Traditional options like debit cards, eCheck, and e-wallets dominate the Canadian igaming scene, but pay-by-phone solutions are quietly gaining traction, especially among younger, mobile-first players. Though this trend is still in its infancy in Canada, it has the potential to blossom.
To explore how offering pay-by-phone options can give Canadian casinos a competitive edge, Payment Expert spoke to Christoffer Ødegården, Head of Marketing at Bojoko. With Bojoko’s experience connecting players with casinos, Ødegården offers insights into why this payment method could be a game changer and how operators can capitalise on its growing appeal.
Payment Expert: Why do you think pay-by-phone options are gaining interest in Canada?
Christoffer Ødegården: Pay-by-phone options simplify the payment process. Players can deposit funds using their mobile numbers, and the charges either show up on their phone bills or are deducted from their prepaid credit. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require sharing sensitive financial information.
I’m honestly more surprised it hasn’t gained traction faster. In the UK, this is one of the most popular solutions, and the marketing potential is enormous. The slower pickup may be because Canadians are still learning which payment methods to trust and the slightly different payment landscape in general. For instance, Canada does not have popular payment options like PayPal.
Canadians are waking up to the potential here, though. From our statistics, the search volume is currently in the hundreds per month, which is quite decent. However, the potential is incredible. In the UK, tens of thousands of players actively seek out casinos with pay-by-phone options every month. I expect Canada to follow a similar trajectory in the coming years.
PE: What makes this payment option appealing from a marketing perspective?
CØ: There are several reasons. The first, from an affiliate marketing perspective, is interest and the clear potential and likelihood for a growing trend. If there’s search volume and low-ish competition, casinos can really stand out and grab the attention of the players dedicated to finding pay-by-phone casinos.
When players search for specific payment methods, they are also an affiliate marketer’s dream, as these people are actively seeking to make a deposit. We see very high conversion rates from our pages dedicated to payment methods, and I generally advise casinos to be present on all big payment pages. In other words, being present on our list showcasing pay-by-phone casinos can already have a notable impact, and this impact will only grow as the trend continues.
The reason for the high conversion rate is that players looking for casinos with specific payment methods are not just looking to answer this question, they are ready to go. Online bonus-based key terms are also great because these players are not looking for freebies or extra funds as their top priority. Yes, the deposits will be smaller due to the limits, but the value of getting new players in is still high.
PE: Do you think Canadian casinos are ready to adopt pay-by-phone solutions?
CØ: If not, they should. There are no real hassles attached here. Not everyone feels comfortable linking their bank account to a casino, but almost everyone has a mobile phone. By offering this option, casinos can reach a broader audience, including players who might otherwise hesitate to sign up.
Established providers, like Boku and Payforit, make integration relatively seamless. Casinos just need to recognise the opportunity and take the leap.
PE: How does offering pay-by-phone options impact player acquisition and retention?
CØ: It’s all about convenience. When players can deposit funds quickly and securely, they’re more likely to sign up and make their first deposit. For casual players or those new to online gaming, this simplicity can make a big difference.
Retention is another area where pay-by-phone shines. Players who have a positive, hassle-free experience are more likely to return. And because this payment method is so fast and easy, it encourages smaller, more frequent deposits, which keeps players engaged over time.
PE: lessons can Canadian casinos learn from the UK market?
CØ: The UK shows us how big the potential is. Tens of thousands of players actively search for pay-by-phone options every month, and casinos that offer this feature are reaping the benefits. Affiliates, too, are driving significant traffic by highlighting these payment methods.
The key takeaway for Canadian operators is that trends like this don’t happen overnight, but once they gain momentum, they can completely reshape the market. Getting in early allows you to build a reputation as a forward-thinking, player-focused operator, which is invaluable in a competitive space.