. Blockchain powers cryptocurrencies, and since the latter are maintained by a decentralized system, their synergy results in faster and more affordable transactions.
- Retail – Retailers are also now using NFTs, digital assets sitting on blockchains, to better connect with their tech-savvy buyers, as well as with brand enthusiasts seeking exclusive merch and experiences.
- Luxury retail – Luxury products resellers, in particular, make full use of blockchain technology to verify the authenticity of the products they resell, as well as make the transfer of ownership more transparent.
- Marketing – Here, blockchain technology is used to improve the security and transparency around the sharing of customer information.
- Digital ad buying – This innovation can also be used to prevent fraud and other trust-related issues.
- Healthcare – Blockchain works in enhancing payment processing, electronic medical health records, and data security and exchange, among many others.
The Effects Of Blockchain Technology On The Casino Landscape
Another significant use case of blockchain technology is for the casino industry. Here, we study the effects of this technology on the casino landscape, the good and the bad.
The Good Effects
1. Blockchain Guarantees Fair Play
Ensuring that the games they play is very crucial for every casino player. Thanks to blockchain’s transparent system, players can now verify the fairness of the games since algorithms and the Random Number Generation system used could be proven fair. Aside from ensuring fairness, security is another positive impact that blockchain provides casinos.
If a casino uses blockchain, there’s a reduced risk of game manipulation since the ledgers are very resistant to design alterations. The player’s winnings are totally safe. They get the amount they have won after going through the policies, of course.
Also, nobody can make changes in the contract since the ledger is present to show your transactions’ legitimacy. If you are a casino operator and want the best for your players, you must start incorporating blockchain into your games.
2. It Offers Fast And Anonymous Transactions
Furthermore, if you want speedier transactions with your players, use blockchain. In traditional transactions, there are usually intermediaries between the casino and the players during payments and withdrawals, lengthening the processes.
With blockchain, both sides will spend considerably less time on transactions. Also, this technology provides anonymity. If a casino has this, more players will patronize it because most want to stay private while staking and cashing out.
3. It Provides Casinos With Cheaper And Decentralized Transactions
You’ve learned previously how blockchain eliminates intermediaries in casinos, so transacting becomes very easy and direct. Thus, the casino business can save a lot on the costs that go with these transactions.
Moreover, transactions also become decentralized. Decentralization means systems are not subject to a central authority’s influence as in traditional systems.
4. It Allows Operations To Be Audited
Related to fair play, casino players want platforms that are audited. This way, they are assured they are playing at a casino that conforms to standard gambling regulations.
5. It Makes Smart Contracts Possible
Smart contacts are self-executing agreements written into codes used on blockchain-run platforms for more complex processes. They are beneficial as they automatically execute the clauses in a contract without requiring an intermediary.
6. Blockchain Casinos Can Offer Tokens
As with shopping in malls, variety is well-cherished by casino players. They would love it if casinos could offer cryptocurrency tokens they can play with and even trade outside for other cryptocurrencies. Blockchain technology makes this possible as it turns payments to be more effortless not just for the players but for the operators, too.
The Bad Effects
We want to be as balanced as possible here, so we’re not just presenting the sound effects but also those that are, well, a bit negative.
1. Large Energy Consumption
With great power comes… big demands? Perhaps one of the biggest ill-effects of blockchain for casinos is the enormous amount of energy required for blockchain casinos to operate efficiently.
Sure, this technology is promising, but it needs systems with high computing power, which consumes a lot of energy. If you are a casino operator seeking to use blockchain in your games, you must first make sure your systems can handle the technology.
2. Awareness Among Casino Players
Blockchain technology is relatively new, so another negative effect it has on casinos is introducing something their players need help understanding. Thus, some platforms revert to traditional systems their players are more familiar with.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, blockchain casinos have changed how players and operators experience the fun of it all. While the good effects are plenty, it is also real that there are harmful effects. If you are a casino player looking to plunge into blockchain casinos, you must first make sure you have the know-how. Similarly, if you are a casino business looking to offer blockchain casino games, you must first ensure your systems are ready.