The United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission is considering the possibility of allowing cryptocurrency payments at licensed online casinos, in line with the Financial Conduct Authority’s proposed rules for cryptoasset firms.
The FCA consultation, which marks the final stage of its sector proposals, sets requirements covering governance, operational resilience, financial crime controls, and Consumer Duty obligations. These rules will apply to any firm offering regulated crypto services, including those in the gambling sector.
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Firms seeking to carry out regulated cryptoasset activities will need full authorisation under the Financial Services and Markets Act. Existing FSMA-authorised firms must vary their permissions, while those only registered under anti-money laundering or payment regulations must apply for full authorisation.
Applications are expected to open in September, ahead of the regime’s planned October 2026 launch.
Gambling Commission Considers Crypto Payments UK
Tim Miller, executive director for research and policy at the Gambling Commission, said the regulator is examining “the potential path forward” for using “cryptoasset as a consumer payment option for licensed and regulated gambling in Great Britain.”
He made the remarks at the Betting and Gaming Council’s annual general meeting in London.
Under the planned regime, companies providing regulated crypto services will require FCA authorisation under the FSMA 2000.
Crypto “Could Reduce Illegal Gambling” Searches
Miller said the commission has asked the Industry Forum, a group representing gambling sector professionals, to identify possible approaches for accepting crypto payments. He did not specify a deadline for the work.
The regulator also cited potential consumer protection benefits. Miller said: “Our illegal markets research also gives us evidence that crypto is one of the two biggest searches that lead British gamblers to illegal sites.”
He added that enabling crypto payments would not automatically bring all operators under UK regulation, as some may not meet customer suitability requirements.
