The SiGMA EURO-Med 2025 conference in Malta has once again brought together the world’s leading voices in iGaming, fintech, and blockchain. This year, one theme dominated the panels, workshops, and expo floor: crypto payments.
From stablecoin adoption to regulatory clarity under Europe’s MiCA framework, crypto is no longer a niche experiment. It is becoming the new financial backbone of iGaming operators and merchants across Europe and beyond.
In this article, we’ll explore why crypto payments were such a hot topic at SiGMA EURO-Med, the regulatory shifts taking place in 2025, and what this means for iGaming operators, merchants, and consumers.
The global iGaming market is growing rapidly, and with it comes the demand for fast, reliable, and secure payment methods. Crypto is stepping up to meet that demand.
Crypto transactions, especially those using stablecoins like USDT and USDC, can clear in seconds. This bypasses traditional banking delays, which often frustrate international players.
Payment processors and card networks can charge significant fees. Crypto rails cut down on these costs, giving both operators and players better value.
Players who prefer discretion see crypto as a natural choice. Blockchain transactions allow for secure transfers without exposing unnecessary personal data.
Malta has long been recognized as a hub for iGaming innovation. Its regulatory framework is now adapting to support crypto adoption, making it a model for other jurisdictions.
One of the most attended tracks at SiGMA 2025 was regulation. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), fully enforced in 2025, was at the center of debate.
For the iGaming industry, this represents a major milestone. Crypto is shifting from a “grey area” into a regulated, accepted financial tool.
Just a few years ago, iGaming operators were hesitant to embrace crypto due to volatility and compliance uncertainties. In 2025, that hesitation is fading.
Thanks to crypto payment gateways like Finrax, operators can:
👉 Learn more about Finrax crypto payment solutions.
At SiGMA EURO-Med, several surveys were presented showing that:
This signals a major shift in player expectations—operators that don’t offer crypto risk losing market share.
Industry leaders highlighted stablecoins as the perfect bridge between fiat and crypto, offering speed, security, and stability.
Operators were given step-by-step guidance on ensuring compliance while integrating crypto payment solutions.
Providers, including Finrax, showcased turnkey crypto payment solutions that seamlessly integrate into existing merchant infrastructures.
Looking ahead, three trends stand out:
The 2025 SiGMA EURO-Med has made it clear: crypto payments are not just the future of iGaming—they are the present. With regulatory clarity, stablecoin stability, and consumer demand on the rise, operators can no longer afford to ignore the opportunity.
For merchants, the key is to partner with a reliable provider. With Finrax, iGaming operators can integrate crypto payments with full compliance, automated settlement, and user-friendly APIs.
👉 Discover more about Finrax crypto payment solutions and how to future-proof your iGaming business.