The online gambling industry has been thriving for a while now. Web-based casinos have been trying to attract as many players as possible and cater to them all by taking their differences into account.
Apart from their taste in games, online gamblers might also differ in their payment method preferences. While there are still those who use traditional banking options, many of them expect more from the market. This is why the number of payment methods casinos offer is no longer limited to bank transfers and credit/debit cards.
The gambling sector now hosts a whole array of different payment options. Today, we’re going to discuss the ones that are the most popular. We will focus on how they work and what their advantages and disadvantages are.
Table of Contents
E-Wallets
E-wallets or digital wallets are online banking services that enable users to store, receive, and send funds electronically. They allow their patrons quick and easy access to their funds, as well as fast transactions. However, their withdrawal fees, which are often high, are one of their main drawbacks.
One of the globally most popular and frequently used e-wallets is PayPal. It’s been a leader in e-commerce for a while, which is why you’ll find it available on the list of banking methods on most gambling platforms. Bear in mind that this is not the case with all e-wallets out there.
Due to this method’s long-standing experience, quality, and popularity, many gambling sites often offer benefits to the players who choose Paypal. Depending on the platform you opt for, you could receive some cash bonuses or free spins that can be used on certain casino games. For example, if you are a fan of bingo, you should look for Paypal bingo sites that will grant you bonuses for this game when you deposit money using PayPal.
Credit/Debit Cards
Credit/debit cards are a payment method that’s been around for the longest time. You can use the 16-digit-number printed on them to deposit and withdraw money online.
Although people tend to think of them as pretty much the same, there are differences between these two types of cards. For those who might be unfamiliar with those, this is what we’re referring to:
- Credit cards can be used to borrow money from the bank until you’ve reached your credit limit.
- Debit cards can only pull money from what you already have in your bank account.
In spite of the fact that these are not a novelty in the world of payment methods, they are still very popular. Customers find them trustworthy, they offer high limits, and the majority of casinos accept them.
Unfortunately, withdrawal speed is not their strong suit. In fact, it can take a couple of business days for the funds to get credited into your account, and you may also have to deal with high fees when using this payment option.
Cryptocurrencies
In the world of payment methods, cryptocurrencies are a new kid on the block. These are virtual currencies that you can store in a crypto wallet and use to pay for services online. An example of a well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin.
Bitcoin’s advantages lie in its speed and safety. In addition, gamblers love it for its anonymity — it gives them the privacy not many payment options can provide.
Nonetheless, Bitcoin also has some flaws you should be aware of. Being a cryptocurrency, it’s not the most widespread payment method — as a result, not all casinos will accept it. Moreover, scammers tend to prey on cryptocurrency users, hoping that their limited knowledge might make them an easy target.
So, we advise you to learn as much as you can about the crypto world before you use this method. Also, be careful when choosing between casinos where you’d like to spend these funds.
Bank Wire
Bank transfer or wire transfer is another old yet commonly used payment alternative. You can use it to deposit or withdraw money to and from your bank account directly. It’s one of the simplest ways to move funds electronically, which is why it’s still popular with numerous customers.
Bettors like it for the security it provides, its prevalence in the gambling industry, and its high limits. Nevertheless, speed is not one of the features it’s known for. The transfers can take up to a week to clear, which nobody enjoys. Plus, the fees and exchange rates that come with this banking option can be on the higher side — one more thing to take into consideration.
