Key Takeaways
- U.S., UK, and many EU countries allow regulated betting on the U.S. Open.
- Most jurisdictions do not legalize crypto sports betting, even if some operators allow it by converting deposits into fiat.
- Here’s where and how to bet on the next major tennis tournament.
As tennis fans gear up for the U.S. Open, the betting waters appear increasingly complex.
Legal allowances differ dramatically across countries, and crypto wagering adds another complication.
Knowing the rules, whether placing your bet online or planning to use crypto, is essential.
US: Growing State Markets, Limited Crypto Options
Following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling overturning PASPA, 39 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico now allow some form of sports betting, and approximately 32 states offer online and mobile sports wagering—tennis events like the U.S. Open fall under this umbrella.
Legal fiat betting is broadly available in states with licensed sportsbooks (e.g., DraftKings, FanDuel), all of which require a minimum age of 21. Retail outlets like Las Vegas also cater to bettors.
The U.S. has rapidly built a regulated sports betting market, with over $300 billion wagered since legalization.
Crypto betting in the U.S., however, remains murky. No central states currently license crypto-to-bet services. Most platforms that accept Bitcoin or stablecoin deposits are offshore operators, functioning in a legal gray zone.
U.S. regulators typically classify crypto as money or securities, making decentralized wagering with crypto risky.
Some states—like Wyoming, Colorado, and Virginia—pilot crypto-integrated sportsbooks, where deposits are automatically converted into USD at betting time. This marks early regulatory experimentation.
UK: Firm Regulations and Fiat Focus, Limited Crypto
Under the Gambling Act 2005, licensed operators overseen by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) offer extensive sports wagering—tennis included—for individuals over 18.
These services include live and online betting, with stringent rules on bonuses, advertising, and responsible gambling.
The UK does not explicitly prohibit crypto, but it does not endorse its use for gambling. The UKGC permits licensed operators to fund via crypto-only if the platform follows strong AML procedures, KYC checks, and risk assessments.
Most licensed sports bookmakers accept single-method crypto deposits only if converted internally to fiat; pure crypto wagering remains uncommon and heavily regulated.
The UKGC is also attentive to problem gambling: internal studies indicate a correlation between cryptocurrency engagement and risky behavior, necessitating careful oversight.
EU: Fragmented Systems with Common Business Themes
Across the EU, there is no unified gambling framework. Nations operate under their laws but must align with EU internal market principles. As a result, many countries legally permit U.S. Open betting, although authorization and regulation vary:
- Germany uses a federal gambling treaty (GlüStV 2021). Bettors aged 18+ may wager online and in physical venues, but licensed platforms must demonstrate robust AML protocols, including transaction monitoring.
- Spain’s Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) grants operator licenses and enforces responsible gambling, advertising controls, player limits, and age restrictions.
- France, Italy, the Netherlands, and others have similar compliance demands.
Crypto wagering is still a legal grey area. Some EU operators accept deposits via crypto, but only if they exchange it into fiat on their end. Pure crypto-to-bet models are usually unregulated or prohibited.
UAE: A Closed Market with Future Potential
Emirati law broadly prohibits gambling, rooted in cultural and religious norms. In September 2023, the newly formed General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) began issuing gaming licenses, which do not yet extend to sports betting.
Both fiat and crypto wagers on the U.S. Open remain off-limits or unavailable to citizens. Businesses targeting expatriate or tourist use are being reviewed, and full legalization seems distant.
Quick Comparison
| Region |
US Open Betting (Fiat) |
Crypto Betting |
Key Restrictions |
| USA |
Legal in 39 states |
Offshore only |
Age 21+, state licenses required |
| UK |
Fully legal, licensed |
Restricted via crypto |
Age 18+, UKGC oversight, strict KYC |
| EU |
Legal, country-specific |
Mixed regulations |
National licensing |
| UAE |
Illegal/citizens banned |
Illegal/Unavailable |
GCGRA licences live, but citizens are barred |
Table made by CCN based on publicly available data.
Giuseppe Ciccomascolo began his career as an investigative journalist in Italy, where he contributed to both local and national newspapers, focusing on various financial sectors.
Upon relocating to London, he worked as an analyst for Fitch's CapitalStructure and later as a Senior Reporter for Alliance News. In 2017, Giuseppe transitioned to covering cryptocurrency-related news, producing documentaries and articles on Bitcoin and other emerging digital currencies. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the academy for a cryptocurrency exchange website. Crypto remained his primary area of interest throughout his tenure as a writer for ThirdFloor.
