Pay-by-phone casinos: A complete guide

Pay-by-phone is a method by which players can deposit at online casinos using their mobile phone bill. It’s also known as mobile carrier billing or direct carrier billing (DCB).

This method streamlines the deposit process, allowing users to avoid the hassle of entering card details or linking bank accounts.

Best pay-by-phone casinos with no wagering

Want to jump straight in and play? Then check out the following no wagering casinos where you can deposit by mobile phone. Keep reading to learn about how pay by phone works and what you need to do to get started…

What do we mean by ‘pay-by-phone casino’?

Pay-by-phone casinos allow players to make deposits using their mobile phone number. This process typically involves charging the deposit amount to your monthly mobile phone bill or deducting it from your prepaid (pay as you go) balance.

Furthermore, when discussing pay-by-phone casinos, it's important to clarify that the terms 'payment' and 'deposit' mean the same thing. Whether we refer to these transactions as payments or deposits, we are talking about transferring money into your casino account.

Popularity of pay-by-phone casinos

The popularity of pay-by-phone casinos can be attributed to their convenience and security. This payment method simplifies the deposit process, allowing players to fund their casino account balance while reducing the risk of financial data theft.

While specific numbers or percentages regarding the total number of people  using pay-by-phone options vary, there’s no doubt that a significant portion of online gamblers are moving towards this method. This payment method is popular among younger people. 

Furthermore, there is no end-user setup required – just enter your mobile phone number and you’ll be sent a confirmation code by text message to approve the transaction.

How pay-by-phone casinos work

What is the deposit process?

Here’s how to deposit using direct carrier billing at a pay-by-phone casino:

1. Set the deposit method to pay-by-phone, and enter the amount you want to deposit

2. Enter your mobile phone number

3. Confirm the transaction by entering the verification code you will have received via SMS text message

4. That’s all! The amount you deposited will be added to your next mobile phone bill, or deducted from your PAYG credit

Difference between deposits on contract billing vs PAYG

When depositing with pay-by-phone casinos, the experience can differ between a contract phone and a pay-as-you-go phone, mainly due to the billing method. Here are the main differences:

Contract phone

• Deposits are added to your next monthly bill, meaning you don't have to pay for it upfront. This can be convenient if you don’t have the funds immediately available and your mobile billing date is after pay day, for example.
• Your deposit limit may be influenced by your contract terms or the credit limit set by your mobile provider, allowing for higher deposits than PAYG.

Pay-as-you-go

• If you’re on PAYG, you must have enough credit to cover the deposit. If you don’t have enough credit on your PAYG balance, you will need to top up before you can make a deposit which could be inconvenient.
• This method naturally helps manage and limit your gambling budget, as you can only spend what you have already paid for. Although it can prevent overspending, it could also mean you won’t have any phone credit left if luck doesn’t go your way.

Conditions for using pay-by-phone

Players should be aware of conditions phone providers may impose when using payment services. These include:

• Max limits per transaction: Phone providers may set a maximum limit for each transaction. This limit can vary depending on the provider and the specific service used, but players should check this with their provider.  For example, both EE and O2 limit a single transaction to a maximum of £40 and have a monthly billing cycle cap of £240.
• Fees: Typically there aren’t any fees for using this service. However, in rare cases, the casino may charge its own transaction fee.
• Transaction Speed: Pay-by-phone deposits are processed instantly, just like any other payment method.

Advantages of pay-by-phone casinos

• Convenience and ease-of-use: Pay-by-phone is quick and easy, removing the need for debit cards and e-wallets. And if you play on your mobile, it’s seamless too.
• Enhanced security and privacy: No need to share sensitive card or bank account details. Furthermore, transactions won’t appear on your bank statement, which may benefit you if you have a joint account or are applying for a mortgage.
• Managing finances and budgeting: Use the PAYG credit you’ve already paid for, or delay payments until the next billing cycle. Also benefit from transaction limits imposed by your carrier.

