Once seen as niche, cryptocurrency is becoming far more practical in Wales. From local coffee shops in Swansea to co-working spaces in Cardiff, people are finding real uses for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Whether it’s small businesses accepting crypto for services or online communities organising wallet tutorials, the momentum is growing. Here’s how cryptocurrencies are being used in Wales and across the UK.
Welsh Tech Communities Are Now Engaging with Crypto
Tech networks across Wales have been steadily warming up to cryptocurrencies. In Cardiff and Newport, crypto meetups are no longer rare events. Several tech-focused communities in Wales report some engagement with cryptocurrency, whether through education, personal investment, or business-related tools.
Freelancers and online workers, especially those who operate internationally, are adopting wallets to manage payments in multiple currencies. Telegram groups and Slack channels are alive with crypto chatter, often exchanging real-world tips on where and how crypto can be used locally.
40% of UK Online Casinos Now Accept Crypto
The growth of crypto in the entertainment and leisure sectors is hard to ignore. Over 40% of UK online casinos now accept Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as payment. Globally, nearly 30% of all online gambling wagers are made using crypto. Of those, Bitcoin makes up around 73%, showing how dominant it has become as a payment choice.
The fast and private nature of crypto transactions serves as one major factor behind its increasing popularity. Players skip through extensive identity verification procedures and bank processing times, and international payment fees. Several bitcoin casinos have become more popular, allowing users to deposit and withdraw funds using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
These casinos provide users with thousands of games and several different types of bonuses and typically have a simple onboarding process, which attracts players who want convenient and flexible gaming options. The majority of these platforms operate globally but offer services to UK players, including residents of Wales.
Blockchain Gaming Activity in the UK Has Tripled Year-on-Year
The adoption of crypto continues to expand its influence on the online gaming industry. The number of users engaging with blockchain-linked games in Wales and the rest of the country has increased by three times over the previous year. Users can acquire tokens through P2E gaming models, allowing players ownership rights to in-game items, including skins and weapons. The crypto gaming sector will experience annual growth of 15% throughout the next five years.
Gen Z and Millennial players have shown an increasing interest in blockchain-based game mechanics. Research involving 2,000 European players revealed that 46% of participants preferred games which let them earn or trade using tokens. The technology now exists in entertainment and interactive platforms because users want ownership rights and fast transaction processing.
Welsh Businesses Now Accept Bitcoin and Ethereum
Fintech discussions usually centre on London, but several Welsh businesses already accept cryptocurrency payments. The digital currency acceptance rate has reached several independent Welsh businesses, who mainly use Bitcoin and Ethereum across the retail and hospitality and wellness sectors.
Some businesses have integrated wallet options to their checkout pages, but other companies have installed QR code terminals in their physical stores. This specific payment method is highly popular in locations that attract substantial numbers of tech-savvy and international customers. The directories and crypto forums of Wales identify Swansea and Aberystwyth, and Cardiff as the first businesses to adopt this technology.
The payment options provide users with enhanced control of their transactions because they address both border transaction costs and privacy concerns.
Welsh Government Invested in Blockchain Pilot Projects
The Welsh government has actively responded to this developing trend, investing in several blockchain pilot programs since 2022. The blockchain projects in Wales drew inspiration from Sardex Italy’s local currency system, allowing online trading without banking institutions for small businesses.
Wales implements very similar initiatives and has developed similar programs. The pilots establish two main objectives. This includes creating regional digital tokens to improve SME liquidity and developing transparent online systems for supply chain and public service management. The initial results from these experimental projects were positive enough to support further development, although they remain outside the mainstream.
Community-Driven Education Initiatives Are Boosting Crypto Literacy in Wales
The growing adoption of Crypto in Wales receives support from educational programs that teach its use. While taking a closer look at adoption rates, the Cyber College Cymru and Digital Competence Framework programs allow professionals to learn practical skills about blockchain technology and digital finance through hands-on experience.
The local community hosts tech meetups and workshops, which serve to connect people who need to learn about digital technology. Community-run sessions in Wrexham and Pontypridd teach participants about wallet security and decentralised finance fundamentals and smart contract verification methods. The community has established these educational programs as part of its ongoing initiative to educate people about digital money operations.
The peer-to-peer learning approach in Wales allows the country to create its own crypto awareness culture instead of following trends from London or abroad. The country establishes its own practical-based crypto awareness culture instead of following hype-based trends.