Can licensed casinos offer cryptocurrency
1. Regulatory framework and position
In Australia, online gambling is regulated under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) and overseen by the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority).
At the time of 2025, current legislation does not provide for direct permission for licensed operators operating in Australia to accept cryptocurrencies as a means of paying bets or withdrawing winnings. Reasons:
2. How it works in practice
Australian licensed casinos - usually accept only AUDs and support local payment systems (PayID, POLi, BPAY). Cryptocurrencies are not officially integrated.
International licensed casinos (Curacao, MGA) - can offer cryptocurrency deposits and repayments, but they are not regulated by Australian laws, which limits the legal protection of players.
Some offshore operators use a hybrid model: a cryptocurrency deposit with automatic conversion to AUD through a licensed payment provider, but this is a gray mechanism that ACMA can block.
3. Reasons for restrictions
1. AML and KYC compliance - the difficulty of verifying the origin of crypto assets.
2. Tax control - the need to report on the income of players and pay taxes.
3. Legal uncertainty - in Australia, cryptocurrency is recognized as an asset, not a currency, which requires separate regulation.
4. Risks for consumers - volatility of rates and the possibility of loss of funds in case of sharp fluctuations.
4. International practice
Malta (MGA) - allows cryptocurrencies, subject to the integration of a licensed payment provider and a full KYC player.
Curacao - allows the acceptance of cryptocurrencies directly, often without conversion, which makes this market popular with cryptocasinos.
UK (UKGC) - allows crypto payments, but only with proven transaction transparency and cooperation with licensed crypto providers.
5. What it means for Australian players
In ACMA licensed casinos - cryptocurrency is not available, deposits and withdrawals are carried out in AUD through banking and local payment systems.
In offshore casinos, cryptocurrency may be available, but the player loses the protection of Australian authorities in disputes.
When using crypto exchangers, conversion to AUD before the deposit is possible, but this lengthens the process and adds commissions.
6. How to check the legality of cryptopathy
1. Explore the "Payments" section of the casino website.
2. Check if the operator has an ACMA license or is operating under an international license.
3. Make sure that cryptocurrency payment is made through a licensed payment provider (in the case of international casinos).
4. Avoid anonymous transactions without KYC - they most often signal a gray pattern.
Conclusion:
In Australia, online gambling is regulated under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) and overseen by the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority).
At the time of 2025, current legislation does not provide for direct permission for licensed operators operating in Australia to accept cryptocurrencies as a means of paying bets or withdrawing winnings. Reasons:
- the need for strict control over the sources of funds;
- player identification (KYC) and money laundering prevention (AML) requirements;
- limited transaction tracking capabilities in anonymous blockchains.
2. How it works in practice
Australian licensed casinos - usually accept only AUDs and support local payment systems (PayID, POLi, BPAY). Cryptocurrencies are not officially integrated.
International licensed casinos (Curacao, MGA) - can offer cryptocurrency deposits and repayments, but they are not regulated by Australian laws, which limits the legal protection of players.
Some offshore operators use a hybrid model: a cryptocurrency deposit with automatic conversion to AUD through a licensed payment provider, but this is a gray mechanism that ACMA can block.
3. Reasons for restrictions
1. AML and KYC compliance - the difficulty of verifying the origin of crypto assets.
2. Tax control - the need to report on the income of players and pay taxes.
3. Legal uncertainty - in Australia, cryptocurrency is recognized as an asset, not a currency, which requires separate regulation.
4. Risks for consumers - volatility of rates and the possibility of loss of funds in case of sharp fluctuations.
4. International practice
Malta (MGA) - allows cryptocurrencies, subject to the integration of a licensed payment provider and a full KYC player.
Curacao - allows the acceptance of cryptocurrencies directly, often without conversion, which makes this market popular with cryptocasinos.
UK (UKGC) - allows crypto payments, but only with proven transaction transparency and cooperation with licensed crypto providers.
5. What it means for Australian players
In ACMA licensed casinos - cryptocurrency is not available, deposits and withdrawals are carried out in AUD through banking and local payment systems.
In offshore casinos, cryptocurrency may be available, but the player loses the protection of Australian authorities in disputes.
When using crypto exchangers, conversion to AUD before the deposit is possible, but this lengthens the process and adds commissions.
6. How to check the legality of cryptopathy
1. Explore the "Payments" section of the casino website.
2. Check if the operator has an ACMA license or is operating under an international license.
3. Make sure that cryptocurrency payment is made through a licensed payment provider (in the case of international casinos).
4. Avoid anonymous transactions without KYC - they most often signal a gray pattern.
Conclusion:
- Licensed online casinos in Australia cannot by law directly accept cryptocurrency. Players wanting to use digital assets can turn to international operators, but must understand that in this case they lose the protection of Australian regulators and act at their own risk.
