Betsson bets on crypto-casinos
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6 Feb 2026 •
Reading time: 4 minutes In a rapidly changing online gambling sector, Swedish player Betsson AB is positioning itself cautiously but ambitiously around regulated crypto-casinos.
Growing interest in regulated crypto-casinos
Recently, rumours circulated around a possible takeover by Betsson of the crypto brands owned by the Yolo Group, including Sportsbet.io and Bitcasino.io, two iconic cryptocurrency betting and casino platforms. A potential offer of less than €50 million has been mooted by Australian media outlet The Australian, which represents a fraction of the past value of these platforms.
While Betsson declined to comment on the speculation, its executives shared a broader view of how the sector is evolving. According to Pontus Lindwall, CEO of Betsson AB, the momentum in favour of regulated crypto-casinos is building, but it is still a long-term play rather than an immediate movement.
This caution is explained by a still fragmented legal environment: only a few jurisdictions currently allow the direct use of cryptocurrencies in licensed online gaming transactions. In this context, Betsson favours a measured approach, monitoring the maturation of regulatory frameworks before committing fully.
Regulation, new frameworks and controlled risks
For Lindwall, one of the important milestones for the development of cryptocurrency gaming is the European MiCA (Markets in Crypto Assets) regulation, which establishes rules for the use of digital assets. He believes that forward-thinking regulators, provided they impose strict controls against money laundering, could pave the way for wider adoption of crypto-casinos.
“The industry is cautiously moving in this direction. In the medium term, I expect to see a gradual increase in regulated crypto-currency offerings. Regulatory frameworks are evolving – for example, the EU’s MiCA regulations are laying the foundations for how digital assets are treated, and some forward-looking regulators are open to the idea, provided strict anti-money laundering controls are in place,” Lindwall confided in an interview.
However, he stressed that, in the short term, crypto-casinos will remain more of a curiosity than a norm until solid frameworks are established.
Betsson is not alone in observing these developments. Markets such as Malta, the Isle of Man, certain Canadian provinces and the United Arab Emirates are already exploring specific frameworks for integrating cryptocurrency into gaming. At the same time, initiatives such as the MiCA Crypto Alliance are working to simplify and harmonise regulatory compliance across Europe. Despite these opportunities, Betsson’s management stresses the importance of managing the risks associated with problem gambling, currency volatility and money laundering, before fully embracing crypto propositions in regulated markets.
Towards wider adoption? The vision of leaders
Alongside Lindwall, Jesper Svensson, COO of the Betsson Group, also expressed an optimistic but realistic vision. In his view, the adoption of cryptocurrencies in the gaming sector reflects a natural evolution in user behaviour, as the technology matures and regulators adjust.
“It’s already evolving, with regulation starting to catch up with user behaviour. It’s a natural progression as technology and the regulatory landscape continue to evolve,” says Svensson.
This regulatory breakthrough is not an isolated phenomenon. In the UK, for example, the CEO of the Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes, recently indicated that the UK government could no longer ignore the growth in the use of cryptocurrencies among young punters, insisting on the need for a regulatory framework to oversee these practices.
Where does Yolo fit into this transition?
At the centre of the discussions is Yolo Group, which built its success around Sportsbet.io and Bitcasino.io, two of the first platforms to accept Bitcoins.
In 2025, Yolo embarked on a major strategic transformation, announcing the future integration of its brands under a single entity, Yolo.com, and seeking to pivot towards fully regulated markets. This shift is accompanied by a stronger presence in regions such as the United Arab Emirates, where it has obtained supplier licences for the regulated market. According to Lara Falzon, CEO of the Group’s B2B business, this change of direction creates numerous opportunities and a competitive advantage.
The discussions surrounding a possible sale of Yolo’s crypto brands to Betsson are part of this transition, where incumbent players in unregulated markets are seeking to reposition themselves to meet the growing demands of regulators and secure their future in certified legal environments.
At a time when the regulation of cryptocurrencies is progressing slowly but surely, Betsson is adopting a balanced strategy: observe, understand and act at the right time. Rather than jumping in headlong, the group is betting on measured, compliant growth.