Future of Cryptocurrencies in iGaming

We invite you to explore our exclusive interview with Danuta Janicka-Mierzwa, Head of Legal & Compliance at BETCORE, and Francisco Bravo, LATAM Sales Director at BETCORE. Together they share expert insights on how cryptocurrencies are transforming the iGaming industry—from the growing adoption of stablecoins and the impact of regulations like MiCA to blockchain’s role in payments, transparency, and provably fair gaming. A must-read for anyone interested in the future of digital assets in iGaming. 

How do you see the role of cryptocurrencies evolving in the iGaming industry over the 

next 5–10 years? Do you foresee full integration, or will crypto remain a niche 

payment option? 

Francisco: I see cryptocurrencies becoming a mainstream payment option in iGaming over the next 5–10 years. Adoption is growing rapidly; around 70% of online operators are expected to accept crypto, potentially accounting for 40% of transactions, thanks to its speed, lower costs, global reach, and enhanced player privacy. 

Stablecoins like USDT and USDC are helping address volatility, while improving regulatory clarity in regions like the EU, US, and parts of Asia is boosting trust and adoption. Blockchain also adds transparency, security, and operational efficiency, with smart contracts enabling automated payouts and reduced support needs. 

Looking ahead, crypto could intersect with NFTs and the metaverse, creating immersive gaming experiences. Overall, I expect cryptocurrencies, led by stablecoins, to become a standard, fully integrated payment method alongside traditional systems. 

What are the main advantages of using cryptocurrencies for players and operators in the iGaming sector? Are there significant challenges related to speed, scalability, or user adoption?

Danuta: From my perspective, crypto brings very tangible benefits to both sides of the table. For players, it’s all about convenience: faster payouts, far fewer failed transactions, and the ability to play across borders without worrying about local banking limits. The shift from volatile coins like BTC to stablecoins also means they can enjoy those benefits without taking on price risk. 

For operators, we see higher first-deposit success rates, lower processing costs versus cards, no chargebacks, and much smoother global treasury flows, especially for affiliate and B2B settlements. In regulated markets like the EU, frameworks such as MiCA make it easier to integrate crypto through licensed partners rather than workarounds. 

The main challenges? Regulation still sets the pace. In some places, like the UK or Brazil, crypto is either heavily scrutinized or kept off the cashier altogether, and for new players, the wallet/on-ramp experience can still feel complex. On the tech side, fees and throughput can spike at times (though newer L2s have improved this). Overall, I see crypto—especially stablecoins—as a strong second payment rail that boosts conversion and reach wherever the regulator gives us a clear, compliant path. 

Do you believe blockchain-based smart contracts could revolutionize aspects like 

provably fair gaming or automatic payouts in iGaming platforms? 

Francisco: As a provider working with many operators, we see smart contracts helping in two clear areas.

First, fairness: pairing provably fair math with on-chain randomness lets players 

check results themselves, it builds trust without extra words.

Second, payouts: contracts can auto-pay the moment a bet settles, so withdrawals are 

faster and the audit trail is built in. 

It’s not a magic switch: you still need audited code, secure randomness, and standard 

compliance (KYC/AML, licensing). Network fees and speed are much better on 

newer layers, but the player flow must stay simple.

To summarize, they won’t replace every system, but for provably fair checks 

and instant payouts, smart contracts are already practical, and we help operators 

plug them in where regulation allows. 

Legislation & Compliance

How do current regulations around cryptocurrencies vary between major iGaming 

markets such as the EU, Central and South America, Africa, and Asia? 

Which regions are most crypto-friendly for gambling operators? 

Danuta: In the EU, crypto is ‘compliance-friendly’ rather than ‘crypto-easy’: MiCA is fully in effect, and the Crypto Travel Rule applies, which means stablecoins are feasible if you plug into licensed CASPs; Malta specifically requires MGA pre-approval for using DLT/crypto in gaming. Net: workable rails, bank-grade governance.

