Crypto has been many things to many industries, a disruptor, a headache, a revolution waiting for regulation. However, in iGaming, it’s becoming infrastructure.
Digital assets are transforming payments by offering instant withdrawals and borderless access, effectively eliminating payment friction. This technology also introduces a new level of transparency through a blockchain-backed trust layer, which is changing interactions between operators and players.
Speaking to Payment Expert ahead of SBC Summit Tbilisi, George Paliani, CEO of Paliani Business Consulting and Co-founder of FUTURUM EVENTS, explains why crypto is no longer an experiment but the foundation of a faster, fairer and more global iGaming economy.
Read the full interview below
From your vantage point as an investor, what makes crypto particularly compelling for the iGaming sector compared to other industries?
iGaming is fundamentally a payments business — speed, security and international reach can make or break an operator. Crypto solves those at scale. Unlike retail or other industries, gaming relies on high-frequency, cross-border microtransactions. Blockchain rails make that frictionless and globally accessible. That’s why we’re already seeing crypto-only casinos on Solana and Ethereum gaining traction where traditional payment channels fail.
Crypto is often associated with speed, security, and anonymity. Which of these benefits do you think will ultimately prove most valuable for operators and players?
Speed is the near-term value driver, but security and transparency are what will reshape long-term trust. For players in Georgia or Brazil or India, waiting days for a payout kills confidence. With crypto, withdrawals can be near-instant even if they are using old grandpa Bitcoin (thanks to GAP600 and Lightning Network solutions). But combine that with verifiable on-chain ledgers, and you’re not just moving money faster – you’re changing the trust equation between player and operator.
There’s been debate around whether crypto builds or undermines player trust. Do you think digital assets genuinely help strengthen the operator–player relationship?
Yes – if implemented correctly. On-chain transactions mean operators can no longer hide behind opaque payment systems. Players don’t just get faster withdrawals; they get provable fairness. That strengthens trust – something very few legacy payment systems can claim.
How do you assess the long-term potential of blockchain-based in-game transactions – is this a passing trend or a fundamental shift in how iGaming payments will work?
This isn’t a passing trend. It’s a structural shift. Just look at the success of platforms like Rollbit or Solcasino, which are building entire economies around blockchain-native rails. The next wave will be in-game NFTs, tokenised reward systems and seamless interoperability between wallets and games. That’s already happening — and once players taste it, there’s no going back.
For investors, regulatory uncertainty remains a concern. How do you weigh the risks and opportunities of backing crypto-focused projects in gaming?
Regulation is a double-edged sword: it slows adoption but creates lasting moats for early movers who build compliant infrastructure. As an investor, I weigh the risk not in terms of if regulation comes, but when. In markets like Georgia, where innovation is welcomed but compliance is tightening, the winners will be those who can bridge crypto’s efficiency with regulatory frameworks. That’s where the upside lies. I personally advise to look into such niche startups as Laser which is based on Telegram app and TON ecosystem which is definitely gaining traction.
Some argue that crypto opens doors to new player demographics and markets. Do you see adoption as a competitive differentiator for operators in the next three to five years?
Absolutely. Crypto isn’t just a payment method; it’s a demographic shift. Younger players, crypto-native communities, and emerging markets where Visa or PayPal don’t function — that’s the growth frontier. In three to five years, operators who aren’t crypto-enabled will be seen as outdated the same way a bookmaker without mobile was 10 years ago.
From an innovation standpoint, what excites you most about the intersection of Web3 technologies and iGaming?
What excites me is not just faster payments, but programmable value. Imagine loyalty points that are liquid tokens, tournaments settled on-chain, or jackpots paid transparently from smart contracts. That’s where Web3 turns gaming from a transactional business into a community-driven ecosystem.
You’ll be sharing the stage at SBC Summit Tbilisi. What’s the key insight you want the audience to take away about crypto’s role in shaping the future of payments?
The key insight is simple: crypto is not a side bet — it’s becoming the house. Payments define the player experience, and blockchain is already proving to be faster, fairer and more global than legacy rails. The Caucasus has the chance to be an early adopter hub, but this is a global transformation. Ignore it, and you’ll be left behind.
Tickets
- Full Event Pass ($200): Exhibition floor, all conference sessions, daily catering, and both evening networking parties.
- Group Tickets: Buy three or more and save $50 per pass.
- Complimentary Operator & Affiliate Passes.
Co-hosted with SMH Global, SBC Summit Tbilisi will unite 2,000 operators, affiliates, suppliers, and regulators for two days of strategic insights, networking, and regional expertise, making it the go-to event for businesses targeting Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
