“Crypto should be regulated like gambling”, UK said

**UK Gambling Commission Calls for Cryptocurrency Regulation Within Two Years**

The UK Gambling Commission has accelerated its timeline for cryptocurrency regulation, warning that Bitcoin and digital assets should be regulated similarly to gambling due to growing regulatory gaps. CEO Andrew Rhodes announced at the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) conference on October 24, 2025, that comprehensive crypto regulation is now just "12 to 24 months away" – a significant shift from the previous five-year projection.

The regulatory body highlighted critical concerns around cryptocurrency licensing requirements, anti-money laundering (AML) controls, and the increasing exposure of younger demographics to digital asset trading. This development signals major implications for the blockchain and DeFi sectors operating in the UK market.

The accelerated regulatory timeline reflects mounting pressure on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies as mainstream adoption grows. Market participants should prepare for stricter compliance frameworks that could reshape the UK's digital asset landscape. The gambling-style regulation approach suggests authorities view crypto trading as high-risk speculation rather than traditional investment, potentially impacting market sentiment and institutional cryptocurrency adoption across Britain's financial sector.