UK gambling commission considers allowing crypto payments for licensed betting operators
The UK Gambling Commission is exploring regulated crypto payments to combat illegal markets driven by consumer demand.Summary
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is investigating a potential path for licensed betting operators to accept cryptocurrency payments. Executive Director Tim Miller stated this exploration is driven by increasing consumer demand for crypto and evidence showing that crypto-related searches are directing gamblers to unlicensed, illegal websites. The UKGC wants to examine how crypto could be introduced while maintaining licensing objectives, such as anti-money laundering controls and consumer protection safeguards. This move follows the U.K. government laying the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2025 before Parliament, which will bring cryptoassets under the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) remit by October 2027. Miller stressed that allowing crypto payments is intended to keep consumers within the licensed system, not to approve offshore crypto casinos, as all operators would still need to meet strict suitability and compliance standards.
(Source：CoinDesk)