Pay by Phone

Pay by Phone is the mobile-first way to fund your casino account, letting players charge deposits directly to their phone bill or prepaid balance. Instead of entering card numbers or banking details, you just confirm the payment by SMS or carrier authorization – quick, secure, and private. Popularized in the 2010s through services like Boku and Payforit, Pay by Phone is now supported by major mobile networks across Europe, the UK, and beyond. With hundreds of millions of users worldwide, it’s become a go-to solution for players who want simple deposits without bank hassles. The catch? Deposits are small and withdrawals aren’t supported, making it best for casual to mid-range players who value speed and convenience.

Pay by Phone

Number of Games

Type

E-wallet

Fees

No Fees

Processing time

Instant

Casinologia/Pay by Phone

Victor Atanasov

09.09.2025

Updated

Key Facts

Company

No Company – Powered by Mobile Carriers & Services

Headquaters

Global

Established

2000

Number of users

500,000,000

Pay by Phone Markets:

What Is Pay by Phone and Why It Matters in Online Casino Payments?

Pay by Phone, also called carrier billing, is a payment method that lets players deposit money into their casino accounts by charging the amount directly to their mobile phone bill or deducting it from a prepaid balance. Instead of sharing card or bank details, all you need is your phone number. Transactions are confirmed by SMS or carrier authorization, making it one of the simplest and most private ways to fund online gambling.

This method grew rapidly in the 2010s through services like Boku and Payforit, which partnered with major mobile networks across Europe and beyond. Today, hundreds of millions of users worldwide rely on Pay by Phone for digital purchases, and casinos have embraced it as a fast, secure, and card-free deposit option.

Pay By Phone

For players, the appeal is clear: instant deposits, no bank involvement, and no credit card required. The only catch is that withdrawals aren’t possible and deposit limits are usually lower than with cards or e-wallets, making it best for casual to mid-range players rather than high rollers.

Brief History of Pay by Phone

Early 2000s – Carrier billing technology introduced for mobile content and games
2010s – Services like Boku & Payforit bring Pay by Phone into iGaming and e-commerce
2020s – Widely available in Europe, Canada, and parts of Asia-Pacific & LatAm
Today – Trusted by hundreds of millions as a secure, convenient way to fund casino play without banks or cards

Is Gambling with Pay by Phone Legal?

Using Pay by Phone for casino deposits is completely legal, since it’s just a payment method handled by your mobile carrier or a provider like Boku or Payforit. The legality of gambling with it depends not on the method itself, but on the gambling laws in your country and whether the casino you choose is licensed.

UK & Europe 🇬🇧🇪🇺 – Fully legal at licensed casinos. Payforit and Boku are widely integrated with mobile networks.
Canada 🇨🇦 – Accepted at many international casinos and sportsbooks.
Australia & New Zealand 🇦🇺🇳🇿 – Supported at several casinos and betting platforms.
Asia 🌏 – Available in regulated markets like Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Latin America 🌎 – Used in Brazil, Mexico, and Chile at select casinos.
USA 🇺🇸 – ❌ Limited. Carrier billing is legal, but very few US casinos support it due to regulation.
Africa 🌍 – Some use exists in South Africa, but most players prefer mobile wallets like M-Pesa.

Pro tip: Pay by Phone is deposit-only. You’ll need a different method (bank transfer, e-wallet, card) to withdraw your winnings.

Fees, Delays, and Hidden Costs

Pay by Phone is one of the most convenient deposit methods in online casinos, but players should understand the costs and limits before using it.

Deposit fees: Some casinos absorb the carrier fee, while others pass on a 10–15% charge per transaction. Check the cashier before depositing.
Withdrawal fees: ❌ Not applicable. Pay by Phone is deposit-only, so you’ll need another method for cashing out.
Delays: Deposits are instant 💨, showing up in your casino account immediately after carrier confirmation.
Hidden costs: None from the casino side, but your mobile carrier may add surcharges depending on your plan or country.
Limits: Daily and monthly deposit caps are common – often £30–£40 per transaction and a few hundred per month.

Compared to Visa/Mastercard (2–3% + FX fees) or e-wallets (2–4% fees), Pay by Phone is more expensive on deposits. But for casual players who value simplicity and privacy, the convenience often outweighs the cost.

