The Future of Cryptocasinos at SBC Lisbon 2025
Crypto iGaming at SBC Lisbon: Radical Transparency meets Global Growth
At SBC Summit Lisbon 2025, our CEO, Tiago Almeida, joined a thought-provoking panel with Andrew Gellatly, Mark Robinson, Melissa Lamb, Oscar Silver, and Stefan Kovach to discuss the future of cryptocasinos.
The clear takeaway? Crypto is too relevant to ignore. Just as payments transformed online gaming in the past – democratizing access in a matter of years – crypto now stands as the next frontier. While some operators experiment and others wait cautiously, the momentum is undeniable.
As Tiago emphasized:
“Any platform providers with this kind of solution can enable a widget to tell us how much was withdrawn during that specific day. So, as a regulator, you don’t even need to ask. You might have APIs, safe reports, saves, and so on. But this is transparency for the community. It’s an instant indicator of how reliable the operator is.”
For Oddsgate, the vision is clear: compliance and radical transparency are not barriers – they are the foundation of true innovation.
Brazil: Strict by Design
Today, Brazil stands as one of the most restrictive environments for cryptocasinos:
Law 14.790/2023 and Ministry of Finance ordinances prohibit crypto payments by licensed operators;
Transactions must be in BRL via PIX, TED, debit, or prepaid methods;
Credit cards, e-wallets, and crypto are excluded;
Strict AML/KYC, LGPD data protection, and financial reporting rules apply.
This compliance-heavy framework prioritizes consumer protection and traceability but leaves no room for crypto.
As Tiago highlighted, the context matters: before PIX, millions of Brazilians were excluded from digital financial services. PIX unlocked universal access and instant payments. The next step, crypto, could unlock new freedoms and richer digital experiences – once trust and compliance catch up.
International Contrast: Where Innovation meets Regulation
While Brazil restricts, other jurisdictions experiment:
Malta integrates blockchain and virtual assets under AML/KYC oversight.
Curaçao’s updated LOK framework enforces compliance without excluding crypto.
Portugal accepts foreign casinos and does not block the adoption of blockchain technology.
Meanwhile, the UK, US, and Canada approach crypto cautiously, citing volatility and money laundering risks.
This creates a dual-speed world: some markets tighten control, others test innovation with compliance. Operators entering these markets face increasingly complex audits of their ownership structures, financial systems, providers, and partnerships.
Who are the New Crypto Players?
Crypto gaming is no longer just for tech enthusiasts. In 2025, the new wave of players is experience-first, not technology-first:
Demographics: Mostly 18-35, mobile-first, growing female participation.
Motivations: Seeking speed, privacy, and unique experiences.
Expectations: Wide game variety, aggressive promotions, instant withdrawals, and provably fair gameplay.
Behavior: Engaged in staking, NFTs, token programs, and blockchain-backed loyalty.
For this generation, crypto isn’t a niche – it’s a natural extension of their digital lifestyle.
Global Influences: The US Factor
Cultural and political narratives are also accelerating the adoption of cryptocurrency. In the US, the Trump family’s involvement through World Liberty Financial (WLF) brought blockchain into global headlines.
Barron Trump is positioned as WLF’s crypto-savvy co-founder and “Web3 ambassador”;
He reportedly earned nearly $40 million in token initiatives within 10 months;
Former President Donald Trump claimed Barron “knows more about wallets than anyone in the family.”
This convergence of politics, culture, and finance illustrates how external forces can rapidly influence the acceptance of crypto – and why iGaming cannot ignore the trend.
Why Players want Cryptocasinos?
The global appeal of crypto casinos is simple:
Speed: Near-instant deposits and withdrawals;
Low Fees: Reduced intermediaries, especially for cross-border transactions;
Privacy: No banking data required;
Global Access: Borderless, inclusive payments;
Innovation: Bonuses in stablecoins, NFTs, and tokenized VIP programs.
This is not about replacing fiat – it’s about expanding player experiences and creating ecosystems of ownership, interaction, and creativity.
Asia is leading the adoption curve, followed by the US, then Africa and LatAm.
Radical Transparency: The Path Forward
The most powerful insight from SBC Lisbon 2025 is that the future of crypto iGaming will be built on radical transparency.
Imagine regulators and communities no longer needing to request data, as on-chain transactions and APIs provide proof in real-time.
This shift will move cryptocasinos from hype to reality:
Transparent;
Auditable;
Trustworthy.
All while delivering the speed, privacy, and innovation players demand.
At Oddsgate, we believe compliance and innovation are not opposites but partners. The path to mainstream adoption lies in building platforms that are transparent, reliable, and ready for the future of iGaming.