Central & South America are mixed. Brazil’s rulebook is crystal clear: deposits via crypto are not allowed: PIX, TED, and debit/prepaid only, so crypto stays off the cashier there. Elsewhere in LATAM, stablecoins are mainstream for everyday payments, so adoption is more a licensing/AML question than a demand one. 

Africa shows strong user demand—stablecoins are a big share of crypto flows—while regulation is catching up. Kenya is moving toward a formal VASP regime; South Africa still has a cautious path on online casinos, so most crypto play remains offshore. 

Asia (e.g., Philippines) is growth-oriented but risk-sensitive—usage of crypto runs through BSP-licensed VASPs, so only via tightly controlled channels. 

Who’s the most crypto-friendly for operators? Practically: Curaçao (now with stricter AML) and select LATAM markets outside Brazil for player flows; the EU is very viable too—just compliance first under MiCA/Travel-Rule. 

With increasing government scrutiny, how can iGaming operators ensure 

compliance when accepting cryptocurrencies? 

Francisco: To stay compliant when accepting cryptocurrencies under increasing regulatory scrutiny, iGaming operators need a robust, tech-driven approach built on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) standards. Overall, the following compliance measures should be taken into account:

• KYC & Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD): Verify user identities, addresses, and source of funds; apply stricter checks for VIPs and high-risk players. 

• Real-Time Transaction Monitoring: Use blockchain analytics to detect suspicious activity, large transfers, or sanctioned wallets. 

• AML Frameworks: Follow local and international AML rules, perform risk assessments, and file Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) when required. 

• Technology Adoption: Apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for fraud detection, risk monitoring, and automated compliance. 

• Responsible Gambling: Provide deposit limits, self-exclusion, and support tools to meet regulatory and player protection standards. 

• Regulatory Awareness: Track evolving laws in each jurisdiction, secure necessary licenses, and update compliance programs as laws evolve. 

• Transparent Reporting: Record and report all crypto transactions for taxation and regulatory purposes, converting values to fiat when required by regulators. 

Ultimately, in crypto-based iGaming, compliance isn’t optional, it’s indispensable. A comprehensive, technology-driven approach that meets AML and KYC requirements, leverages blockchain analytics, and prioritizes reporting and user protection is now essential for operating legally and sustainably in this space. 

What impact could upcoming legislation like MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation in the EU) or proposed U.S. crypto bills have on the use of digital 

currencies in iGaming? 

Danuta: Big picture: MiCA in the EU and the U.S. push on stablecoins won’t make crypto universal overnight—they make it clear and compliant. In Europe, operators can plug into licensed crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), use compliant stablecoins, and meet Travel Rule/KYC standards. That makes payouts and B2B/affiliate settlements routine, while player deposits are switched on market by market. In the U.S., federal clarity on stablecoins should upgrade bank on/off-ramps, but state gaming rules still decide what reaches the cashier. Bottom line: start with stablecoin rails for payouts/settlements, then scale deposits where regulators allow - clean, auditable, and compliant. 

Risks and Ethical Considerations

How do operators balance the benefits of anonymity in crypto payments with 

responsible gambling practices and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements?

Danuta: To be honest, to meet MiCA/Travel-Rule, UKGC/MGA and similar requirements, true anonymity is gone. You KYC the player, link the wallet to identity, run KYT on every flow, and share data where required. So crypto stops being about anonymity, but its value shifts to this:

• Speed & uptime: near-instant payouts and settlements, 24/7, no bank cut-offs. 

• Better conversion: a resilient second rail when cards/banks fail or decline. 

• Lower costs, no chargebacks: reduced processing fees and fewer disputes. 

• Auditability by design: on-chain trails, automated KYT, rules-based limits/alerts. 

• Programmability: automatic payouts (jackpots, cash-outs), escrow, wallet segregation. 

• Global reach: easier access for expats and markets with weak local payment rails. 

• Trust & retention: fast, predictable withdrawals, especially valued by VIPs. 

So not anonymity, but speed, resilience, cost efficiency, and control—delivered via stablecoins and licensed partners, with compliance baked in.