Cryptocurrency

With the online gambling credit card ban hovering in the UK, what are the options?

Published

5 years ago

March 1, 2019

George Miller

With the online gambling credit card ban hovering in the UK, what are the options?

Photo Source: Dmitry Moraine on Unsplash

Reading Time: 4 minutes

In March 2018, the UK Gambling Commission stated that it would consider banning the use of credit cards at online gambling websites. The announcement of a potential credit card ban came following the gambling authority’s report into how to make online gambling safer, deeming the removal or restriction of credit card payment options being a viable course of action to help restrict the possibility of people accruing gambling debts or gambling more than they can afford. The UK Gambling Commission found that between ten and 20 per cent of all deposits made to gambling websites are done so via the use of a credit card, which means that as much as one-fifth of online betting and gaming in the UK is being done with borrowed money. The problem is exasperated when it is considered that most credit card companies treat transactions to gambling websites as treat cash advances, which do not come with an interest-free period, entail a higher interest rate, and often incur a handling fee.

The culture secretary, Jeremy Wright, intends on holding meetings between major retail banks and online gambling operators to discuss the concern that as much as 20 per cent of deposits to gambling sites are made with credit cards using money that the players don’t own. The UK Gambling Commission seeks clarification on the statistic. They will be launching a call for evidence in February and are welcoming suggestions from the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, which may result in increased credit card regulation or a complete credit card ban.

Up to one-fifth of online gamblers in the UK use credit cards to place deposits at online gambling websites. It appears to be very likely that the UK Gambling Commission will regulate a credit card ban, which will lead to a large number of players needing to adopt a new payment method. Online gambling websites that offer their services in the UK often accept many different payment methods, so those who are expected to soon be without their preferred method of making a deposit or withdrawal should be able to find another option which is safe and suits their needs.

Gamblers’ other options in the instance of a credit card ban

The vast majority of online gambling websites allow for the use of credit cards as a means of making deposits, and some allow for the method to be used when making a withdrawal, but not all sites will accept the entire range of other payment methods or payment services. The acceptance of specific e-wallets, instant banking methods, cryptocurrencies, payment gateways, and pre-paid cards is at the website’s discretion, so those looking for a new service with which to make payments will need to check which services can be used at each website as well as if the website allows for both deposits and withdrawals through the same service.

One of the more traditional methods is that of the bank transfer. Some players perceive the method as unsafe due to the assumption that the transfer would reveal bank details, but bank transfers do not disclose this information and also allow players to deposit very large amounts. The downside to the payment method is that it takes much longer than other methods, with players often waiting several days before the funds appear in their gambling account. Wire Transfer allows users to make deposits and withdrawals at some online gambling websites, and iDeal caters for bank transfer deposits.

The most modern method which is also deemed to be the safest due to its use of blockchain technology is that of making a cryptocurrency payment. Cryptocurrencies have become popular over the last couple of years, leading to many online gambling websites allowing for the use of different forms of crypto. Due to the decentralised nature of cryptocurrencies that utilise the public ledger system of a blockchain, users trust that their crypto and details are safe with each transaction. Crypto is tamperproof, safe, fast, cheap, and it removes the middleman between the player and the operator. The most commonly used of the cryptocurrencies is the blockchain originator, Bitcoin, but others such as Ethereum and Litecoin can also be used as payment methods. Cryptocurrencies could become the next choice for current credit card users following the news that Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, is now accepting credit cards for crypto payments, creating a way for players to use their credit cards via cryptocurrencies at online gambling websites that accept the payment method.

At online gambling websites and across online shopping websites, e-wallet services have become commonplace, and many people who are looking to make payments online seek vendors who offer e-wallet payment services, particularly if said customers are worried about the safety of their bank details. E-wallets allow for payments from the e-wallet account or directly from a bank account online without the need to input bank or card details. PayPal is the most popular e-wallet service in the UK, with the vast majority of online gambling sites that allow for the payment method accepting it for both deposits and withdrawals. Other services such as ecoPayz, Skrill, and Neteller are also popular, but it’s more common for online gambling sites to not allow withdrawals to these e-wallet services.

People seeking alternative payment methods, should the credit card ban come into force, can also turn to pre-paid cards like PaySafeCard, electronic fund transfers through the use of debit cards or e-checks, and payment services providers like Instadebit.

The UK Gambling Commission is expected to publish its new strategy concerning the use of credit cards on gambling websites in April; the authority looks set to ban the popular payment method, so current users will need to find a new way of making deposits and withdrawals at online betting and gaming sites.

Cryptocurrency

Payhound empowers LSports with a seamless solution to receive payments

Published

4 days ago

April 22, 2024

George Miller

Payhound empowers LSports with a seamless solution to receive payments

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Fintech crypto company Payhound has been facilitating leading data provider LSports to accept payments from its clients.

As the premier data provider, LSports offers real-time sports data, providing operators with a competitive edge in the sports betting saturated market. By using Payhound’s solution, LSports can conveniently receive payments from its clients, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.

