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Payment methods: bank cards, Revolut, Skrill, cryptocurrencies

1) The bigger picture

Irish iGaming lives on the principle of payments-first + responsible-by-design. In practice, this means:

Credit cards for the game - no (actual ban/severe restrictions; debit and bank rails are used).
Instant deposits, fast cashouts, transparent ETA and the status of each transaction.
KYC/AML/SoF by risk: the higher the amounts/frequency/anomalies, the deeper the check.
With the launch of GRAI (a single regulator) - unification of payment rules, a national register of self-exclusion and even stricter transparency.

2) Bank cards (debit)

What it is: Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit, sometimes Maestro.

How to use: the main method of replenishment; withdrawal - more often to the same source (if supported), or to a bank account.

Pluses

Almost instant deposit.

Familiarity and simple onboarding logic (3DS2).

Good visibility of transactions in the bank.

Cons/nuances

Credit cards are not available for gambling.

Bank anti-fraud triggers: point failures/rechecking are possible.

Conclusions are not always "on the map" - sometimes only on the account (SEPA).

Typical expectations

Deposit: instant-1 min.

Conclusion: 1-24 hours for advanced operators (T + 0/T + 1), sometimes up to 2-3 banking days, depending on the bank/time of day.

Commissions: usually 0 for the operator; the bank - at its own rate.

3) Revolut и open banking

What it is: fintech superapp that issues debit cards and IBANs; supports instant bank transfer (A2A) and self-monitoring tools.

Pluses

Very fast deposits/withdrawals through bank transfer/Open Banking.

Control in the application: blocking gambling transactions, limits, categorization of spending.

Notifications and clear ETA.

Cons/nuances

Occasionally there are anti-fraud flags for atypical amounts/frequency.

For cashouts, the operator can request SoF/add-KYC with a sharp increase in turnover.

Typical expectations

Deposit: instant-1 min (card/instant A2A).

Conclusion: from minutes to 24 hours (with a verified profile).

Commissions: on the tariff of Revolut/operator (usually 0 on the operator's side).

Life hack of responsibility: include Gambling block in Revolut if you feel the risk of impulse deposits - removing the block is more difficult than canceling the usual limit.

4) Skrill (e-wallet)

What is it: a wallet historically friendly to iGaming; often acts as a "layer" between the bank and the operator.

Pluses

Fast deposits and, most importantly, fast cashouts (often faster than a bank card).

Separation of game turnover from the main account.

Wide support from international operators.

Cons/nuances

Possible wallet commissions (input/output/conversion) - read the tariffs.

Some bonus offers from operators are not available for deposits through e-wallet (promo conditions).

KYC in Skrill + KYC itself at the operator (double check with an increase in turnover).

Typical expectations

Deposit: Instant.

Conclusion: minutes to several hours (sometimes up to 24 hours at increased risk).

Fees: dependent on wallet and currency; operator more often than 0.

5) Cryptocurrencies

Status in Ireland for mass segment:

For licensed bets/operators, the focus is fiat rails (debit/bank/wallets).
Crypt is more common in. com brands outside the Irish licence (or in the offshore part of their portfolio).
As part of the GRAI course, high requirements are expected: blockchain analytics, SoF, sanctions/PEP checks, possible integration of the Travel Rule between VASPs - this raises the entry threshold.

Pluses

Fast on-chain translations, low international friction.

Technical transparency of transactions.

Cons/nuances

Volatility, network rate/fees, congestion delays.

Tightened compliance (origin of funds, prohibitions on risky sources).

Risk of incompatibility with bonuses/promotions and long debriefing.

Typical expectations

Deposit: from minutes to an hour (depends on the network/confirmations).

Conclusion: after checking - quickly, then network time.

Commissions: network + possibly exchange.

6) Comparison table (short)

Criterion	Debit cards	Revolut / Open Banking	Skrill	Cryptocurrencies
Deposit	Instantly	Instantly	Instantly	Minutes-hour
Conclusion	Hours-1 day (sometimes 2-3 d)	Minutes-24h	Minutes-hours	Minutes-hours (+ network)
Commissions	Usually 0 for the operator	Usually 0 for the operator	Possible at the wallet	Network/exchange
Bonus compatibility	Usually yes	Yes	Sometimes restrictions	Often restrictions
Control/gambling unit	Through the bank	There is a Gambling block	Limits in the wallet	Depends on operator
Documents/KYC/SoF	By risk	By risk	Double (wallet + operator)	Strengthened

7) KYC/AML/SoF: When and why you'll be asked for documents

Triggers: large or frequent deposits, fast depozit→keshaut cycles, atypical behavior, transition to a new payment method.

What will be requested: identification, confirmation of address, sometimes a source of funds (statements, income certificates, confirmation of the sale of an asset).

Tip: Prepare documents in advance and store in a secure cloud; verify that the name in the payment method matches the account with the operator.

8) Responsible play and payment "fuses"

Limits (deposit/loss/time), timeouts, self-exclusion - included in the operator's account; Revolut has a gambling block.

Visual ETA and payout statuses are the best way to reduce anxiety and "dogon."

Banning credit cards is a built-in protection for the mass market.

Fast cashout: the shorter the path to money, the lower the risk of problem behavior (less incentive to "return the loss right away").

9) What GRAI will bring (what to prepare for)

Unified payment standards: final point for credit cards, transparent reporting, unification of return rules.

National Register of Self-Exclusion with Offline Integration Perspective.

Enhanced SoF/anti-sanction controls and digitized oversight of payment incidents.

Clear interface requirements: RTP/odds, disclaimers, honest T & Cs, visible ETA.

10) Quick player checklist

1. Cards: use debit; Keep 3DS and push notifications on.

2. Revolut: activate Gambling block if you need a "stop crane"; check the/IBAN name for a match.

3. Skrill: Explore fares and bonus exclusions, take KYC ahead of time.

4. Crypt: Be prepared for extended SoF and course fluctuations; check whether the operator supports your asset and network.

5. Conclusions: choose an operator with visible ETA and SLA; do not change the "last minute" cashout method.

6. Documents: keep ID/address/income in the current version; matching names is critical.

Bottom line. In Ireland, the "gold standard" for iGaming payments is debit cards and open banking/Revolut with fast cashouts and transparent ETA. Skrill remains a handy wallet for those who want to split finances and speed up withdrawals, but check commissions and bonus terms. Cryptocurrencies are a niche option with increased compliance and risk requirements. The GRAI course will consolidate uniform rules: fewer gray areas, more predictability - and maximum focus on player safety and the honesty of payment UX.