Empowering Emerging Markets
The impact of crypto-gambling is particularly evident in emerging markets, especially across Africa. “I do think blockchain can be a game-changer in the gaming world and beyond, without exaggeration,” Evripidou said. “Africans are willing to try new things, embrace them, and drive innovation.”

Traditional banking systems in many African countries have long been expensive and restrictive. Evripidou believes blockchain is a tool for financial inclusion. “It’s about inclusion. Whether it’s price, speed, or location, blockchain can remove those barriers.”

“If you send a bitcoin, you can track it all the way,” she noted, “but if you send a traditional payment, you don’t know where it is, you just go to the bank and hope it’s OK.”

Solving cross-border payments with stablecoins
Cross-border payment friction is another area where cryptocurrencies offer real advantages. “For casino operators, it’s about players coming in and being able to engage and play quickly,” Evripidou said. “You don’t want them to be held up by unconnected banks or lengthy verification processes.”

Stablecoins, in particular, can speed up international payments by bypassing weak banking infrastructure. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that are pegged to an asset such as fiat currency or gold and maintain a stable price. “It’s about rapid adoption, bringing income and innovation opportunities to everyone,” Evripidou added.

Navigating a changing regulatory landscape
As the global regulatory landscape continues to shift, gaming operators need to navigate an uncertain environment. “There is no one path to crypto regulation,” Evripidou noted. “Some countries are very opposed to crypto, while others, especially in Africa, are more pragmatic.”

Staying compliant requires a deep understanding of both the “letter” and “spirit” of the regulatory framework. “It’s about looking at what the end goal is,” she said. “Regulation does have a lot of costs, but at the same time, technology has evolved to the point where it can support compliance, sometimes even better than traditional banks.”