Cashless Payments at Gambling Sites in the UK

The British government is reportedly considering allowing gamblers to use debit cards at slot machines. Cashless payments will be restricted to debit cards only in casinos, arcades, and pubs, with credit cards remaining prohibited.

Set Limits for Debit Card Transactions

According to a BBC article, there will be preset limits for cashless deposits via debit cards at slot machines in the UK. Players can deposit up to £20 (€23.37) per transaction, comparable to cash payments. Authentication can be done using the card’s chip and PIN or biometric verification.

Support and Criticism for Cashless Transactions

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) welcomes the plans and urges a detailed implementation schedule. However, the charity Gambling with Lives is critical, expressing concerns about easier access to addictive machines. They advocate for lower deposit limits and slower spin speeds to enhance safety.

Cashless Gambling in the UK and Norway

Currently, cashless gambling in the UK involves mobile apps or special tickets for slots, as card payments have been prohibited since 2007. New UK regulations for player protection, including financial checks, are expected soon. In Norway, cashless payments are limited to online casinos, with no direct card transactions allowed at physical gambling establishments.

Comparison with Norway

In Norway, cashless payments directly at slot machines in physical gambling venues are not possible, with cash being the sole option. Online casinos offer various payment methods like Sofort, Trustly, Klarna, and Giropay for cashless transactions, requiring an online banking account.

Future Prospects

The timeline for implementing cashless payments in UK casinos is uncertain, and the possibility of this becoming available in Norway remains unknown. Watch this space for updates on these developments.