The UK Gambling Commission is exploring allowing licensed gambling operators to make crypto payments as part of a wider push for regulation to combat illegal markets and promote innovation.
Executive director Tim Miller said the regulator hopes to examine “potential paths forward” for crypto payments in the UK at the Gambling Commission’s annual general meeting. Miller cited growing consumer demand and evidence that cryptocurrency-related searches are driving some players to unlicensed sites.
The Gambling Commission’s announcement follows the UK government’s submission of the Financial Services and Markets Bill 2000 (Crypto-Assets) Regulations 2025 to Parliament in December. If approved, the rules will bring crypto-assets under the purview of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), with the new regulatory regime expected to come into effect in October 2027.
Miller said the commission’s research showed cryptocurrencies were “one of the top two searches” leading British gamblers to find illegal operators. Growing consumer interest in digital assets, combined with these search patterns, has prompted regulators to begin exploratory work.
The commission has asked its industry forum to examine how crypto payments can be introduced in line with its licensing objectives, including anti-money laundering controls and consumer protection safeguards.
“There will be significant challenges and risks to overcome,” Miller said, adding that the committee intends to approach the problem through “exploring the art of the possible” rather than dismissing innovation outright.
The proposal is designed in part to address the illegal market. In recent years, the commission has stepped up enforcement and received additional Treasury funding to step up its crackdown on unlicensed operators. Miller said allowing regulated operators to accept cryptocurrencies could help consumers stay within the licensed system rather than pushing them to offshore sites.
Miller stressed that allowing cryptocurrency payments does not equate to approving offshore cryptocurrency casinos to operate in the UK. He added that any operator would still need to meet strict suitability, compliance and know-your-customer standards under existing gambling rules, as well as upcoming FCA requirements.
