The first-of-its-kind research, led by the University of Bristol and the University of East London, urges for major reform to reduce the extra threat to online gamblers now being lured by an explosion of so-called ‘cryptocasinos’. 

The study explores the intersection of cryptocurrency investing and gambling, citing a growing body of evidence which demonstrates how cryptocurrency trading is strongly associated with increased gambling activity and high-risk stock trading. For example, cryptocurrency investors display behaviours observed in gamblers, such as chasing losses and trading compulsively. 

Cryptocasinos therefore present a double danger, as they allow gamblers to bet on a range of sophisticated online gambling products such as online slots and in-play sports bets, using cryptocurrencies as the source of funds. 

Read the full University of Bristol news item

‘Cryptocurrencies as Gamblified Financial Assets and Cryptocasinos: novel risks for a public health approach to gambling’ in Risks by Maira Andrade and Philip W.S. Newall