A growing preference for cryptocurrency is reshaping expectations around how US bettors want to interact with online sportsbooks, according to new research from Paysafe. The findings position digital assets as a recurring factor across deposits, withdrawals and platform selection, despite uneven regulatory approval across states.
The conclusions come from Paysafe’s “All the Ways Players Pay: Crypto Edition” report, which surveyed 2,550 active and prospective bettors across US jurisdictions. Across the sample, 83% of respondents said they would be interested in using cryptocurrency to fund wagers where it is permitted.
The report also highlights that crypto is already embedded in the betting ecosystem. Around 64% of active US bettors currently own digital assets, suggesting a ready user base for crypto-enabled wagering as regulation evolves.
State-Level Access Shapes Early Adoption
The research shows that behaviour differs significantly depending on whether crypto betting is already available. In Colorado and Wyoming, the only states in the study where crypto deposits are permitted, 59% and 45% of respondents respectively reported having used digital assets to fund bets.
In contrast, interest levels are even higher in states without access. New York leads with 92% expressing interest in crypto deposits, followed by Illinois and Florida at 88% each. Other surveyed states included New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, where regulators can allow crypto-to-cash funding under specific conditions.
These figures suggest that demand may increase further if more jurisdictions introduce formal support for crypto transactions.
Digital Assets Enter Core Payment Competition
Within the broader payments landscape, crypto is already competing closely with established methods. The study shows 45% of respondents rank crypto among their preferred deposit options, behind digital wallets at 55% and debit cards at 50%.
In key markets, crypto adoption interest narrows the gap further. In New York, 54% favour crypto compared with 59% for wallets. In Illinois, the split is 52% for crypto and 58% for wallets.
Despite this momentum, traditional payment tools remain relevant. Credit cards and bank transfers are each preferred by 37% of respondents, while 23% still use peer-to-peer or local apps. A further 14% rely on eCash services such as PaysafeCash.
Strong Demand for Crypto Withdrawals
One of the most consistent findings in the report is demand for crypto payouts. Although no US state currently allows sportsbooks to process withdrawals in digital assets, 85% of respondents said they would prefer this option.
Payment preferences also influence sportsbook selection. While brand trust leads at 36%, transaction-related considerations follow closely. Around 29% prioritise seamless crypto withdrawals, 28% value preferred payment methods, and 26% highlight crypto deposit availability.
Retention Risks Tied to Payment Performance
The research also links payment experience directly to player retention. Around 71% of respondents said crypto transactions would improve their betting experience, while only 18% disagreed.
However, the same proportion—71%—also indicated they would abandon a sportsbook if crypto payment processes perform poorly. This sensitivity rises in certain markets, reaching 80% in New York and 75% in both Florida and Illinois.
Paysafe executive Zak Cutler noted that while crypto remains limited by state-level regulation, demand signals suggest it could play a more central role in sportsbook payments over time as regulatory frameworks develop.
Source:
“Paysafe Research: Crypto Payments to Transform US Online Sports-Betting”, businesswire.com, Jun 1, 2026
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