By the way, online gambling is legal and regulated in Kenya by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). If you’re checking out the top-rated live casino sites, understanding how Ethereum stacks up against Bitcoin can help you choose the best payment option for your live casino games.
Security and Trust
Both cryptocurrencies at live casinos rely on blockchain technology. Bitcoin’s straightforward proof-of-work focuses purely on transaction security, and its decade-long track record gives it proven reliability. Ethereum adds smart contract layers, boosting transparency and programmability but introducing extra points to audit. Faster block times on Ethereum also mean quicker confirmations, shrinking the double-spend window.
Speed of Transactions
Transaction speed is a big deal when you want to hit the tables:
- Bitcoin: ~10-minute block times, usually 6 confirmations (≈60 minutes total)
- Ethereum: ~15-second block times, 12 confirmations (≈3 minutes total)
- Bitcoin’s Lightning Network can rival Ethereum’s pace, but few live casinos support it
- Ethereum’s gas fee system lets you speed up confirmations, while Bitcoin fees can spike during busy periods
Mobile Wallet Convenience
With around 51% mobile penetration in Kenya, lightweight wallets matter. Beyond crypto apps, locals still love M-Pesa and Airtel Money for quick deposits. When it comes to pure crypto wallets:
Feature |
Bitcoin |
Ethereum |
Mobile Wallet Size |
400+ GB (full node) |
150+ GB (full node) |
Light Wallet Options |
Limited |
Full smart contract access |
Hardware Wallet Support |
Universal |
Universal |
Browser Integration |
Basic |
Advanced (Web3) |
If you’ve tried the Bitcoin payments methods, you know syncing can be a drag. Ethereum wallets sync faster and chew up less storage, which is handy on newer smartphones.
Crypto Acceptance in Live Casinos
Bitcoin leads with about 80% casino support in crypto-friendly live casino sites, while Ethereum sits around 65%. But Ethereum’s adoption rate is rising faster—most new platforms highlight Ethereum’s flexibility at live casinos for instant bonus triggers.
Deposit and Withdrawal Limits
Because 1 BTC carries more value, minimum deposits can be as low as 0.0001 BTC, while Ethereum often starts around 0.01 ETH. However, Ethereum’s smaller fees make it more practical for those mini top-ups. High rollers find Bitcoin appealing, with some VIP rooms accepting up to 100 BTC per transaction versus 1,000 ETH.
Regulatory Compliance in Kenya
Both Bitcoin and Ethereum are treated as commodities under Kenyan law and fully comply with BCLB requirements. Casinos must hold a valid BCLB licence, follow age-check protocols (18+), and promote responsible gaming. Got questions? Call the RG helpline at 0800 722 200 or visit Responsible Gaming KE.