The U.K. Gambling Commission is exploring allowing crypto payments for licensed betting operators, as part of a broader push for regulations that help fight illegal markets and foster innovation.

Executive Director Tim Miller said the regulator wants to examine a “potential path forward” for crypto payments in the U.K., at the Betting and Gaming Council’s Annual General Meeting. Miller cited growing consumer demand and evidence that crypto-related searches are driving some players to unlicensed sites.

The gambling commission’s announcement comes after the U.K. government laid the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2025 before Parliament in December. If approved, the rules would bring cryptoassets under the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) remit, with a new regulatory regime expected to take effect in October 2027.

Miller said the Commission’s research shows crypto is “one of the two biggest searches” leading British gamblers to illegal operators. Rising consumer interest in digital assets, combined with those search patterns, has prompted the regulator to begin exploratory work.

The Commission has asked its Industry Forum to examine how crypto payments could be introduced in line with its licensing objectives, including anti-money laundering controls and consumer protection safeguards.

“There will be significant challenges and risks to overcome,” Miller said, adding that the Commission intends to approach the issue by “exploring the art of the possible” rather than dismissing innovation outright.

The proposal is being framed partly as a response to the illegal market. The Commission has increased enforcement activity in recent years and secured additional Treasury funding to strengthen efforts against unlicensed operators. Allowing regulated operators to accept crypto could help keep consumers within the licensed system instead of pushing them toward offshore sites, Miller said.

Miller emphasized that permitting crypto payments would not amount to approving offshore crypto casinos to operate in the U.K. Any operator would still need to meet strict suitability, compliance and know-your-customer standards under existing gambling rules, alongside forthcoming FCA requirements, he added.