Last updated: 5 June 2026. This page has been reviewed for Pay by Phone’s method role: it is a mobile-bill deposit route, not a casino withdrawal method. Operator availability, network billing terms and UK rules can change, so confirm the cashier, fees and limits before depositing.
Pay by Phone is a privacy-focused way to fund a UK casino account because the deposit is charged to your mobile phone bill or deducted from pay-as-you-go credit instead of using card or bank details at the casino. The trade-off is important: Pay by Phone is deposit-only. Winnings must be withdrawn through another method such as debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay or bank transfer, depending on the casino’s cashier and your verification status. For the wider payment picture, see our UK withdrawal methods hub.
UK casinos that accept Pay by Phone deposits
These operators in our register are listed for Pay by Phone deposits via providers such as Boku, Fonix, Payforit or Siru Mobile. Treat the table as a deposit-availability starting point, not as proof that the same method can be used for withdrawals. Tap “Show details” on any row to expand payout speed, limits and bonus data, or open the brand review for our full assessment.
Mr Vegas
UKGC-licensed
Fastest payout
Within hours for verified e-wallet accounts
Min withdrawal
£20
Mr Vegas
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Fastest Reported Time:
Within hours for verified e-wallet accounts
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Deposit Methods:
Maestro, MasterCard, Neteller, Paysafecard, instaDebit, Visa, Sofort, Giropay, Euteller, Bank Transfer, Trustly, Skrill, Pay by Phone, PayPal, Zimpler, Payz, AstroPay, Bambora, CashtoCode, Flexepin, inpay, Interac, MiFinity, MuchBetter, Neosurf, Debit Card, Revolut
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Withdrawal Methods:
Maestro, Neteller, Paysafecard, Visa, Euteller, Skrill, Trustly, WebMoney, Payz, MasterCard, Bank Transfer, AstroPay, Bambora, CashtoCode, Inpay, instaDebit, Interac, MiFinity, MuchBetter, PayPal, Zimpler, Debit Card, Revolut
- Minimum deposit: £10
- Maximum Withdrawal:(per transaction) €10,000 per transaction (~£8,500), £30k cap via bank transfer only
- Payout times: E-wallets: typically immediate; Cards: 3-5 working days; Bank transfer: 5 working days. Internal processing time: 12 hours
- Minimum Withdrawal: £20
- Fees: Free in practice; T&Cs reserve right to charge 3.95% on withdrawals under £20, unwagered funds, or frequent weekly cashouts
- Cashout on Weekends: Yes (processed in business days)
- Cancel Withdrawal: No (not available for UK players)
- Manual Flushing: No
- Play without account: No
Show less
#Ad | 18+ | Play Responsibly. New UK players only. Min deposit £10. Welcome offer: 100% match up to £50 in bonus funds + 11 wager-free Welcome Spins. 10x wagering on bonus, 60 days to complete. Bonus released in 10x10% tranches. Sister-brand to Videoslots and Mega Riches (shared Videoslots Limited / Immense Group structure). Full T&Cs at mrvegas.com. Please gamble responsibly. Visit www.begambleaware.org or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
The list above is drawn from our own review register, not an exhaustive directory of every UK casino that accepts Pay by Phone. Availability varies by mobile network, payment provider and casino cashier, and a visible deposit option does not remove normal KYC or withdrawal checks. We earn commission from most operators when you sign up via our links.
What Pay by Phone is and how it is regulated in the UK
Pay by Phone is a carrier-billing deposit route. Instead of moving money from a bank account, card or e-wallet, the deposit amount is added to your monthly mobile bill (contract) or subtracted from your prepaid credit (PAYG). The casino never sees your financial details; authorisation is handled through your mobile number and an SMS or PIN confirmation.
The UK regulatory framework sits across two bodies. Ofcom sets the rules for premium-rate and phone-paid services through PSA Code v15 (formerly administered by the Phone-paid Services Authority, now under Ofcom since 31 January 2025). This code enforces hard caps on carrier-billed transactions, mandatory double opt-in and a refund mechanism. Separately, the UK Gambling Commission requires that any UKGC-licensed casino offering Pay by Phone must prompt the player to set a deposit limit before the first deposit, send six-monthly review reminders and disclose fund-protection status.
Four mobile billing processors dominate the UK casino market:
- Boku — the most widely accepted; standard SMS verification.
- Fonix — powers newer sites; typically charges zero fees to the player.
- Payforit — established alternative, similar flow to Boku.
- Siru Mobile — uses an automated callback for verification; available in the UK with a £500 monthly Siru limit and a separate network cap of roughly £240/month.
Supported UK networks include EE, Vodafone, O2, Three, Virgin Mobile, Lebara, Tesco Mobile and BT Landline, though individual network policies on gambling-related carrier billing vary and can change without notice.
How to deposit with Pay by Phone
- Choose a UKGC-licensed casino that lists Pay by Phone, Pay by Mobile, Boku, Fonix or Siru Mobile in its cashier.