Pay-by-phone vs. traditional payment methods

The growth and variation of payment methods in the gambling industry has marked a shift in how players engage with online casinos. Among these innovations, pay-by-phone has become a convenient and secure alternative to traditional payment methods.

Below, we compare pay-by-phone to traditional casino payment methods to highlight the differences and benefits.

Pay-by-phone casinos

• Convenience: Highly convenient, instant deposits in just a few taps.
• Security: Enhanced security as no personal banking details are shared.
• Privacy: Better privacy than debit cards as transactions don’t appear on your bank statement
• Deposit limits:  Some providers have deposit limits (EE and O2 limit single transactions to a maximum of £40 and £240 in a monthly billing cycle), essentially providing a deposit cap.
• Withdrawal options: Typically do not support withdrawals, requiring an alternative cash-out method.
• Ease of setup: Simple setup requiring only your mobile number.
• Accessibility: Seamless experience for mobile users. Desktop/laptop users will need access to their mobile.

Traditional casino payment methods

• Convenience: Less convenient, requiring debit card details or bank information entry.
• Security: Secure, but involves sharing sensitive financial information.
• Privacy: The name of the merchant/casino will appear on your bank statement for debit card and bank transfers. E-wallet transactions won’t if your e-wallet account is already funded.
• Deposit limits: Generally, higher deposit limits cater to a broader range of gamblers.
• Withdrawal options: Support deposits and withdrawals, providing a more complete banking solution.
• Ease of setup: Can be inconvenient as access to debit card or bank account details will be necessary.
• Accessibility: Access to mobile phone may be necessary in order to approve transactions.

Are winnings paid out via mobile?

No, winnings are not paid out through pay-by-phone. Most commonly, winnings will be transferred directly to your bank account. Alternatively, you might be able to choose to receive your winnings via debit card or e-wallet.

To ensure a smooth pay-out, ensure you’ve verified your identity and followed the platform's withdrawal procedures.

Popular pay-by-phone providers

Better-known pay-by-phone providers include Boku and Fonix, however mobile network providers have their own gateways to perform transactions directly..

The providers act as intermediaries between consumers and merchants. When a consumer pays through a pay-by-phone option, the third-party provider ensures the transaction is completed smoothly.

Pay-by-phone casinos in the UK

Pay-by-phone casinos in the UK offer a convenient and secure method for players to make deposits directly from their mobile phones, which is why it has become a favoured choice for players. This innovative payment option allows users to fund their casino accounts without entering bank or credit card details, providing an added layer of security.

Regulations and licensing for casinos in the UK

Regulations and licensing for pay-by-phone casinos in the UK are the same as for other casinos. Regulatory measures exist to ensure fair play, protect consumers, and prevent illegal activities. Here are some key points to consider:

• Gambling Commission (UKGC): All casinos operating in the UK must be licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. This ensures they adhere to strict standards of fairness, customer protection, and responsible gambling practices.
• Licensing requirements: To obtain a licence, casinos must demonstrate they have measures in place to protect minors and vulnerable people, ensure transparent and fair games, support vulnerable people, and help prevent money laundering.
• Age verification: Casinos must verify the age of their customers to ensure they are 18 or older.
• Payment method regulations: Casinos must comply with regulations related to payment methods, including pay-by-phone options. 
• Responsible gambling measures: Casinos must offer tools and resources to help customers manage their gambling.
• Data protection: Casinos must comply with data protection laws, ensuring customer information  is securely stored and not misused.

Best pay-by-phone casinos in the UK:

Conclusion

Pay-by-phone casinos offer a convenient and secure method for you to fund your casino account. They leverage technology to simplify deposits through mobile phone bills or prepaid credit. The advantages include enhanced security and removes the need for bank details. It can also improve budget management.

However, challenges such as restrictive deposit limits and the potential for billing surprises for contract users persist.

As technology progresses and more casinos adopt this method, it's expected to become more widespread. This method can address current limitations and improve player experience, making it a beneficial option for players seeking convenience and security.