Is It Legal to Gamble at Crypto Casinos?

are crypto casinos legal

The short answer to the question “Are crypto casinos legal?” is yes, crypto casinos are perfectly legal in and of themselves. But your access to crypto gambling sites very much depends on where you are living and the laws in your jurisdiction.

A crypto gambling site allows you to fund your online casino account and play your favorite casino games with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. You can learn more about the crypto casino industry in our recent blog post, which explores how crypto casinos work.

Let’s explore the legal landscape of crypto gambling and how gambling laws change from country to country.

The legality of crypto gambling varies widely across the globe, a sure reflection of the diverse regulatory landscape and attitudes towards digital currencies and online gambling.

While some countries like the UK or Malta have been quick to legislate, introducing measures to ensure customer protection, others, like China, have a complete ban on online gambling, which includes crypto casinos.

Others still have an unclear regulatory landscape, which complicates decision-making for players as they determine which sites are legal and compliant with local laws.

The table below provides an overview of crypto-gambling legislation in English-speaking countries:

Country Is Crypto Gambling Legal? Source
Canada Legal, but ensure compliance with provincial regulations. AGCO
Australia Banned as of June 2024. X-Press Magazine
United States Cryptocurrencies are perfectly legal, but gambling laws vary by state. They are currently legal in Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. World Population Review
United Kingdom It is not illegal, but the UK Gambling Commission must license it, and the source of funds must be appropriately scrutinized. UKGC

Canada

Crypto gambling is perfectly legal in Canada. However, legislation has been rolled out on a provincial basis.

Canadians can use cryptocurrencies to gamble at both locally regulated online casinos and international crypto casinos. Still, you must check the specific crypto-gambling regulations in your province to ensure you are adequately protected.

canada crypto gambling

Australia

Crypto gambling in Australia is a bit more complicated. While the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) doesn’t explicitly mention cryptocurrencies, the country has cracked down on using digital currencies for online gambling.

In June 2024, Australia banned using crypto and credit cards for online gambling to protect consumers. However, the onus is on the operator rather than the player, and Australian players can still access and play at offshore casinos offering crypto transactions.

australia crypto gambling

United States

The legality of crypto gambling in the USA is a mixed bag as legislation is on a state-by-state basis. While some states, such as Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia, have legalized online gambling, the specific status of crypto casinos can be unclear.

It’s essential to check the regulations in your state to know where you stand. It’s also necessary to always ensure you’re using a reputable and fully licensed online casino site to stay on the right side of the law.

litecoin crypto gambling USA

United Kingdom

Crypto gambling in the UK is something of a gray area. While no specific legislation outright bans it, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) requires all gambling operators, including those using cryptocurrencies, to have a UK-issued gambling license.

Any crypto casino must comply with the same regulations as traditional online casinos, including anti-money laundering regulations. So, while Bitcoin gambling is not explicitly illegal in the UK, it is heavily regulated and requires compliance with local legislation.

bitcoin crypto UK

Crypto Gambling Laws in the Rest of the World

Looking further afield can get even more complicated regarding general crypto gambling laws. Many European countries have already legalized and regulated online gambling and offer crypto casino licensing.

Conversely, online gambling is prohibited in many parts of the Middle East and Asia, with strict penalties for participation and geolocation bans on certain websites. Some exceptions, such as the Philippines and Japan, exist.

Regulations in Key Jurisdictions

United States

Crypto gambling laws in the US are complex. While federal laws like the UIGEA regulate online gambling platforms, their application to cryptocurrencies is ambiguous.

Each state has its own specific regulations, which are constantly changing, leading to a patchwork of legalities that can be complicated to navigate.

European Union

The European Union can be seen similarly, with laws varying by member states. Each country has its own regulations and licensing requirements.

Some offer established regulatory frameworks, while others are unclear. Others—like France—have a blanket ban on crypto gambling.

Asia

Rapid change is also occurring in Asian countries as more markets emerge as significant regional players. In China, for example, gambling is illegal in all forms, including online sports betting, but like in Australia, players can take advantage of online platforms with international licensing.

Latin America and Africa

Latin America has been very forward-thinking regarding Bitcoin gambling, with countries like El Salvador and Panama fully embracing cryptocurrencies. On the other hand, Bolivia and Ecuador have banned crypto altogether.

The situation is similarly diverse in the African continent, where you will find online gambling fully legalized and regulated in South Africa yet entirely banned in places like Morocco and Algeria.

Players who opt to gamble at online crypto casinos in countries without established regulatory frameworks are exposing themselves to higher risks, such as fraud, scams, and issues with dispute resolution.

Without relevant accountability, there is nothing to stop nefarious operators in unregulated jurisdictions from compromising player safety and manipulating the fairness of the gaming experience.

Ensuring Compliance and Safety

To find a regulated crypto casino, you can check for a few telltale signs that an operator is trustworthy:

  1. Look for licensing details, usually available in the website footer.
  2. For secure transactions, check for website security measures, such as SSL encryption.
  3. The availability of customer service representatives usually indicates an operator’s credibility.

Crypto Gambling Tax

Crypto gambling tax is another consideration that will vary based on your location. Countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada do not tax your gambling winnings, whereas, in the US, you must declare any gambling winnings as part of your income for the financial year.

To remain compliant with local laws, it’s important to have a firm understanding of your obligations regarding declaring winnings and paying crypto gambling taxes.

Can You Play Legally in Crypto Casinos?

In simple words, yes, crypto gambling is legal in many jurisdictions, but you must check local online gambling laws and only play at reputable crypto casinos like EVO.io.