The 2025 snapshot: what changed and why it matters
Crypto gambling remains regulated through a mix of gambling law and financial-crime rules. The big drivers this year are consumer-protection upgrades in mature gambling markets and tighter AML/Travel Rule enforcement for crypto transfers. In practice, operators that accept virtual assets must comply with both gambling licensing conditions and crypto-asset compliance frameworks, including the FATF standards that jurisdictions continue to roll out.
European Union: MiCA in force, Travel Rule applies to crypto
MiCA entered into force in 2023 and is fully applicable, with ESMA and the EBA continuing to publish Level 2/Level 3 measures and guidance in 2024–2025. This affects wallet, token and stablecoin obligations that many licensed operators or their payment partners must understand.
Separately, the EU Transfer of Funds Regulation (Reg. 2023/1113) applies the Travel Rule to crypto transfers across the bloc with no de-minimis threshold; the EBA’s guidelines detail information that must accompany transfers. That makes anonymous value flows between CASPs unrealistic in regulated gambling.
United Kingdom: bonus rules overhaul and stricter promotions
The UK Gambling Commission announced reforms to bonus incentives, including a 10× cap on wagering requirements and a ban on “mixed product” offers. These changes are scheduled to take effect during late 2025 and early 2026 under updates to Social Responsibility Code 5.1.1, with the Commission’s tracker listing 19 January 2026 as the commencement date for key provisions. Expect clearer, simpler promotions and fewer high-friction rollover offers.
Malta (MGA): formal DLT/crypto acceptance under policy
Malta replaced its crypto sandbox with a standing Policy on the use of Distributed Ledger Technology by Authorised Persons. Licensed operators may accept DLT assets as payment only with prior MGA approval and subject to additional safeguards. The policy took effect in January 2023 and remains the reference framework in 2025.
Curaçao: LOK regime live and a new regulator
Curaçao’s new National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) entered into force on 24 December 2024, introducing a modern licensing system and the Curaçao Gaming Authority to replace legacy sub-licensing. 2025 is the first full year of migration and new applications under the reformed regime.
Isle of Man: explicit AML/CFT guidance for virtual assets
The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission issues dedicated AML/CFT guidance for “Virtual Assets & Goods,” clarifying how gambling licensees must manage VA risks and comply with the island’s AML code. This remains a go-to template for crypto-accepting operators.
United Arab Emirates: licensing emerges; Dubai regulates virtual assets
The UAE created the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). Conducting online or land-based gaming without a GCGRA license is illegal and punishable; operators must apply to the federal regulator. Separately, Dubai’s VARA regulates virtual-asset businesses in the emirate. Media reports in late 2024 indicated Wynn received the UAE’s first commercial gaming license, signaling a policy shift to regulated, licensed gaming.
Australia: continued blocking of illegal offshore sites
Australia’s ACMA keeps ordering ISPs to block unlicensed gambling services targeting Australians, a program that has expanded in 2025. Enforcement notices and blocks include casino and betting brands and even influencer promotions of illegal operators.
Philippines: e-gaming growth under PAGCOR, fees trimmed; policy debates continue
PAGCOR has lowered the fee rate on electronic gaming from 35% to 30% of GGR to encourage migration into the regulated market, while reporting strong e-gaming revenues in H1 2025. At the same time, policymakers have floated measures that would tighten or even ban certain forms of online betting, showing an active policy debate.
Brazil: regulated market phases in, crypto deposits restricted
Brazil’s 2023 federal law and subsequent ordinances regulate online betting and casino games, with payment rules requiring transfers via accounts at authorized financial institutions. Guidance published in 2024 indicates deposits via cryptocurrencies are not permitted for licensed operators. Authorities also began blocking irregular sites as the regime phases in.
Canada: provincially regulated markets, limited crypto acceptance
Gambling legality is provincial. Ontario operates a regulated iGaming market under AGCO/iGaming Ontario standards. Public guidance and industry summaries note that provincially regulated sites generally do not accept crypto as a payment method, pushing crypto players to offshore sites that are outside provincial oversight.
United States: state patchwork, federal AML obligations still apply
There is no federal online-casino license; legality remains state-by-state, and most regulated sites do not accept crypto deposits. Regardless, US AML rules apply to crypto intermediaries: FinCEN’s CVC guidance and travel-rule obligations cover VASPs, and new notices in 2025 highlight enforcement priorities around kiosks and high-risk flows. Players often encounter sweepstakes/social casino models that avoid gambling licensing but still face state scrutiny.
Cross-cutting 2025 theme: stricter Travel Rule and AML supervision
Jurisdictions continue to align with FATF Recommendation 15, with the latest 2025 targeted update tracking progress and gaps. In the EU, the crypto Travel Rule is fully in force, with supervisory expectations set out by the EBA. For casino operators, that means tighter counterpart due-diligence, record-keeping, and fewer pathways for anonymous crypto flows.
Practical implications for players and operators
Network and method availability change by jurisdiction
If you play on a locally licensed site, expect fiat rails and strong KYC; in some markets crypto deposits are disallowed for licensees. If you use offshore sites, you may face ISP blocks or seizure risks and limited consumer recourse.
Bonus offers will be simpler in the UK
Expect lower wagering caps and a ban on cross-product incentives as rules phase in from late 2025 into January 2026.
Crypto transfers must carry sender/recipient information in the EU
There is no de-minimis threshold under the EU Travel Rule; CASPs moving crypto for gambling deposits/withdrawals must include originator/beneficiary data.
UAE requires a federal gaming license; Dubai separately licenses virtual-asset firms
Operating or using unlicensed gaming can carry penalties; VARA oversight covers the crypto service providers many gaming operators would rely on.
Compliance checklist for 2025
• Confirm the site’s licensing and the regulator named in the footer/help center. Look for MGA approvals if crypto is accepted, or local approval where required.
• In Europe, ensure CASP partners meet MiCA/TFR obligations and can attach Travel Rule data.
• In the UK, review promotional terms for the 10× wagering cap and no mixed-product incentives.
• In Brazil, avoid operators taking crypto deposits; licensed payments must pass through authorized financial institutions.
• In Australia, verify that a site is not on ACMA’s block list before depositing.
FAQs
Is crypto gambling legal in my country?
It depends on local licensing. The EU regulates crypto transfers via the Travel Rule; the UK licenses gambling and is tightening promotions; Brazil is formalizing betting but forbids crypto deposits for licensees; Canada and most US states run regulated markets that typically do not accept crypto. Check your local regulator’s site.
Do AML rules apply if I use a self-custody wallet?
Yes, once funds touch a VASP or licensed operator, Travel Rule and other AML obligations apply to the entities moving funds, and they may require additional verification.
Will these rules change game fairness?
No. They change payments, KYC, and marketing compliance—game fairness is governed by each regulator’s technical standards and audits. For UK online casino and bingo, the UKGC maintains technical requirements separately from promotions policy.
