Bank cards have become one of the most preferred methods of payment in the world. They can be used at nearly every store that we can visit, as well as on the Internet where they are the primary way to pay. The best part about them is that they offer the consumer a certain type of convenience that was not available prior to their creation. Paying everything in cash can be cumbersome and impractical, even more so when we are depositing to an online casino. Credit and debit cards have been a valid payment option when moving money between your bank account and your online casino balance. It is the preferred deposit method for many gamblers around the world, as it allows for easy and convenient deposits and withdrawals. In this article, we will go over all of the aspects of using a bank card for gambling purposes.

Credit and Debit Cards Summary | |
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Available in | Worldwide |
Website | N/A |
Connecting bank card/account to a credit or debit card | N/A |
Withdrawal balance from a credit or debit card to your bank card/account | N/A |
Pay to online merchants | N/A |
Available for deposit | Yes |
Available for withdrawal | Yes |
Usual deposit time in online casino | Instant |
Usual withdrawal time from online casino | Up to several business days |
Live chat | Yes |
Telephone support | Yes |
E-mail support | Yes |
Credit/Debit Card Registration Process
Every online casino player dreams of winning a life-changing prize, however, the first thing they should think about is how to fund their account. With a diverse assortment of online processors, casino enthusiasts can easily pick a solution that meets their gaming needs and requirements.
Since the very beginning of the online gambling industry, credit and debit cards have been among the most popular and widely-accepted payment solutions at interactive casinos across the globe. Below, we have outlined several important aspects of the process of credit and debit cards use for gambling-related purposes.
- Let us start by enumerating the most popular brands that could be used at online casinos. They are widely known for issuing credit and debit cards, as well as gift cards and prepaid cards. The four most popular brands are VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The brands’ acceptance across online casinos varies and the fastest way to check their availability is to navigate to the cashier section of the online operator and look through the supported processors.
- The next thing that casino players might be interested in is how to replenish their casino balance by using a credit or debit card from the above-mentioned brands. The process is pretty straightforward and very similar to other online purchases. They should navigate to the cashier section of the online casino they have chosen to establish an account with.
- Once users select the credit/debit card funding option, they will be prompted to fill in the necessary details, including their card number, expiry date, and security code found on the back of the card.
- The next step of the process requires casino players to fill in the amount they wish to deposit.
- When casino aficionados complete the process their funds should appear instantly on their casino balance and they can start playing right away. They can easily check this by looking at the section showing their available casino balance.
How Credit/Debit Card Works
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are several very important advantages and disadvantages associated with making credit and debit card payments. Below you will find the inherent pros and cons of both debit and credit cards.
The advantages of debit cards are the opportunity to make instant transactions at the click of a button. The main advantage of a debit card is the fact that you cannot spend more than you actually have in your bank account. This way you can always allocate as much funds as you need to the debit card and use only those funds. This is a way for problem gamblers to keep their addiction in check. In a sense, debit cards behave much more like prepaid vouchers, with the exception that they are rechargeable.
While they provide us with a lot of benefits, debit cards are not without shortcomings. For starters, you will always be limited to the amount of money that you have in your bank account and unlike credit cards, you will not be able to borrow some from the bank. This could be especially frustrating in the event that you cannot cover the minimum deposit or qualify for a bonus.
More Advantages and DisadvantagesCredit cards are different than debit cards since the money you are spending is not technically yours. When you make a credit card transaction, the bank extends credit to you which you use to cover the cost of the payment. Essentially, the bank is loaning you money which you will have to repay at a later date. This practice comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
An advantage that credit cards have over other methods of payment, is that you always know how much credit you can have extended to you at any point in the month regardless of your actual means. This will allow you to cover charges that you may normally not have the money to. Furthermore, credit cards are a common method of payment and you can use them just about everywhere. Additionally, since every purchase and payment is documented on your bank statement, you can easily keep track of what you are spending money on.
In spite of the convenience they provide, credit cards can have quite significant disadvantages. Since the money you actually spend with a credit card is not yours, to begin with, you will have to pay it back. If you are not careful this could lead to you piling on a lot of debt, along with the interest. Since most banks allow you to only pay a fraction of your debt each month, a lot of consumers just do that and ignore the rest. Rollover debt is a very serious problem in today’s world since it keeps on growing. The reason the situation is so drastic is that with each rollover the already incurred debt is subject to interest and so with each passing month it becomes ever larger.