New Online Casinos That Accept Pay by Phone

As more players move to mobile-first gambling, new casinos are quick to add Pay by Phone options like Boku or Payforit. For operators targeting the UK, Europe, and Canada, supporting carrier billing is almost a must, since many casual players prefer small, fast deposits straight from their phone.

New Pay by Phone casinos typically offer:

Instant deposits confirmed by SMS or carrier pop-up
Low minimum deposits (often just £10–£20)
Strong mobile optimization for smooth play on smartphones
Alternative withdrawal methods (bank transfer, PayPal, Skrill, etc.)
Licensing from UKGC, MGA, or Curacao, ensuring fair play and security

For new operators, adding Pay by Phone is a way to capture casual and mobile-first players who value privacy and convenience over high limits.

Sportsbooks That Accept Pay by Phone

For sports bettors, speed is everything, and Pay by Phone delivers exactly that. With deposits confirmed in seconds, punters can top up their balance mid-match and place bets without missing a moment of the action.

Many UK and European sportsbooks now support Pay by Phone through providers like Boku. Canadian operators have also adopted it, while availability in Latin America and Asia-Pacific is slowly growing.

Sportsbooks that accept Pay by Phone offer:

Instant deposits via SMS or carrier billing
Low daily limits (perfect for casual bettors)
Seamless mobile integration, ideal for live betting on the go
Fallback withdrawal methods like bank transfer or e-wallets

The trade-off: withdrawals are not possible via Pay by Phone, so bettors must use another payout method. Still, for deposits, it’s one of the fastest and most convenient ways to keep your betting slip alive.

Live Casinos That Support Pay by Phone Payments

Live dealer games thrive on momentum, and Pay by Phone is designed to keep the action flowing. With deposits confirmed instantly by your carrier, players can jump into a Blackjack, Roulette, or Baccarat table without any delays.

Pay by Phone fits live casinos perfectly because:

Deposits are instant – no need to pause the session
No card or bank details shared – privacy stays intact
Low limits make it easy for casual players to join the fun

The drawback is withdrawals: Pay by Phone is deposit-only, so you’ll need another method (bank transfer, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal) to cash out winnings.

For players who value speed and simplicity, Pay by Phone is one of the best ways to fund live dealer sessions without breaking focus.

Pay by Phone Gambling Compared to Other Banking Methods

Pay by Phone stands out for its simplicity and privacy, but it’s not built for withdrawals or high rollers. Here’s how it stacks up:

Method	Deposits	Withdrawals	Fees	Speed	Market Reach
Pay by Phone	✅ Instant	❌ No	10–15% (carrier fees)	Instant 💨	Europe, UK, Canada, parts of LatAm & Asia
Visa/Mastercard	✅ Instant	✅ Yes	1.5–3% + FX fees	Instant/2–5d	Global 🌍
Amex	✅ Instant	❌ Limited	2–3% + FX fees	Instant/2–5d	170+ countries 🌍
PayPal	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	2–4%	Instant 💨	Global 🌍
Trustly	✅ Instant	✅ Instant	Low (0–2%)	Instant 💨	Europe 🇪🇺
Brite	✅ Instant	✅ Instant*	Low (0–1%)	Instant 💨	27 EU countries
Zimpler	✅ Instant	✅ Often Instant	Low (0–2%)	Instant 💨	25+ EU + Brazil
Bank Transfer	✅ Yes (slow)	✅ Yes	€0–€50+	Slow ⏳	Global 🌍

*Brite withdrawals supported at many casinos, but not all.

Key Takeaway: Pay by Phone is unbeatable for casual, mobile-first deposits. But it’s deposit-only with high fees and low limits, so serious players should pair it with a reliable withdrawal method.

Security, Chargebacks, and Disputes: How Safe Is Pay by Phone for Gambling?

Pay by Phone is one of the safest deposit methods for casino players because it doesn’t require you to share bank or card details with the operator. Instead, all transactions go through your mobile carrier or a trusted intermediary like Boku or Payforit.

