How token-gating works
Guests connect a crypto wallet and sign a message. The organizer's platform (like IRLEvents) checks the connected wallet against on-chain data: does it hold the required NFT? Enough of the token? A specific POAP? If yes, the guest is issued a check-in code — usually a QR — and can attend.
Why hosts choose token-gating
- No scalpers. You can't resell a wallet.
- No bots. Signing a wallet message costs gas or is at least attributable.
- Community precision. Only actual holders of your NFT show up — not friends-of-friends.
- Free automation. No email lists, no seat charts — check-in is a QR scan.
What can be gated?
- ERC-721 NFTs (single ownership)
- ERC-1155 NFTs (semi-fungible collections)
- ERC-20 tokens (with minimum-balance rules)
- Solana SPL NFTs
- Bitcoin Ordinals
- POAP badges
- Flow, Cosmos, Tezos, XRP, Cardano, Sui — 18 chains total
How to host one
Create an event on IRLEvents, add gate rules (contract address + standard + minimum balance), and share the link. Free tier hosts unlimited public events. Learn more in how to host a token-gated meetup.