Can I top up my casino account with Apple Pay/Google Pay with a linked card

1. Legal context in Australia

In 2023, amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act (Credit and Other Measures Bill 2023) came into force in Australia, prohibiting the use of credit cards for online gambling. The restriction included not only direct transactions from Visa, Mastercard and AmEx cards, but also payments through digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), if a credit card is linked to them.

Thus, even if a player tries to top up a deposit through Apple Pay or Google Pay, the transaction will be rejected by the bank or the payment provider itself if the loan product is the basis.

2. How Apple Pay and Google Pay work in casinos

Apple Pay and Google Pay are payment shells that only redirect a request to a linked card or account.

If a credit card is linked → it is not possible (prohibited) to top up your account in an online casino in Australia.
If a debit card or prepaid tool is linked → the transaction is possible if the casino supports Apple Pay/Google Pay.

Here it is important to distinguish between the type of card: it is not about the wallet itself, but about the source of funds.

3. Casino support

In the Australian market:
  • Licensed casinos usually do not integrate Apple Pay and Google Pay directly, as the emphasis is on bank transfers, PayID, POLi and eWallet.
  • In offshore casinos, there is support for Apple Pay/Google Pay, but a debit card is always required there. The system blocks the credit card automatically.

4. Restrictions and checks

MCC transaction codes: Banks block MCC 7995 (gambling) for credit cards. When using Apple Pay or Google Pay, the code is saved, so it is impossible to bypass the ban.
Bank notifications: Even when trying to top up with a debit card through Apple Pay, requests for confirmation of the operation are possible, as banks closely monitor payments related to gambling.

5. Alternative replenishment methods

Since it is impossible to use a credit card through Apple Pay and Google Pay in a casino in Australia, the following options are available to players:
  • Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) directly or through wallets.
  • PayID - instant transfers by email or phone.
  • POLi Payments - integration with Internet banking.
  • E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal - if the casino supports).
  • Prepaid cards (Paysafecard, Neosurf).

6. Conclusion

You can top up your Australian online casino account with Apple Pay or Google Pay only with a debit or prepaid card. If a credit card is attached to the wallet, the payment will be rejected in accordance with the law. For players, this means having to choose safe and legal alternatives that exclude credit financing.