Despite being one of the newest payment options to enter the online gambling industry, Apple Pay is quickly becoming the most widely used payment method. Due to this, more and more betting sites accept it as a valid betting deposit method which is where we come in. Choosing the best Apple Pay betting site can be a tough task, so we have tasked ourselves with making that a slightly easier decision for you.
Apple Pay Betting Sites
The way we do this is by taking a deeper look at what Apple Pay has to offer and how the various betting sites incorporate this payment option into their platform. Below in this article, you will find out everything from the best Apple Pay betting sites to the pros and cons of using this modern payment method.
Table of Contents
What Is Apple Pay?
One of the newest additions you can find available at most online betting platforms these days is the Apple Pay option. Launched in 2014 by Apple, this new system is a digital wallet that is available to all Apple iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch users. Apple Pay was originally launched in the United States but now is available in a whole host of countries, including; United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Japan.
This digital wallet is an incredibly convenient form of payment as deposits can be made instantly, while a fingerprint or a personal code verifies transactions.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Apple Pay
As with anything, this popular payment method has both its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important that you consider both so you know exactly what you are getting from this payment method.
Advantages
Instant deposits
Like with many payment options, Apple Pay not only offers quick deposits but instant payments. As soon as you verify the payment with your fingerprint, the transaction is complete, and the funds are added to your account stress-free.
Secure and safe
In truth, this is an incredibly secure payment method, thanks to its two-factor authentication system. Online payments are authenticated by customers who use the Touch Id or face scan feature.
Very convenient
This point links in with the instant deposits that this system offers, but it is also incredibly convenient in other ways too. For example, Apple Pay can be accessed from Apple iPhone, iPad and even Apple iWatch. Apple Pay makes making mobile payments easier than ever.
Bank details remain anonymous
Once you have added your bank card details to your iPhone, iPad or iWatch’s wallets or wallet app, there is no need to enter your bank details again, giving customers an extra layer of security.
No costs
One of the downsides that all players are tormented with is the extra hidden costs that come with some payment methods. Fortunately, there are no transaction fees when making online transactions.
Disadvantages
Not a valid withdrawal method
Although when you use Apple Pay to make a deposit, the bookmaker will use the same details to process withdrawals(if customers wish to use the same bank account), the transaction is completed by Apple Pay itself. Bookmakers instead will use bank transfers, like Bank Wire to complete the process.
So, if you plan on using Apple Pay as your primary payment method, you will have to deal with lengthy withdrawal times or look for alternative withdrawal methods.
The Alternatives To Apple Pay
As you may know, there is plenty of alternative betting payment methods available for customers to use, which vary in a number of ways. Apple Pay is a great form of depositing funds into your account, but it may not be the best payment option for all of you reading this. Below we take a look at what else is available.
Visa, Mastercard & Maestro
Visa, Mastercard and Maestro are three of the most popular debit card options you will find available as UK customers. All three options are accepted at most UK online betting sites. Accounts set-up with either of these three options is considered ‘personal accounts’ where customers have registered accounts with the respective bank. Punters can then fund their bets using whatever funds they have in their personal accounts. Setting up a bank account is not the simplest of processes as you will need to arrange meetings with your local financial institutions(Banks), but it is probably likely that you already have a bank account set up as they are a requirement in day-to-day life.
Neteller
An online payment service that seems to be following in the successful footsteps of PayPal is the younger brother Neteller. Founded in 1999, Neteller arrived just one year later than PayPal and is owned by the world-renowned Paysafe Group. Neteller is widely accepted across various UK sports bookmakers and hit the limelight when it recorded processing over 80% of online gambling payments. Like PayPal, Neteller is not accepted as a valid deposit method when claiming certain promotions and offers. But, customers can use it to make standard deposits and withdrawals.
Paysafecard
The most popular prepaid card available to UK customers is Paysafecard, which has been around since 2000. There is no need for registering an account with Paysafecard, as customers can instead buy whichever card they want. For example, Paysafecard’s come in denominations of £10, £25, £50, £75 and £100. A 16-digit pin code is used to verify payments, and the only fees you will incur come when making refunds or failing to use the funds within 12 months of purchasing.
EcoPayz
Founded in 2000, EcoPayz is one of the many e-wallet options you can find accepted by a range of UK bookmakers. EcoPayz offers a good alternative to the likes of Skrill, PayPal and Neteller, offering a unique EcoPayz Mastercard. EcoPayz is regulated and licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Apple Pay Bonuses & Offers
One question you will want to know the answer to is, what promotions are available to Apple Pay users?
Well, with the exponential growth of mobile payment service since its launch date in 2014, you would be right in assuming that both sports betting sites and casino sites are making their offers and bonuses available to Apple Pay users. Some online betting sites tailor their promotions to Apple Pay users, offering them specific Apple Pay welcome bonuses. Despite their being tailored made promotions, you can also claim the majority of standard offers too.
How Does Touch ID Work?
Since no one person shares the same fingerprint, Touch ID works as a great security feature. You will have already used the Touch ID feature if you own an Apple product, as it uses to be the standard feature in which customers used to unlock their phone. Apple calls this their ‘Two-Factor Authentication System’. Customers will be prompted with the Touch ID to confirm and verify the payment you are about to make, and they will simply need to gently press their finger on the home button.
Since releasing the Touch ID feature, Apple has since moved on to using a fast recognition system that works in the same way by scanning the owners face like a layer of security. So, instead of using your finger to complete a purchase, you will scan your face. An alternative to Touch ID and Face Scan is setting up a passcode that you can enter instead.
Touch ID and Face Scan can be used to make purchases on pretty much any site; it does not matter whether that is an online gambling site or a shopping outlet. On top of this, Touch ID can be used on your iPhone when making purchases on your Mac or out in the real world by using contactless payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Payment Method to Withdraw Winnings?
If you have set up Apple Pay as your primary payment method, you will have to pair it with other numerous payment methods that allow withdrawals.
Is Apple Pay a Viable Payment Option?
Yes, Apple Pay is an excellent payment option despite its inability to make withdrawals. This smart-mobile payment system offers straightforward payments and is widely accepted by all major bookmakers.
Can Apple Pay Be Used to Make Offline Payments?
Although a stable internet connection will be needed to access bookmakers and other gambling sites, Apple Pay does not require a connection to make payments.
Is Apple Pay a Secure Deposit Method?
Yes, with its two-factor authentication system, Apple Pay offers a safe and secure method of depositing. During the deposit process, customers will need to authenticate the deposit by using Touch ID, Face Scan or inputting the passcode, adding an extra level of security.
Why Is Apple Pay So Popular?
There are so many reasons why Apple Pay is almost every punters/player’s choice of payment. Whether it is the sense of simplicity that comes with it, its convenience or even the ease of access it allows. Whichever you look at this payment method, it remains a solid option for all customers across the country and outshines a range of payment options. Despite the small downside of not being a valid withdrawal method, ApplePay manages to overwhelm this flaw with its upsides. Thanks to the clever two-factor authentication system, users have an extra layer of security, and there is no need for personal details, like card details to be entered when making a purchase or deposit.
One of the best parts of this service is its speed. Even though many methods will offer instant deposits, none can compete with Apple Pay on speed. Once set up, customers must select the amount they wish to deposit and authenticate the deposit with Touch ID, Face Scan or their personal passcode.
Being primarily a mobile service, Apple Pay is the ideal payment method for mobile punters and gamers. Mobile device users need to own a compatible device(Apple product), and then they can not only use the same device to gamble, but they can also use the device to make a variety of purchases.