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The UK Gambling Commission has begun examining how cryptocurrency could be introduced as a payment option for licensed gambling operators.
Tim Miller, the commission’s executive director, spoke at the Betting and Gaming Council’s annual meeting in London today and explained that the Commission has asked its Industry Forum to map out what a “sensible” pathway might look like, according to a NEXT.io report.
The discussions are tied to the government’s new Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2025, which were recently presented to Parliament. If approved, these regulations would place crypto asset activities under the supervision of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Miller also noted that the rules are expected to take effect on 25 October 2027, meaning any move by the Gambling Commission would need to align with that timeline.
No timetable yet, but demand is high
The UKGC has not set a schedule for when its work on crypto payments might be completed and Miller stressed that no arbitrary deadlines will be imposed. But even without a timetable, the regulator has seen strong signs of demand.
Miller explained that crypto is one of the more common search terms leading UK players to illegal gambling sites with fewer safeguards. That trend has led the commission to consider introducing measures to protect players and keep them within the licensed market.
“Demand exists and will probably grow,” Miller stated. “We do now want to start looking at what the potential path forward would be to create a way for crypto assets to be used as a consumer payment option for licensed and regulated gambling here in Great Britain.”
He called the plan a tentative first step and part of the Commission ongoing battle against illegal gambling in the country. It has already raised alarms about unregulated crypto gambling sites, especially those targeting individuals who had self-excluded through GAMSTOP, and recently called on Meta (Facebook and Instagram) to block these operators.
FCA and UKGC would work together
Miller explained that any move to let licensed gambling operators accept crypto payments cannot happen in isolation.
The FCA’s new powers under the government’s crypto regulations will shape the framework, since firms handling digital assets will need FCA authorization once the rules take effect. That oversight would extend to custody, exchanges, and other services that could link directly with gambling businesses, according to NEXT.io.
Miller suggested this supervisory structure could “start to change the picture” for the sector, but he underlined that the Gambling Commission’s role will remain rooted in the Gambling Act 2005. Its focus stays on crime prevention, fairness, openness, and protecting vulnerable people.
He described the work as exploratory, acknowledging “significant challenges and risks” that must be addressed.