Established in 2018, Payhound’s mission is to enable businesses to handle cryptocurrencies with the same ease, security, and transparency as dealing with fiat currency. Through crypto, Payhound offers fast and efficient international payments, with security being a fundamental principle in all its operations.

Commenting on the partnership, a spokesperson for LSports stated: “Partnering with Payhound to optimize our payment solutions signifies a significant advancement in our global business strategy. This collaboration enables us to conduct transactions swiftly and securely, further bolstering our position as a premier data provider in the industry.”

Elton Dimech, Managing Director at Payhound, added: “We are delighted to service LSports.Through our platform, clients like LSports can easily receive payments, have such funds instantly converted into fiat, and as a result, greatly improve their operations and availability of funds. We look forward to continuing to be their reliable crypto partner in the future.”

Payhound is licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and is a holder of a Class 3 VFA License under the Virtual Financial Assets Act of 2018. The company has recently revealed its achievement of ISO 27001 certification for the second consecutive year.

Cryptocurrency

SOFTSWISS Named Crypto Company 2024

Published

3 months ago

February 7, 2024

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Crypto Company of the Year was announced at the International Gaming Awards in London. SOFTSWISS, a leading technology company with 15+ years of experience in the industry, gets this title for the second year in a row.

Marking the beginning of ICE London, the awards ceremony has brought together top names in the iGaming industry to honour their achievements. The International Gaming Awards not only unites experts and gaming enthusiasts worldwide but also serves as the pinnacle charity event of the year.

The Crypto Company of the Year category recognises companies that create innovative experiences for clients in the gambling sector with a focus on crypto. The winner is determined by evidence showcasing the company’s standout performance in the crypto space compared to competitors. Reconfirming the previous year’s success, SOFTSWISS emerged as the Crypto Company of the Year for the second time in a row.

Securing the title of Crypto Company of the Year comes naturally to SOFTSWISS, the trailblazer in introducing crypto-friendly solutions for online gaming. Beginning with Bitcoin, SOFTSWISS has expanded its cryptocurrency offering to nearly 20 digital coins since 2013.

In its dedication to improving player experience, SOFTSWISS introduced the In-Game Currency Conversion feature. The innovation allowed players with crypto holdings to engage seamlessly in games originally tailored for fiat only. One year post-launch, 85% of all bets in crypto casinos powered by the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform were made via the feature.

As an expert in crypto-friendly solutions, the company shares its expertise through the quarterly State of Crypto reports and topical podcasts. This helps raise awareness among all stakeholders, offering essential insights for strategic decision-making.

Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, shares: “We are delighted to receive this award, and it signifies more than just recognition for our recent achievements. The title of Crypto Company of the Year holds deep meaning for those who led the way in integrating digital currencies into iGaming, actively advocate for crypto solutions, and generously share expertise in this field.”

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying software solutions for managing iGaming projects. The expert team, which counts over 2,000 employees, is based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.

Cryptocurrency

Casino Market Industry Forecast Reveals Surge to $165.72 Billion by 2028 with Digital Transformation and Cryptocurrency Integration

Published

3 months ago

January 24, 2024

Hunor Pal

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The “Casino Global Market Report 2024” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets .com’s offering.

The latest report on the global casino market highlights significant growth, with expectations for the industry to swell from $131.42 billion in 2023 to an impressive $165.72 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6%. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of current market dynamics, future trends, and potential opportunities, positioning it as an essential resource for stakeholders in the casino sector.

The casino industry, experiencing a renaissance through digitization and a shift towards online gambling, is witnessing the rising popularity of cryptocurrency casinos. Innovations, alongside a deepened focus on responsible gambling, are propelling market growth, drawing attention from both established players and new entrants.

Key Market Dynamics Influencing Growth

Online Gambling Expansion
Smartphone Proliferation
Innovative Casino Products
Strategic Industry Partnerships

The report underscores the growing dominance of the Asia-Pacific region in the global casino market, bolstered by evolving consumer behaviors and burgeoning tourism sectors. The detailed geographic assessment provides strategic insights into the vitality of various regions within the industry.
Gambling machines, gaming tables, and novel casino experiences are discussed in the report. The document leverages industry-specific metrics to provide a nuanced understanding of segment performance, addressing both offline and online modalities.

Industry Leaders Making Strategic Moves

With major corporations like 888 Holdings PLC and Caesars Entertainment Corporation, the casino market is rife with tactical mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships aiming to solidify market positioning and leverage collective strengths.

The global casino market research report presents in-depth market analysis, reflecting cutting-edge industry trends such as the integration of advanced gaming technologies. It also spotlights operational strategies and expansion plans of front-runners in the gambling domain.

This comprehensive research report is poised to be an indispensable tool for industry investors, strategists, and stakeholders planning to navigate the complex terrain of the casino industry with data-driven confidence.

The casino market research report is devised to serve a diversity of informational needs, offering a meticulous examination of the interplay between market forces, technological advancements, and consumer preferences shaping the future of gambling worldwide.

Please note, the market value detailed in the report represents the actualized revenues recognized by entities within the industry over the specified period and geography.

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes