Government can’t ignore rise in crypto gambling, says Gambling Commission CEO
Summary
Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes warned at his “CEO Briefing 2025” that crypto-related regulatory challenges are arriving faster than anticipated — possibly within 18 months to two years. He highlighted rising crypto use among younger demographics and warned that, without action, a growing cohort could be excluded from the legitimate gambling industry because of the currency they use.
Rhodes stopped short of saying the Gambling Commission will start issuing licences for crypto wagering, stressing that any change would require government-level decisions and Parliamentary direction. He also flagged serious funding concerns: the commission’s fee-based funding has not been uprated and could be exhausted by mid-2026, which may jeopardise recent investments in illegal-gambling enforcement, criminal investigations and data capabilities.
Despite funding anxiety, Rhodes reiterated the commission’s strong enforcement activity against unlicensed operators, sharing recent statistics on cease-and-desist notices, URL reports and site disruptions.
Key Points
- Andrew Rhodes says crypto gambling risks that felt distant are likely to emerge within 18 months to two years.
- Younger demographics are increasingly using cryptocurrency, creating a potential demographic shift in how people access gambling services.
- The Gambling Commission will not act alone on crypto licencing — government and Parliament must first decide policy and legal frameworks.
- The Financial Conduct Authority is working on potential regimes for crypto, which the government must consider alongside gambling regulation.
- The commission’s funding, derived solely from fees, is not linked to inflation; reserves used to fund new work are likely to be exhausted by mid-2026.
- Recent enforcement: 480 cease-and-desist notices, 188,297 URLs reported, 104,192 URLs removed, and 504 websites disrupted or geo-blocked in the UK (financial year-to-date figures).
- Rhodes framed the commission’s role amid debate about regulators’ place between enabling growth and preserving a level playing field.
Content Summary
Rhodes used his annual briefing to press for urgent, government-level conversations about how crypto fits into gambling rules. He warned that rapid adoption among younger users risks creating a parallel market outside regulated channels unless the government and regulators address whether crypto is treated as a legitimate source of funds.
On funding, Rhodes explained that the commission’s fee review has been delayed and that recent investments in enforcement and data work were covered by reserves that will run out by mid-2026 unless fees are reviewed and adjusted. He urged a timely fees review to sustain the commission’s programme.
He also detailed active measures against illegal operators and advertisers, emphasising the commission has been unusually proactive internationally on takedowns and disruption activity but acknowledging coverage gaps remain.
Context and Relevance
This is an important update for operators, compliance teams, payments teams and policymakers. The message is twofold: first, crypto payments in gambling are moving from edge case to mainstream for younger players and will require legal and regulatory clarity; second, the regulator’s capacity to enforce rules depends on a timely fees review and secure funding.
For industry stakeholders, the piece signals that preparations are needed now — on payments, KYC, AML and product access — because government decisions on whether to permit, regulate or ban crypto in betting markets will shape compliance requirements and commercial strategies over the next 18 months to two years.
Why should I read this?
Short version: if you work in gambling, payments, compliance or regulation, this is your early-warning flag. Crypto habits among younger players are growing fast and could force big policy choices soon — plus the regulator’s pocket is getting light. Read it so you aren’t caught flat-footed when the rules change.
Author style
Punchy: this is a clear wake-up call — not just another briefing. Rhodes is signalling urgency on two fronts (crypto and funding) that will shape enforcement and market access. If the story affects you, dig into the detail — it matters.
Source
Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/crypto-gambling/gambling-commission-crypto-gambling/
