There’s no sure answer to this question as there’s a place for each in digital transactions. Despite this, it is hard to ignore the rising use of mobile billing for gaming service payments. Marketers say carrier billing converts better than e-wallet payments, with this Jupiter research indicating that the conversion rate is 10 times higher than that of digital wallets.
Why carrier billing?
Payments are processed through the customer’s mobile provider in carrier billing, an option that appeals to vendors and customers alike for several reasons:
Ease of use
Most iGaming vendors have streamlined the carrier billing process by integrating the mobile phone pay option into their platforms. Users do not need to leave the gaming platform to complete the payment on another website or application nor do they rely on a third party to facilitate the transaction.
With the pay by mobile casino option, users simply:
- Select the carrier billing option
- Input their mobile phone number
- Confirm the transaction
A three-step straightforward process that even first-timers on a casino platform will find easy to follow. In the world of casinos, trust is so crucial that it can easily break or deepen the relationship between merchant and client. Easing and securing the payment procedure is one way to earn the player’s trust, and mobile payments promote this.
Thoughtful merchants ensure their service supports all the major mobile providers in a target area so they can rope in as many of their target customers as possible. For players, seeing their local mobile provider included in their favourite casino payment options adds a personal touch to the transaction and can turn them into a loyal customer.
Security
With carrier billing, iGaming merchants charge each transaction to the user’s mobile phone bill. If the user has a post-pay plan with their provider, their iGaming fee is added to their monthly bill. If they use prepaid credit, then the charges are deducted from their existing credit. The user does not need to provide credit card or bank account details, so this payment method is considered relatively secure.
Global appeal
For users who do not have access to credit cards, carrier billing is an attractive choice. While only users with access to banking facilities, credit cards or cryptocurrency have access to digital wallets, the situation is different with carrier billing. All that you need to use carrier billing is a registered mobile phone. In addition, it operates across the globe.
Gaming platforms that hope to draw in users from around the world are turning to mobile billing as a way to reach this diverse audience. In growing economies, especially where credit card penetration is low, carrier billing is an obvious solution.
No extra transaction charges
Gaming vendors do not typically charge additional transaction fees for payments made through mobile carriers. However, users should enquire about applicable charges before using any service. Confirm this with the platform you intend to use and your mobile operator.
Supports multiple currencies
Mobile billing supports multi-currency payments. However, for this to work, merchants must enable the feature on their platform. They have the option to handle the currency conversion themselves or engage independent currency conversion services. As a result, the player only needs to choose what currency they wish to pay in, and the system does the rest.
May support spending limits
Most mobile providers put a cap on how much a user can spend. This amount is usually much lower than the limit for credit cards, so choosing to pay by mobile is one way to keep your spending within your control.
Shows legitimacy
If an iGaming merchant takes the time to incorporate mobile billing into their platform, chances are they are a legit vendor. An illegal casino would want to keep its operations mysterious. Adding carrier billing to their list of payment options would make it easy to track them down. If you are unsure whether an online casino is operating legally, check whether it supports multiple payment methods.
When does carrier billing fall short?
The option to pay for services via your mobile bill is attractive for many users. However, there are limitations you should be aware of when you consider this payment method.
Transaction fees
Your mobile provider may include a transaction fee for using the service. Some do, while others do not, so always check with your provider to be sure.
Excludes bonuses
Some casinos will disqualify you from earning bonuses if you make your deposit by mobile. Bonuses are a big deal for many players, and this condition can discourage many. If bonuses make a difference to you, check the terms regarding qualifying for bonuses before signing up for the service. Consider having a secondary payment method for such circumstances.
No withdrawal support
A lot of online casinos do not allow players to withdraw earnings to their mobile phone. You can typically only make deposits from your phone, not withdrawals.
Not supported in some casinos
While many gaming platforms support payments by mobile, some do not. In which case, you will rely on e-wallets to make your deposits. At the very least, most casinos will support one or the other, so you won’t always be left without an option.
Carrier billing or digital wallets?
Choose the option which is best for you. Consider what is important to you when it comes to financial habits. Are you hoping to cut back on how much you spend online gaming? Then, paying by mobile can help. Do you want to spend as little time as possible when making payments? Or share as few personal details as possible?
Your answers will help you figure out which billing option to use. Remember that it may be practical for the merchant to offer only one billing option or the other in some regions rather than both.
Please play responsibly. For more information and advice visit https://www.begambleaware.org
Content is not intended for an audience under 18 years of age
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