A1

A1 gives gamblers instant and fee-free deposits, especially via SMS deposits. With over 24 million users, and deep roots in communications, fintech, and entertainment, A1 stands tall as one of the most convenient ways to load your casino balance in seconds. Backed by the A1 Telekom Austria Group, the company combines fast mobile transactions with robust security, giving casino players a stress-free payment experience.

Number of Games

Type

Mobile Payment, Money Transfer

Fees

No Fees

Processing time

Instant

Casinologia/A1

Gabriela Vangelova

Content Director

27.08.2025

Updated

Key Facts

Company

A1 Telekom Austria Group

Headquaters

Vienna, Austria

Established

1996

Number of users

30,000,000+

A1 Markets:

Online Casinos Accepting A1

Find trusted online casinos that accept A1 for deposits right below along with reviews and a convenient filter to search by preference.

Filter

Casinos: 0

Bonus Amount

500

Free Spins

500

Welcome Bonus Percentage

100

Total Bonus Percentage

200

Bonus Types

Software Provider

License

Languages

Accepted currency

Live Game

0 / 0 0%

What Is A1 and How it Dominates Online Casino Payments?

A1 is a mobile-first payment method operated by A1 Bulgaria, a key member of the A1 Telekom Austria Group. Originally founded in 1996, A1 quickly grew into a household name in telecommunications, internet services, and eventually, digital finance. Today, A1 isn’t just about phone calls or 5G – it’s also a gateway to online gaming payments, where users can deposit with nothing more than their phone. Why players love it:

⚡ Instant deposits – No waiting around.
💸 Zero fees – Depositing via SMS costs you nothing.
📱 Mobile-first convenience – Your phone is your wallet.
🌍 Regional strength – Dominant across Bulgaria and Central/Eastern Europe.

Brief History of A1

1996: A1 launches in Bulgaria, pioneering GSM services.
1990s–2000s: First to introduce SMS and major mobile innovations.
2010s: Expands into broadband, ICT, and digital services.
2020s: Becomes a fintech power player, integrating 5G, IoT, and payment services with nearly 28,000 km of fiber coverage.
2024: Reports €820.9 million revenue in Bulgaria, showing how much trust locals place in the brand.

The company’s evolution into payments was a natural step. With mobile usage skyrocketing, A1 leveraged its infrastructure to provide frictionless casino payments, blending telecom power with fintech innovation.

Is Gambling with A1 Legal?

A1 is a payment facilitator. This means legality depends on whether the casino itself is licensed in your jurisdiction. In Bulgaria, A1 is widely used for online gambling, given the country’s regulated casino market. However, the service isn’t global. While A1 Group operates across seven European countries, only Bulgaria actively supports online casino payments via SMS deposits. Other A1 branches – Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Macedonia, and Belarus offer telecom and digital services, but not all extend directly to gambling payments.

Availability by Region

Region / Country	A1 Services Available	Casino Payments Supported
🇧🇬 Bulgaria	Full (Telecom, Internet, Payments)	✅ Yes (SMS deposits + more)
🇦🇹 Austria	Telecom, Internet, ICT	❌ Not for gambling
🇭🇷 Croatia	Telecom, Internet	❌ Not for gambling
🇷🇸 Serbia	Telecom, Internet	❌ Not for gambling
🇧🇾 Belarus	Telecom, Internet	❌ Not for gambling
🇲🇰 North Macedonia	Telecom, Internet	❌ Not for gambling
🇸🇮 Slovenia	Telecom, Internet	❌ Not for gambling

A1 is legit and licensed, but its gambling usage is region-specific, with Bulgaria leading the charge.

Fees, Delays, and Hidden Costs

One of A1’s most attractive perks is its no-fee policy for SMS deposits. Many payment providers sneak in transaction charges or processing costs, but A1 keeps it clean:

💸 No deposit fees
⚡ Instant processing
❌ No hidden charges

The only possible costs? Your casino’s own policies. Some casinos may add a withdrawal fee or set minimum deposit thresholds. But A1 itself is transparent – what you deposit is exactly what shows up in your casino account.