Furthermore, there is also the possibility of going into overdraft. This is when you receive more credit than you were initially assigned. This will result in even more fees and is overall not pleasant. Also worth keeping in mind is that not every person will be eligible to receive a credit card. Banks do an overview of the credit history of each applicant and if you do not have a good track record, then you will most likely be denied.
An aspect sometimes overlooked is that credit card companies are not always fond of online casinos. MasterCard, for instance, has taken a stance against the online casino industry and effectively disallowed the withdrawals of winnings to cards issued by them. Deposits are still possible but receiving your winnings is not. MasterCard holders are forced to utilize another service if they ever want to cash in their money.
Some users may be anxious in handing over their bank card data to just anyone. Unfortunately for them, whenever you make a payment with the card directly you are required to enter the full details of your credit or debit card. While this is very unlikely to result in any actual problems, a good number of consumers are still reluctant to give that information.
The final argument against credit cards is that not all are treated equally. There are five major credit card brands that are accepted at online casinos – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card and JCB. Out of those five only Visa and MasterCard can be used freely at most, if not all, online casinos. The others can be used on a case by case basis. Casinos that accept American Express and Discover Card can be found, though they are not as common as the previous two. JCB support, on the other hand, is almost non-existent. JCB Co., Ltd. is a Japanese company and despite having some market presence in North America, its primary user base is located in Asia. Due to this reason any online casino mainly targeted at Europeans, with the exception of the largest brands, will most likely not accept this card. In this state of the market, Visa and MasterCard seem to be your best options, even if you cannot withdraw to your MasterCard card.
Credit and Debit Cards Pros | Credit and Debit Cards Cons |
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Instant deposits | Might not double as a cashout method |
Safety | Cashouts might take longer |
Ease of use | Some operators charge additional fees |
Widely accepted |
Using Credit and Debit Cards for Gambling Transactions
The use of credit and debit cards at an online casino is just a simple as doing it at any online store such as Amazon or eBay. At every online casino, there is a cashier page where you can manage your money. There you will find the deposit feature. Clicking on it will bring up all of the possible payment options. Selecting the credit/debit card option will allow you to see all of the accepted bank cards. Following that you will be required to enter your card information, this includes the name on the card, its number, the expiration date and the CVV code on the back. Once that is done and you have confirmed the transaction, the money will be taken from your account and added to your casino balance.
Credit and Debit Card Gambling Transactions | |
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Supported transactions | Deposits and withdrawals |
Deposit pending time | Instant |
Withdrawal pending time | Several working days |
Additional security | CCV |
Fees for Gambling Transactions
When it comes to making transactions with an online casino the fees for depositing and withdrawing are not so different from any other online purchase. The company that provides the bank card transaction service will impose their charges on each transaction. What has to be considered in this scenario is who will bear the cost of the transaction. In most cases, it is the casino itself that pays the service charge. This is a very consumer-friendly way to do business but not all websites follow this logic. Some casinos will impose a commission on bank card deposits, so it is the user that takes on the cost of the transaction. This fee usually revolves around the 2.5% – 5% region, not really a substantial amount unless you are depositing large amounts of money. This is done on both deposits and withdrawals and it makes the players more considerate about how much they are willing to withdrawal and deposit each time.
This service charge imposed by the credit card companies is what makes bank card deposits undesirable by online casinos. You will often find that other payment services are much more consumer friendly in terms of fees, commissions and transaction wait times.
