What is Pay by Phone (Boku / Payforit) and how it works in casinos
Boku was founded in 2009 and is the leading carrier billing provider, with agreements with hundreds of mobile networks worldwide. Payforit was the UK operators' shared carrier billing standard, now largely replaced by Boku and similar providers. Carrier billing was built for small digital purchases, and UK regulators capped gambling deposits at 30 per day, a limit most other markets mirror.
At a casino, you choose pay by phone, enter your mobile number, receive an SMS and reply or tap to confirm. The casino credits the deposit instantly, and the amount appears on your next phone bill or is deducted from prepaid credit. The method is offered mainly in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway and Finland, and only by casinos with a carrier billing integration.
Depositing with Pay by Phone (Boku / Payforit)
Select pay by phone, Boku or Payforit at the cashier, enter an amount from 5 up to the daily cap (usually 30), type your mobile number and confirm the SMS or in-page prompt. The deposit is instant and charged to your bill or prepaid balance. Limits are the lowest of any method we rate, and some carriers restrict gambling charges or require you to enable them in your account settings.
Withdrawing winnings to Pay by Phone (Boku / Payforit)
Pay by phone cannot receive withdrawals; a mobile network has no way to credit money back to a customer's account. Under the closed-loop policy the casino will ask you to add a bank account, e-wallet or another method in your name and complete KYC before paying winnings. Players who deposit only by phone bill should set up a payout method early to avoid delays when they first win.
Fees
Casinos do not charge for pay-by-phone deposits, but the carrier may add a fee or a surcharge, and the operator retains a share of the amount in some markets, which is why limits are low. There is no currency conversion since charges are in your bill's currency. To minimise costs, check your carrier's terms for premium or gambling charges, and use the method only for small top-ups rather than as your main deposit route.
Bonus eligibility
Pay by phone deposits are sometimes excluded from welcome bonuses. Operators worry about chargebacks through the carrier and about the low verification level of a phone number, and the small deposit limit often falls below bonus qualifying thresholds anyway. Some casinos allow it, so check the terms; if the bonus matters, use a card or instant banking for the qualifying deposit.
Pros
- Deposit with just a phone number and SMS
- Minimum of only 5
- No bank or card needed
- High privacy from your bank
Cons
- Deposit-only; winnings paid elsewhere
- Daily limit of around 30
- Carrier may add charges
- Sometimes excluded from bonuses
Verdict
Pay by phone suits casual players who want to top up a few pounds or euros occasionally without touching a card, and who are happy to withdraw via a bank or wallet. It is unsuitable for anyone with a meaningful bankroll because of the daily cap, and for bonus hunters. Treat it as a convenience, not a primary method.
Side-by-side comparison
| Pay by Phone (Boku / Payforit) | Zimpler | Apple Pay | Google Pay | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 5.8/10 | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 |
| Withdrawal speed | Not available | Minutes to 24 hours | Via the linked card (1–5 business days) | Via the linked card (1–5 business days) |
| Withdrawal fee | Not available | Free | Not available | Not available |
| Currency conversion | Not available | Not available | Your card issuer's rate | Your card issuer's rate |
| Withdrawals supported | No | Yes | No | No |
| Bonus eligibility | Sometimes excluded | Eligible | Eligible | Eligible |
Frequently asked questions
Is pay by phone safe for casino deposits?
Yes. Boku and Payforit are regulated billing services, the casino never sees bank or card details, and the daily cap limits exposure. Keep your phone secure, since SMS confirmation is the only check.
Can I withdraw casino winnings to my phone bill?
No. Carrier billing is deposit-only. Winnings are paid to a bank account, e-wallet or other method in your name after verification.
Are there fees for pay-by-phone casino deposits?
The casino charges nothing, but your carrier may add a fee or surcharge. Check your network's terms for gambling charges.
What is the minimum pay-by-phone casino deposit?
Usually 5, with a daily maximum of around 30 set by regulators and carriers.