Encryption: Payments are processed via secure carrier systems
No banking data shared: Casinos never see your card or bank details, just the deposit confirmation
Two-factor authentication: Deposits require SMS confirmation or carrier approval
Regulated providers: Companies like Boku and Payforit operate under strict financial regulations

Downsides:

No withdrawals – Pay by Phone is deposit-only, so disputes about payouts can’t be resolved through the carrier
No chargebacks – once the deposit is billed to your phone, it can’t be reversed like with cards
Responsibility falls on the casino – choose only licensed and trusted operators to avoid problems with withdrawals

Bottom line: Pay by Phone is extremely safe for deposits, but since there are no chargebacks or withdrawal options, players must combine it with a secondary method for cash-outs.

payment icon

Payment Transparency – Are Pay by Phone Casinos Clear on Terms?

Most casinos that support Pay by Phone are honest about limits and carrier fees, but some operators still leave key details buried in the fine print. Because Pay by Phone often involves a 10–15% carrier surcharge and lower daily deposit limits, clarity is crucial.

When using Pay by Phone, always double-check:

Deposit fees – Does the casino absorb the carrier charge, or do they pass it to you?
Minimum & maximum deposits – Often set at £10–£30 per transaction, with daily/monthly caps
Withdrawal methods – Since Pay by Phone is deposit-only, see which alternatives are available (bank transfer, PayPal, Skrill, etc.)
Currency handling – If you’re billed in one currency but play in another, FX costs may apply via your carrier

Top-tier casinos licensed in the UK, EU, and Canada are generally transparent about these rules, while smaller offshore casinos sometimes obscure the true cost of using Pay by Phone.

Bottom line: Pay by Phone casinos are improving in transparency, but players must always review cashier terms carefully before depositing.

Philosophical Note – Should Rational Gamblers Use Pay by Phone?

Here’s the rational breakdown:

Pros: Instant deposits, extreme convenience, no card or bank details shared, secure carrier billing, perfect for casual play.
Cons: High fees (10–15%), strict deposit limits, deposit-only (no withdrawals), not accepted everywhere.

For rational gamblers, Pay by Phone makes sense if you’re a casual or mid-range player who values simplicity and privacy. It’s ideal for quick deposits when you want to jump into a session without messing with cards or banks.

But for high rollers or long-term players, it falls short. The fees add up quickly, and withdrawal limitations mean you’ll always need a secondary method for cash-outs.

So, should you use it? Yes, but only as a deposit tool for convenience. Think of Pay by Phone as your entry ticket to the casino, not your full payment strategy.

Online Casinos Accepting Pay By Phone – FAQs

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

Pay by Phone is a method that lets you deposit funds into your casino account by charging them directly to your mobile bill or prepaid balance.

Yes. Payments are processed through secure carrier systems, and no card or bank details are shared with the casino.

No. Pay by Phone is deposit-only. Withdrawals require another method like bank transfer, PayPal, or Skrill.

Yes. Deposits are processed immediately once confirmed by SMS or carrier authorization.

Yes. Carrier fees can be 10–15%, though some casinos absorb the cost as a perk.

Usually £10–£30 per transaction, with daily or monthly caps (often a few hundred).

Popular in the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, and parts of Asia & LatAm. Limited in the USA and Africa.

Yes. Many sportsbooks accept it for deposits, especially in the UK and EU.

Not always. Even basic phones can confirm payments via SMS.

Simplicity and privacy – instant deposits without sharing sensitive financial data.

Pay by Phone

Online Casinos Accepting Pay By Phone

What Is Pay by Phone and Why It Matters in Online Casino Payments?

Brief History of Pay by Phone

Is Gambling with Pay by Phone Legal?

Fees, Delays, and Hidden Costs

How to Use Pay By Phone to Gamble Online

Pick a Casino

Head to the Cashier

Enter Your Phone Number

Confirm by SMS or Carrier

Play Instantly

New Online Casinos That Accept Pay by Phone

Sportsbooks That Accept Pay by Phone

Live Casinos That Support Pay by Phone Payments

Pay by Phone Gambling Compared to Other Banking Methods

Security, Chargebacks, and Disputes: How Safe Is Pay by Phone for Gambling?

Payment Transparency – Are Pay by Phone Casinos Clear on Terms?

Philosophical Note – Should Rational Gamblers Use Pay by Phone?

Online Casinos Accepting Pay By Phone – FAQs