Credit and Debit Cards Fees | |
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Gambling deposit fee | Varies |
Gambling withdrawal fee | Varies |
Bank account deposit fee | N/A |
Bank account withdrawal fee | N/A |
Credit/debit card deposit fee | Varies |
Credit/debit card withdrawal fee | Varies |
Maintenance fee | Varies |
Processing Times (for Gaming Transactions)
The movement of money to and from an online casino usually takes time. The vast majority of online payment services used to deposit money an online casino usually allow the user to have immediate access to their money so that they can start playing at once. This means that as soon as the transaction is made the player can start a game. However, this is only the case when deposits are concerned. When the user wants to withdraw their winnings, they will have to wait between 1 to 5 business days for the transaction to clear. This is because the money is put on hold and information needs to be exchanged between all relevant parties. Such is the case when making any card transaction, regardless of where it is. At this point, some people may put forward the question ‘Why is it that the casino can take my money instantly, but when I withdraw it, I have to wait?’. This is a valid question that may raise concerns among some groups. The reality of the situation is that the casinos do not receive your money immediately. They are subject to the same wait times as the player is. However, instead of inconveniencing the user by forcing them to wait for the transaction to clear, the casinos simply allow them to play with that balance.
A thing that should be taken into consideration is that almost every casino reviews each withdrawal request prior to sending the transactions. This pending process usually takes up to 48 hours and only after the review is done will the payment be sent. This can further increase the wait time from when you request a withdrawal and t
Credit and Debit Cards Processing times | |
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Gambling deposit time | Instant |
Gambling withdrawal time | Depends on the casino |
Bank account deposit time | N/A |
Bank account withdrawal time | N/A |
Credit/debit card deposit time | N/A |
Credit/debit card withdrawal time | N/A |
Mobile Payments
In present day, mobile devices play a huge role in our lives. We use them incessantly and online casinos have noticed this. As a result, we now have the option of playing our favorite casino games on our smartphones and tablets. This also begs the question how is the deposit and withdrawal procedure different on mobile. In truth, there is absolutely no difference whether you are paying with your card on your desktop PC or on your mobile device. The mobile version of an online casino will still feature the same payment options and the process of making a deposit is still the same. You will be required to enter your card information, if you have not done so previously, put in the amount you wish to deposit and confirm the transaction. The processing time will still be the same, instant on deposits, and 1 to 5 business days on withdrawals.
Credit and Debit Cards Mobile Payments | |
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Apple pay | No |
Google pay | No |
Security at Online Casinos
When we spend money online it is only natural to think about the security of our personal information. This includes names, addresses, date of birth, emails, payment information, etc. Identity and credit card theft is a real issue currently and it is completely reasonable to worry about how accessible that sensitive information actually is. To alleviate those concerns online casinos implement cutting edge security systems to safeguard all of your personal data. Using state-of-the-art encryption technology all personal and banking information is encoded in such a way to make it unreadable in the event that any data is stolen. Even the most simple 64-bit encryption requires four to five years to be broken and that technology is considered obsolete by today’s standards. Most online websites use 128-bit or 256-bit encryptions, which require centuries to be decrypted using brute force with today’s technology. To put it in plain terms, your information is completely safe and in the event that any data is stolen it will be utterly unreadable.
If you are concerned about a particular online casino abusing your information you should put your mind at ease. All countries have laws that protect personal data and ensure its safety. These laws are enforced by government agencies and you can rest assured that your personal information will be safe. Of course, you should not completely rely on that and you have to do your due diligence before choosing an online casino. Ideally, you are looking for a reputable casino with a good track record.
Credit and Debit Cards Security | |
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Passcode | N/A |
Fingerprint | Yes |
FaceID | N/A |
Two-factor authentication | Yes |
Trusted devices | N/A |
IP Restrictions | N/A |
Credit/Debit Card Alternatives
Notwithstanding the expansion of alternative payment methods in the online casino industry, credit and debit cards remain the most popular methods among players to move funds to and from their gaming accounts. However, users might prefer not to reveal their personal and banking information and in this case, they may opt for prepaid cards, various e-wallet solutions, and cryptocurrencies, among other methods. As part of our list of five alternatives to credit and debit cards, we have also included bank transfers, which we are going to review first.
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Bank transfers
Similar to credit and debit card payments, bank transfers are accepted at most, if not all online gambling establishments. Once players have selected an online casino and set up their accounts, they should navigate to the cashier section and look for bank transfers in the list of supported payment methods. To deposit, they should enter the amount they are willing to transfer and fill in their bank details. Bank transfers may require an additional security check, such as an SMS code sent over the mobile phone.