- Open the cashier, select the Pay by Phone option and enter the amount (commonly £10 to £30, subject to casino and network limits).
- Enter your UK mobile number when prompted.
- Approve the charge via the SMS code or PIN sent to your handset. Funds normally appear shortly after approval, but timing depends on the casino and billing provider.
- Check the confirmation screen for the total charge including any network or processing fee; the amount billed to your phone may be higher than the sum added to your casino balance.
Important: From 31 October 2025, UKGC rules require the casino to prompt you to set a deposit limit before your first Pay by Phone deposit. This is mandatory and cannot be skipped. The limit you set is a gross deposit limit (total amount paid in, not net of withdrawals), and from 30 September 2026 this is the only type of limit that may legally be labelled a “deposit limit”.
How to withdraw with Pay by Phone
Pay by Phone is deposit-only. There is no mechanism to return winnings to your mobile bill or PAYG credit. If you deposited via phone billing, you must cash out through a separate withdrawal method offered by the casino.
- Go to the cashier / withdrawal section and choose an eligible method. Common options include debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Skrill, Neteller or bank transfer.
- Complete any outstanding verification if you have not already done so (how to verify your account).
- Submit the request. Processing times vary by method and casino review queue.
If you want a method that may handle both deposits and withdrawals, compare Trustly, PayPal and debit card. The final cashout route still depends on the individual casino and any KYC checks.
More about the casinos that offer Pay by Phone
All operators listed on this page hold a valid UK Gambling Commission licence. This means they must maintain SSL/TLS encryption, run fraud monitoring and provide safer gambling tools such as deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion. When you deposit via Pay by Phone, the casino does not receive your bank or card details, which adds a privacy layer; however, the casino still knows your mobile number and may use it for account verification and responsible-gambling checks.
Some casinos absorb the carrier-billing cost and charge you nothing extra. Others pass on a processing fee of up to 15% (for example, Monster Casino lists a 15% Pay by Phone processing fee). Always check the cashier confirmation screen before you approve the SMS charge.
For site-specific withdrawal speeds, limits and bonus rules, see our dedicated reviews of NetBet, Casumo, LeoVegas and others. If you need support with safer gambling, contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 or visit gamcare.org.uk.
Problems with Pay by Phone and how to solve them
Deposit not credited
Confirm the SMS approval was sent and that you have sufficient PAYG credit or contract headroom. Check your mobile account for the charge. If it appears there but not in your casino balance, contact casino support with the time, amount and your mobile number; most cases are resolved within 24 hours. If the casino cannot help, escalate to the payment provider (Boku, Fonix or Siru Mobile), then to your network, and finally to Ofcom if unresolved.
Unexpected fees deducted
Fees are usually charged by the mobile network or the payment processor, not the casino. They typically range from 1% to 15% depending on the casino and processor. Review the total charge shown on the confirmation screen before approving the SMS. For fee-free deposits, consider debit card or Apple Pay.
Daily or monthly limit reached
Network-imposed carrier-billing caps are typically £30–£40 per transaction and roughly £240 per month, enforced at network level regardless of the casino’s own limits. If you hit this ceiling, you cannot deposit again via Pay by Phone until the next billing cycle or until you reduce existing charges. For higher limits, switch to debit card, bank transfer or an e-wallet.
Bonus exclusion after deposit
Several UK casinos exclude Pay by Phone deposits from welcome offers and reload bonuses because carrier-billing processing costs are higher than other routes. Always read the bonus terms for “excluded payment methods” before depositing. Our PayPal bonus overview explains how eligibility varies by method.
Incomplete account verification
Pay by Phone verifies your mobile number, but standard casino KYC (ID and proof of address) is still required before your first withdrawal. Upload documents through the casino’s verification portal. For guidance, see our account verification guide.
Fees when using Pay by Phone
The fee structure for Pay by Phone is fragmented across casinos and processors:
| Casino / Processor | Fee (per deposit) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fonix-powered sites | 0% | Fee absorbed by operator or processor |
| Most Boku sites | 0–10% | Varies by casino; some absorb, some pass on |
| Monster Casino | 15% | Explicitly stated processing fee |
| Siru Mobile | Variable | Fee shown before confirmation; includes transaction charge |
| Network level (EE, Vodafone, O2, Three) | £0–£15% | Depends on whether casino/processor absorbs cost |
Comparison: Debit cards (Visa/Mastercard), Apple Pay and most e-wallets such as PayPal typically carry 0% deposit fees. Pay by Phone is among the more expensive deposit routes for UK players, which is why it suits small, controlled top-ups rather than larger deposits.
Deposit and withdrawal limits with Pay by Phone
Pay by Phone carries some of the tightest deposit limits of any UK casino payment method. Limits operate at three levels:
- Network cap (Ofcom PSA Code v15): roughly £30–£40 per transaction and ~£240 per month, enforced by your mobile operator regardless of casino policy.
