Latest News

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

Published

7 years ago

March 1, 2019

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

Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: With the online gambling credit card ban hovering in the UK, what are the options?

Related Topics:gambling industry in Europe

George Miller

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Latest News

From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: Belatra has been a steady hand in the slots world for a long time, but 2025 marked a distinct shift in strategy. By entering the Crash vertical with Goose Boom Bang and winning big at SiGMA Africa, the studio is clearly pivoting to capture the high-growth, high-frequency players in emerging markets. They are no longer just a “classic slots” developer; they are diversifying the portfolio to ensure relevance in regions like LatAm and Africa.

The Full Story

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has issued a strategic review of its 2025 operations, celebrating a 12-month period defined by entry into new game verticals, significant franchise expansion, and high-profile industry recognition.

The year was characterized by a dual strategy: deepening engagement in established markets while aggressively expanding its content portfolio to suit local preferences in emerging territories.

Portfolio Evolution: Crash and Battles 2025 saw Belatra move beyond its traditional slot roots. The company made its debut in the high-demand Crash game vertical with the launch of Goose Boom Bang, a title designed to tap into the fast-paced gameplay preference of younger demographics.

Additionally, the studio introduced a fresh game concept with the launch of Battles, a new format unveiled for the first time in 2025, with further development planned for 2026.

The ‘Mummyverse’ Expands For fans of classic slots, the highlight of the year was the aggressive expansion of the Mummyverse. Belatra nearly doubled the size of this franchise over the year, making it the most extensive game universe in their entire catalog.

The developer also focused on B2B localization, releasing a number of exclusive bespoke games created specifically for selected operator partners to meet specific local market tastes.

Awards and Recognition The company’s strategic shifts were validated by industry accolades. Belatra secured over 30 nominations throughout the year, with standout wins including:

Best Slot Provider (awarded by BitStarz).
Most Played Game of 2025 for Make It Gold at the SiGMA Africa Awards.
Player’s Pick Award.

Management Commentary Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, commented on the studio’s momentum:

“This year has truly defined who we are as a studio – ambitious, creative and focused on building long-term partnerships. We’ve expanded our universes, launched new ones and entered exciting new markets that will all help us carry this momentum into the New Year.”

The post From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

Latest News

‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: The “Instant Game” vertical (Crash, Plinko, Mines) is becoming crowded, but Ebaka Games is cutting through the noise with a distinct brand personality. By securing BMM Testlabs certification so quickly after launch, they are signaling to Tier 1 operators that despite their “chaotic” marketing vibe, the math underneath is solid and compliant. The backing of industry veteran Dmitry Belianin also adds immediate commercial credibility to the startup.

The Full Story

Ebaka Games, the fledgling studio that promises to bring “chaos and soul” to the iGaming sector, has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for 2026 following a landmark launch period in late 2025.

The studio, which officially debuted in November, reports that its initial rollout reached more than five million people worldwide. The launch saw its portfolio go live with the operator Menace, serving as the initial testbed for its mechanics and “Ebaka modes.”

The Product: Instant Games with Personality Ebaka is bypassing traditional slots to focus on the high-growth vertical of fast-paced, instant-win games. Their initial lineup includes:

Plinko
Mines
Tower
Limbo
Crash

Differentiation is achieved through unique mascots and signature gameplay tweaks designed to offer high win potential and distinct visual identities, moving away from the generic interfaces often found in this genre.

Regulatory Milestone Crucially for its 2026 roadmap, Ebaka Games has confirmed it has secured certification from BMM Testlabs. This accreditation validates the fairness and integrity of its RNG (Random Number Generator) and game engines, removing a major barrier to entry for regulated markets. With this certification in hand, the studio plans to launch with a number of “major brands” in the coming year.

Management Commentary Vitalii Zalievskyi, CEO of Ebaka Games, commented on the studio’s unorthodox approach:

“It’s only been a few weeks since we first introduced Ebaka Games to the world. The feedback has been breathtaking, and it vindicates the decision for us to take a different path to the rest of the industry. You don’t need huge marketing budgets to grab people’s attention if you are building something truly innovative.”

Industry Backing The studio describes itself as being “created by players for players” but boasts significant industry firepower in its corner. The team includes Dmitry Belianin, a well-known figure in the sector who is the co-founder of Blask and Menace, as well as Managing Partner at Already Media.

The post ‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

Latest News

Racing Meets Nightlife: SBK Backs ARC’s New ‘Friday Night Live’ Series

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: British racing has a well-documented demographic problem; its core audience is aging. “Friday Night Live” is a direct attempt to fix this by blending high-stakes racing with the “experience economy” (DJs, nightlife vibes) that appeals to Gen Z and Millennials. Bringing SBK on board—a mobile-first, app-only sportsbook—is a perfect demographic fit, while the Racing Post adds the necessary credibility to ensure the actual racing product remains the focus.

The Full Story

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has unveiled the strategic commercial lineup for its upcoming Friday Night Live series, confirming SBK as the Exclusive Betting Partner and The Racing Post as the Official Media Partner.

Set to launch in January 2026, Friday Night Live is a new initiative created in collaboration with youth-focused events company INVADES. The series is designed to overhaul the traditional race day experience, featuring fast-paced fixtures under floodlights, DJ sets, and significant entertainment elements sandwiched between races.

The Commercial Deal

SBK: As the exclusive betting partner, the Smarkets-owned sportsbook will take naming rights and on-course branding for all 35 races. Crucially, these races will be broadcast live on mainstream television via ITV Racing as well as Sky Sports Research.
The Racing Post: As the Official Media Partner, the publication will provide content, coverage, and promotion across its digital platforms, aiming to bridge the gap between established racing purists and the new audience ARC hopes to attract.

A High-Stakes Experiment The series is not just a marketing exercise; it carries serious sporting weight. Each of the five scheduled nights will feature over £200,000 in prize money. The fixtures will rotate across three of ARC’s all-weather tracks: Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Southwell.

Management Commentary David Leyden Dunbar, Group Director of Commercial Strategy at ARC, was clear about the target audience:

“We have been very clear that one of the aims of Friday Night Live is to engage the next generation of racing fans… Both [partners] have shown real enthusiasm to work with us… as well as using the platform that these fixtures will offer them to also engage with more established racing and sports fans.”

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, added:

“Friday Night Live [is] a fresh and engaging concept that brings a new energy to British racing. SBK has always been built around sport… our focus is on enhancing the live race day experience in a fun, social and responsible way.”

The 2026 Schedule The series kicks off immediately in the new year: