Open Banking payments are becoming an increasingly important part of the UK digital payments landscape. For online casinos, they offer an account-to-account payment option that can give customers an alternative to traditional card payments.
The growth is part of a wider shift in UK payment habits. Open Banking Limited reported more than one billion Open Banking payments in the UK by July 2026, while payments reached 351 million during 2025, a 57% increase from the previous year.
For UK casinos, the appeal comes from a combination of payment convenience, established Open Banking infrastructure and the need to provide compliant payment options following restrictions on gambling with credit cards.
What Are Open Banking Casino Payments?
Open Banking payments allow a customer to make a payment directly from their bank account through an authorised payment service.
Instead of entering card details, the customer can typically select their bank, authenticate through their banking service and approve the payment.
This creates an account-to-account payment route between the customer's bank and the merchant or payment provider.
Why Are Open Banking Payments Growing in UK Casinos?
Several factors are contributing to the wider adoption of Open Banking payments.
More Consumers Are Familiar With Open Banking
Open Banking is no longer a niche financial technology.
Open Banking Limited reported 15.16 million users in July 2025, equivalent to nearly one in three UK adults. By March 2025, 13.3 million active users had been recorded, with 31 million Open Banking payments made during that month alone.
As more consumers encounter Open Banking when paying bills, shopping online or managing their finances, using the same technology for other digital payments can become more familiar.
Account-to-Account Payments Offer an Alternative to Cards
Open Banking gives customers another way to fund an online casino account without relying on a traditional debit-card transaction.
The payment process can take place through the customer's existing bank account, with authentication handled through the banking provider.
This can make the payment experience straightforward for customers who prefer not to enter card details when making an online payment..
The Credit Card Ban Has Changed Casino Payment Options
Another important factor is the UK's prohibition on gambling with credit cards.
The Gambling Commission states that gambling businesses must not accept credit card payments for gambling, including online casino and bingo. Operators must also ensure that e-wallets cannot be used to circumvent the restriction by allowing customers to gamble with funds originally loaded from a credit card.
This has increased the importance of alternative payment methods.
Open Banking does not provide access to borrowed credit in the same way as a credit card. Instead, it enables payments from a customer's bank account, subject to the applicable payment and gambling controls.
Are Open Banking Payments Faster
Are Open Banking Payments Faster?
Speed is one reason account-to-account payments can appeal to online businesses and customers.
Open Banking payments can be initiated digitally without requiring customers to manually enter card information. The exact processing time depends on the payment provider, bank and transaction.
However, casinos should not present Open Banking as universally instant. Payment and withdrawal times can vary, and additional checks may sometimes be required.
Can Open Banking Improve Payment Security?
Open Banking payments can provide security advantages because customers authenticate payments through their banking provider rather than simply handing their card details to a merchant.
That does not mean Open Banking eliminates fraud or payment risk.
Casinos still need appropriate controls covering identity, payments, money laundering and suspicious activity. The Gambling Commission has highlighted payment processes as an area relevant to money-laundering risk and recommends closed-loop payment systems as best practice.
What Are the Limitations of Open Banking Casino Payments?
Open Banking is not a universal replacement for cards and other payment methods.
Availability can depend on the customer's bank, the payment provider and the operator. Some transactions may also require additional verification or compliance checks.
There are also responsible gambling considerations. Making payments more convenient should not mean encouraging customers to spend beyond their intended budget.
FAQs
Why is Open Banking becoming popular in UK casinos?
Open Banking offers instant deposits, secure bank authentication, and a simple payment process without requiring players to enter card details.
Is Open Banking safe for online gambling?
Yes. Payments are authorised directly through your bank using encrypted connections and secure authentication methods, making Open Banking one of the safest payment options available.
Can I withdraw casino winnings using Open Banking?
Some UK casinos now support Open Banking withdrawals, but availability varies between operators. Always check the casino's payment methods before signing up.
Do Open Banking payments have fees?
Most players do not pay fees for Open Banking deposits. However, policies may differ depending on the casino and the player's bank.
Which UK banks support Open Banking?
Many major UK banks support Open Banking payments. Availability depends on whether the bank participates in the UK's Open Banking framework.