Wire transfers are typically favored by professional casino players and high-rollers as they allow higher upper limits. Minimum deposits usually vary from $10 to $20, while maximums may reach $100,000. As for processing times, bank transfers are not among the fastest online payment methods. Deposits may take anywhere between 24 hours and 3 business days, while withdrawals may require from 3 to 7 business days.
Aside from their high acceptance across online casinos, security, and relative simplicity, wire transfers are also popular due to their low transaction costs. In addition, there is no need to open additional accounts.
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Prepaid Cards
An alternative to credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, are gaining popularity at an amazing pace not only at casinos but for all kinds of online and in-store purchases. Prepaid cards are also known as “stored-value cards”, as they use a balance that was loaded to them in advance. Unlike debit and credit cards, they are not linked to consumers’ checking balances and credit history.
Prepaid cards have plenty of advantages, which make many casino players look for a similar banking solution available in their country. Their widespread availability, broad acceptance, security, and anonymity are possibly their strongest benefits.
All of the major e-pay networks that we discussed in the previous section of this publication (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) issue prepaid cards. Other voucher-based solutions that are widely used for deposits to online casinos include brands such as Paysafecard, Neosurf, and Astropay, among others. Overall, if players are in urgent need of a credit or debit card alternative, the various prepaid solutions might be the easiest, most convenient, and expeditious solution.
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E-wallets
Electronic wallets facilitate both online and in-store purchases. They perform the functions of traditional wallets, storing funds from various sources such as bank accounts, credit and debit cards, other e-wallets, and prepaid cards, to name a few. Upon registration, e-wallet users fill in their personal information such as name, and address, and link their preferred sources of funds to their accounts. They are also typically required to verify their personal and banking information by completing a standard verification procedure, requiring an ID document and proof of address.
The software used by e-wallet solutions rigorously guards consumers’ data through strong encryption, so they should not be worried about their funds’ safety. Furthermore, additional security measures such as Two-step verification, and biometric authentication methods are implemented to enhance the level of security.
PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are among the most popular e-wallet brands that find broad usage and acceptance in the online gambling industry. Apple Pay and Google Pay are examples of two widely used mobile wallet solutions that gain ever-increasing popularity.
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App-based e-wallets
When it comes to mobile electronic wallets, we cannot help but mention a popular app-based payment processor, MuchBetter, which is one of the most widely used ones in the online gambling industry. Established in 2016, the payment processor offers a genuinely secure, user-friendly alternative for handling online payments. Its popularity is not surprising at all, considering the ever-increasing number of players on the go. The solution is available in multiple countries across the globe, and facilitates storing, sending, and moving funds easily, safely, and promptly. Besides, it enjoys wide acceptance across interactive casinos.
As far as security is concerned, the app-based e-wallet protects its users’ sensitive data through innovative measures such as device pairing, touch ID, and dynamic security codes. The latter is, as a matter of fact, the world’s first dynamic CVV code. Unlike traditional security codes, found on the back of physical cards, the dynamic code that MuchBetter customers use is safely stored in the app. Every single time they use it, a new 3-digit sequence is generated.
The payment app is also the recipient of numerous accolades in various categories at events like the Banking Tech Awards, Emerging Payments Awards, and EGR B2B Awards, among others, all for 2021.
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Cryptocurrencies
Since the emergence of the world’s original cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, in 2009, the number of possible solutions for processing e-payments has drastically expanded. Cryptocurrencies exist only in digital form and are characterized by their decentralized nature. Thus, crypto payments do not require the involvement of a banking institution or any third party in the payment process.
Cryptocurrencies are accepted by a growing number of online-based businesses, including gambling establishments. Many players have long ago realized their great potential to offer unrivaled anonymity and security for their online payments. Furthermore, they can be used both for deposits and withdrawals from online casinos.
To execute payments through cryptocurrency, whether it is Bitcoin, Litecoin, or Ethereum, players should first establish an account with a crypto exchange. Once they buy their preferred cryptocurrency, they will be able to send the desired amount of money to their online casino account and use it for gaming-related purposes. Besides the type of cryptocurrency and the amount they are willing to transfer, holders of crypto exchange accounts should specify the recipient’s email address, mobile phone number, or a specific code, which represents the online casino’s crypto wallet’s address.
