Can Banks Block Gambling Transactions? All Questions Answered

“Can banks block gambling transactions?” is a common question among gamers all over the world. Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Banks can block gambling transactions for a number of different reasons. For starters, it’s important to note that they’re entirely within their legal rights to do so in most countries, including Canada. 

In many cases, banks take such drastic actions when faced with: 

• Risk management concerns
• Legal regulations
• Internal policies toward online gaming

Why Do Banks Block Gambling Funds?

Depending on your jurisdiction, banks may be forced into blocking gambling payments online by law. Even in areas where iGaming is legal, some banks might block gambling-related transactions on account of risks of money laundering, fraud, or chargebacks. 

When individuals struggle with an online gaming habit that’s getting out of hand, they sometimes ask their bank to block gambling transactions for them. If you’re interested in your bank’s policies on gaming-related payments, it’s always best to check with it directly. 

The top five banks in Canada have different policies on online gaming. Check out the details in the table below:

If you don’t want your bank blocking gambling payments online, the safest option is to play at online casinos that are fully licensed and regulated in Canada so that payments fall into the category of local gambling transactions. 

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the most reputable online casinos in Canada. Read on to find out where it’s safe to play for Canadian players who want to avoid the inconvenience of their transactions being blocked! 

Top 7 Online Casinos for Canadian Players

If you’re interested in top-notch online gaming platforms with safe payment methods and decent cybersecurity, here are a few excellent options:

Spin Casino

Spin Casino has been operating for over two decades but has only recently become accessible and popular in Canada. A short tenure among Canadians hasn’t stopped Spin Casino from amassing an admirable audience with inviting player campaigns and an impressive selection of games. 

Players searching for a range of safe and established payment methods don’t need to look further. Besides direct bank transfers, which will not be blocked unless you request it, Spin Casino lets you pay with:

• Instadebit
• MuchBetter
• Visa
• Interac
• eCheck
• Mastercard
• Paysafecard
• Apple Pay

No level of variety in payment options can make up for lacklustre security, which is why Spin Casino protects all website traffic with powerful SSL encryption, including all personal or financial info you share with the casino. 

Like all the establishments we’ll mention below, Spin Casino is fully licensed and regulated in Canada—as confirmed by iGaming Ontario (iGO) and eCOGRA. Government agencies and third-party auditors agree that this is a reputable establishment with safe and swift payments, genuinely random games, and enticing player campaigns. 

Players with questions or issues can contact Spin Casino’s staff via email or live chat. The latter is available 24/7, but keep in mind that the responses you receive will be shorter and less detailed. 

Royal Vegas

Royal Vegas is one of the most popular casinos in Canada. Besides a variety of over 700 exciting casino games, this establishment supports many payment methods. You can freely use bank transfers for deposits and withdrawals, along with:

• MuchBetter
• Mastercard
• Visa
• Paysafecard
• iDebit
• Interac
• eCheck
• Apple Pay
• Instadebit

The lowest deposit you can make with all payment methods is $10, while the maximum withdrawal is $5,000. Visa and Mastercard users will be happy to know that credit card deposits are processed almost instantly. However, withdrawals can take up to seven working days, even with credit cards. 

The casino performs identity checks of all players to prevent money laundering and comply with international regulations. There’s also a 24-hour pending period before your withdrawal request is processed, during which you can cancel it. 

Royal Vegas puts a lot of stock in player privacy and security. Both are guaranteed thanks to two-factor authentication and SSL encryption that protects all website data. Keep in mind that you have to turn on the former yourself in your account options. 

MansionCasino

The next online casino we’ll recommend as a reputable and trustworthy establishment is MansionCasino—another old-timer that has gained popularity in Canada after the legalization of iGaming. The casino has been in operation for over two decades and remains the first choice of many players worldwide, thanks to its professional support staff, streamlined withdrawal system, and excellent mobile apps. 

In terms of reliable payment methods, you’ll be happy to learn there are many choices to choose from:

• Moneta
• Przelewy24
• Paysafecard
• Visa
• My Citadel
• Neteller
• Instadebit
• Ticket Premium
• Envoy
• Mastercard
• Skrill
• ECO
• Webmoney
• Maestro
• UseMyBank
• Sofort
• ePay.bg

The casino’s customer support is praised for responsiveness, even if you use the phone line to contact them at +35020047382. The alternatives are emailing support@mansioncasino.com or using live chat on the website. 

The live chat option is helpful when you need an answer quickly, while email responses generally take longer but are more detailed. Getting through on the phone is sometimes difficult, especially during peak hours—plus, the phone line isn’t available outside of business hours. 

SpinAway

We haven’t focused much on casinos’ game portfolios here, as our priority was recommending reputable casinos with dependable payment methods—places where you won’t have to worry about banks blocking gambling transactions because they seem suspicious. 

Still, if you’re looking for an online casino focused on slots, we can heartily recommend SpinAway. It’s one of the most slot-centric venues among Canadian online casinos, with over 800 high-quality games and an incredible variety of banking methods. 

