DirectBet.eu, one of the world’s most popular and reputed cryptocurrency gambling websites, has abruptly shut down. Although there is much speculation as to why the website closed without any prior warning, DirectBet has not given any reasons for the shutdown, simply stating that ‘we decided to close DirectBet in order to pursue other interests.’
The self-described ‘safest digital currency sportsbook’ had built a trusted reputation amongst the cryptocurrency gambling community as one of the safest places to gamble Bitcoins and altcoins (i.e. bitcoin alternatives). Like many other cryptocurrency gambling platforms, DirectBet did not require users to register an account or deposit any funds in order to play; rather, blockchain technology was used to independently allocate funds and verify transactions. The near total absence of any overhead made DirectBet and other cryptocurrency gambling platforms an easier and cheaper alternative to conventional gambling websites. In particular, DirectBet’s acceptance of altcoins such as Litecoin, Dogecoin, Dash and ether made it stand out amongst the competition.
While it was operational, DirectBet offered a diverse selection of gambling activities, including crypto-currency sports betting, casino games and all-in poker flips, as well as a VIP loyalty program which allowed users to choose which currency to receive their rewards in. Their sportsbook was as diverse as conventional sportsbooks, not only offering an array of sports of varying popularity, from MMA to handball, but also alternatives such as chess, politics and the Oscars. The cryptocurrency gambling community will certainly miss DirectBet; Altcointoday laments that the site was ‘near and dear to the hearts of many.’ Unfortunately for altcoin gamblers, top-quality altcoin gambling platforms are few and far between. We can only hope that in DirectBet’s absence new platforms of a similar quality will emerge to satisfy demand.
Fortunately, because DirectBet does not hold funds in player accounts, the impact of the shutdown on active players has been minimal. It remains unclear, however, how long players with outstanding winnings at the time of shutdown had to wait to receive them. On the shutdown notice, DirectBet has informed players that ‘all confirmed bets stand’ and ‘will be settled automatically at the completion of the event, as usual.’ The website remains online at the moment so that players can check on the status of their bets, although no more bets will be accepted. Players with coins in their Playing Wallet are advised to withdraw them immediately. Any players having trouble receiving winnings are advised to contact DirectBet at [email protected] for assistance.
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