IBIA launches The Next Bet to examine digital assets and integrity in betting
First edition (10 Nov 2026) focuses on stablecoins, payments and regulation
Key Takeaways
- IBIA launched The Next Bet on 10 November 2026 to explore digital assets, blockchain and payments in regulated betting.
- The publication is part of Mission 2030, IBIA’s five-year strategy to enhance integrity and prevent match-fixing.
- Betsson Group supports regulated stablecoins as a potential payments option; Pay4Fun highlights compliance, fraud prevention and AML controls.
- The Malta Gaming Authority says blockchain can aid traceability and investigations, while regulators must oversee both gaming and related financial services.
- IBIA’s Global Monitoring & Alert Platform draws intelligence from 90+ operators, 200+ brands and monitors over $300,000,000,000 in annual betting volume.
The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) launched The Next Bet on 10 November 2026, a sector publication that examines how digital assets, blockchain technology and payment solutions can affect regulated sports betting. The initiative brings together Betsson Group, Pay4Fun and the Malta Gaming Authority to study cryptocurrency adoption, payment security and the regulatory framework.
Purpose and context
The Next Bet is part of Mission 2030, IBIA’s five-year strategy unveiled in October 2025 to improve betting integrity and prevent match-fixing. The first edition focuses on digital assets and payments in betting, comparing perspectives from operators, payment providers and regulators.
IBIA runs its Global Monitoring & Alert Platform with intelligence from more than 90 operators covering over 200 brands of betting. The network monitors more than $300 000 000 000 in annual betting volume.
Industry positions on stablecoins and crypto
Betsson Group believes regulated stablecoins could be a payment option for online gambling. Nadia Calleja, Head of Legal for Payments & Customer Operations at Betsson Group, explained:
"Players now expect familiar payment methods that support instant deposits, near-instant withdrawals, one-click mobile payments and frictionless onboarding, while operators must balance conversion, cost, fraud prevention and regulatory compliance."
Sarah Vassallo, Senior Legal Counsel at Betsson Group, expects adoption to concentrate on regulated digital currencies: “In regulated iGaming markets, cryptoasset adoption will likely focus on fiat-backed stablecoins integrated into established compliance frameworks.” Stablecoins aim to hold stable value against traditional currencies, which potentially offers operators an alternative without Bitcoin’s volatility.
Regulatory approach and the role of blockchain
The Malta Gaming Authority considers that blockchain technology could help regulators follow transactions and investigate suspicious activity. Martha Brincat, Chief Regulatory Officer at the Malta Gaming Authority, said: "Certain applications of blockchain technology can support greater transparency and traceability. Where used appropriately, they could add value to monitoring and investigatory processes, supporting integrity oversight." The authority warns that regulators must oversee both gaming operations and the financial services that handle digital assets.
Payments and fraud control
Pay4Fun provides the payment-provider perspective, focused on transaction monitoring and security. Leonardo Baptista, CEO and co‑founder of Pay4Fun, said: "Through robust compliance, fraud prevention and AML controls, payment providers play an increasingly strategic role in ensuring innovation strengthens, rather than compromises, market integrity." The Next Bet does not recommend a single payment system; it compares opinions on digital assets, compliance and integrity in betting.
Relation to Mission 2030
The publication ties the technology discussion to the three pillars of Mission 2030: monitoring suspicious bets, improving cooperation among industry participants and preventing betting-related corruption. Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said: "The industry is changing fast, and integrity frameworks must anticipate those changes rather than react afterwards."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Next Bet and when was it launched?
The Next Bet is an IBIA publication that analyses digital assets and payments in regulated betting and it was launched on 10 November 2026. The first edition focuses on cryptoassets, payments and regulation.
How does The Next Bet link to Mission 2030?
The Next Bet is part of Mission 2030, IBIA’s five-year strategy presented in October 2025, which covers monitoring suspicious bets, industry cooperation and prevention of betting-related corruption.
What is Betsson Group’s position on stablecoins?
Betsson Group views regulated stablecoins as a possible payment option for online gaming, expecting adoption in regulated iGaming markets to focus on fiat-backed stablecoins integrated into compliance frameworks.
What role does the Malta Gaming Authority see for blockchain?
The Malta Gaming Authority believes certain blockchain applications can increase transparency and traceability, helping monitoring and investigatory processes, according to Martha Brincat.
What operational data about IBIA does the publication provide?
IBIA operates its Global Monitoring & Alert Platform using intelligence from more than 90 operators covering over 200 brands and monitors more than $300 billion in annual betting volume.
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About the author
Isabela Fuentes
Payments Correspondent
Isabela Fuentes covers payments and fintech in the gambling industry — processor and PSP deals, payment-method launches, crypto rails, and the compliance shifts that decide what players can pay with at the cashier. She opens with the deal or launch, names the companies and methods precisely, and translates the jargon into what operators and players gain or lose. From PIX and open banking to stablecoin settlement, Isabela Fuentes follows the money moving the sector.
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