- Casino limits: typically £10 minimum and £10–£30 maximum per transaction, though some operators allow higher amounts if the network cap permits.
- Processor limits: Siru Mobile imposes a £500 monthly limit in the UK (independent of the network cap).
Because Pay by Phone does not support withdrawals, you must use a separate method to cash out. Minimum withdrawal thresholds vary by casino and method; debit cards and e-wallets usually start at £5–£10. For a full method-by-method comparison, see our comprehensive payment methods page.
Alternatives to Pay by Phone
If Pay by Phone fees or limits do not fit how you play, these regulated alternatives are generally more flexible:
- Debit Card: Typically fee-free for deposits, usable for withdrawals, with limits far above mobile billing. Requires sharing card details. Full guide: debit card casinos.
- PayPal: Quick deposits and, where the casino supports it, a withdrawal route that keeps bank details private from the casino. Details: PayPal casinos.
- Apple Pay: One-tap deposits with biometric authentication. Withdrawal-eligible at some operators, deposit-only at others. Guide: Apple Pay casinos.
- Trustly: Direct bank-transfer style payments without card details, where supported by the operator. Guide: Trustly casinos.
Pros and cons with Pay by Phone
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No card or bank details shared with casino | Fees up to 15% at some operators |
| Instant deposits via SMS or PIN | Deposit-only; no withdrawals |
| Low limits support controlled spending | Strict £30–£40/transaction, ~£240/month caps |
| Available at UKGC-licensed casinos only | Often excluded from welcome bonuses |
| Network-level fraud monitoring | Not accepted by all UK networks or casinos |
Safety and regulations with Pay by Phone
Pay by Phone deposits are protected by a two-layer framework covering both the mobile network and the casino operator.
Network level (Ofcom / PSA Code v15):
- Double opt-in: web click + SMS reply or PIN before any charge is applied.
- Hard caps: approximately £30–£40 per transaction and ~£240 per month, enforced by the network.
- Transparency: the total charge must be displayed before purchase.
- Refund mechanism: right to prompt credit or reversal under PSA Code v15 section 4.3.
Casino level (UKGC LCCP):
- Mandatory deposit-limit prompt before first deposit (effective 31 October 2025).
- Six-monthly review reminders and fund-protection disclosure.
- Light-touch financial vulnerability checks at £150/month net deposit.
- Frictionless financial risk assessments at £1,000 net loss in 24 hours or £2,000 in 90 days (thresholds halved for 18–24 year olds).
If a dispute arises, the escalation path is: casino live chat / complaints team → payment provider (Boku, Fonix, Siru Mobile) → mobile network → Ofcom or an accredited ADR body if unresolved within 8 weeks.
Safer gambling: Pay by Phone is for players aged 18+ only. Set a deposit limit before you start, and use GAMSTOP, GamCare or BeGambleAware if gambling stops feeling controlled.
FAQ
Is Pay by Phone safe for UK casino deposits?
Yes. The method uses network-level encryption, double opt-in via SMS or PIN, and the casino never receives your bank or card details. Every operator offering it must hold a UKGC licence.
Can I claim casino bonuses with Pay by Phone deposits?
Often no. Many UK casinos exclude Pay by Phone, Boku and Siru Mobile from welcome and reload bonuses because of higher processing costs. Always check the bonus terms for excluded payment methods before depositing.
What are the deposit fees and limits for Pay by Phone?
Fees range from 0% (some Fonix-powered sites) up to 15% (Monster Casino). Most operators fall between 1% and 10%. Deposit limits are typically £10–£30 per transaction, with network-imposed caps of roughly £240 per month. Siru Mobile carries its own £500 monthly limit.
How do I withdraw my winnings after using Pay by Phone?
You cannot withdraw to your phone bill. Choose an alternative withdrawal method offered by the casino, such as debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay or bank transfer, and complete any outstanding verification first.
Do all UK online casinos accept Pay by Phone?
No. Acceptance is narrower than debit cards or e-wallets. Availability depends on whether the casino has integrated Boku, Fonix, Payforit or Siru Mobile. Check our list above for current UKGC-licensed options.
Which UK mobile networks support casino Pay by Phone?
EE, Vodafone, O2, Three, Virgin Mobile, Lebara, Tesco Mobile and BT Landline have been known to support gambling-related carrier billing, though individual terms vary. Always confirm with your network that gambling transactions are permitted on your plan.
Are there alternatives to Pay by Phone for privacy?
Yes. Paysafecard (voucher-based, deposit-only) and PayPal both limit how much financial information is shared with the casino, while supporting higher limits and, in PayPal’s case, withdrawals.
Latest update: 5 June 2026
Author: Charlie Davids
Charlie Davids has over 15 years of experience in the online gambling space. Starting out as a poker player, he gradually moved into writing to help players better understand casinos, apps, and payment methods.
Today, Charlie focuses on mobile-first gambling, with a passion for making complex topics simple and trustworthy. Whether it's withdrawal speeds or casino reviews, he brings clarity from a player's perspective.