Pros and Cons of Using Pay by Mobile in Online Casinos
Mobile phone payments have been popular in the UK for decades, offering customers a quick and easy method alternative to credit or debit cards. If you’re interested in using Pay by Mobile for online casino deposits, we’ll take you through everything you need to know.
What is Pay by Mobile
Pay by Mobile is a payment system that allows players to deposit funds into their online casino accounts via their mobile phone bill or prepaid balance.
With Pay by Mobile, players simply enter their mobile number, and verify the transaction via SMS, The deposit amount is then either added to their next phone bill or deducted from their prepaid balance. Popular providers of this service include Boku, Payforit, and Zimpler, which act as intermediaries between the casino, the player, and the mobile network operator. Be sure to also check out our recommended Pay by Mobile operators.
Pros of Using Pay by Mobile in Online Casinos
Pay by Mobile has been around almost as long as mobile phones, and proved enduringly popular, and for good reason. Here are some of the benefits for UK gamblers:
- Convenience and Ease of Use: Pay by Mobile is quick and convenient, requiring only a mobile number as information. One further confirmation by SMS, and your payment is processed on the spot.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: Some gamblers prefer not to expose financial details such as card or bank account numbers. Pay by Mobile offers one layer of obfuscation between your casino operator and your bank details.
- Instant Deposits: As a well-established payment method, Pay by Mobile offers instantaneous transaction times, meaning you can get into the action quicker.
- Low Deposit Limits: Pay by Mobile typically comes with low deposits limits (£10 – £30) which can help you regulate your spending.
- No Credit Card Necessary: Credit cards are prohibited in UK casinos. Having an alternative payment option is convenient.
Cons of Using Pay by Mobile in Online Casinos
Despite the benefits we outlined above, there are some drawbacks to using Pay by Mobile for uk casino deposits:
- No Withdrawals: Pay by Mobile does not support withdrawals, so you will need to use an alternative payment processor to cash out any potential winnings.
- Low Deposit Limits: As mentioned above, Pay by Mobile is typically limited to smaller deposits of no more than £30. This can be an impediment to high rollers.
- Potential Fees: Some network providers may charge a small fee to process your payment.
- Limited Availability: Pay by Mobile is becoming less commonly accepted in UK casinos, which can limit your choice.
Is Pay by Mobile Safe?
Pay by Mobile is generally considered a safe payment method for online casinos. It incorporates security features such as SMS verification and doesn’t require players to input sensitive financial details, which reduces the risk of a data breach.
Providers like Boku and Payforit are widely trusted and used by reputable online casinos. While the low deposit limits might be a source of frustration to some, we think that they work well for limiting your gambling spend.
Alternatives to Pay by Mobile
Just like many other businesses in the UK, the online casino market is known for offering a wide range of consumer payment options. If you’ve reviewed the pros and cons we’ve listed above and decided that Pay by Mobile isn’t for you, here are some alternatives you could consider:
E-wallets
Well known e-wallet brands such as Paypal, Skrill, and Neteller offer both deposit and withdrawal options. Similar to Pay by Mobile, this method adds a layer of privacy between your financial details and the casino of your choice.
Debit Card
Debit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, issued by your retail bank, will offer the best anti-fraud protection around. If you’re looking to make larger deposits, this payment method will also suit you. Please note, however, that your card details will be exposed to the casino operator.
Pay by Mobile: A Safe and Convenient Deposit Method
Pay by Mobile presents a convenient, secure, and easy-to-use payment method for online casino deposits, particularly suited to casual players and those prioritising privacy. The instant processing and low deposit limits make it an excellent tool for responsible gambling.
However, the limitations, such as the inability to process withdrawals and restricted availability, may make it less suitable for some players.