Title: More Users are Turning to Crypto for Gaming

Cryptocurrency has moved well beyond the realm of speculation, evolving into a practical tool for daily use, according to new research from Bitget Wallet. The report, PayFi Unlocked: Crypto Payment Use Cases, analyzed data from 4,599 users across nine global regions, uncovering a rising interest in using digital assets for everything from entertainment to essential purchases.

Among the standout findings: 36% of respondents expressed the most interest in using crypto for gaming, closely followed by 35% who favor spending on everyday purchases and travel. These preferences reflect a broader trend toward integrating crypto into daily financial activities, where users are prioritizing accessibility, speed, and reliability in their payment methods.

“Crypto payments are no longer a fringe behavior – they're becoming embedded in how people transact across regions and age groups," said Jamie Elkaleh, CMO of Bitget Wallet. “What users are asking for is reliability, compatibility, and control. Whether it's a QR code at checkout or a stablecoin-powered purchase online, the expectation is that spending crypto should feel as seamless as spending cash.”

Generational Usage Varies: Gaming, Travel, and Essentials

The report highlights distinct patterns in how different age groups utilize crypto. Gen Z (ages 18–29) is leading adoption through socially engaging and entertainment-focused platforms. Roughly 40% of Gen Z users are turning to crypto for gaming, while 35% are using it to send gifts. This group values immediacy, gamified experiences, and ease of peer-to-peer interaction.

Millennials (ages 30–44) present a more diverse profile. They are just as likely to use crypto for gaming (35%) as they are for travel (36%) and digital goods (35%), making them the most versatile demographic.

Meanwhile, Gen X (ages 45+) tends to prioritize security and function, using crypto for significant purchases like travel (40%), digital products (36%), and online shopping (36%).

Global Crypto Spending Trends Show Regional Priorities

The shift to everyday crypto usage isn’t limited by geography. Instead, regional dynamics are shaping how digital currencies are adopted and spent.

In Southeast Asia, 41% of users use crypto primarily for gaming, which aligns with the widespread popularity of play-to-earn models and the need to circumvent traditional banking constraints. East Asia mirrors this trend but leans slightly more toward digital product and daily purchase spending (41%).

Africa shows a unique pattern: 38% of crypto users spend on education, pointing to a growing demand for self-improvement and upward mobility via decentralized finance. In Latin America, instability in local currencies is a major driver, with 38% spending crypto on digital products and 35% on e-commerce.

Middle Eastern users are more inclined toward luxury and lifestyle, with 41% interested in gaming, 31% in high-end goods, and 29% even considering cars as crypto purchases.

Infrastructure and UX Are the Next Frontiers

This widespread adoption is fueled in part by improvements in crypto infrastructure. From in-app payment systems to crypto-linked cards and national QR code integration, platforms like Bitget Wallet are enabling users to spend digital assets with increasing ease and efficiency.

The data makes it clear: crypto is no longer just an investment vehicle. With the right tools and user experience in place, it's becoming a legitimate alternative for routine financial interactions around the world.

Source:

“PayFi Unlocked: Crypto Payment Use Cases in 2025”, web3.bitget.com, July, 2025