UKGC explores options on crypto gambling, refuses to set deadlines

• The UK Gambling Commission is actively looking into the possibility of introducing crypto payments as one of the available options
• This is still a debated subject, but one that could help shed some of the traffic going to illegal gambling websites
• Ultimately, counteracting illegal gambling websites and the implementation of innovative tech will be among the priorities for the regulator

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is exploring options to launch crypto payments as a supported form of legal tender for gambling operators, the commission's Tim Miller said in a recent speech he delivered.

Talking to the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) Annual General Meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2026, Miller elaborated on what this could look like, refusing to give specific deadlines or timelines.

Outlining a possibility for crypto payments

Miller talked about the upcoming Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, reminding industry insiders that if the legislation is passed, it would bring crypto assets under the Financial Conduct Authority’s remit as early as October 25, 2027.

From that point on, crypto assets may also be used to gamble with, although what timeline that progression would fall under is not yet clear, as Miller refused to give deadlines and said that it was an evolving debate.

However, the UKGC’s executive director acknowledged that, clearly, there was demand among gamblers for the activity.

"And that, as well as the growing appetite we see from punters, means we do now want to start looking at what the potential path forward would be to create a way for cryptoassets to be used as a consumer payment option for licensed and regulated gambling in Great Britain," he explained.

By authorizing cryptocurrency payments, Miller sees an opportunity for the regulated gambling market to be strengthened, citing industry data that crypto is one of the two biggest searches that lead local gamblers to illegal websites.

Miller, however, is not oblivious of the implied risks either: "There will be significant challenges and risks to overcome in considering this topic, but I am keen that we approach this in the spirit of exploring the art of the possible rather than starting from a position of finding all the reasons not to innovate."

Illegal gambling remains an issue for the regulator

Illegal gambling is a hot-button topic for the regulator, with the government now setting up a dedicated Illegal Gambling Taskforce.

While Miller previously grumbled against Meta, the parentcompany of social media networks such as Instagram and Facebook, he acknowledged that there have been positive discussions with the company’s leadership since his public complaint earlier this year.

"It’s early days, but there are some positive signs. Since my speech at ICE, I have met with Meta, and they have committed to working with the Commission further in this space, especially in relation to "not on GamStop" sites. I intend to hold them to that," he clarified.

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