iGaming Talks: Interview with Bojoko’s Christoffer Ødegården on the Extreme Rise of Apple Pay Casinos in the UK

In recent years, Apple Pay has rapidly gained popularity as a preferred payment method among UK gamblers. The convenience, security, and speed of Apple Pay transactions have made it a go-to option for many. This trend hasn’t gone unnoticed by online casinos, which have increasingly adopted Apple Pay to attract and retain players.

Today, we speak with Christoffer Ødegården, the head of marketing for the leading online casino review platform Bojoko.com. They actively review and track UKGC casinos based on their payment options and can reveal that they have 81 listed online Apple Pay casinos to date. In this interview, we will delve into their insights into the rise of ApplePay casinos and what makes them so popular amongst British players.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a significant rise in the use of Apple Pay among UK gamblers. What do you think are the main reasons behind this trend?

The rise of Apple Pay in the UK gambling market can be attributed to several factors. First, the convenience and speed of transactions are unmatched. Players can make deposits and withdrawals quickly without repeatedly entering card details or bank information. Second, Apple Pay’s security features, such as biometric authentication and encryption, give players peace of mind. Lastly, the widespread adoption of Apple devices in the UK has naturally led to more people using Apple Pay for various transactions, including gambling.

How have online casinos in the UK responded to the growing demand for Apple Pay as a payment option?

There was a slight delay, which we found odd, as ApplePay was such a big payment option outside of iGaming, with a built-in audience. However, when it became clear that British players were actively searching for casinos with ApplePay as a payment method, and affiliates such as ourselves kept highlighting this based on our SEO insights, things quickly started to turn. 

This integration is part of a broader trend where casinos are looking to offer multiple payment options to cater to different player preferences. By accepting Apple Pay, casinos can attract a larger audience. Especially in the wake of the credit card ban, players are looking to their existing payment methods for convenience and security. Visa is still huge, but e-wallets have picked up a lot of steam. 

Can you share some insights on how players perceive Apple Pay compared to other payment methods available at online casinos?

There’s a mixture here, as the userbase who prefers Apple Pay is a notable niche rather than a big force, such as Visa or PayPal. Many may not be aware of its features, but ApplePay certainly has a very positive reputation among those who are. Unlike debit cards, Apple Pay doesn’t require players to share their card details directly with the casino, which adds an extra layer of privacy. This is particularly appealing to players who prioritise their online security.

What impact has the adoption of Apple Pay had on player behaviour and casino operations?

For casinos, offering Apple Pay leads to increased player acquisition. There are players actively looking for casinos that allow them to deposit with ApplePay, and if this option is not available, they simply won’t join. They are also now able to find these casinos through pages like our own and sign up from there.

Operationally, the integration of Apple Pay is relatively straightforward, and it aligns well with the industry’s move towards embracing digital payment solutions.

For ApplePay players, the ease of making quick deposits with their preferred payment method means they can start playing almost immediately, which enhances their overall experience. 

Looking forward, how do you see the future of payment methods in online gambling evolving, particularly in the UK market?

The future of payment methods in online gambling is likely to continue evolving towards greater convenience, security, and speed, with e-wallets gaining more and more steam. We saw a big jump after the credit card ban, and more e-wallets are entering the market and building user bases. 

Big-name e-wallets like PayPal and ApplePay already have built-in audiences and certain advantages, but more niche options do not. They are poised to get a lead from this, but anything can happen in this space. My main prediction is that as time passes and generations change, e-wallets will outgrow debit cards and bank transfers.