The UK Gambling Commission banned credit card use for all gambling operators licensed by the commission. As such, UK punters cannot use their credit cards to fund any UKGC casino account. Players can continue to place bets only at these credit card casinos – https://www.nongamstopbets.com/credit-card-casinos/ since the law only applies to UK operators.
However, many other casinos restrict credit cards as part of responsible gambling efforts or maintain specific standards declared in their certifications. Here’s an overview of alternative payment methods players can use instead of credit cards:
Debit Cards
Debit cards are still accepted by UKGC casinos and virtually all online casinos, sportsbooks and bingo sites. The most popular debit cards are VISA, MasterCard and Maestro, which link thousands of banks. Debit cards are connected to the user’s bank account and offer secure transactions.
Players can also use the block gambling transaction feature to protect their bank accounts from gambling-related expenditures. Debit cards provide instant deposits and withdrawals within one to five days, and users can access services via mobile and desktop devices. What’s more, VISA and MasterCard operate in hundreds of countries, offering debit cards to thousands of local banks. Except for crypto-only gambling sites, most online casinos and sportsbooks accept payments in VISA and MasterCard, making it the ideal alternative for credit cards.
Debit Card Pros:
- Secure transactions
- Higher banking limits
- Accepted in most websites
- Similar limits to credit cards
Debit Card Cons:
- Longer withdrawal times
- Involves sensitive banking information
EWallets
Also known as digital wallets, eWallets are online banking solutions and include peer-to-peer systems like PayPal and established wallets like Skrill and Neteller. Obviously, the most popular one is Paypal, there are thousands of requests from UK players who want to find PayPal casino sites without GamStop, but unfortunately, it is almost impossible to find such sites because PayPal has plenty of restrictions when it comes to iGaming. EWallets are online wallets that can hold funds, and users have various ways to fund their accounts. The wallets can also send and receive funds. Players can send money to their eWallets using funds from banks, crypto wallets, credit cards, prepaid cards and other methods.
They can then send funds from the eWallet to the casino account. Most online gambling websites accepts a wide range of eWallets. Popular brands include Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Trustly, MuchBetter, InstaDebit, iDebit, Interac, PayPal and many more. Each eWallet has unique edges and features but mostly work in a similar fashion. You can review or try each offer to determine the best solution for your needs. Some aspects worth noting include minimum and maximum deposit/withdrawal to/from the eWallet, the maximum balance, fees and transaction durations.
EWallet Pros:
- Fast withdrawals within 24 hours
- Offer better banking limits that prepaid cards
- Easy to set up and use
- Doesn’t involve sensitive banking information
EWallet Cons:
- Lower banking limits than debit cards
- May feature higher fees when withdrawing funds from the wallet
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are precisely what the name described and began as tangible cards players could purchase at gas stations and newspaper stands. The card has a unique 16-digit PIN representing its value, which can be anything from $1 to $100 or more. Prepaid cards were also considered a deposit-only method, but digital evolutions have transformed them into eWallets.
Modern casinos allow players to deposit and withdraw funds using virtual prepaid PINs. Popular prepaid cards include the Paysafecard and AstroPay Card. The main advantage of using a prepaid card is privacy. Players can purchase a PIN without disclosing sensitive ID and banking information. They are also the ideal choice in Pay n Play casinos and are popular for deposits and withdrawals.
Prepaid Card Pros:
- Easy to use
- No disclosing sensitive banking information
- Offers instant deposits and withdrawals
- Offer sleek mobile apps for 24/7 access
Prepaid Card Cons:
- Lower banking limits
- Some sites don’t accept prepaid cards
Cryptocurrencies
Ever since the introduction of Bitcoin in 2008, the world has found it impossible to resist cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin is still the leading digital currency, but users have access to Litecoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Tether, Monero, Bitcoin Cash and several other coins. Cryptocurrencies offer a decentralized payment system without banks, making it nearly impossible to track transaction origins that may cause compulsive behaviour according to GamCare. Players seeking 100% privacy can use cryptos like Bitcoin to complete casino deposits and withdrawals while keeping a low profile. It is one of the main reasons why GamStop players choose cryptocurrency for a long time.
Apart from anonymity, digital currencies offer secure and swift transactions. BTC payments take a few seconds up to an hour to process. Hacking such transactions is also near impossible, although users are responsible for creating strong passwords and keeping their devices free from vulnerable Wi-Fi networks and websites.
Cryptocurrency Pros:
- Safe and secure payment option
- Offer high banking limits
- Provide private, anonymous gambling
- Instant deposits and withdrawals
Cryptocurrency Cons:
- Not accepted in some casinos
- Involves purchasing crypto through an exchange
Other Casino Payment Methods
Online casino punters can use many other payment methods offered by the site. Some sites accept e-Cheques, bank wire transfers and pay by phone bill arrangements like Boku. Each category features many options, so it’s crucial to review every payment method before using it. Casinos also feature unique banking options, including deposit-only and withdrawal-only systems. You can search for casinos that accept specific payments, such as Bitcoin or Skrill.
Summary
Credit card casinos have diminished after the UKGC banned the option from its online casinos. Other jurisdictions and some casinos also banish credit cards but offer several other alternatives. Players can still find credit card casinos, which involves playing on non-UK gambling sites. Alternatively, you can use a credit card to fund another payment method, such as Neteller or Paysafecard, and use the funds to fund your account with a UK casino.
However, this process can result in higher fees. Using alternatives like debit cards, eWallets, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrencies is far more accessible and convenient. Nowadays, thousands of players choose crypto as their favourite payment method. Most casinos also accept these methods and offer instant deposits, secure transactions and free withdrawals.
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