Topping up the casino balance is a crucial step in online gambling. Not too long ago, players were limited to a handful of deposit methods. Today, there are more options than we can count. The high-ranked operators for casino gaming may offer a dozen or even more payment methods, all in order to attract new customers and stay ahead of the curve.
What Payments Rule Online Casinos?
Modern casino banking methods come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them have been around for not years but centuries, while others still carry a novelty tag. The most traditional payment methods, that despite all their flaws, still have a loyal fanbase, are:
- Banking cards: In the UK, it is debit cards, but players in the rest of the world may also use credit cards;
- Bank and wire transfers: Somewhat slower methods, but still incredibly safe;
- Cheques: Used mostly in the US, they have little to no fans in the UK and European jurisdictions.
On the other end of the scale are more modern ways that emerged in the past two decades:
- eWallets: Easy to use, they serve as a bridge between the card provider and the UK’s rewarding online casinos;
- Vouchers: Available online and at selected vendors, they promise high levels of privacy;
- Cryptos: Although not available at reliable UK’s operators with a license, they are popular among many.
Battle of the Decade: Old vs New
With such a massive variety, many players struggle to figure out which methods are better. The answer is that there is no answer. Both old and new options have distinctive advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, eWallets are known for speed, low fees and convenient use. At the same time, they are not self-sufficient, and gamblers must use an alternative payment method (e.g., a banking card) to top it up. Vouchers are really handy as one can buy them in cash, but they don’t support withdrawals. Also, online vouchers are sometimes more similar to eWallets than to paper vouchers.
Bank wire and card options are safe but slow. It is not uncommon to see extra fees attached to them. The levels of privacy are close to none, and in some countries, casino and sportsbook deposits may prevent the bank from giving the account owner a loan.
Variety is the Key
Considering no payment method is better than the other, it is upon online casinos to add as many as possible. Yet even though variety is the key, it is much better for an operator to offer really popular methods than to bother with obscure and niche products no one uses. Quality is always more important than quantity.
Reasonable payment limits and processing times, secure cashiers, and fees that are reduced to the bare minimum are what players want. No matter their age, profession or gambling budget, they want to know they are getting premium service and a decent selection of options.