Apple Pay is a relatively new digital payment solution or e-wallet, that can be used for a wide range of purchases and financial deposits. It combines all of the advantages of long-standing e-wallets like PayPal, with the added convenience and security of one of the world’s biggest and best-respected technology companies. The Apple name guarantees that this is a reputable payment method and that your money and sensitive information will be safe.
Apple Pay has become a particularly popular choice for users of online casinos. It is safe, convenient and anonymous, meaning that, unlike with debit cards, payments to a gambling site don’t show up on your regular bank statement. For this reason, others might be considering adopting the payment method and wondering whether it is the right choice for them.
Setting up Apple Pay
The first point to consider may seem obvious, but it is still worth mentioning: Apple Pay can only be used by those already working with iOS. If you visit online casinos on a mobile device, then you’ll be able to use Apple Pay with any model of iPhone or iPad, but not with an Android-based phone or tablet. Similarly, if you are using a PC or laptop, it will need to be an Apple Mac and not one running Windows or any other operating system.
If you’re already an iOS user, then setting up Apple Pay couldn’t be simpler. Apple Wallet is already included with your operating system, so you don’t need to install or download an additional app. Just click on the wallet symbol and link it to a credit or debit card. You can scan this or enter the details manually. Follow the onscreen instructions and, before you know it, Apple Pay will be set up and ready to go.
Choosing a casino
The main disadvantage of using Apple Pay for a gaming account is that it is not that widely accepted at the moment. Having said that, the list of Apple Pay casinos is growing all the time, and already includes some of the biggest and best-known online casino providers out there, including Ladbrokes, Unibet, 888, LeoVegas and more. The only reason for this is that Apple Pay is a relative newcomer to the e-wallet scene. But the size and significance of the Apple brand means it’s almost certainly here to stay, and as time goes on, more casinos will undoubtedly add Apple Pay to their list of payment options.
For this reason, you need to make sure that a casino accepts Apple Pay before you open an account. Of course, this should not be the only criteria for your decision. Make sure that the site is properly licensed and regulated and that they have a valid SSL certificate. You can do this last check by clicking on the padlock symbol to the left of the URL. These are all ways of establishing that the site can be trusted with your money and that the games are not fixed.
At the same time, look at the selection of games offered, the quality of their bonuses, their minimum, and maximum deposit limits, and which platforms they support.
The pros and cons of Apple Pay
The main advantages of using Apple Pay at an online casino, if you are an iOS user already, are as follows. It is extremely convenient, simple and quick: payments will go through instantly and you can immediately access the money in your casino account. There are no fees charged by Apple Pay for transferring your own money, and the system is extremely secure. There is no need to share your bank details or other sensitive information, and Apple Pay is accessed by touch ID, meaning it recognizes your unique fingerprint, or by using facial recognition software.
The main disadvantage is the one we have already mentioned; that not all online casinos accept Apple Pay as yet. In addition, some will let you use it to make a deposit, but not to withdraw your money later on. And on some sites welcome bonuses, and other one-off prizes, are not compatible with Apple Pay even though you can use the wallet to pay money in. It’s worth double-checking that you can use Apple Pay with all features of a casino before you commit.
Overall, however, Apple Pay is an excellent solution for anyone wishing to use online casinos responsibly and safely. It provides an easy, convenient way to make payments and withdraw your winnings, and is becoming more widely accepted all the time. If you use an iPhone, iPad or Apple Mac, and patronize a major casino provider that accepts Apple Pay, then there really is no reason not to make this your payment method of choice.
