UK Gambling Commission Considers Crypto Payments for Online Betting

Highlights:

• Cryptocurrency payments are being explored for licensed gambling in the United Kingdom.
• New crypto regulations will be handled by the Financial Conduct Authority in 2027.
• Crypto payments aim to combat illegal gambling and enhance consumer protection.

The United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced that it is looking at the possibility of using crypto payments in licensed gambling. Tim Miller, the Executive Director of the Gambling Commission, pointed to the increased demand for crypto payments in the gambling industry. This possible change aligns with the broader financial reforms, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulation of crypto assets. 

Exploring Crypto Payments in Gambling

In a speech at the annual general meeting of the Betting and Gaming Council, Miller said that crypto assets may be a potential consumer payment method in licensed online gambling. He noted that regulated crypto payments have the potential to meet the needs of consumers while enhancing the integrity of the market in general.

Cryptocurrency gambling payments are a step towards the regulation of a sector closely linked with unlawful gambling. Research has also revealed that crypto searches tend to direct consumers to unlicensed gaming platforms. By ensuring that the crypto payments are integrated into regulated markets, the Commission will likely reduce such unlawful activities and enhance consumer protection.

According to Bloomberg, the UK Gambling Commission plans to consider allowing gamblers to pay with cryptocurrencies as the country advances its digital-asset regulatory framework. The FCA is expected to finalize crypto rules this year, with implementation targeted for late 2027,…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) February 27, 2026

Miller also stated that the integration of crypto payment will entail strict affordability checks and consumer suitability tests. The purpose of these safeguards is to provide responsible gambling and enable innovation in the industry.

FCA’s Role in Crypto Regulation

The UK government launched the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2025 as part of the broader regulatory shift. This law will transfer crypto assets to the jurisdiction of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) by October 2027. The cryptoasset service providers will be subjected to authorization by the FCA before they can operate in the UK.

The FCA involvement seeks to make sure that crypto operations are secure, transparent, and meet the financial laws of the country. Moreover, the new system will help in incorporating crypto into regulated financial markets, such as gambling. However, Miller noted that the implementation process would need close support and coordination within the industry.

The Path Forward for Crypto Payments

The Industry Forum has also been given the mandate by the Gambling Commission to chart the best way forward for the inclusion of crypto payments within gambling. Even though there is no deadline set, the Commission is undertaking a very prudent but progressive approach. This initiative is a continuation of the efforts to strike a balance between innovation and consumer safety.

With crypto payments under consideration, the Gambling Commission is trying to come up with a clear direction. The regulator is also very interested in not having an endless cycle of reforms. Rather, it focuses on regulatory stability, which will enable the industry to determine the effect of the current reforms.

Moreover, the Gambling Commission’s efforts emerge against the backdrop of new waves of regulatory developments. Among them are FCA’s consultations on crypto markets, which ended this February. Moreover, the watchdog recently announced the upcoming crypto licensing applications in September 2026.

Meanwhile, the FCA has recently identified four companies under its stablecoin testing program in its Regulatory Sandbox. The trials will take place in Q1 2026. These experiments will assist in creating stablecoin regulations in the UK. Additionally, it will offer real-world data to establish reliable stablecoins for settlements and trading.

The UK FCA has selected four firms—Monee, ReStabilise, Revolut, and VVTX—to test stablecoin issuance in its Regulatory Sandbox starting Q1 2026. The trials will help shape final UK stablecoin rules ahead of the broader crypto regime launching in October 2027.…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) February 25, 2026