Bitcoin sports betting is on the rise in 2025. People love how fast it is, how easy it is to use across borders, and how it skips traditional banks. But there’s one thing a lot of bettors still aren’t clear on: is it actually legal to bet with Bitcoin?
That’s a fair question—and the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. It depends a lot on where you live, the platform you use, and how the local laws are written (or not written, in many cases).
Let’s break down how the legal side of Bitcoin sports betting looks this year, without getting buried in legalese. But first, let’s see why betting with Bitcoin is even worth the trouble.
Why Bitcoin Became A Betting Favorite
Traditional payment systems can be a hassle, especially in countries where banks block gambling-related transactions. Bitcoin sidesteps all of that. It’s fast, doesn’t require personal banking info, and allows people to access betting platforms that might not be available otherwise. All thanks to a blockchain that allows money to be sent straight to betting accounts from a crypto wallet without middlemen.
In fact, around 30% of all online betting volume in 2023 came from crypto, with Bitcoin bets accounting for 73% of it. So it’s not just some side trend—it’s a big part of the online betting world now.
The Legal Situation: It’s Complicated
The biggest confusion around Bitcoin betting is that many assume if Bitcoin is legal, betting with it must be too. But that’s not always the case.
Most countries haven’t caught up with how fast crypto changes things. In many states, online gambling is legal, but betting with crypto isn’t clearly mentioned. That means bettors are often in a gray zone—not technically doing anything illegal, but also not protected by any laws.
There are also countries where gambling itself is illegal or heavily restricted, so adding Bitcoin into the mix doesn’t make it any more allowed.
How Different Countries Handle It
In the United States, sports betting is legal in several states, but crypto sportsbooks aren’t licensed anywhere. That means most U.S. players use offshore platforms, which are accessible but not exactly legal. The platforms aren’t breaking American laws directly, but players are gambling without any kind of regulation to back them up if something goes wrong.
The UK is a bit stricter. The Gambling Commission doesn’t currently approve platforms that accept only crypto. UK players still use offshore sites, but if there’s a dispute, they’re out of luck legally.
Across the European Union, things vary. Countries like Germany put tighter controls on online gambling, while places like Malta are more open to crypto-based operators. The situation is similar in Canada, where some provinces allow regulated sports betting, but not many licensed platforms accept Bitcoin just yet. That said, Canadians still flock to offshore crypto sportsbooks in large numbers.
In Australia, the law says online betting is fine, but local platforms don’t support crypto payments. Bettors there turn to offshore options too, which technically breaks national rules, though enforcement is inconsistent.
Asia is a mixed picture. Japan and South Korea have strict rules on gambling, and using Bitcoin for it just adds another layer of risk. But the Philippines has been more open, even allowing government-licensed online operators. Some of them test crypto support.
In regions like Latin America and Africa, high crypto adoption and limited access to traditional banking have made Bitcoin betting incredibly popular. Many people there bet through unregulated platforms simply because no regulated alternatives exist. The laws are often unclear or outdated, so enforcement is rare, but players still take on plenty of risk.
What Can Go Wrong?
Even if it’s not technically illegal in your country, betting on unregulated sites can bring some problems.
First, if a platform decides not to pay out your winnings or freezes your account, there’s no legal authority to complain to. Some platforms might also vanish overnight or suddenly start enforcing rules they never mentioned before.
And then there’s taxes. In a lot of countries, crypto gambling winnings are taxable, even if the site is unlicensed. Skipping that part could land you in trouble with your local tax office, even if your bets were totally ignored by gambling regulators.
How To Stay Out Of Trouble
If you’re thinking about betting with Bitcoin, the safest route is to check what’s actually allowed where you live. Some countries start to license crypto-friendly sportsbooks, though they’re still rare.
When choosing a platform, look for one that holds a license from a known authority like Malta, the Comoros Islands, or Curaçao. That won’t protect you from everything, but it’s a step up from trusting a random anonymous website. Also, be careful with VPNs — some platforms say they allow them, others will lock your account if they find out.
In general, if a site is shady, has no contact info, and makes huge promises, it’s probably not a great place to risk your money.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin makes it easier to bet online, but it doesn’t wipe out the legal side of things. In 2025, the rules around crypto betting are still all over the place. Some countries start to get clearer about it, while others haven’t said much at all.
If you’re using Bitcoin to bet on sports, make sure you know what’s legal in your country and that you play on a reliable Bitcoin sports betting platform. Crypto might feel like it’s outside the system, but if something goes wrong, you’ll wish the system had your back.
