"If you have tried to buy a coffee in Shoreditch with a crisp £20 note recently, you have likely been met with a confused stare. Cash in London isn't just dying; in many boroughs, it is already dead. We tap onto the Tube, we tap for our lunch and we even tap to donate to buskers. The rhythm of the capital is defined by the beep of the card reader."
"When the Gambling Commission banned credit card deposits back in 2020, it didn't slow the industry down; it forced it to innovate. The gap was quickly filled by digital wallets and instant banking. Apple Pay and Google Pay have become the default for the under-40 demographic. The appeal is obvious: you don't need to hunt for your debit card or remember a CVV number. You just double-click, glance at your phone for FaceID and the funds are there."
"While digital wallets are mainstream, there is a rising trend toward even more integrated payment methods. This is where "Pay by Phone" casinos are finding their niche. This method bypasses the bank entirely for the deposit, adding the cost directly to your monthly mobile bill or deducting it from your pay-as-you-go balance. It is a popular option for privacy-conscious players who prefer to keep their gaming expenditures separate from their main bank statements. It also acts as a natural budget enforcer, as carrier limits are"
Contactless and mobile payments have replaced cash across many London boroughs, shaping everyday habits from commuting to dining and street donations. Tap-and-go culture has extended into leisure activities, with betting becoming fully digital by 2026 and prioritising transaction speed. The 2020 ban on credit card gambling deposits accelerated industry innovation, leading to widespread adoption of digital wallets and instant banking. Apple Pay and Google Pay are favoured by younger users for their speed and ease of authentication. Pay-by-phone deposits charge mobile bills or deduct pay-as-you-go balances, offering privacy and built-in spending constraints.
Read at London On The Inside
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