Entertainment

Is crypto gaming growing in the UK?

Published

8 months ago

October 28, 2024

A video game controller surrounded by bitcoins photo – Free Pro gaming Image on Unsplash

The UK is witnessing a significant increase in crypto gaming, a trend that’s reshaping digital entertainment. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, its integration into the gaming industry is creating new opportunities and challenges for players, developers, and regulators alike.

Growing popularity and market expansion

Recent data shows a clear increase in crypto gaming in the UK. With a crypto adoption rate of around 11-12% among online gamers, the UK is leading the way in Europe. This growth is part of a larger global trend, with the overall blockchain gaming market expected to grow at a remarkable rate of 58.51% annually from 2024 to 2028.

The expansion is particularly evident with crypto gambling, which has seen a 25% increase in platforms over the past year. While UKGC-regulated casinos don’t accept cryptocurrencies, residents can still legally use them at offshore casinos, also known as non-Gamstop sites. These gambling sites are regulated and offer consumer protections, making them a popular choice for many players.

Non-Gamstop casinos are significantly boosting the crypto-gambling market, which is estimated to be worth about $250 million by 2024. Interest in Bitcoin casinos has increased, quadrupling between 2019 and 2021, and by 2022, about 4% of all online gambling searches were related to crypto.

Technological advancements fuelling growth

Blockchain technology is at the heart of this change, providing a level of transparency and fairness that was hard to achieve before. Smart contracts are streamlining game rules, making online gaming safer and easier. Experts believe these technological improvements will push the online gambling industry, including crypto casinos, to grow by over 10% each year.

UK developers are leading the charge in innovation. For example, Unstoppable Games launched “Influence,” a blockchain game, in June 2023, showcasing the country’s commitment to enhancing the crypto gaming space.

Regulatory landscape and government initiatives

The UK government is playing a key role in shaping the future of crypto gaming. They recognize the potential of blockchain and are working to position the UK as a global leader in crypto innovation. In April 2022, the government announced plans for a financial market infrastructure sandbox to encourage investment and creativity in the sector. In the 2023 Spring Budget, the government allocated £3.5 billion to support tech and science initiatives, focusing on establishing the UK as a leader in Web3 technology.

Additionally, crypto exchanges operating in the UK must comply with strict regulations enforced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). These exchanges are required to register with the FCA and implement robust Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.

This includes collecting and verifying personal information such as full name, date of birth, residential address, and official identification numbers from users. Exchanges must also monitor transactions and report any suspicious activity. Gamers using UK-based exchanges can expect thorough identity verification processes as part of these regulatory compliance measures.

Consumer adoption and preferences

The rise of crypto gaming in the UK isn’t just about technology; it reflects changing consumer preferences as well. A study involving 2,000 gamers, including participants from the UK, found that 46% liked blockchain features in their favorite games. This trend is especially strong among younger players, who are drawn to the play-to-earn model and the idea of owning in-game assets.

According to the FCA, about 2.3 million UK citizens owned crypto in 2021, an increase of about 0.4 million from 2020. This growing familiarity with cryptocurrencies is likely driving interest in crypto gaming platforms.

Challenges and future outlook

Despite the growth, the crypto gaming industry in the UK does face challenges. In October 2023, the FCA categorized cryptocurrencies as “restricted mass market investments,” which could affect growth in the sector. Additionally, the industry needs to address concerns about the quality and creativity of blockchain games to keep players engaged over time.

Looking ahead, experts are optimistic about continued growth in the UK’s crypto gaming sector. PwC predicts a solid 15% annual growth rate for the UK’s cryptocurrency gaming market over the next five years, fueled by technological advancements, growing player adoption, and evolving regulations.

Conclusion

Crypto gaming is definitely on the rise in the UK, driven by tech innovations, changing player preferences, and supportive government policies. As the industry evolves, it has the potential to create new experiences for players and opportunities for developers and investors. However, its continued success will depend on overcoming regulatory hurdles, ensuring consumer protection, and delivering engaging, high-quality gaming experiences.

With the UK government’s focus on encouraging innovation in the crypto space and the country’s strong gaming culture, the UK is well-positioned to become a leader in the global crypto gaming scene. This combination of blockchain technology and gaming is set to reshape digital entertainment in the UK and beyond.

Entertainment

Programme unveiled for Fishguard Festival of Music 2025

Published

1 day ago

June 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

International stars and Welsh talent set to perform across the region

THE 2025 Fishguard Festival of Music will run from July 18 to 31, bringing a packed programme of classical and contemporary music to venues across Fishguard, Goodwick, and beyond.

The festival will open with a performance by the Welsh National Opera Orchestra at ST DAVID’S CATHEDRAL, featuring celebrated soprano REBECCA EVANS CBE as the soloist.

