Global Crypto Gambling Surges Past $81 Billion

Key Takeaways

• Regulatory frameworks in Malta and Gibraltar are tightening, with enhanced AML/KYC requirements for crypto operations, boosting operator confidence in Europe.
• Blockchain partnerships like Everything Blockchain and XR Global integrate Layer-2 solutions for scalable, provably fair gaming across Asia-Pacific.
• Global crypto gambling revenue surges to $81 billion projection, driven by Solana and Polygon adoptions in Curacao-licensed platforms.

Everything Blockchain Partners with XR Global for Immersive iGaming

On November 14, Everything Blockchain Inc. launched a suite of blockchain solutions tailored for iGaming, integrating with XR Global's XR Casino platform. This partnership deploys smart contracts on Ethereum Layer-2 networks, such as Polygon, for real-time transaction verification, supporting tokens like ETH and USDT. The system enables provably fair mechanics where game outcomes are hashed on-chain, allowing users to independently audit results via explorers like Polygon Scan (contract address: 0x...example for demo purposes).

Focused on Curacao and Malta jurisdictions, the integration complies with local AML directives by embedding wallet screening and geo-fencing for restricted regions. XR Casino, licensed by Curacao eGaming, now offers AR/VR experiences with gas-optimized deposits as low as $0.01, reducing latency for high-volume slots and table games. Operators benefit from automated revenue splits via smart contracts, cutting administrative costs by 40%, while users gain enhanced privacy without full KYC for low-stakes play. This move signals broader adoption in Asia-Pacific, where iGaming revenue hit $10 billion last quarter, potentially accelerating the industry-wide adoption of tokenized loyalty programs.

Source: Globe Newswire

Malta Gaming Authority Updates AML Framework for Crypto Platforms

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) issued updated guidelines on November 18, mandating the use of blockchain-based KYC/AML tools for all licensed crypto casinos. Platforms must now integrate on-chain transaction monitoring using tools like Chainalysis and verify user identities via zero-knowledge proofs on networks such as zk-SNARK-enabled Ethereum L2s. Supported assets include BTC, ETH, and stablecoins such as USDC, with transactions over €1,000 subject to mandatory reporting to Malta's FIU.

This builds on MGA's Blockchain Sandbox, trialing integrations since 2018, and aligns with EU's 5AMLD for anti-money laundering. Curacao operators, handling 60% of global crypto bets, face similar pressures as Malta's framework influences cross-jurisdictional audits. For users, it means seamless fiat-to-crypto ramps via partners like Ramp Network, supporting EUR and GBP conversions in under 60 seconds. Operators report 25% faster compliance audits, reducing downtime, while the industry sees fewer illicit flows—down 15% in Q3 per Chainalysis data. As Malta licenses 300+ platforms, this could standardize global standards, deter unregulated entrants, and foster trust in Europe's €15 billion crypto gambling segment.

Source: Blockchain Reporter

Crypto Gambling Market Reaches $81 Billion Milestone

SiGMA reported on November 21 that the global crypto gambling sector will exceed $81 billion in 2025 revenue, fueled by blockchain integrations on Solana and Avalanche for low-latency betting. Platforms under Gibraltar licenses now support 50+ tokens, including SOL and AVAX, with gas fees as low as $0.001 via optimistic rollups, enabling instant settlements for live sports and slots.

In Estonia and Australia, where regulators like the NT Racing Commission mandate weekly crypto bet reporting, this growth reflects 30% YoY adoption in play-to-earn models. Compliance features include automated AML checks via BSC smart contracts and blocking high-risk wallets in line with FATF guidelines. Users in these jurisdictions enjoy borderless access, with deposits in local fiat like AUD converted via Transak, enhancing accessibility for 200 million monthly players. Operators benefit from scalable infrastructure that handles 10x volume spikes without crashes, while the sector's shift reduces fraud by 20% through on-chain provability. This projection underscores blockchain's role in maturing the gambling industry, potentially drawing $50 billion in institutional inflows by 2026 across regulated hubs.

Source: Tribuna.com

Jackbit Enhances No-KYC Operations with Compliance Upgrades

Jackbit announced on November 20 expansions in its no-KYC crypto casino model, adding Ramp Network integrations for fiat on-ramps in EUR, GBP, and AUD across Europe and Canada. Built on BNB Smart Chain, the platform uses audited smart contracts (verified on Bsc Scan: 0x...jackbit-v1) for provably fair games, supporting BNB, USDT, and BTC with sub-second confirmations.

Under Curacao licensing, Jackbit's updates include enhanced wallet screening to meet emerging AML standards and flagging mixer-linked addresses for deposits under €2,000 without mandatory ID. This balances privacy with compliance, allowing Canadian users who are geo-fenced out of high-risk areas to withdraw instantly. Operators note 35% user growth from seamless Telegram mini-app access, while 30% USDT rakeback boosts retention. For the industry, it exemplifies hybrid models navigating Gibraltar-like scrutiny, potentially influencing 100+ platforms to adopt similar tools, improving security, and reducing breach risks in a market prone to exploits.

Source: Globe Newswire

Horizen Funds Privacy-Focused Gaming Innovations

Horizen Labs allocated funding on November 19 to Gamblor Casino and Gatta Rewards, advancing privacy-preserving tools on its zk-proof-enabled blockchain. Gamblor integrates zero-knowledge verification for bets on Avalanche, supporting AVAX and stablecoins with on-chain fairness audits, while Gatta tokenizes loyalty points across Polygon for cross-brand redemptions.

Targeted at the UK and Estonian markets, these comply with FCA and local data protection laws by anonymizing user data yet enabling regulator audits via selective disclosure. Users benefit from private wallets holding tokenized rewards, redeemable without exposing transaction histories. Developers report 50% faster game deployments, with gas savings from Horizen's EON sidechain. This initiative addresses rising privacy demands, potentially cutting data breach costs—estimated at €4 million per incident—for operators in a €20 billion European niche, paving the way for scalable, compliant Web3 gaming ecosystems.

Source: Horizen Global