Yolo Group, one of the first to enter the cryptocurrency gambling market, today announced a strategic shift to exclusively regulated Tier 1 jurisdictions. Founded over a decade ago, the company is recognised for its Sportsbet.io and Bitcasino.io brands, which have established the standard in the cryptocurrency casino segment.
‘You can’t be white and grey’
Initially, Yolo took advantage of the flexibility of the jurisdiction of Curacao, one of the few jurisdictions that allowed cryptocurrency gaming. This license enabled the company to scale up and implement innovations that became widely adopted in the market. However, with the growth of the cryptocurrency segment and increased attention from regulators, Yolo Group has rethought its strategy.
‘You cannot be white and grey; you have to pick a side. This means a crossroads has been reached, and a decision must be made. Do we go left or do we go right? Throughout our history at Yolo, we have always tried to do the right thing, which usually doesn’t mean the easier route – but in this case, the choice, albeit difficult, was relatively clear for us…’
‘It’s therefore our responsibility to bring the crypto casino experience to regulated domestic markets, working within sensible frameworks and combining speed and freedom with safety and oversight,’ emphasised Yolo Group founder and Yolo Investments general partner Tim Heath (pictured) on his LinkedIn page.
Heath notes that cryptocurrency is no longer a niche product – financial institutions and regulators recognise it, and players perceive speed and accessibility as the norm. With regulation becoming a key factor in sustainability, Yolo is opting for a transparent and licensed model.
Launch of the unified Yolo.com brand
The central element of the new strategy will be the launch of the unified Yolo.com brand, focused on regulated markets. Bombay Casino, a land-based casino in Estonia licensed under local law, will soon unveil the updated brand’s website. Operators will ensure integration between the physical and online gaming spaces.
Two GCGRA licences
The company is also in the final stages of obtaining two GCGRA B2B Vendor licenses, which, in addition to the UAE, will enable entry into the markets of Canada, Sweden, and Finland. In preparation for this phase, Yolo Group is developing solutions that combine MiCA-compliant cryptocurrency payments with hybrid gaming formats that integrate land-based and digital technologies.
This transition reflects a broader industry trend: a shift away from unregulated models toward sustainable ecosystems where operators, regulators, and players interact within a framework of transparent rules. Yolo Investments positions itself as a technology leader ready to adapt to new market requirements.
‘This isn’t about walking away from the past. It’s about taking everything we’ve learned, everything we’ve pioneered, and applying it in environments where operators, regulators, and players can work together, creating a stronger and more sustainable ecosystem for everyone,’ concludes Heath.
Yolo Investments’ latest achievements
In June this year, the venture capital arm of Yolo Investments reached its investment target, announcing the completion of €100 million in fundraising for its flagship Fund II. The group specialises in Series A investments in gaming, fintech, and cryptocurrencies. Its mission is to invest in technology start-ups.
The company’s total portfolio consists of more than 150 investments, with AUM reaching €700 million. This achievement further strengthens the Yolo Investments ecosystem and increases the strategic value it can offer to portfolio companies.
Fund II has raised €50 million in external capital, as well as €50 million from the Yolo Group. Its network of 23 investors includes company founders and industry leaders. Twelve companies from the gaming, blockchain, and fintech sectors have already received support from the fund, including successful projects such as Dabble, Syfe, and Kraken. There are plans for 10 more investments this year. This Yolo Investments fund is licensed by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC) and structured as a limited partnership registered in Guernsey.
This article was first published in Russian on 23 September 2025.
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