The most reliable payment methods for gaming online

According to Statista, the global gaming industry is expected to collect 221 billion US dollars in revenue by the end of the year. This figure is higher than ever before, revealing how popular gaming is on a global scale.

Of course, the growing popularity of the gaming industry is due, in part, to the industry's successful transition towards the online format. Players can now access games via virtual platforms and venues.

For example, those who enjoy casino gaming can access a large range of casino games on virtual platforms like Virgin Games. These platforms offer instantaneous, quick and secure access to high-quality games.

Because of this improved accessibility, the gaming industry is prospering and rapidly expanding. It is now conquering new markets and seducing new gamers each day.

But now that players can access games online, how do they pay for these games?

Before, some games would require players to insert coins or credit in order to play. This was particularly true of casino games like slot machines or pinball machines.

However, nowadays players just play by paying virtually. No physical money is required to play.

Some gamers might be worried about sharing their credit card details online which is why they might feel uncomfortable with online payments. In this article, we'll explore and present the most reliable payment methods for gaming online.

Picture 1 of The most reliable payment methods for gaming online

First of all, think about the payment methods you're most comfortable with

Before exploring the different types of secure payment methods, you might want to think about those that you are comfortable with and those that you are uncomfortable with. For example, you might personally prefer to pay with one of your credit cards but want to make sure you do so in a secure way.

Some people might be entirely opposed to paying with their credit cards online. If that's the case, think about other options you might consider and be open to trying such as requesting a temporary credit card that expires after a payment, or opening an account on a third-party account such as PayPal.

We will explore each of these options in more depth but knowing what you feel comfortable with will help you decide which of the secure payment options works best for you.

Second of all, think about the online gaming platform you'll be paying on

There are many different types of online gaming platforms on the market. Some of them are much more secure than others.

Some might have special requirements which only allow you to pay in a limited number of ways. For example, some of these platforms might only authorise credit card details and certain types of credit cards only.

Others might give you the option to pay by using a payment app or a third-party platform like PayPal.

If you know which online gaming platform you want to try, it might be useful to look at their payment options. This will help you decide which options presented in this article you can actually consider.

As mentioned above, some platforms are well-known and more secure than others. For these platforms, you might opt for somewhat less secure payment methods like sharing your credit card details.

For more unknown platforms, make sure you opt for an extra secure payment option.

You can usually see a secure website from an unsecure one by its design. The reputation and fame of a website might also give you some indications as to its trustworthiness.

Make sure you google the name of the gaming platform to see what individuals say about it. Gamers who have been scammed will usually warn others by sharing it online.

It is always good to double-check the authenticity of a gaming platform's website page before sharing your credit card details. Finally, make sure that there is some type of protection when you pay on their website.

You might find certifications or logos that indicate that the payment page is secure.

The most reliable payment methods for gaming online

Here are the most reliable payment methods that you can use to protect your personal details when using gaming platforms:

1. PayPal or another famous third-party e-wallet platform
2. Bank transfers
3. Temporary credit cards (offered by some banks only)
4. Mastercard or Visas (with purchase security, theft insurance and/or fraud protection)

Note that some of these payment options might not be available to you on certain gaming platforms.

PayPal and other recognised third-party platforms are an easy way to protect your personal details when making payments. With PayPal, the platform transfers the necessary amount from your bank to the payee without disclosing to them your credit card or bank details.

Bank transfers are another option if you have the bank details of the payee. They also hide your credit card details from the payee, making it impossible for them to use your credit card for other payments.

However, by sharing your bank details, you do give the platform your full name and some information. If you are comfortable with that, then this option is good, otherwise you might want to find another solution.

Depending on your bank, you might be able to create a temporary virtual credit card.

This virtual card will expire once the payment has been completed and helps prevent the gaming platform, or a hacker, from finding your real credit card details. However, not all banks offer this option.

Paying with a Mastercard or Visa card is also an option if you are absolutely certain that the gaming platform looks safe and secure. This should not be your first choice if you are unsure as to the safety and security of the gaming platform.

Worse comes to worse and a hacker uses your credit card details for other payments, you might be able to get some of your stolen funds back if you have the proper insurance and theft protection contracts.

Final thoughts

This article focused on some of the most reliable and secure payment options for gamers. Players should opt for one that they are comfortable with and make sure that they are playing on secure and trustworthy gaming platforms to start with.

Marvin Fry

Update 07 March 2023