The Gambling Commission is considering whether cryptocurrency payments could be permitted at licensed online casinos in Great Britain, as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) advances its final cryptoasset regulatory framework.
The move would align gambling sector payment practices with the UK’s broader crypto regulatory regime, which is expected to take effect in 2026.
FCA Crypto Rules Near Final Stage
The FCA’s latest consultation represents the final phase of its proposed cryptoasset rulebook. The framework sets out requirements covering:
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Corporate governance standards
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Operational resilience
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Financial crime controls
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Consumer Duty obligations
These rules will apply to firms offering regulated crypto services, including businesses operating within the gambling industry.
Under the new regime, firms conducting regulated cryptoasset activities must obtain full authorisation under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA).
Existing FSMA-authorised firms will need to vary their permissions to include crypto activities. Companies currently registered only under anti-money laundering or payment services frameworks must apply for full authorisation.
Applications are expected to open in September, ahead of the regime’s planned October 2026 launch.
Gambling Commission Evaluates Crypto Payment Path
Tim Miller, Executive Director for Research and Policy at the Gambling Commission, said the regulator is examining “the potential path forward” for allowing cryptoassets as a consumer payment option at licensed gambling operators in Great Britain.
He made the remarks during the annual general meeting of the Betting and Gaming Council in London.
According to Miller, the Commission has asked its Industry Forum—comprising gambling sector professionals—to explore practical approaches for integrating crypto payments within a regulated framework. No specific timeline has been announced.
Crypto and the Illegal Gambling Market
The Gambling Commission also pointed to potential consumer protection implications.
Miller noted that research into illegal gambling markets indicates that “crypto” is among the top search terms leading British consumers to unlicensed platforms. Regulators appear to be considering whether allowing crypto payments at licensed operators could help reduce the appeal of offshore or illegal sites.
However, the Commission cautioned that enabling crypto payments would not automatically make all operators compliant. Firms would still need to meet suitability requirements and adhere to the FCA’s authorisation standards.
Regulatory Alignment Between Finance and Gambling
The potential introduction of crypto payments reflects increasing coordination between financial and sector-specific regulators in the UK.
If approved, crypto transactions at licensed casinos would fall under the FCA’s cryptoasset oversight framework while remaining subject to gambling regulations.
The discussion highlights how digital asset policy is expanding beyond trading platforms and into adjacent industries such as payments, gaming, and online entertainment.
As the UK finalises its crypto regime, the question is shifting from whether digital assets will be regulated to how broadly they will be integrated into existing financial and consumer markets.
