Tony G, poker pro, businessman and TontBet.com owner, has added Bitcoin as a payment option to his site. The sports book, poker and casino site is collaborating with a pre-fab Bitcoin e-wallet, SpectroCoin.
Digital Currencies
Recently, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has accepted digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, as an adequate transaction form for the sites with an UK license. Crypto-currencies won’t be allowed until October 31, but it is a first an official regulator of the UKGC’s statures has allowed a digital currency as an acceptable transaction method.
Curacao was the first gaming dominion that accepted Bitcoins as a payment method for its licensed sites. Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority are also reviewing the use of crypto-currencies, not only Bitcoins.
According to Warren Lush, TonyBet spokesman, accepting digital currencies as a deposit modalities has helped increase the number of recreational players from countries where the governments are more strict on how much money can be taken out.
“We saw a dramatic increase in recreational punters and poker players, especially from the Asian countries, who have been struggling to transfer their funds before,” Lush said.
Expanding
Even though Bitcoins will be allowed as deposit and withdraw modality, betting in more familiar currencies, like euros and pounds will still be the norm at the Tony G site.
TonyBet claims that this on-table conversion from a digital currency to more familiar currencies is what distinguishes the site from its iGaming peers.
Besides expanding its deposit/withdrawal methods, TonyBet will also expands its range of lottery options, table games and slots after a deal with software provider NYX Gaming.
TonyBet is following a trend in the iGaming industry, trying to diversify its platform and focus increasingly on casual players. One of the best way to attract new players from a variety of demographics is offer alternative payment options.
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