UK gamblers looking for ways to bet with cryptocurrency are more likely to find themselves on an illegal website than a regulated one. That’s part of what prompted the UK Gaming Commission to ask if anything needed to change.
Tim Miller, the regulator’s executive director of research and policy, told an industry conference in London last Thursday that the Commission now wants to seriously look at allowing the use of crypto as a payment method on licensed gambling platforms in the UK.
Illegal sites lead the conversation
Miller’s case for another look at crypto payments isn’t built on demand alone, although he acknowledged that appetite among bookmakers is growing. He made the announcement at the annual assembly of the Betting and Gaming Council.
Much of the debate has been about where this demand is going now. Miller reportedly told the audience that crypto is among the two most popular search terms that lead British gamblers directly to unregulated and illegal sites.
A screenshot of Tim Miller’s speech during the Betting and Gaming Council’s annual gathering in London. Source: Gambling Commission UK
Locking crypto off of licensed platforms, in other words, could lead to less protection for consumers rather than discouragement at all.
This frame shows the change. For years, the default position from regulators has been that crypto and gambling together pose too much risk. Miller’s comments suggest the Game Commission is now considering whether doing nothing is a bigger risk.
No deadline has been set for the review. Miller said he asked the Industry Forum – an advisory group made up of representatives from across the gambling sector – to map out the options available.
Whatever path is chosen, he made it clear, it will be with strict conditions. Available checks, suitability assessments and full compliance with UK playing rules will still apply. Accepting crypto does not give casinos any special deals or exemptions.
The larger regulatory framework sets the timeline
There is no separate Gaming Commission investigation. Any move towards crypto payments at licensed venues will be directly linked to the Financial Conduct Authority’s new crypto regulatory framework, which is currently being finalized.
According to reports, the FCA is expected to complete its consultation process in March and the full regime will come into force in October 2027. Firms wishing to operate under the new rules must seek permission from the FCA, with the application window opening in September 2026.
Crypto companies that miss this window face a more limited path. Reports say they will be allowed to continue manufacturing existing products under the transitional rules, but will not be allowed to roll out new offerings until full approval is granted.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView
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