Casino Games with Credit/Debit Cards
As already established, the largest percentage of players who deposit funds into online casinos do so using credit or debit cards. Online gambling establishments join forces with high-end software developing companies to ensure the necessary diversity of games. No matter whether card depositors are more interested in playing slots or favor the suspense-filled casino classics such as roulette, blackjack, and poker, the top interactive casinos will welcome them to a world of opportunities.
Slots with Credit/Debit Cards
Card depositors enjoy an overwhelming variety of slots, featuring basic 3-reel layouts, or more advanced 5-reel and 6-reel setups. Games’ RTPs are also varying, as are the additional features and bonus rounds. Minimum and maximum bet limits accommodate the needs of all player types. The leading software developers are producing some exquisite 3D creations that players get to enjoy, along with enthralling sound effects for a truly immersive gaming experience.
Fortune Rewind
It’s time for a time-travel adventure with Play’n GO’s newly-produced slot, Fortune Rewind. It is among the newest additions to online casino catalogs that would immediately arrest the attention of reel spinners. The action takes place on a 5×3 grid delivering a total of 20 ways to win. With an RTP of 96.27%, this slot allows minimum wagers of $0.10. Between this and the maximum of $25, there are plenty of options to suit the budget of all player types. Dr. Tempis is the protagonist here who can time travel with the click of a button, taking players through six different eras during the Free Spins round.
Pirate Golden Age
Pragmatic Play invites players to indulge in a sea escapade with Pirate Golden Age. Reel spinners are expected to set sail and keep company with pirates and parrots. The action unfolds on 5 reels and 3 rows, with a total of 20 paylines. With a set RTP of 96.49% and a maximum win cap of 3,000x the wager amount, this slot machine offers great winning potential. The range of bets is between $0.20 and $100. There is a total of 13 symbols, with Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces being the lowest paying ones, and bombs, anchors, parrots, and crew members bringing the larger payouts.
Ways of the Genie Thundershots
Playtech’s creation Ways of the Genie Thundershots is yet another captivating slot, featuring an RTP of 95.48%, 6 reels, and 20 ways to win. In this fantastical game, casino enthusiasts will find out about the marvels of Arabian folklore, in parallel with winning prizes amounting to 10,000x their bets. This slot machine has a ton of features, including wilds, free spins, thunder shots, and more. If reel spinners land at least 3 lamp symbols on a payline during the base game, the free spins round is to be activated, with the ways to win increasing from 64 to 117,649.
Live Dealer Games with Credit/Debit Cards
Live dealer games are a unique and indispensable part of the contemporary gambling industry, delivering players with the opportunity to enjoy interaction with live dealers from the comfort of their homes. Besides the friendly and highly-professional dealers and croupiers, the best online casinos also offer advanced streaming from special studios where the real action takes place 24/7. Live dealer games deliver an authentic casino experience as well as some advantageous opportunities to land impressive prizes.
Roulette Azure
Pragmatic Play’s live dealer portfolio is excellently complimented by Roulette Azure, played on a European wheel and coming with a standard RTP of 97.30%. The gameplay is marvelously highlighted by four 4K cameras and close-ups on landings. The game also features an Autoplay button and game statistics. Live chat is among the game’s functionalities enabling players to interact with fellow players and the live dealer. Bets range from $10 to $2,000, making Roulette Azure perfectly suited for casual players and high-rollers.
Blackjack Azure
Pragmatic Play offers lovers of live dealer games the opportunity to put their gambling skills to the test with Blackjack Azure. This gorgeous casino classic delivers an optimal theoretical RTP of 99.59%. Players enjoy a real-life adventure thanks to 4K cameras and an Art Deco-styled casino studio. The game is a fast-paced one, with betting time of just 10 seconds, and the standard options available to players to hit, stand, split, and double down. Perfect Pairs and 21+3 are the side wagers that can make the gameplay even more intriguing and rewarding. There is also a “Bet Behind” feature and the “Early Decisions” functionality.
