As the 2026 edition of Global Gaming Expo (G2E) kicked off on Monday at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, attendees engaged in a lively discussion about the role of cryptocurrency in regulated gaming. The panel, moderated by industry consultant Jonathan Michaels, featured three experts, each bringing unique insights into the intersection of gaming and finance: Earle Hall, CEO of AXES, Rich Winley, CEO of Payline, and Lindsay Slader, chief growth officer of UBank.
This panel convened shortly after the US Senate declined to move forward with the CLARITY Act, a significant federal cryptocurrency bill. While some parts of the gaming industry celebrated this development due to its implications for the emerging prediction market sector, it's important to note that the GENIUS Act—a similar piece of legislation—was signed into law in July 2025. The GENIUS Act introduced a framework for stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency pegged to assets like the US dollar.
Panelists discussed the necessity of federal legislation like the CLARITY Act to create an optimal regulatory environment for cryptocurrency in gaming. They suggested that despite the lack of federal progress, there are still opportunities for advancement in the industry's use of crypto. "I feel like we have all these tools in our toolbelt where we could really spin it up quickly if we wanted to, regardless of what's happening in the federal government," said Lindsay Slader.
Despite potential advantages, the gaming industry's reluctance to adopt cryptocurrency remained a significant point of discussion. This hesitance is evident when considering the industry's ongoing reliance on cash and traditional banking practices. Since the beginning of 2025, five multimillion-dollar anti-money laundering fines have been issued, including a $7.2 million penalty against the Venetian.
Hall pointed out the efficiency of crypto and stablecoins, explaining, "The foundation of a crypto or stablecoin technology is the most secure and the fastest means of moving a transaction." He likened casino chips to basic stablecoins, emphasizing their fixed value and the tracking by issuers.
Additionally, achieving a seamless user experience is crucial for adopting cryptocurrency in gaming. Winley stressed the need for the industry to modernize its transaction process, indicating that accelerating this change would be beneficial for user uptake.
A recent study from the American Gaming Association revealed insights linking gambling with financial literacy. Players scored higher in financial literacy compared to non-gamblers, with 41% of gamblers classified as "highly financially literate" compared to 27% of non-gamblers. Such findings suggest that bettors might be receptive to increased crypto payment options if regulations can adapt to this demand.
According to a separate June study by Paysafe, the adoption of cryptocurrencies among online sports bettors is more than double the national average, with predictions that it will become a leading payment method in major markets like New York and Illinois.
Slader acknowledged the banking community's historical skepticism toward gaming but expressed optimism about integrating crypto into a regulated landscape. "I think we do need to help gaming regulators understand this entire system and help them become comfortable with what this ecosystem that the player’s going to be in still looks like," she said, emphasizing that essential regulatory checks, such as KYC and responsible gaming procedures, would remain in place during a player's journey.