You can fund your account with:

1. Visa
2. Bank transfers
3. Paysafecard
4. Skrill
5. Neteller
6. Mastercard
7. Interac
8. Payz
9. MuchBetter

All deposits and withdrawal methods have a lower limit of $10. ETAs vary among payment methods, but transactions via eWallets and credit cards are generally near-instant. Bear in mind that there’s always a 24-hour pending period from the moment you make a withdrawal request, regardless of the method. 

You can make changes or delete the request in the meantime. You may be required to provide identity verification documents, especially if it is your first withdrawal from the casino. Withdrawal requests are generally carried out in one week. 

Considering the amount of financial data online casinos store and process, it’s no wonder cybersecurity is a priority for SpinAway. Unlike many of its competitors, this casino doesn’t share player data with anyone except government agencies and auditors, so you don’t have to worry about your personal info being misused for marketing or other purposes. 

The casino also boasts a professional and responsive customer support department. You can contact them via live chat without even signing into your casino account. Keep in mind that live chat isn’t available round-the-clock; you can only access it from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. UTC+2. Luckily, email communication is also an option. It is preferable for in-depth queries if you’re not in a hurry. 

Golden Tiger

All of the casinos recommended here are fully licensed in Canada, but their operators are often based overseas. The same is true for Golden Tiger, a Malta-based casino with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) licenses. While this casino doesn’t have the largest game portfolio you can find at an online establishment, players keep coming back for excellent customer support, strict cybersecurity, and trustworthy payment methods. 

You can use the following withdrawal and deposits options at Golden Tiger: 

• Direct bank transfers
• eWallets
• CAD EFT
• Mastercard 
• Visa
• eCheck

Withdrawal times vary based on the banking option, and there’s a 48-hour waiting time before withdrawal requests are processed, regardless of the payment method. The pending period gives the casino a chance to check your account and verify your identity. You retain the option of cancelling the request or changing the withdrawal amount in the meantime. 

Direct bank transfers can take up to ten business days, while withdrawals through other payment methods are processed quicker, usually within three business days. The customer support is decent and available via email or live chat. 

Ruby Fortune

Ruby Fortune stands out from the competitors with its impressive pedigree. It’s run by a dependable operator based out of Alderney, a small British Crown Dependency situated on an island. 

Besides a license to operate a gaming business in its local jurisdiction, the company also has licensing and regulatory oversight in Sweden, Canada, and Malta, making it one of the most trustworthy casinos on our list. 

The virtual venue has a large game portfolio with over 600 different slots, table games, and a few dozen live casino games. When it comes to payment methods, the following options are available: 

1. Instadebit
2. Mastercard
3. Interac Online
4. MuchBetter
5. Direct bank transfers
6. Apple Pay
7. eChecks
8. Paysafecard

The lower withdrawal cap is quite low, so you withdraw as little as $50. There’s also an upper limit of $4,000 per week, which is pretty standard for the industry. Withdrawals are typically fast, with most of them processed in 48 hours. That’s one of the fastest payout times in the business, though it’s still subject to change depending on your payment method. 

Luxury Casino

Our last but not least pick is Luxury Casino—one of the many reputable online establishments run by Apollo Entertainment Ltd out of Malta. The company has significant experience in the iGaming market under its belt, and Luxury Casino is one of its most successful establishments. 

The casino aims to replicate the illustrious experience of a classic Vegas land-based venue. Luxury Casino hosts titles from more than two dozen well-known developers and supports transactions via 20+ banking methods.

You can transfer your funds via: 

1. Direct bank transfers
2. Visa
3. PayPal
4. Maestro
5. ClickandBuy
6. Przelewy24
7. Neteller
8. GiroPay
9. EPS
10. Trustly
11. Payz
12. Instadebit
13. Ukash
14. Skrill
15. Mastercard
16. Postepay
17. POLi
18. Paysafecard
19. Ewire
20. Kalibra Card
21. Nordea
22. eChecks

Only direct bank transfers come with casino processing fees. Other payment methods are available free of charge, at least from the casino’s side. Individual payment processors and banks may impose additional charges. 

Blocking Gambling Payments Online—Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you’ve got a few ideas on where you can safely pay and play in Canada, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding banks’ policies on online gaming! 

Can I Block My Bank Card From Gambling Sites?

Yes, but the process differs among various card issuers, financial institutions, and banks. In most cases, you’ll have to file a formal request with the bank, although some banks let you do it on your own through a smartphone app. Keep in mind that these self-imposed blocks are rarely indefinite. 

How To Block Gambling on Your Bank Account

Most banks apply gambling blocks only for individual cards, not your whole bank account. Players with multiple cards must set up credit card gambling blocks for each card separately. Depending on your bank, you can get the ball rolling on this by visiting the nearest branch, calling the bank, emailing them, or accessing a specific part of the mobile banking app. 

Do Banks Block Gambling Transactions? 

Sometimes, yes. Banks may decide to do this to comply with anti-money laundering regulations, prevent other financial crimes, and mitigate various risks.