A new blockchain‑based payment system called DuskPay was launched in April 2025. It was introduced by Dusk, a layer 1 blockchain focused on regulated and privacy‑centred financial infrastructure. The launch marks a significant step in showing how blockchain technology can be used in regulated and real‑world industries. The first companies to adopt DuskPay are PlayMatika and BetPassion, both licensed and authorized online gaming operators in Italy.
DuskPay is designed to let regulated businesses handle payments that are fast, secure, and compliant with European financial rules. Traditional payment systems in sectors like online gaming can be slow or costly because they depend on legacy banking rails and multiple intermediaries. DuskPay runs on the Dusk blockchain and uses smart contracts to settle transactions nearly instantly. Because it operates within a regulated framework, it meets compliance requirements while offering greater speed and transparency.
The integration with PlayMatika and BetPassion is important because the Italian gaming market is one of the largest regulated markets in Europe. The sector generates more than 150 billion euros annually, with a large portion coming from online gaming. By adopting DuskPay, these operators can provide players with instant deposit and withdrawal options that fit within the legal and regulatory framework in Italy. This could reduce friction for users and cut costs related to traditional payment processing.
Dusk’s CEO and co‑founder, Emanuele Francioni, described DuskPay as a turning point in showing that blockchain can support regulated financial systems. He said the goal is not just to launch a new payment product but to demonstrate that blockchain infrastructure can deliver speed, security, and regulatory compliance in real settings. For operators like PlayMatika and BetPassion, this technology offers a way to remain competitive by improving user experiences and operational efficiency.
Behind DuskPay’s regulatory compliance is a framework that includes partnerships with regulated institutions like NPEX and Quantoz. NPEX is a regulated Dutch exchange, while Quantoz is an electronic money institution that helps issue digital euros on‑chain. These partnerships help align DuskPay with existing European financial standards and provide the legal infrastructure needed for regulated operators to adopt blockchain payment solutions.
The launch of DuskPay could influence other regulated sectors beyond gaming, including e‑commerce, digital services, and financial platforms that need instant, compliant payment rails. For now, the collaboration with PlayMatika and BetPassion highlights a real use case where blockchain technology moves beyond speculation and into practical, regulated commerce. If adoption grows, DuskPay could become a model for how blockchains support regulated payment infrastructure in Europe and beyond.
