According to the latest data from reputable sources like the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), the adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology in the United Kingdom is on the rise.
Ownership of crypto assets continues to increase year on year, and close to 15% of the UK adult population currently own crypto assets, with more people than ever using this alternative payment solution.
With that said, let’s now dive straight in and take a closer look at crypto adoption in the United Kingdom and why it is becoming the preferred online payment method for more people than ever.
Why is crypto adoption on the rise in the UK?
Recent statistics have revealed that the percentage of crypto asset owners in the UK is around 15% and that the average value held by individuals has also climbed. Much of this has been attributed to increased crypto awareness, better regulations, and the growing stability of digital coins (less volatility).
Do all websites in the UK accept cryptocurrency as a payment method?
Today, many trusted online merchants that accept payments on their websites welcome cryptocurrency at their virtual cashier/banking sections, meaning people in the United Kingdom can use various legitimate cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and others, as a viable payment method when purchasing goods and services.
Is it possible to use cryptocurrency on UK iGaming sites?
While it’s not against the law to use cryptocurrency on iGaming sites, such as online casinos, dedicated poker sites, online sportsbooks, or bingo & lottery sites, there are currently no UK-licensed brands that accept cryptocurrency in their cashier sections.
In other words, people who sign up to these legally permitted sites still cannot use cryptocurrencies to top up their accounts or cash out their winnings. It’s still considered a grey area, despite many other trusted iGaming sites across the world adopting this payment method.
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission – the official governing body that oversees all real money gambling activities in this region, is still trying to determine how existing gambling laws apply to blockchain technology/cryptocurrency payments.
Therefore, people living in the UK may soon be able to start using cryptocurrency at the checkout. For the time being, they can use traditional online payment methods, such as bank transfers and credit/debit cards, or various other modern APMs (alternative payment methods), such as digital wallets and prepaid cards.
Some of the top UK payment methods in 2025 include the following:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Trustly
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Apple Pay
- Neteller
Some sites also accept various other trusted online payment methods, such as Paysafecard, Google Pay, and Maestro, to name just a few.
What are the benefits of using cryptocurrency to pay for things online?
Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are dramatically revolutionising the online payments sector. The decentralised nature of this technology promises total anonymity because payments/transactions aren’t tracked or monitored by any central government organisations or financial institutions.
In other words, cryptocurrencies enhance online privacy and safeguard anonymity and online freedom.
Additionally, the cryptocurrency payment method is cheaper than traditional online payment methods, such as bank transfers, credit cards, and debit cards, and crypto payments are processed quicker and more securely because of the higher levels of end-to-end cryptographic encryption used in the transaction process.
The FCA in the UK recently unveiled plans to regulate cryptocurrency better, and lawmakers are also working to clarify the legal landscape surrounding the use of cryptocurrencies as adoption grows.
Cryptocurrencies eliminate the need for people to use credit/debit cards and bank transfers, and people don’t need to provide any other banking details or personal information. Crypto is widely deemed as a more secure, convenient, and user-friendly way to pay for things online, and many people agree that it’s only a matter of time before it becomes the number one payment method in the UK and across the globe.
Besides Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), some of the other popular cryptocurrencies that you might want to consider when buying, holding, using at the checkout, and selling), are Tether (USDT), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ripple (XRP), and DogeCoin (DOGE).
That’s not forgetting Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), and TRON (TRX). You can purchase cryptocurrencies like these on a growing number of trusted online trading platforms.
Final thoughts
Before we go, it’s important to mention that investing in cryptocurrencies is just like investing in things like bonds, stocks, and commodities. It comes with risks, and you are never guaranteed a return on your initial investment.
Also, if you decide to sign up to a legally permitted UK iGaming site, always remember to gamble responsibly by using the safer gambling tools that your operator provides. Only use money that you can afford to lose when investing in crypto or betting online, and always start by setting a reasonable spending budget before investing or placing real money wagers online.
Comments by Alyssa