Crypto Gambling Regulations: What You Need to Know Before You Play

Crypto gambling is a form of online gambling that uses cryptocurrency as its main currency. It works by allowing users to place bets and wagers using digital coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, or other cryptocurrencies. Unlike traditional gambling, crypto gambling offers faster and more secure payouts, with transactions completed in minutes rather than days.

Additionally, most crypto gambling platforms provide greater anonymity using blockchain technology. These platforms don’t require users to share their personal information to place bets.

The value of winnings can fluctuate significantly due to the volatility of cryptocurrencies. Thus, gamblers need to be extra careful while making online bets.

The legality of crypto gambling varies significantly from country to country. Users must understand the laws and regulations of their jurisdiction before engaging in this activity.

While some countries have embraced this new form of online betting, others have banned it altogether. For instance, the UK, Canada, and Australia have legalized crypto gambling, while it is strictly prohibited in China, Qatar, and Egypt.

The United States has a few states, including Delaware, Connecticut, West Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, that legalize online crypto punting.

Some countries, such as Malta, have established clear regulations for it, making it a popular destination for online casino operators. Other countries, such as Japan, have legalized crypto gambling but have not established clear regulatory frameworks.

However, casinos in these countries need crypto gambling licenses to run the platforms. It refers to the legal authorization required for operating online gambling platforms that accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment. The legality of online gambling varies across different states and countries, and gambling platforms are required to obtain licenses from respective regulatory bodies, such as:

• USA – Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)
• Malta – Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
• Australia – Northern Territory Racing Commission (NTRC)
• United Kingdom – U.K. Gambling Commission
• Canada – Curacao Gambling Control Board

Many gamblers use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access offshore casinos that restrict access in their regions. Some of the commonly used VPNs for online gambling are NordVPN, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and iPVanish.

Since blockchain-based casinos are of a decentralized nature, licensing is not necessarily relevant when it comes to choosing crypto gambling casinos. It also allows for transparency and fairness in the digital gambling world.

Nevertheless, playing at unlicensed casinos can be risky. Players should always conduct research to ensure they are dealing with a trustworthy platform. Ensure to check whether the unlicensed decentralized casino has a good track record.

AML and KYC requirements regarding crypto gambling are less clear due to inconsistent regulations on the use of cryptocurrencies globally. However, these regulations can help prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and other forms of financial crime by ensuring that online casinos are not used as a front for illicit activities.

AML regulations can let online casinos monitor their customers’ transactions for any suspicious activity. AML’s subset, KYC, can verify the identity of its customers before allowing them to gamble. It’ll include obtaining personal information such as name, address, and date of birth.

However, some casinos may not request KYC. This could be due to the desire to maintain the anonymity of their customers, or the lack of legal requirements in certain jurisdictions.

Moreover, the principles of anonymity and data privacy are fundamental to the Web3 ethos in the context of crypto gambling. While AML and KYC regulations are essential in preventing financial crime, they can conflict with the principles of anonymity and data privacy that many Web3-based casinos value.

However, it is possible to strike a balance between these two principles by implementing privacy-preserving solutions such as zero-knowledge proofs and multi-party computation.

Before we move ahead, it’s important to note that we are not financial advisers or tax experts. However, we are capable of sharing basic information on the topic due to our expertise in the field.

One must also know that the tax implications of crypto gambling winnings can be complex. Thus, we advise seeking professional tax advice to ensure compliance with local tax laws. Ensure to keep accurate records of all gambling activities, including wins and losses, to assist in calculating any potential tax liabilities.

In general, the tax implications of crypto gambling winnings depend on the jurisdiction in which the gambler resides. Some countries, such as the United States, tax all gambling winnings as income, including those from crypto gambling. In this case, the gambler would be required to report their winnings, and pay taxes on them at the applicable rate.

When one sells cryptocurrency acquired from gambling, it generates a capital gain or loss based on the fluctuations in its value since the acquisition. The tax rate on gambling profits ranges from 0-37%, depending on one’s tax bracket. Keep in mind that virtual casinos do not automatically deduct taxes. Hence it is the user’s obligation to monitor their gambling winnings, and ensure that they have adequate US dollars to settle any related tax obligations.

In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, gambling winnings are not generally taxed, but there may be exceptions. For instance, if the gambler is a professional gambler, then they may be subject to income tax on their winnings.

Similarly, gambling winnings are not generally taxed in Australia, but the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) may consider a gambler’s winnings as assessable income in certain circumstances. For example, if the gambler engages in gambling activities as a business, they would be required to pay taxes on their winnings.

Multiple crypto regulation bills are yet to pass that are anticipated to impact crypto gambling. One of the most notable is the proposed Infrastructure Bill in the United States, which includes provisions for increased reporting requirements and taxation for cryptocurrency transactions.

Additionally, a few new regulation bills will be introduced to enhance the reporting of tax information, which was previously accomplished through the distribution of 1099 forms. Crypto exchanges will be required to issue a modified 1099 form, specifically designed for digital assets, known as the 1099 Form-DA.

Moreover, three more bills have been introduced to Congress since April, last year, aimed at regulating cryptocurrency and digital assets.

In Europe, the Markets In Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation, which has been the subject of much debate, is anticipated to come into effect in the early months of 2023. MiCA aims to address drawbacks in current EU financial services regulations by creating a standardized framework of guidelines for crypto-assets, and other relevant services and activities.

Moreover, as part of the Australian Federal Budget for the fiscal year 2022-2023, the government has announced its intention to classify cryptocurrency as an investment asset. Thus, it will be subject to capital gains tax (CGT). As a result, investors will be required to monitor each transaction involving the trading, purchase, gift, or sale of cryptocurrency to determine whether they have incurred a capital gain or loss.

Crypto users have shown their concern about the possible restrictions on crypto gambling due to these upcoming regulations.

However, no regulation is currently being proposed or suggested that could eradicate or prohibit cryptocurrency or crypto gambling through regulatory means. Moreover, such measures are improbable due to the increasing institutional adoption of digital assets. In fact, financial leaders worldwide have embraced cryptocurrencies just as much as retail investors, indicating a positive outlook for their future.

Thus, we don’t think there is a need to worry about any future restrictions or bans on the online gambling of cryptocurrencies. But, players must stay updated with the newly implemented bills.

It is likely that there will be increased regulatory scrutiny of cryptocurrency in the coming years. However, the exact impact of these regulations on the crypto-gambling industry remains to be seen. It will be important for operators, and users alike to stay informed about any changes in the regulatory landscape.

Additionally, regulations around crypto gambling are still in their infancy. Thus, it is viable to evolve over time.

Online gambling continues to evolve, and crypto gambling is no exception. Therefore, staying updated on the legalities of cryptocurrency betting is important for gamblers. In this article we discussed how crypto gambling payouts works, and what the existing regulations on withdrawals earned across different countries are. We also reviewed the tax implications and future regulations pertaining to the crypto sector.

One way to get the most out of this new gambling world is to keep exploring its exciting offerings. So, ensure to stay informed about regulations, taxes, and best practices.