Kati Saari on the Growing Popularity of E-Wallets Among UK Bingo Players

A few months ago, we had a lengthy conversation with Bojoko’s Bingo Expert, Kari Saari, about the changes in the British payment landscape. One of the core insights she shared was that e-wallets were growing in popularity and filling a part of the void left after the ban on credit cards for iGaming transactions. 

We’re thrilled to have Kati Saari back to explore the rise of e-wallets as a preferred payment method. In this interview, she shares her thoughts and insights on what makes e-wallets like Trustly and PayPal such a hit, how they differ from more traditional methods, and what this all means for the future of bingo.

Thanks for joining us again, Kati! One of the most interesting topics we touched on in our last talk was the rise of e-wallets for online bingo payments in the UK. What do you think is making them so popular with British players?

Thanks for having me back. It’s always great to talk about how the bingo landscape is changing! 

E-wallets are popular because they hit the sweet spot of convenience and security. UK bingo players, like anyone else, want a smooth and quick payment process. With e-wallets like Trustly or PayPal, you can simply log in and pay without entering your card details every single time. It’s straightforward, and that simplicity appeals to British players who value hassle-free gaming. 

Plus, the added layer of privacy—where your financial details aren’t constantly shared—makes players feel much more comfortable.

How do e-wallets compare to traditional payment methods for UK players, like debit or credit cards?

They can be described as living somewhere between debit and the now-banned credit cards. They are comparable to debit cards in the sense that you pay from an account holding your own money but are closer to credit cards with the added step of security between the payment and your actual bank account.

The biggest difference is that e-wallets help protect your financial information. Many people in the UK would prefer to share their card details across multiple sites, and e-wallets offer a buffer that keeps personal information private. The way e-wallets usually work is that you confirm the payment from the side of your wallet rather than inputting actual card info straight into the bingo site.

Trustly is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Can you tell us what makes Trustly particularly appealing to bingo players?

Trustly is becoming a preferred choice for UK bingo players mainly because it offers a combination of speed, convenience, and, as the name hints, trustworthiness. Trustly acts as a secure bridge that lets players pay directly from their bank accounts without needing to create separate accounts or enter card details. This makes payments incredibly straightforward, which is particularly appealing to players who want to avoid the hassle of long registration forms or managing multiple payment methods.

Another key reason Trustly is popular is the ease of use it offers. Trustly integrates smoothly with most major banks in the UK, so players don’t have to worry about compatibility or jumping through extra hoops. You just choose your bank, authenticate the transaction, and the payment is done. The simplicity of this process makes it feel very familiar and comfortable for players, which is an advantage when handling money online.

However, Trustly is only one of the e-wallets starting to give PayPal a run for their money, and there’s frequently more entering the market.

Are there any potential downsides for UK players thinking about switching to e-wallets?

Sure, there are a couple of things to consider. The first is just the fact that you’ll have yet another online account to keep track of, though that’s quite minor in this day and age., The second, which can be more frustrating, is that e-wallet transactions can come with fees, especially if you’re moving funds between your wallet and your bank. It’s worth checking those details so you’re not caught off guard. 

How does Bojoko make players aware of the benefits and negatives of the various e-wallets?

We've created dedicated, detailed guides for every major e-wallet, breaking down exactly what players need to know to make an informed decision. Our e-wallet guides for services like PayPal, Skrill, and Trustly go far beyond a basic description. We delve into the specifics: what each e-wallet does, how it works, and what players can expect when using it for online bingo. 

Beyond the guides, we also offer comparison tools and filters on our website. Players can compare the bingo sites that accept e-wallets directly against one another to see which best suits their needs. For instance, if you want to discover which Trusly bingo site suits you the best, you can quickly compare them based on bonuses, wagering requirements and a series of other features.

In terms of the bigger picture, where do you think online bingo payments are heading in the UK? Will e-wallets continue to dominate?

I do think e-wallets will remain popular and likely take an even bigger market share, though there are many other variables. If cryptocurrencies become allowed at UKGC-licensed bingo sites, that would really change things. Various no-account solutions could also play a role. That said, I don’t think we’ll see a shift in UKGC’s policies on these payment methods in the near future, leaving e-wallets in a very strong position.