Database (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)

Database for online casinos: MySQL, PostgreSQL or MongoDB?

In any online casino architecture, a database is the core where the data of players, transactions, bets, bonuses, logs and game sessions are stored. Not only the performance, but also the scalability of the project, security and ease of support depend on the correct choice of database. Below is an overview of popular solutions: MySQL, PostgreSQL and MongoDB.

MySQL

A classic of the industry, it is widely used in online casinos.

Pros:

• Easy configuration and administration
• Fast operation on simple circuits
• Many hosting and ready-made solutions
• Support for replication, sharding

Cons:

• Less flexibility with complex data types
• Not always suitable for heavy analytics and JSON structures

Use Cases:

• Users, balances, deposits, betting history, bonuses

PostgreSQL

Reliable and powerful highly capable relational DBMS.

Advantages:

• Support for complex queries, window functions, transactions
• Works great with JSON, geodata and nested structures
• High stability under heavy loads
• Extensibility via modules (PostGIS, TimescaleDB, etc.)

Disadvantages:

• More demanding on competent customization
• A little more difficult to migrate and update schemes in real time

Use Cases:

• Advanced Analytics, Bonus Rules, KYC Logic, and Betting

MongoDB

Document-oriented NoSQL base, suitable for flexible structures.

Pros:

• Flexibility in data structure (no rigid schema required)
• High speed on large volumes of JSON documents
• Suitable for logs, event history, sessions, real-time threads
• Useful for A/B tests and rapid data model changes

Cons:

• Transaction and consistency issues
• Not suitable for all data types (especially financial)

Use Cases:

• History of entries, player actions, fraud monitoring, anomaly logs

Comparison table

Feature	MySQL	PostgreSQL	MongoDB
DBMS Type	Relational	Relational	Document-Oriented
Structure Flexibility
Speed
JSON Support
Transaction Reliability
Ideal for	Balances, accounts	Game logic, bonuses	Logs, activity, fraud

Recommended approach

Use PostgreSQL as the main base for bets, transactions, balance, bonuses
Use MongoDB for logging, fraud analytics and player behavior
MySQL can be used if there are ready-made solutions or simple projects with REST API

Optional:

• Redis is used for cache and session storage
• ClickHouse - for real-time analytics (optional)

The database is the basis for the stable and fast operation of online casinos. The choice depends on the specifics of the tasks: PostgreSQL is suitable for finance and logic, MongoDB for behavior and flexible structures, MySQL as an easy and reliable solution. Often, the best solution is a combination of several DBMSs, each of which is responsible for its own zone.