How to Use A1 to Gamble Online

Step 1

Register at an A1-supported casino

Before you can make a deposit, you’ll need an account at a licensed Bulgarian online casino that supports A1 payments. Registration is quick: fill in your personal details, create a secure password, and verify your account. Look for casinos that explicitly list A1 or SMS deposits in their banking section – this guarantees compatibility.

Step 2

Go to the cashier/payment section

Once your account is ready, head over to the casino’s cashier or banking tab. This is where all deposit and withdrawal methods are listed. From there, select “A1 / Mobile Payment / SMS Deposit” as your preferred option. Choosing this ensures the casino routes your payment through A1’s secure mobile network. Unlike credit cards or e-wallets, you won’t need to share sensitive banking info, just your phone number.

Step 3

Enter your mobile number

Next, type in your A1 mobile number linked to your active subscription. This number acts as your payment ID, connecting your casino account to your mobile carrier billing system. Make sure the number is correct – mistakes here could delay or block your deposit. Many casinos also allow you to save your number for faster future transactions.

Step 4

Confirm via SMS

After submitting your number, A1 will send a verification SMS directly to your phone. This is the security checkpoint: reply to the message or enter the confirmation code (depending on the casino’s setup) to authorize the payment. This two-step authentication keeps fraud at bay- only the actual phone owner can approve the transaction.

Step 5

Play instantly 🎰

Once confirmed, the funds are transferred instantly into your casino balance. You won’t face waiting times or processing delays – your deposit is live within seconds. From here, you’re free to jump into your favorite slots, table games, or live dealer sessions. No extra fees are deducted, so the full amount you deposited is what you get to play with.

New Online Casinos That Accept A1

The Bulgarian gambling market is constantly welcoming fresh online casinos, and many of them now integrate A1 as a core payment option right from launch. These platforms know their audience: modern players don’t want to deal with complicated banking methods, hidden fees, or waiting times.

If you’re testing out the newest Bulgarian casinos, A1 will almost always appear as one of the top recommended deposit methods.

Sportsbooks That Accept A1

Sports betting thrives on timing – odds shift fast, and a deposit delay can mean missing out on a winning wager. This is where A1 dominates. Bulgarian sportsbooks offering A1 deposits guarantee that your funds hit your balance instantly, allowing you to place bets in real time without worrying about missed opportunities.

Imagine this: 🏆 You see a great line on a Champions League match, but the game is about to kick off. Instead of fumbling with card numbers or waiting on an e-wallet transfer, an A1 SMS deposit clears in seconds, letting you lock in the bet before the odds change. For Bulgarian punters, A1 also adds peace of mind:

✅ No card info shared with the sportsbook
✅ Zero deposit fees eating into your bankroll
✅ Works seamlessly for both pre-match and live in-play bets

As sportsbooks become more competitive in 2025, expect even more platforms to push A1 promotions (like bonus bets for mobile deposits) to attract players who demand speed, security, and convenience.

sports betting icon

Live Casinos That Support A1 Payments

Live dealer casinos are all about real-time thrills: the cards flip, the wheel spins, and the action never pauses. A1 complements this perfectly by offering instant funding, so players can jump into live blackjack, baccarat, or roulette without worrying about pending deposits.

Unlike bank transfers that take hours (or even days), A1 ensures your money is available within seconds. This keeps the experience immersive – if you decide to join a table on the fly, your deposit is already there to back your bet.

A1 Gambling Compared to Other Banking Methods

When stacked against traditional banking methods and global e-wallets, A1’s biggest strength is its simplicity. It’s built for mobile-first deposits, which makes it incredibly convenient for Bulgarian players who live on their phones. But like any payment option, it has both standout advantages and noticeable limitations.

Feature	A1	Credit Cards	Skrill/Neteller	PayPal
Fees	None	1–3%	2–3%	2.9%
Processing Time	Instant	1–2 days	Instant	Instant
Withdrawal Option	Limited	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Availability	Regional 🇧🇬	Global 🌍	Global 🌍	Global 🌍
Ease of Use 📱	Very High	Medium	Medium	Medium

Where A1 Wins 🎯

Zero Fees – Unlike PayPal or Skrill that shave off 2–3% of your deposit, A1 passes 100% of your money into your casino account.
Instant Processing – You confirm via SMS, and funds appear within seconds, faster than cards that may need bank authorization.
Mobile-Native – No need to dig out card numbers or log into third-party apps. If you have an A1 subscription, you’re ready to deposit.
Simplicity – Depositing feels as easy as sending a text. Perfect for casual or first-time gamblers.

