First, you’ll want to create an account at one of the many betting sites that accept Bitcoin. Don’t worry, we’ve tried these sites so you know that they're worth your time and bets.

Once you’ve selected a site and signed up, select Bitcoin in the deposit options. You’ll be presented with a long string of text called an address, or a QR code you can scan. This is how you’ll make Bitcoin transactions once you’ve purchased it.

You know your wallet that’s stuffed to the gills with receipts like you’re George Costanza? This isn’t the same. Bitcoin wallets are virtual storages that keep your BTC safe. There are many to choose from and we recommend Exodus.

Visit exodus.io and click Download in the top-right corner. Select your operating system (Mac, Windows, Linux, whatever Sandra Bullock used in The Net, etc.) and install the app. Once that’s done, open up the program and click Send Assets to Wallet.

“I want to know how to get Bitcoin,” you say. Easy. Once you’ve bought crypto on an exchange (be cool, it’s the next step), that’s how you’ll transfer it to your wallet.

Once you have your wallet, you’ll need to know how to buy Bitcoin. This is done via a Bitcoin exchange, which is like a stock market for cryptocurrencies but without the Gordon Gekko types – Wall Street deep cuts for the win! We recommend using Coinbase as it is one of the top exchanges.

Download the Coinbase app, open it and tap Sign Up at the bottom. Once you’ve completed the sign-up steps, you’ll get a verification email. Verify your email, phone number, personal information and address. You’ll need to disclose some basic information like how you’ll be using digital currencies. Basically, exchange platforms want to ensure you’re betting on the NFL and not attempting to rig the Super Bowl like that Will Smith movie where he and Margot Robbie conned BD Wong into losing all his money.

You’ve got yourself a wallet and an exchange account. You’re ready to buy Bitcoin.

Once you’ve logged into Coinbase, select BTC Wallet under Accounts and tap Buy Bitcoin. You’ll be prompted to verify some identity information before you complete your purchase so have ID handy like your driver’s licence or passport. Enter your credit or debit card info and the amount (in USD) that you want to buy.

Tap Preview Buy. This is very important because you’ll want to verify your transaction before you purchase bitcoins. Hit Buy Now once you’re looked everything over. Upon confirmation, you’ll get a notification letting you know that your Bitcoin is available and ready to send to your wallet.

Like Kevin McCallister wanting to secure his home from burglars, your cryptocurrency wallet will keep your bitcoins safe.

Open Coinbase and select your BTC Wallet.

At the top of the screen, click the Send button (the paper airplane icon. Cute!). This will allow you to send Bitcoin to any address such as a friend or merchant or in this case a sportsbook to make those NBA bets. Type in the amount of bitcoin you want to send. Hit Next. Copy your Bitcoin wallet address from your Exodus account and paste it into the To field. You can also scan your wallet’s QR code. Tap Confirm Send.

In a few minutes you’ll see your Bitcoin show up in your wallet. Once the transaction is labeled “Confirmed,” you’ll be able to deposit BTC into your betting account.

With Bitcoin in your wallet, you’re ready to make a deposit at your betting site of choice.

The process is as simple as sending Bitcoin from your wallet to the address or QR code given in their deposit options. The majority of sportsbooks operate the same way so if you know how to do it at one site, you’ll be able to do it at all sites.

Now that you know how to use Bitcoin for betting, get started. Those NHL bets aren’t going to make themselves!