Global snapshot for 2025
Crypto use in gambling is governed by gambling regulators, payments law, and broader crypto frameworks. The EU’s MiCA now fully applies to stablecoins and to crypto-asset service providers, shaping how EU operators and payment partners approach tokens and custody. Stablecoin “travel rule” guidance also applies to crypto transfers.
In the United States, a new federal stablecoin law—the GENIUS Act—was signed in July 2025, setting reserve, disclosure, and supervisory rules for payment stablecoins. It does not itself legalize crypto payments for gambling, but it makes the payments plumbing more standardized where state gambling rules allow.
United Kingdom
Regulatory posture on crypto
UK Gambling Commission material treats crypto as a potential “cash equivalent” but requires enhanced AML controls and clear handling of volatility if licensees seek to use it. The Commission’s page on blockchain/crypto sets expectations around source of funds, transaction monitoring and key-event notifications.
Player-protection changes in 2025–2026
The Commission is piloting financial risk assessments to identify potentially vulnerable customers; stage-two results were published on May 21, 2025.
Promotional offers are being tightened: a ban on “mixed-product” incentives and a cap on wagering requirements (max 10x) take effect January 19, 2026 via LCCP SR 5.1.1.
What this means
Crypto deposits remain at an operator’s discretion and subject to stringent AML/KYC; UK-licensed sites must also comply with the new promotions code and any future financial risk rules.
European Union
MiCA timelines now live
MiCA applies to issuers of asset-referenced tokens and e-money tokens since June 30, 2024, and to crypto-asset service providers since December 30, 2024. ESMA and national regulators have issued transition statements; CASPs need authorization.
Travel rule and AML
The EBA’s guidelines mandate data to accompany transfers of funds and certain crypto assets, tightening AML/CFT controls that operators and their payment partners must meet.
Enforcement examples
Germany’s GGL continues action against illegal operators; its 2025 updates cite hundreds of illegal sites identified and blocks under national and DSA tools. The Netherlands’ KSA has imposed fines and penalty orders for unlicensed operators and marketing. Licensed EU markets typically keep consumer payments on approved fiat rails.
Malta
Policy on Distributed Ledger Technology
Malta replaced its sandbox with a formal DLT Policy in January 2023. MGA-licensed operators may use virtual financial assets and related tech if pre-approved and if AML/KYC standards are met.
Curaçao
Transition to the new framework
Curaçao’s long-running overhaul continues under the new authority. In June 2025, the CGA extended select provisional licences six months, to December 24, 2025, to complete processing under the new regime, while warning against unlicensed activity.
Australia
Digital currency ban for wagering payments
From June 11, 2024, licensed wagering providers are banned from accepting credit cards and digital currencies such as cryptocurrency online. Government and ACMA notices make clear this applies to deposits with licensed operators.
Brazil
No crypto deposits or payouts for betting
Brazil’s payment ordinance for fixed-odds betting requires cash-in and cash-out through accounts at institutions authorized by the Central Bank. Industry and legal summaries confirm cryptocurrencies and credit cards are prohibited for consumer payments.
Canada (Ontario)
Cryptocurrency not accepted
Ontario’s Registrar’s Standards specify “Cryptocurrency is not legal tender and shall not be accepted” for internet gaming and sports betting.
United States
State-by-state rules
Most regulated states keep deposits on fiat rails. Wyoming is the standout: its 2021 law and rules permit crypto as a “cash equivalent” for online sports wagering, subject to conversion and compliance.
Federal context
With the GENIUS Act signed in July 2025, stablecoin issuance and reserves face federal standards. This may ease payment risk assessments in states that ever allow stablecoin deposits, but state gambling laws still control whether crypto can be used.
Singapore
Blocking illegal remote gambling and payments
Under the Gambling Control Act (effective Aug 1, 2022) and subsequent practice, authorities block access to illegal gambling sites and can order payment blocking. The Singapore Police reported thousands of sites blocked and over 145,000 illegal transactions intercepted by end-2024.
China
Crypto transactions are illegal
China maintains its 2021 blanket ban on cryptocurrency transactions, with regulators reaffirming enforcement. Online gambling remains illegal; combining these regimes means legal crypto gambling is not available.
Isle of Man
Virtual currency permitted under AML controls
The GSC’s practice notes and guidance allow licensees to take “money’s worth,” including convertible virtual currencies, with detailed AML expectations and volatility controls. Recent guidance and legal overviews reaffirm this posture.
Practical checklist before you deposit crypto
Check the regulator’s register to confirm the site is licensed where you are.
Verify whether crypto is permitted as a payment method in your jurisdiction.
Expect full KYC/AML, even when using crypto or stablecoins.
Confirm the exact coin and network the operator supports.
Read the site’s bonus and promotions rules; in the UK, stricter rules on mixed products and wagering caps are coming into force in 2025–2026.
FAQs
Is crypto broadly legal to use for gambling in 2025?
No. Some jurisdictions permit it with strong AML/KYC (e.g., Isle of Man; Malta with MGA approval; limited US examples like Wyoming). Others ban it outright for betting payments (Australia, Brazil, Ontario). Always check local law and the operator’s licence.
Does the EU’s MiCA make crypto gambling legal?
MiCA regulates tokens and crypto service providers. It improves clarity for stablecoins and custody but doesn’t authorize gambling. National gambling rules still apply, and many EU markets require licensed, fiat-only deposits.
What changed in the UK in 2025?
The UKGC advanced a pilot of financial risk assessments and confirmed new promotions rules: a ban on mixed-product incentives and a 10x cap on wagering requirements, effective January 19, 2026.
Did the US finally pass a stablecoin law?
Yes. The GENIUS Act was signed in July 2025, creating a federal framework for payment stablecoins. It may facilitate compliance for payment providers, but state gambling rules still decide whether operators can accept crypto.
Bottom line
In 2025, crypto’s role in gambling is expanding only where regulators explicitly permit it and where payments rules are clear. The EU’s MiCA and the US GENIUS Act standardize crypto plumbing, but gambling regulators still decide the “if” and “how.” Before sending any coins, confirm the licence, confirm that crypto is allowed for consumer deposits in your market, and expect full KYC/AML regardless of payment method.
