- Legality
- Response/transaction processing time
It is important to already have chosen an online casino to gamble at frequently, or a group of favorites, so that you can inquire about their accepted payment providers and offered sign up deals or promotions. This will allow you to both maximize your gambling budget and improve your overall gambling experience. Do so before continuing any further, if you already haven't.
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Learn about the online payment methods categoriesThere are 4 main categories under which the hundreds of payment providers you have to choose from will lie. They are:
- Credit Card - its speed and easy accessibility makes the credit
card the most commonly used payment method type. Despite the fear many share
that is associated with providing personal details (including your account
details), all reputable casinos will present a privacy policy which acts as a
confidentiality agreement between you and the site, and lists the steps taken
to ensure that your information remains private. Under such conditions, the use
of your credit card is both safe and convenient, and will usually be accompanied
by a special deposit deal.
- Electronic Wallet ("eWallet") concept - an online
funds transaction service, whereby you may deposit money into an account
specifically for gambling purposes by means of credit card, ATM card, or an
online banking account. Once approved, you are able to make financial
transactions to any merchant website that supports the service. It is usually very
fast and quite reliable.
- Direct transfer from your bank account to the website - done by means
of an online bank cheque or "echeque", this service allows the
depositing of money directly into an online casino account, without the
provision of personal details. The system is secure, yet response time can vary
from one bank to the other, taking a minimum of seven days to clear.
- Manual Direct transfers - make transfers to your online casino
account manually through your regular bank account. This is the slowest system
available, and is somewhat limited by government laws regarding online
gambling. However, it is completely safe.
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Choose a payment provider from your chosen category
There are literally hundreds, possibly thousands, of different payment providers out
there, yet only a select few are almost always offered by online casinos. This
is because the methods they approve are those that people most commonly use and
trust, and provide full 24 hour support services.
- For credit cards: simply
call your bank and verify that the use of your credit card online for gambling
purposes is allowed in your country and state, and approved by the bank itself.
Some banks and credit card companies have been restricted by government law to
operate in association with such internet services, so be sure your actions are
lawful before depositing money. Visa and MasterCard and almost always accepted.
- For electronic wallets: the
most popular providers include
Click2Pay - a web wallet that you
can fund by means of direct debit, credit card, ACH, and more. It also offers a
pre-funding service that allows you to deposit money and use the balance to
purchase credits at various websites. Their transaction process is very simple
and easy to use.
Neteller - you can deposit funds by
means of credit card, Direct Deposit, Electronic Funds Transfer, or Wire
transfer, and make online transactions directly to any merchant site supporting
the service. Cash transfers are instant and free, and available in most
currencies. It is also accessible 24/7 and hides your personal details from
merchant sites.
Firepay - a free service that works
like an ATM/debit card. Your credit card information is kept private from
merchant website, and access to your deposited funds in your online bank
account is in real time. It is a highly user-friendly service, offering step-by-step
instructions and simple registration.
- For direct transfer from your bank account to the website:
Checks - also referred to as a bank
draft, this service sends a certified cheque to the online casino via email,
which keeps all your personal information private. Few online casinos accept
such services, yet InterCasino does.
- For manual direct transfers:
Once again, simply call your bank to verify that they approve transactions to
your online casino's website, and that it is a lawful action within your state
and country. Response and delivery time will vary depending on your bank, so
double check this aspect with them too before depositing money.
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Register at the Payment Provider Website:
This requires
entering the payment provider's website, providing the required details and
information, and having your account approved. Once registered, you may begin
making online transactions immediately.
- The amount of time it takes any given payment provider to process and approve your deposit or transaction can vary widely, and if you plan on playing immediately after depositing money, ensure that your service is instant or only a matter of minutes. You don't want to be waiting a week or two only to begin playing.
- Also, always ensure that your online casino provides a privacy policy and terms and conditions page, and read it before playing. The way they treat your account or deposit service may differ between casinos, and also ensures legality.