The U.Okay. Playing Fee is exploring permitting crypto funds for licensed betting operators, as a part of a broader push for laws that assist combat unlawful markets and foster innovation.
Government Director Tim Miller mentioned the regulator desires to look at a “potential path ahead” for crypto funds within the U.Okay., on the Betting and Gaming Council’s Annual Basic Assembly. Miller cited rising shopper demand and proof that crypto-related searches are driving some gamers to unlicensed websites.
The playing fee’s announcement comes after the U.Okay. authorities laid the Monetary Companies and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Laws 2025 earlier than Parliament in December. If authorised, the foundations would deliver cryptoassets below the Monetary Conduct Authority’s (FCA) remit, with a brand new regulatory regime anticipated to take impact in October 2027.
Miller mentioned the Fee’s analysis reveals crypto is “one of many two largest searches” main British gamblers to unlawful operators. Rising shopper curiosity in digital belongings, mixed with these search patterns, has prompted the regulator to start exploratory work.
The Fee has requested its Business Discussion board to look at how crypto funds might be launched consistent with its licensing aims, together with anti-money laundering controls and shopper safety safeguards.
“There can be vital challenges and dangers to beat,” Miller mentioned, including that the Fee intends to method the difficulty by “exploring the artwork of the doable” fairly than dismissing innovation outright.
The proposal is being framed partly as a response to the unlawful market. The Fee has elevated enforcement exercise in recent times and secured further Treasury funding to strengthen efforts towards unlicensed operators. Permitting regulated operators to just accept crypto may assist hold customers inside the licensed system as a substitute of pushing them towards offshore websites, Miller mentioned.
Miller emphasised that allowing crypto funds wouldn’t quantity to approving offshore crypto casinos to function within the U.Okay. Any operator would nonetheless want to fulfill strict suitability, compliance and know-your-customer requirements below current playing guidelines, alongside forthcoming FCA necessities, he added.