Where A1 Falls Short ⚠️

Withdrawals Are Limited – A1 shines for deposits but isn’t a universal withdrawal option. Most players will need an alternative method (like bank transfer or e-wallet) to cash out winnings.
Regional Restriction – A1 is dominant in Bulgaria, but if you travel or move outside, your casino A1 option may disappear. Cards and PayPal win on global acceptance.
No Chargebacks – Credit card users have the safety net of reversing fraudulent charges. A1 deposits are final and once confirmed, you can’t undo them.

Security, Chargebacks, and Disputes: How Safe Is A1 for Gambling?

A1 is backed by a telecom titan, meaning enterprise-grade encryption and secure mobile authentication. Deposits are confirmed via SMS, reducing fraud risks. However:

❌ Chargebacks aren’t available. Once you deposit, you can’t reverse it like with credit cards.
✅ Low fraud risk. Mobile number verification ensures the user is legit.
✅ Backed by A1 Group’s infrastructure, including data centers and 5G networks.

It’s safe, but players must practice responsible gambling, since irreversible deposits mean no “oops, I want my money back.”

mobile payment icon

Payment Transparency – Are A1 Casinos Clear on Terms?

A1 itself is transparent, but casinos vary. Some highlight the fee-free SMS deposits, while others bury terms in fine print. Players should always:

📑 Check deposit/withdrawal policies
📉 Verify minimum deposit amounts
⚖️ Look for clear terms on limits and restrictions

Overall, A1 is crystal-clear – the main opacity comes from the casinos themselves, not the payment system.

Philosophical Note – Should Rational Gamblers Use A1?

Rational gamblers care about three things: speed, cost, and security. On all three, A1 performs impressively well at least for Bulgarian players. It’s fast, free, and secure, making it an ideal tool for those who value efficiency.

However, rational gambling also requires long-term flexibility, and A1’s regional limitations hold it back. If you move outside Bulgaria, your casino experience may hit roadblocks.

Final thought: If you’re in Bulgaria, A1 is a no-brainer. If not, you’ll need a backup payment method.

Online Casinos Accepting A1 – FAQs

These are the answers to the most asked questions about A1 as a banking method in online casinos.

Yes, A1 deposits are processed instantly at supported casinos. However, this only applies to platforms that officially integrate A1 payments. If the casino doesn’t have a direct partnership, A1 won’t be available as a deposit option.

No. A1 is primarily a deposit-only method. Players need to choose an alternative withdrawal option such as a bank transfer, e-wallet, or card to cash out their winnings.

No, A1 does not charge fees for SMS deposits. Any costs would come from the casino’s own policies, not from A1 itself.

Yes, A1 deposits typically qualify for welcome offers, reload bonuses, or free spins. Unlike some e-wallets (like Skrill/Neteller) that are often excluded from bonuses, A1 deposits are usually eligible.

Casinos only receive your mobile number and payment confirmation – no banking or card details are shared. This makes A1 more private than most traditional methods.

No. A1 gambling payments are currently limited to Bulgaria. While A1 Group operates in other European countries, SMS deposits for casinos are only active in the Bulgarian market.

Very secure. Transactions require SMS confirmation, reducing fraud risks. However, unlike credit cards, A1 does not offer chargebacks, meaning deposits cannot be reversed once confirmed.

❌ No withdrawal option

❌ Restricted to Bulgaria

❌ Deposits are final (no chargebacks)

Otherwise, the method is smooth and rarely causes problems.

Yes, you can request restrictions from A1 customer service to block gambling-related SMS payments if you want to self-exclude or control your spending.

No. Since payments are tied to your mobile bill or prepaid balance, they won’t appear on your bank statement. They will, however, show up on your A1 telecom bill.

First, double-check that the casino supports A1 payments and that your mobile number is entered correctly. If the issue persists, contact A1 support or the casino’s customer service to resolve the block.