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
- Less flexibility with complex data types
- Not always suitable for heavy analytics and JSON structures
- Users, balances, deposits, betting history, bonuses
PostgreSQL
Reliable and powerful relational DBMS with wide capabilities.
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.)
- More demanding on competent customization
- A little more difficult to migrate and update schemes in real time
- Advanced Analytics, Bonus Rules, KYC Logic, and Betting
MongoDB
Document-oriented NoSQL base, suitable for flexible structures.
Pros:- Flexibility in data structure (does not require a rigid scheme)
- 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
- Transaction and consistency issues
- Not suitable for all data types (especially financial)
- History of entries, player actions, fraud monitoring, anomaly logs
Comparison table
| Characteristic | MySQL | PostgreSQL | MongoDB |
|---|---|---|---|
| DBMS type | Relational | Relational | Document-oriented |
| Structure flexibility | |||
| Speed of operations | |||
| JSON support | |||
| Transaction reliability | |||
| Perfect 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
- 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.
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