A new report from Paysafe suggests cryptocurrency could play a much bigger role in the future of US sports betting, with 83% of bettors expressing interest in using digital assets to fund their wagers.
These findings come from Paysafe’s “All the Ways Players Pay: Crypto Edition” report, which surveyed 2,550 active bettors and individuals who intend to place sports bets within the next 12 months.
The study highlights growing overlap between sports betting and cryptocurrency ownership. While around 30% of US adults own cryptocurrency, this figure rises to 64% among sports bettors, each owning at least one digital asset.
Participants were surveyed across several major betting markets, including Florida, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Virginia. The last two states received particular attention because they currently allow crypto deposits with licensed sportsbooks, similar to Kentucky and New Hampshire.
Wyoming And Colorado Provide Early Evidence
Among respondents in Wyoming and Colorado, 45% and 59% respectively said they had already used crypto deposit options where available.
Despite being the only surveyed states with crypto wagering access, interest levels were actually lower than elsewhere. Around 75% of Wyoming bettors and 76% of Colorado bettors said they were interested in funding wagers with cryptocurrency.
New York recorded the highest level of interest at 92%, despite sportsbooks in the state not currently offering crypto deposits. The findings suggest demand could be considerably higher if more jurisdictions permitted cryptocurrency transactions.
Regulatory Changes Influence Crypto Growth
Under Michael Seilig’s leadership, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has adopted a more supportive approach to crypto innovation. The regulator has provided guidance allowing Futures Commission Merchants to accept stablecoins as margin for derivatives transactions.
Although the CFTC has no authority over sportsbook payment rules, there is growing crossover between sports bettors and users of prediction markets. For instance, Polymarket recently reopened access to US users after a four-year absence.
Operators May Gain Competitive Advantage
Paysafe entered the market earlier this year with its “Pay with Crypto” solution, developed alongside MoonPay. The product allows iGaming and daily fantasy sports customers to fund accounts using cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.
Bitcoin, Ethereum and USD Coin remain the most widely owned assets among respondents, though bettors reported holding more than 10 additional cryptocurrencies.
As consumer demand grows, operators face increasing pressure to modernise payment systems. Paysafe believes sportsbooks that introduce crypto transactions early could gain “a competitive edge” as the industry evolves.
Paysafe’s latest survey has shown strong demand for crypto payments among bettors in the US. The highest figures were seen in Wyoming and Colorado, states already permitting these transactions. With its new “Pay with Crypto” solution, the payment provider is paving the way for a crypto revolution as its survey indicates.
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