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With the online gambling credit card ban hovering in the UK, what are the options?
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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?
Editor’s Take
Why this matters: This is a classic “Cross-Sell” play. Meridianbet has already spent seven years building a sports betting database in Belgium. By securing this B+ license, they can now monetize those same users with higher-margin casino products (slots, table games) without needing to acquire new traffic from scratch. With the Belgian casino sector growing at 20% year-over-year, this is a significant revenue unlock for the GMGI portfolio.
The Full Story
Meridianbet, the sports betting and gaming operator owned by Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has successfully expanded its regulatory footprint in Europe by securing a B+ online gaming license in Belgium.
The new license (B+ 4016) authorizes the company to launch a comprehensive online casino platform—featuring slots, table games, and automated live games—starting in January 2026. This move significantly broadens the operator’s capabilities in the country, complementing its existing sports betting operations which have been active in the Belgian market for seven years.
Targeting the Largest Market Segment The strategic rationale behind the license is clear: Casino is now the dominant force in Belgian gambling. According to the Belgian Gaming Commission, the online casino vertical generated €455 million in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in 2023, representing a 20.2% year-over-year increase.
By entering this vertical, Meridianbet gains access to the largest and fastest-growing segment of a market that generated a total of €944.6 million last year.
Tech-First Entry Meridianbet plans to deploy its proprietary AI Casino Recommender technology for the Belgian launch. This system analyzes player behavior and preferences in real-time to deliver personalized game suggestions, a crucial differentiator in a highly concentrated market where just ten operators account for 94% of all online wagers.
Regulatory Context Belgium is known for having one of Europe’s strictest regulatory frameworks, characterized by rigorous compliance standards and player protection protocols. Securing this license validates Meridianbet’s operational standards and deepens its foothold in a “mature” market that is notoriously difficult for new entrants to penetrate.
The post Meridianbet Doubles Down on Belgium: New Casino License Unlocks €455m Market Segment appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Editor’s Take
Why this matters: In the iGaming affiliate space, the five-year mark is a critical survival threshold. Many media startups fade away before reaching it. LinkDataMedia’s decision to rebrand now is a classic “graduation” signal. By shedding their startup skin for a more corporate, “blue-chip” aesthetic (the stability-focused blue triangle), they are telling operators and partners that they are no longer just an affiliate project, but a stable infrastructure partner ready for larger commercial deals.
The Full Story
LinkDataMedia, the parent company behind the popular affiliate portal Gamblers Connect, has announced a comprehensive corporate rebrand to coincide with its fifth anniversary.
The overhaul includes a completely refreshed brand identity, a redesigned logo, and a fully revamped website, all of which are now live. The move is described by the company not as a mere cosmetic update, but as a strategic pivot designed to distance the business from its “startup roots” and reflect its current status as an established player in the competitive iGaming media landscape.
Visualizing Maturity The new visual language features a modernized blue triangular logo, a shape chosen to represent “stability and forward momentum.” The digital user experience has also been streamlined, offering partners a cleaner interface that aligns better with the company’s matured operational capabilities.
Management Commentary Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder and CEO of LinkDataMedia, commented on the significance of hitting the half-decade milestone in such a volatile industry:
“Surviving the first five years in business takes more than luck. It takes belief, resilience, and the right people around you. This milestone, and the rebrand, reflect exactly that.”
Implementation The new branding has already been deployed across the main corporate website and is currently being rolled out across LinkDataMedia’s social media channels and internal communication platforms. As the company enters its sixth year, the refreshed identity aims to set the stage for a new phase of expansion and innovation.
The post LinkDataMedia Drops ‘Startup’ Look with Major 5th Anniversary Rebrand appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Editor’s Take
Why this matters: As ICE makes its historic move to Barcelona, established tech providers like Win Systems are under pressure to bring their “A-game” to the larger venue. The focus here isn’t just on cabinets; it’s the ecosystem. By highlighting WIGOS (their CMS) alongside WIN PAY, Win Systems is positioning itself as an infrastructure partner, not just a hardware supplier. The debut of the Gold Club Colors roulette specifically targets the growing demand for visually customizable electronic table games (ETGs).
The Full Story
Win Systems, the global provider of technology for the gaming and entertainment industry, has confirmed its product roadmap for ICE Barcelona 2026, the sector’s most significant international event taking place from January 19 to 21.
Exhibiting at Stand 3M30 at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, the company will leverage the new venue to showcase a broad portfolio designed to cover the entire casino floor—from management systems to the gaming floor itself.
Systems and Fintech At the core of the showcase is WIGOS, the company’s flagship Casino Management System (CMS). WIGOS is widely recognized for connecting thousands of machines across multiple countries, and the Barcelona display will focus on advanced tools that streamline daily operations and optimize player retention.
Complementing the CMS, Win Systems will present WIN PAY, its secure transaction platform. As cashless and seamless payment solutions become standard requirements for operators, WIN PAY offers the necessary efficiency and security controls for modern gaming environments.
Hardware: Roulette and Slots On the hardware side, Win Systems is refreshing its electronic table game offering with the new Gold Club Colors electronic roulette. The Gold Club line has long been a staple in the company’s portfolio, known for its compact footprint and reliability; the “Colors” iteration promises to maximize visual impact on the floor.
Alongside the roulette, the company will display its latest slot hardware, including the Sublime and Rhapsody cabinets. These units are designed to house the company’s extensive game library, which has been adapted to suit diverse market profiles from Europe to Latin America.
Strategic Goals Win Systems aims to use the three-day event to reinforce its 30-year legacy in the industry. The company described its participation as a commitment to “continuous innovation,” inviting operators and regulators to explore how their integrated solutions can improve in-room performance.
The post Win Systems to Debut New ‘Gold Club Colors’ and WIGOS Upgrades at ICE Barcelona appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Meridianbet Doubles Down on Belgium: New Casino License Unlocks €455m Market Segment
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