What is a pay-by-SMS casino?
To break things down simply, a pay-by-SMS casino refers to any type of online casino that allows you to deposit or fund your gaming experience through your mobile phone provider.
For the most part, you’ll need to link your account using a QR code or verification code sent to you via SMS. However, you can also send a text message to top-up your casino account and pay the bill at the end of the month.
The increased security of this method is a clear standout. As you are linking your mobile phone only, all banking details can remain offline. If you choose to not store your details, any potential low-life scammers won’t even have your pay-by-SMS account. Of course, as withdrawals can’t take place, they could only look to add further deposits to your account.
To counteract this issue, pay-by-SMS casinos have blocks and second checks in place anyway. Generally speaking, you’ll find that deposit limits are caps per day. Boku, for example, allows for 3 x $10 transactions. To complete each transaction, you’ll also have to verify your identity using 2FA. For those who have access to the phone, this can be completed by scanning a QR code, sending a text, or entering a unique code sent directly to your mobile phone.
One of the main downsides to pay-by-SMS casinos is that they will rarely allow for bonuses to be unlocked. Fortunately, you can make use of the banners on this page to find online casinos that are specifically suited to this kind of deposit option.
Pay-by-SMS Casinos: Pros & Cons
- Simple deposit process
- Effective 2FA checks
- Keep banking details offline
- May be unable to redeem promos
How to deposit at a pay-by-SMS casino in Canada
Pay-by-SMS transactions are completed slightly differently to Visa, PayPal, and
Paysafecard online casino
deposits; however, they are equally as secure and completely traceable, too.
- Find yourself a reputable pay-by-SMS casino by using the banners on this page
- Work your way through the registration process, including any promotional codes
- Confirm your identity by linking your email address and phone number
- Pass KYC/AML checks by forwarding copies of your photo ID
- Head to the ‘deposit’ section of the site and click on ‘pay by SMS’
- Scan the QR code or enter your telephone number
- Enter any codes sent to you via SMS
- Input your deposit value and click ‘submit’
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Things to consider before paying by phone at a casino in Canada
Before joining a pay-by-SMS casino, a few checks beyond the fundamentals of a solid online casino must be completed. This includes reviewing the small print, checking limits and fees, and searching for potential withdrawal methods.
Bonus terms and conditions
Unfortunately, it isn’t too common to see pay-by-SMS casinos provide you with dedicated bonuses or promotions. However, this is not always the case. Free spins, no deposit offers, and social media giveaways are generally available to all users, so make sure you check the style of promotion and any terms attached before diving on in.
Pay-by-SMS casinos refer to the payment methods offered at a specific online casino; however, you will also need to consider the limits that are imposed by these sites, too. As mobile providers often cap the amount you can deposit, you’ll want to make sure that you find yourself a platform with inclusive limits that matches your preferences. With Boku, for instance, you’ll be capped at 3 x $10 deposits per day, meaning you won’t be able to make use of a
$20 minimum deposit online casino.
Alongside deposit limits and promotional terms, you’ll want to consider the kind of fees you may incur using this method. Most mobile phone providers will allow you to make deposits free of charge; however, late payment fees may be added for missing any end-of-month payments. Additionally, it is always worth reviewing the fees imposed by pay-by-SMS casinos. This is often minimal or non-existent, but it helps to know exactly where your money is going.
Alternative payment methods
As already touched upon, you won’t be able to make withdrawals using pay-by-SMS. However, all is not lost. Many of the best pay-by-SMS casinos now provide you with plenty of great alternatives – most likely the same payment method you would usually make use of to pay your end-of-month mobile contract. To help, you can make use of the banners on this page and head straight to the Payments section to see the kind of withdrawal options available.
Types of games found at a pay-by-SMS casino
When it comes to finding yourself a top pay-by-SMS casino, the gaming catalogue plays a crucial role. Although software and gaming restrictions may apply in certain areas, you’ll find that your chosen payment has no impact.
With this in mind, you shouldn’t have to look too far to find the
best Netent casino
slots, Pragmatic Play table games, and Evolution live gaming suites at the very best pay-by-SMS casinos in Canada. Jackpots, scratchcards, and even virtual games are starting to become popular fixtures here, too.
To ensure that your experience remains exciting and fresh, you may come across regular new releases along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for free spins and no deposit offers that can allow you to test the water without risking your cash balance.
Our picks: A selection of my favourite pay-by-SMS casino games
In this convenient table, you’ll find a brief overview of some standout titles that feature at some of the sites found in the banners on this page.
| Game | Studio | Themes | RTP | Volatility |
| Big Bass Bonanza | Pragmatic Play | Fishing, Fisherman | 96.7% | Medium |
| Aloha: Cluster Pays | NetEnt | Hawaiian, Beach | 96.4% | Low |
| Dragon King: Legend of the Seas | Red Tiger | Dragon, Oriental | 95.7% | High |
Withdrawals: Searching for an alternative to pay-by-SMS
As touched upon, withdrawals aren’t going to be possible using the pay-by-SMS system. Fortunately, plenty of great alternatives are provided at the best pay-by-SMS casinos. Based on my recent reviews, you’ll find that everything from traditional card payments to the power of the blockchain have been utilised. So, what’s the best option for you?
- Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and AmEx
Debit cards are a popular choice, as they are often the chosen method used to fund your pay-by-SMS experience. Although you’ll send a text or link your account through your mobile provider, the end-of-month bill will be taken out using your card. Of course, you’ll also be backed by the latest encryption technology and the prospect of using this method at almost all online casinos today.
- PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller
Third-party platforms provide you with a safe way to get a hold of any potential winnings, too. However, it is worth noting that not all of these payment systems will be available at every pay-by-SMS casino. You’ll also need to bear in mind that fees may be incurred. Plus, it may not be quite so easy to trace your transactions – unless you pay your mobile phone bill using Skrill, PayPal, or Neteller, of course!
- Bitcoin, Litecoin, and other major cryptocurrencies
Finally, you can look to make use of the blockchain at a selection of pay-by-SMS casinos. Although these payment methods are growing in popularity, the number of casinos accepting cryptocurrencies are still far smaller than those that accept Visa, Mastercard, and other traditional methods. Fees are also incurred at every stage; however, you will be able to keep all of your banking details hidden using this method.
Find your favourite pay-by-SMS mobile casino today
That brings my latest guide on pay-by-SMS casinos to a close. By now, you should be in a much better position to understand the inner workings and what to expect from the very best pay-by-SMS casinos in Canada.
To help get you started, you’ll notice that some of my recommended sites feature in the banners on this page. Once selected, you’ll find a complete rundown of what you can expect, including bonuses, games, support, and much more.
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Pay-by-SMS Casino FAQ
💰 Can I withdraw my winnings at a pay-by-SMS casino?
You can withdraw your winnings at any real cash casino. However, you will need to choose an alternative when depositing using pay-by-SMS.
❓ How much can I deposit at a pay-by-SMS casino?
Due to the nature of how your account will be funded, pay-by-SMS casinos will often have smaller deposit limits attached. This limit will vary from site to site and from mobile provider to mobile provider.
🔓 What bonuses can I unlock using pay-by-SMS?
Generally, most casinos will not allow you to unlock bonuses or promotions using pay-by-SMS. However, a select number of pay-by-SMS casinos will offer the full experience to those looking to deposit and redeem bonuses using the mobile payment method.
