Online casinos are a highly loaded and multi-component project: games, payments, analytics, security, bonuses, support. Therefore, the issue of architecture is key. It is based on the choice between a monolithic system and a microservice architecture. Both approaches work, but give different results depending on the stage of development and the goals of the project.
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.
- Quick start and implementation of changes
- Easy debugging, deployment, and administration
- Suitable for MVPs and small casinos
- Less DevOps load and dependencies
- 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
- 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.
- 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)
- 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
- Casino is already scaling
- A lot of traffic and high loads
- Have a strong team or development partner
- Integration with several providers and payments is underway
Comparison table
| Criterion | Monolith | Microservices |
|---|---|---|
| Launch speed | ||
| Scalability | ||
| Fault tolerance | ||
| Support complexity | ||
| Updates | General and slow | Isolated and fast |
| DevOps load | Minimum | Kubernetes/CI/CD required |
| Perfect for | MVP, quick starts | Large platforms with traffic |
Combined approach (optimal)
In practice, many projects start with a monolith and move on to microservices gradually:- 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 as online casinos grow.
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