In 2020, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) introduced a significant regulation: the ban on using credit cards for online gambling transactions.
This move aimed to address concerns over gambling-related harm, but it left many players wondering about their payment options.
Despite the ban, Mastercard remains a popular payment option in the UK iGaming, thanks to its debit card offering.
To unpack this complex issue, we spoke with Ville Saari, Lead Content Manager at Bojoko, to explore why British players still favour Mastercard and how iGaming professionals can effectively communicate these nuances.
Saari heads the team of gambling experts at Bojoko and is, among other things, responsible for updating their list of online casinos that accept Mastercard and just how his team communicates the rather unusual situation Mastercard finds itself in as an iGaming payment method in the UK.
In this interview, Saari explains the persistent appeal of Mastercard for UK casino players, the importance of clear messaging to prevent confusion and the role of content creators in keeping players well-informed.
By the end of this discussion, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how Mastercard debit functions in a regulated environment and how industry experts should address player concerns.
Let’s start with the basics: why do so many British players continue to use Mastercard even after the credit card ban?
Great question! The key thing to understand here is that the ban was explicitly on credit cards, not on Mastercard itself as a brand.
Mastercard offers both credit and debit cards, and while the credit card side is no longer permitted for gambling, Mastercard debit is still widely accepted at UKGC-licensed casinos.
For many Brits, Mastercard is a trusted, familiar payment method they’ve used for years, both inside and outside online casinos.
After the credit card ban, players didn’t need to look for entirely new payment methods—they could still use their Mastercard debit card.
It’s quick and secure, and they don’t have to go through the hassle of setting up a new account or learning a new system, as they might with an e-wallet.
What do you think makes Mastercard debit so appealing compared to newer options like e-wallets?
I think it boils down to a few things: familiarity, convenience, and trust. Many players are creatures of habit.
They’ve been using Mastercard for a long time, so when they’re told, “You can no longer use your credit card, but your debit card is fine,” they feel reassured.
They already know how to use it, trust the security measures in place, and don’t need to worry about navigating new systems.
E-wallets like Neteller and Skrill are fantastic alternatives and offer unique benefits, but they also require extra steps — setting up an account, transferring funds in and out of the wallet, and so on.
With a Mastercard debit card, players can deposit funds directly from their bank account without any intermediary, which is a notable draw.
That said, as you’ve already discussed with my colleague, Christoffer Ødegården, methods like Neteller are incredibly popular among British gamblers.
It is not a question of what makes Mastercard Debit more appealing, full stop; overall, certain e-wallets have a bigger reach at this point, but rather what makes them more appealing to certain players.
You mentioned security earlier. How does Mastercard ensure that player transactions are safe and secure?
Security is one of the primary reasons why Mastercard remains so popular.
Whether it’s credit or debit, Mastercard is known for its robust security protocols, and that applies just as much to iGaming as it does to any other online transaction.
For example, they use encryption to protect transaction data, ensuring that sensitive information like card details aren’t exposed during the payment process.
Then, there’s two-factor authentication, which adds an additional layer of security.
Players often have to verify their identity through a secondary method, like a one-time passcode sent to their phone.
These features make players feel safe when using their Mastercard debit card in online casinos.
Let’s talk about communication. How should iGaming professionals be explaining Mastercard’s role after the ban?
This is a really important area, and we’ve noticed it can cause confusion for players.
iGaming professionals need to be really clear when communicating payment options.
Many players still assume that the entire Mastercard brand was banned when, in reality, it’s just the credit card side.
That means websites need to be precise with their language—“Mastercard debit accepted” should be a phrase we see more often.
Content creators and operators need to take the lead in educating players. This means being upfront about what’s allowed under UKGC regulations and making it easy to understand.
Payment pages, for example, should clearly outline which methods are available and maybe even have a FAQ section addressing common concerns like the credit card ban.
The clearer we are, the more comfortable players will feel.
In terms of player behaviour, have you noticed any significant trends in how people are adapting to the changes?
Yes, there have been a few trends worth noting. First, we’ve seen a surge in the use of e-wallets like PayPal after the credit card ban was introduced.
However, many players have stuck with traditional options like Mastercard simply because of the familiarity and convenience I mentioned earlier.
Any final thoughts on Mastercard’s future role in iGaming?
Mastercard has been a trusted payment method for decades.
The future will likely bring more innovation in payment solutions, but I believe Mastercard will continue to be a central player.
Familiarity and accessibility are big strengths, and they do not just disappear.
Because of this, I think British players will keep using Mastercard debit in online casinos for the foreseeable future.
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