Crypto Spending Surges in Gaming, Luxury, and Real Estate

In 2025, approximately 17% of the US population has invested in cryptocurrency, indicating that hundreds of millions of people hold Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. As these individuals seek to spend their holdings, the methods for doing so are evolving, with various industries beginning to adopt cryptocurrency technology. PeerGame’s research highlights the top sectors supporting this shift in crypto spending.

The gaming sector was one of the first to integrate cryptocurrencies, with the popularity of crypto games exploding since 2017. These games allow players to earn crypto rewards while playing, with projects like Axie Infinity and Gods Unchained generating millions of transactions. The sector's responsiveness to crypto integration is evident in the tokenization and trading of in-game items, such as cosmetics, which can offer passive rewards or yield. For instance, The Angel Axie from Axie Infinity sold for 300 ETH, and the Hyperion card in Gods Unchained sold for 137 ETH, demonstrating a strong willingness to spend crypto within gaming.

Cryptocurrency spending is also transforming the luxury goods industry, with leading brands accepting crypto payments and offering exclusive products available only through digital currencies. High-end brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tag Heuer have embraced crypto, allowing customers to pay with various cryptocurrencies at select boutiques. Additionally, brands like Adidas have released NFT collections that entitle holders to physical merchandise. Platforms such as Bitdials and CryptoEmporium enable the purchase of luxury goods, including watches, cars, clothing, and property, using cryptocurrency.

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are unique digital items stored on the blockchain, providing provable ownership. Digital assets like art, songs, or in-game items can be transformed into NFTs through a process called minting. Examples of NFTs include Top Shots, which are NBA highlight videos turned into NFTs, and Damien Hirst’s collection, “The Currency.” Interest in NFTs surged dramatically, with searches for “NFT” rising significantly. With another surge expected in March 2025, the NFT market seems poised for continued expansion.

Cryptocurrency is gaining popularity in the travel and experiences sector, which deals with international customers and frequent currency exchanges. Some platforms even pass on savings or offer discounts for crypto payments. Benefits of using crypto for travel include reduced transaction fees, avoiding currency exchange complexities, and global payment flexibility. Examples of businesses accepting cryptocurrency include Alternative Airlines, Bitcoin.Travel, and Travala. Crypto-friendly tourist hotspots like Dubai have also seen increased acceptance of Bitcoin for booking local excursions.

Real estate has embraced cryptocurrency in innovative ways. Buyers can purchase physical property using crypto through platforms like CryptoEmporium. Additionally, digital real estate in metaverse worlds is becoming a valuable commodity. Examples include The Sandbox, where a plot of land sold for $4.3 million in 2021, and Decentraland, where land sold for $2.43 million. Although demand has cooled slightly, metaverse communities remain active, with users continuing to buy, develop, and sell virtual land for significant sums.

In summary, the top ways to spend crypto in 2025 include gaming, luxury goods, art and collectibles (NFTs), travel and experiences, and real estate. These sectors are leading the way in crypto spending, offering various opportunities for individuals to utilize their cryptocurrency holdings. As the adoption of cryptocurrency technology continues to grow, more industries are likely to follow suit, providing even more ways for people to spend their crypto in the future.