Each payment method serves different needs. Here's what you need to know about every category available at online casinos.
Instant EFT - South Africa's Banking Advantage
Instant EFT services connect directly to your South African bank account, allowing immediate casino deposits without creating separate accounts. This is one of South Africa's biggest advantages in online casino banking.
- Main providers: Ozow, SiD Instant EFT, PayFast, Capitec Pay, Walletdoc, Stitch
- How it works: Select your bank (FNB, Standard Bank, Capitec, Nedbank, ABSA), log into your online banking portal, authorize the payment with two-factor authentication. Money transfers instantly to the casino.
- Key benefits: No registration or e-wallet needed, bank-level security with 2FA, typically zero fees, direct bank-to-casino transfers, all major South African banks supported
- Speed & fees: Instant deposits, 24-48 hour withdrawals, usually free
- Best for: South African players who want direct banking without third-party accounts
- Top casinos: Betway, Hollywoodbets, Zarbet, YesPlay, Jackpot City, Mzansibet
E-wallets - The PayPal Alternative for Gambling
E-wallets work like digital bank accounts that sit between your bank and the casino. Skrill, Neteller, and ecoPayz dominate this space, offering PayPal-like convenience with full gambling support.
- Main providers: Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, MuchBetter, AstroPay
- Key benefits: Don't share bank information with casinos, instant deposits with 24-48 hour withdrawals, accepted at most international casinos, multi-currency support
- Speed & fees: Free deposits, 1-2% withdrawal fees to bank account
- Best for: Players who want PayPal-style convenience but need gambling-friendly services
- Top casinos: Jackpot City, Betway, 10bet, LeoVegas, 888 Casino
If you're wondering why PayPal doesn't work for online casinos, it's company policy rather than legal restrictions. E-wallets offer the same convenience with full gambling support.
Instant Bank Transfers - Direct Banking Without Delays
Instant bank transfer services connect directly to your online banking, allowing immediate deposits without creating separate accounts. Trustly leads this category in Europe.
- Main providers: Trustly, Pay N Play, Zimpler, Interac (Canada), POLi (Australia/New Zealand)
- Key benefits: No registration required, bank-level security with two-factor authentication, usually zero fees, direct bank-to-casino transfers
- Speed & fees: Instant deposits, 24-48 hour withdrawals, typically free
- Best for: Players who want direct banking without third-party accounts
- Top casinos: LeoVegas, Casumo, Mr Green, PlayOJO, Rizk
Credit & Debit Cards - Universal but Slower
Visa and Mastercard remain the most widely accepted payment methods. Nearly every casino accepts cards for deposits, though withdrawal support varies.
- Key benefits: Accepted at 95%+ of casinos, familiar payment process, instant deposits, no separate accounts needed, strong fraud protection
- Speed & fees: Instant deposits, 3-5 days for withdrawals (when available), usually free but banks may charge cash advance fees
- Best for: Quick deposits, players without e-wallets or bank transfer access
Important: Not all casinos process withdrawals back to cards. Always check withdrawal options before depositing.
Cryptocurrency - Maximum Privacy and Speed
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies offer the most private and often fastest casino transactions.
- Main providers: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Tether (USDT)
- Key benefits: Near-anonymous transactions, fastest withdrawals (1-2 hours), no geographic restrictions, often higher deposit limits
- Speed & fees: 10-30 minute deposits, 1-2 hour withdrawals, network fees vary
- Best for: Privacy-focused players, experienced crypto users
- Top casinos: BitStarz, mBit Casino, CloudBet, Stake, BC.Game
Consideration: Cryptocurrency values fluctuate. What you deposit may be worth more or less when you withdraw.
Prepaid Vouchers - Cash-Based Privacy
Vouchers like Paysafecard let you deposit using prepaid codes purchased with cash at retail locations. No bank account required.
- Main providers: Paysafecard, Neosurf, Flexepin
- Key benefits: Complete privacy (cash purchase), no bank account needed, spending control, available at thousands of retail locations
- Speed & fees: Instant deposits, 3-5% purchase fee at retailers
- Best for: Unbanked players, strict budget control, maximum privacy
- Top casinos: 888 Casino, Bet365, LeoVegas, Mr Green, PlayOJO
Critical limitation: You cannot withdraw to vouchers. Set up an alternative withdrawal method (e-wallet or bank account) before depositing.
Mobile Payments - Convenience on the Go
Apple Pay, Google Pay, and similar services let you deposit using your smartphone.
- Main providers: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Pay by Mobile
- Key benefits: Quick mobile deposits, biometric security, no need to enter card details
- Speed & fees: Instant deposits, usually free
- Best for: Mobile-first players, quick small deposits
- Top casinos: Betway, LeoVegas, 888 Casino, Mr Green