Grand Baccarat NC
PlayTech’s Grand Baccarat is a dazzling live dealer game, with the studio and the dealer’s attire richly covered in gold. Besides the standard wagers on Banker, Player, and Tie, casino fans have the option to opt for a couple of side wagers. Banker Pair and Dealer Pair each reward payouts of 11:1. Either Pair supplies 5:1, while Perfect Pair grants the usual 25:1. The Egalite side wager allows players to wager on specific ties and win up to 150:1. Baccarat players have access to the total statistics and their personal record in the upper left corner of the screen. The main menu is conveniently located at the bottom of the screen, allowing players to quickly adjust the sound volume and the video quality.
Blackjack with Credit/Debit Cards
Blackjack is one of the most favored casino games due to its simple rules and low house edge. Although the omnipresent rule of Blackjack is to have a hand that totals higher than the dealer’s but does not surpass 21, there are many interpretations of the classic game, serving to provide players with much-needed versatility and flexibility. There are many variations developed by the leading software companies, and card depositors are welcome to explore them in the best online casinos.
American Blackjack Turbo
Card depositors might be familiar with American Blackjack, but in GVG’s American Blackjack Turbo, they can also speed up the gameplay and enjoy the fast-paced action, without surrendering on any unique game features. Once the game starts, players get to choose between three betting modes – Standard, High, and VIP. American Blackjack is characterized by the inclusion of a “hole” card, as well as the use of 8 decks. If the dealer’s face-up card is a 10 or an Ace, they may peek at the “hole” card. The RTP of the game stands at 99.63%.
Blackjack Lucky Sevens
Evoplay’s Blackjack Lucky Sevens offers an interesting variation to the standard rules of this classic casino game. Players start the game by adjusting their bets and picking the number of active hands (up to three active hands are allowed). Traditionally, players should collect a hand value that is as close to 21 as possible, without busting. In this variation, there is an extra feature, called the Lucky Sevens Bonus, allowing gamblers to enjoy payouts of 1,5x the initial wager if they are dealt three cards with a value of 7.
Blackjack Perfect Pairs
Blackjack Perfect Pairs by Swintt is a game that makes use of the classic rules of the game and the Perfect Pairs side bet. A total of 8 decks of cards come into play. This blackjack variation comes with an RTP of 99.13%, minimum allowable bets of $1, and maximum wagers of $100. Based on the players’ first two cards, the side bet’s payout is as follows: 25:1 for a Perfect Pair, 12:1 for a Coloured Pair, and 5:1 for a Non-colored Pair.
Roulette with Credit/Debit Cards
There are two main types of roulette: European single-zero roulette, which has a 2.7% house edge, and American double-zero roulette, which has a 5.3% house edge. A third variation, French Roulette is played on a standard European wheel and due to an additional rule, the house edge is lowered to 1.35%. Predicting the precise number the little ball will land on is all that it takes to land the highest-paying straight-up bet. Players can pick between a multitude of other wagers, including line bets, corner bets, and street bets, among others, featuring various payouts.
Dynamic Paytable European Roulette
Dynamic Paytable Roulette by EGT Interactive offers a perfect combination of the classic European roulette wheel with the thrill of the Dynamic Paytable. The standard rules of the classic game have been preserved and standard bets remain unchanged. Players can expect payouts of up to 120x their wager with every single spin, based on a random multiplier that has been integrated into the game. Besides the re-bet, double, and re-double functionalities, players have access to betting history and detailed statistics. The game is available both for desktop and mobile players.
Lucky Roulette
Lucky Roulette is an attractive roulette game developed by Belatra Games and released in 2020. It makes use of the classic European wheel with a single zero and features an RTP of 97.30%. Bets are in the range of $1 and $500. What sets Lucky Roulette apart from the other variations available on the gambling market is the fact that the lucky numbers deliver players the opportunity to win 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 bets.
Zoom Roulette
Zoom Roulette is an exhilarating 3D creation by Betsoft Gaming, featuring a single zero European wheel set-up and a couple of unique characteristics working to the benefit of players. The game’s crisp graphics and masterfully designed overall depiction make it aesthetically appealing. Besides the standard outside and inside bets, there are several other side bets such as Zero and Orphelins bets. Traditionally the highest payout of 35:1 is reserved for straight-up wagers, whereas bets on red/black, even/odd, and low/high numbers deliver payouts of 1:1.