Gamers have started using cryptocurrencies in betting a lot more over the past few years. There are many reasons behind this, but the most notable one is the convenience they provide.
Furthermore, platforms in South Africa that allow cryptocurrencies are often more innovative than traditional brands. They often offer crypto-specific bonuses and promotions, implement the latest features, and frequently add new and inventive games.
The most commonly supported cryptocurrencies in 2025 are Bitcoin and USDT. While Bitcoin is the most popular option and has the highest value, USDT is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar and is, therefore, more convenient for calculations.
Both options have their strengths and weaknesses, and we’ll cover them in more detail in this article.
Overview of Bitcoin and USDT
Bitcoin is the original cryptocurrency, built for decentralised, peer-to-peer payments. It’s been around for more than a decade, and many crypto enthusiasts prefer it over other options.
USDT, or Tether, has been on the scene for a shorter time, but it’s reliable and well-esteemed due to its convenience. Many people convert their crypto to USDT once they want to cash out or if they don’t see the market situation as favourable. It is referred to as “stablecoin”, which is pretty self-explanatory.
Bitcoin is typically used for making large deposits. In addition to that, many players decide to claim their winnings in BTC so they can later make trades.
When it comes to USDT, users can also make withdrawals and convert what they’ve earned to another cryptocurrency, but it is more often used by those who want to claim their winnings without further thought.
Transaction Speed
One of the most important aspects of cryptocurrencies for gaming is transaction speed. When compared, Tether is significantly faster than BTC. It can be transferred on multiple networks, including Tron, Ethereum, and Binance Smart Chain, and the waiting time is generally counted in seconds.
Bitcoin transactions, on the other hand, can take anywhere from a few minutes up to over an hour, and the speed depends on network congestion.
Volatility & Risk
One of the primary concerns with Bitcoin is its high volatility. If you make $100 while betting in BTC today, it could be worth $200 or $50 tomorrow. This is why many people prefer stablecoins instead. However, others are willing to endure the risks with the hope that their earnings will rise in value after a sudden market surge.
USDT, on the other hand, functions similarly to the U.S. dollar. A $100 bet will keep the same value, making it highly reliable, and you’ll be able to predict how much you’ll earn.
Fees
Another downside of Bitcoin is that you can incur high network fees, especially if you prefer that your transactions go through faster. In that case, a fee of $5 or $10 won’t be a problem. However, if you’re looking to make a $5 bet, it’s pointless to spend just as much on top.
USDT on Tron or BSC networks involves significantly smaller fees, usually no more than a few cents. More importantly, they are consistent, regardless of how quickly you want to make your transaction.
Acceptance at 10bet
10bet.co.za supports both Bitcoin and USDT deposits and withdrawals. The choice between the two is entirely yours, but you need to consider whether BTC’s downsides are worth it.
Storage & Usability
There are two main ways of storing cryptocurrencies: cold or hot wallets.
The former term refers to a method that keeps your crypto completely offline. These wallets are often hardware or paper, both of which provide reliable security. They’re ideal for long-term storage, but inconvenient for making quick transactions.
Hot wallets, on the other hand, are connected to the internet. These include mobile apps, desktop wallets, and web wallets. They’re convenient to use and suitable for frequent transactions, and gamers prefer them.
Security & Regulations
Bitcoin was envisioned as a currency that provides users complete anonymity, as everyone on the Bitcoin network is only identified by their wallet. However, crypto exchanges and betting platforms have started implementing Know-Your-Customer protocols, which take away the original advantage.
If you’re planning on using Tether, the case is the same. You won’t be able to stay anonymous if you’re interested in betting on licensed platforms that adhere to finance and AML regulations. However, the key difference is that Bitcoin is decentralised, while USDT is issued by Tether Ltd.
Both cryptocurrencies are equally regulated by law and other security measures. However, BTC isn’t closely controlled like Tether. Regardless of the story behind the scenes, the average player shouldn’t worry about this as long as they comply with their local laws and regulations.
