Microservice architecture or monolith: what to choose for online casinos?
Monolith: simple, fast, centralized
What are these:
- A monolith is a single application in which the backend, logic, interface, bases and API are in the same codebase and are deployed as a whole.
Advantages:
- Quick start and implementation of changes
- Easy debugging, deployment, and administration
- Suitable for MVPs and small casinos
- Less DevOps load and dependencies
Disadvantages:
- Harder to scale piecemeal
- Any error in one module can affect the entire system
- Slower releases with more complexity
- Difficulties with team development at scale
Used when:
- Little traffic
- Limited budget
- 1-2 developers
- It is important to start quickly
Microservice Architecture - Scale, Flexibility, Independence
What are these:
- Microservices are a structure where each part (for example, payments, games, analytics, bonuses, KYC) works as a separate service with its own API and logic.
Advantages:
- Scale horizontally - only the right blocks can be amplified
- Fault tolerance - failure of one module does not destroy the entire project
- Parallel development by different teams
- Independent releases and updates
- Convenience when entering new markets (adding geo-logic, currencies)
Disadvantages:
- Requires competent architecture and DevOps command
- Service debugging and synchronization becomes more complicated
- Entry threshold is higher (Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, API Gateway)
- Unreasonably difficult for MVP
Used when:
- Casino is already scaling
- A lot of traffic and high loads
- Have a strong team or development partner
- Integration is underway with several providers and payments
Comparison table
| Criterion | Monolith | Microservices |
|---|---|---|
| Startup speed | ||
| Scalability | ||
| Fault Tolerance | ||
| Support Complexity | ||
| Updates | Shared and Slow | Isolated and Fast |
| DevOps load | Minimal | Kubernetes/CI/CD required |
| Ideal for | MVP, fast launches | Large platforms with traffic |
Combined approach (optimal)
In practice, many projects start with a monolith and move on to a microservisampagent:
- Frontend/WebApp is provided separately
- Payment module and anti-fraud are transferred to separate services
- API for providers becomes an independent gateway
- Admin and analytics are connected through their own channels
Monolith for fast start, microservices for scalable growth.
The choice depends on the budget, team, goals and traffic. It is best to go in stages: start with a simple kernel, and then allocate key modules to microservices. This approach gives control, flexibility and sustainability, especially in the face of the growth of online casinos.
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