Now in its 53rd year, the festival continues its mission to showcase international excellence alongside emerging and homegrown talent, with concerts taking place at locations including THEATR GWAUN, BETHEL CHAPEL, NEUADD Y DDERWEN, RHOSYGILWEN, and open-air performances on THE PARROG in GOODWICK.

Artistic Director GILLIAN GREEN MBE said: “It’s a pleasure to share this year’s programme, which draws inspiration from our past and looks boldly to the future. Audiences will experience a rich variety of classical music performed by some of the finest artists working today.”

The line-up features names from across the UK and further afield, including the AQUARELLE GUITAR QUARTET, harpist MARED PUGH-EVANS, and percussionist DELIA STEVENS alongside harmonica virtuoso WILL POUND.

The festival also includes talks by composer and broadcaster GERAINT LEWIS, and a special appearance by the NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF WALES, who will close the festival at ST DAVID’S CATHEDRAL on July 31.

This year’s full programme includes:

Friday, July 18 – Welsh National Opera Orchestra with Rebecca Evans, St David’s Cathedral
Saturday, July 19 – Delia Stevens & Will Pound, Theatr Gwaun
Sunday, July 20 – Free open-air performances, The Parrog, Goodwick
Monday, July 21 – Ryan Vaughan Davies & David Doidge, Neuadd y Dderwen, Rhosygilwen
Tuesday, July 22 – Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, Bethel Chapel
Wednesday, July 23 – Mared Pugh-Evans (harp), Bethel Chapel
Thursday, July 24 – WNO Chamber Ensemble, Neuadd y Dderwen
Friday, July 25 – Kosmos Ensemble, Theatr Gwaun
Saturday, July 26 – Geoff Eales Trio, Theatr Gwaun
Sunday, July 27 – Geraint Lewis talks at Twr y Felin and St Peter’s Church, plus Young Music Makers of Dyfed at Theatr Gwaun
Monday, July 28 – Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Bethel Chapel
Tuesday, July 29 – Saints and Stones Tour, various locations
Wednesday, July 30 – Laura van der Heijden & Jâms Coleman, Neuadd y Dderwen
Thursday, July 31 – National Youth Orchestra of Wales, St David’s Cathedral

More information and tickets are available through the festival’s official website.

Entertainment

Movie motors and muscle cars roar into Haverfordwest Airport

Published

2 days ago

June 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Runway closed as high-octane driving experience arrives in Pembrokeshire

HAVERFORDWEST Airport has been transformed into a race track this weekend as nearly 30 iconic cars roll into town for a special Driving Experience Day.

The event, organised by Car Chase Heroes, kicked off on Saturday (June 21) and features a fleet of high-powered supercars, classic motors, and famous film vehicles — including a replica of the Italian Job bus and a police interceptor.

Petrolheads young and old are being given the chance to take the wheel, with the company allowing children as young as 10 to drive some of the cars, even without a licence.

Among the standout vehicles are a Porsche 911, Mustang GT350, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Jaguar E-Type, and a Bond-style DBT. Prices start at £49 for a driving session, which includes a spin in a chosen supercar and a high-speed passenger ride with a professional racing driver.

The event is taking place on the main runway of the privately-operated airfield, which was recently taken over from Pembrokeshire County Council by Haverfordwest Airport Limited. The runway is closed for the duration of the event, from 5:00pm on Friday (June 20) until 8:30am on Sunday (June 22).

Organisers described the venue as a “stunning airfield circuit” and said they were thrilled to bring their popular experience to West Wales.

Entertainment

Thousands mark 40 years of Pride in the Welsh capital

Published

2 days ago

June 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Cardiff comes alive with colour, music, and celebration as Pride Cymru commemorates historic milestone

THOUSANDS of people took to the streets of Cardiff on Saturday (June 21) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the city’s first ever gay rights march.

The annual Pride Cymru parade brought a wave of colour and celebration to the capital as it made its way through the city centre, ending near Cardiff Castle.

This year’s event holds particular significance, marking four decades since LGBTQ+ campaigners first marched through Cardiff to demand equality and recognition.

Crowds gathered from early morning to cheer on the vibrant procession, which featured community groups, charities, drag queens, floats, and flag-waving supporters from across Wales and beyond.

Hundreds of people travelled up from Pembrokeshire to take part in the celebrations, arriving by bus, car, and train to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community and mark this historic occasion.

Among the headline performers this weekend are singer Ella Henderson, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard, and dance duo Booty Luv, entertaining festival-goers at the main stage.

Organisers say the event not only celebrates diversity but also reflects on how far the LGBTQ+ community has come in Wales since 1984 — while acknowledging the challenges that still remain.

The parade kicked off at 11:00am and continued throughout the day, with live music, speeches, and street parties across the city. Rainbow flags adorned shops and buildings as Cardiff stood united in a show of pride and solidarity.