iGaming Payments, KYC & AML Regulation & Enforcement

UK Gambling Commission to Review Crypto Payments for Licensed Gambling

Marcel Fuhrmann
/ 5 min read
Government building beside a digital coin with circuit patterns and a checklist document with a magnifying glass.

UK Gambling Commission to Explore Cryptoasset Payments – Regulator Signals Possible Path for Licensed Operators

Key Takeaways

  • The UK Gambling Commission will examine whether cryptoassets can be used to fund legal gambling in Great Britain.
  • The regulator’s Industry Forum has been tasked with assessing how crypto payments could align with licensing objectives.
  • New Cryptoassets Regulations introduced in December 2025 would place crypto activities under Financial Conduct Authority oversight from 25 October 2027.
  • The Commission links crypto demand to consumer searches for unlicensed gambling sites and illegal market growth.
  • The regulator has received £26 million in additional government funding to strengthen enforcement against illegal operators.

Gambling Commission to Examine Cryptoasset Payments Within UK Regulatory Framework

The UK Gambling Commission has confirmed it will explore whether cryptoassets could be used as a payment method for licensed gambling in Great Britain. Executive Director Tim Miller announced the initiative during the Betting and Gaming Council AGM, stating that the regulator will assess how crypto could fit within the existing regulatory structure.

The review will be carried out through the Commission’s Industry Forum. Miller described the move as a “tentative” first step and did not set a timeline for implementation. The focus will be on identifying how cryptoasset payments could be introduced in a way that remains consistent with the Commission’s licensing objectives.

According to Miller, the regulator is approaching the issue in light of both regulatory developments and observable consumer demand. He stated that the Commission wants to explore what a workable path forward could look like rather than dismissing innovation at the outset.

Financial Services and Markets Act Crypto Regulations Set 2027 Timeline

The Commission’s review takes place against the backdrop of wider financial services reforms. In December 2025, the UK government introduced the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 Cryptoassets Regulations 2025 to parliament. If approved, the legislation would bring cryptoassets within the remit of the Financial Conduct Authority.

Under the proposed framework, firms carrying out newly defined cryptoasset regulated activities would need authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority under the Financial Services and Markets Act. They would require specific permission to undertake those activities once the regime comes into force.

The new cryptoasset regulatory framework is expected to commence on 25 October 2027. Miller noted that these steps, progressing the Financial Conduct Authority’s roadmap, change the overall regulatory picture. This evolving framework is one of the factors prompting the Gambling Commission to assess how crypto payments might be integrated into licensed gambling.

For operators, this means that any future use of cryptoassets as a consumer payment option would likely depend on compliance not only with gambling regulation but also with financial services authorization requirements.

Crypto Demand and Links to the Illegal Gambling Market

Miller directly connected the review of crypto payments to concerns about the illegal gambling market. Commission research indicates that “crypto” is one of the two most common search terms used by British consumers when accessing unlicensed gambling websites.

The regulator has expressed concern about growth in the illegal market. Miller stated that innovation could serve as a consumer protection tool, particularly where unlicensed operators are attracting users through alternative payment options. By examining whether crypto could be accommodated within the licensed sector, the Commission aims to assess whether regulated offerings can better respond to existing demand.

However, Miller acknowledged that significant challenges and risks would need to be addressed. He emphasized that any progress must align with licensing objectives, which form the foundation of the UK’s gambling regulatory framework.

Enforcement Efforts Supported by Additional Government Funding

Alongside the exploration of crypto payments, the Commission is increasing its focus on enforcement against illegal operators. Miller confirmed that the regulator has received £26 million in additional government funding to support enforcement activity.

He also stressed that tackling the illegal market requires cooperation beyond the Commission itself. This includes collaboration with technology platforms, payment providers, and affiliates. Miller stated that he has met with Meta, which committed to further cooperation, particularly in relation to “not on GamStop” websites.

The Commission intends to hold external partners accountable for supporting efforts to limit consumer exposure to unlicensed gambling services. For users evaluating platforms, this enforcement push signals continued scrutiny of operators that fall outside the licensed framework.

Regulatory Stability Sought After Gambling Act Review Implementation

Miller’s remarks came as much of the implementation of the Gambling Act Review is already under way. He called for a period of regulatory stability, arguing that the industry would benefit from time to assess the impact of recent reforms.

He warned against what he described as a “regulatory treadmill,” where continuous reform could expend significant effort without delivering measurable progress. The Commission’s current position suggests a shift from broad structural reform toward targeted innovation and enforcement initiatives.

At the same event, Miller also addressed leadership changes at the regulator. CEO Andrew Rhodes will step down on 30 April. Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner will serve as acting CEO while the Commission begins recruiting a permanent successor.

Our Assessment

The UK Gambling Commission has not authorized cryptoasset payments for licensed gambling, but it has formally begun exploring how such payments could be introduced within the existing regulatory system. The review is linked to upcoming financial services legislation that would place cryptoasset activities under Financial Conduct Authority supervision from October 2027. At the same time, the Commission is intensifying enforcement against illegal operators and linking crypto demand to consumer traffic toward unlicensed sites. For licensed operators and users, any future introduction of crypto payments in Great Britain would depend on alignment with both gambling regulation and the forthcoming cryptoasset regime.