Payment methods: cards, eWallet, cryptocurrencies
Basic context: currency and payment acceptance
Official currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar XCD; in the travel zone, cash USD is accepted everywhere, change is usually issued in XCD.
Offline cards: Major hotels/restaurants and shops in Basterre and Port Zanté tend to accept Visa/Mastercard; small expenses (taxis/stalls) are better covered in cash.
ATMs/exchange: ATMs and banks are within walking distance from Port Zanté, there may be no currency exchange right at the terminal.
Cards (Visa/Mastercard): Handy, but consider MCC's "high-risk"
Where they work.
In the offline sector (hotels, restaurants, shopping) - usually without problems.
Online (offshore casinos/bookmakers) - depends on the issuing bank, merchant policy and MCC (merchant category code for gambling). Additional checks/deviations are possible.
Pros: speed, familiar chargeback procedures, binding to mobile wallets/ApplePay/Google Pay for a number of merchants (at the discretion of the operator).
Cons: possible international commissions and locks on MCC; the bank may require enhanced Secure KYC/3-D.
Tip: Keep a separate card/virtual card for online deposits to control limits and currency conversions.
e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, etc.): flexible "laying" between the bank and the site
Accessibility. International eWallet services serve most countries and allow you to pay for merchant services from the iGaming segment; providers have their own lists of "non-served countries," which change over time - check the current status before registering.
Features and fees:- Skrill: convenient for deposits/withdrawals, but charges different fees, and prepaid MasterCard is only available to customers in the SEPA zone.
- Neteller: Similarly, a rich line of replenishment methods, but most operations are subject to commissions, and the timing of bank transfers varies by region.
Pros: privacy regarding bank statement, quick deposits, loyalty program at some providers.
Cons: fees for replenishment/withdrawal and conversion, regional restrictions, the need for verification (KYC).
Legal remark: eWallet providers directly prohibit settlements with illegal operators; comply with the terms of service and local law.
Cryptocurrencies: convenient on offshore sites, but there are nuances
Where applicable. On international (offshore) operators - especially crypto casinos/bookmakers - deposits/withdrawals are often available in BTC/ETH/USDT, etc., often through payment gateways.
Country context:- In 2022, the Prime Minister announced the development of the idea of making Bitcoin Cash (BCH) legal tender (statement of intent). This did not become a valid right: it was about "exploring the possibility" after consulting with the ECCB. Use crypto only as a method on sites that accept it and correspond to your jurisdiction.
Pros: Speed, relatively low fees, fewer MCC deviations.
Cons: volatility, on-chain commissions/delays, network/address erroneous entry risks, difficulty with returns, AML/KYC amplified by operators.
DCash (digital EC-dollar from ECCB): It's important to know, but it's not a method for iGaming
What it is: A CBDC pilot from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), launched in 2021 in a number of ECCU countries, including Saint Kitts & Nevis, for everyday payments and financial inclusion.
Status: according to ECCB reports, the pilot survived pauses and consultations/restarts of processes; in 2024-2025. there was an assessment and completion of part of the pilot activities. This is a payment for retail, and not a specialized method for deposits on offshore sites.
Why operators are asking for more documents in 2025
Nevis Island introduced Nevis Online Gaming Ordinance (2025) and subsequent Regulations (effective July 1, 2025) - for operators this means strict AML/CFT requirements and sanctions for unlicensed activity. This is noticeable to customers as a stricter CUS/sourcing of funds and the choice of more "transparent" payment channels by providers.
Quick method profiles: pros/cons
Practical advice to the player
1. Keep the "game" card/virtual machine separate from the main account; Set day/month limits.
2. Check the commission and settlement currency before the deposit (often the account is kept in USD/EUR).
3. Check the license and KYC policy of the operator (regulator page/registry). For Nevis - the official NOGA portal.
4. Crypt: test with a small amount, check the network/memo/address; consider on-chain commissions and course.
5. Do not use VPN to bypass conditions - this is a common reason for withholding payments.
6. Keep all payment confirmations/chats - they will come in handy in disputes and AML checks.
Sources
Visit St. Kitts (official FAQ): XCD currency, accepting USD in cash.
Card payments in the travel zone: reference books for cruise guests/travelers (Visa/Mastercard in large establishments, cash for small expenses).
DCash (ECCB): Pilot Description and Status Analyst 2024-2025.
Nevis Online Gaming Regulation: Nevis Online Gaming Ordinance 2025 (PDF) and Regulations 2025 (effective July 1, 2025).
eWallet providers: country accessibility policy and conditions/fees (Skrill/Neteller).
Statements about BCH (2022): reports of intention to study legalization that are not equal to the current law.
Need - I will add a table "method → typical commissions/limits → deposit/withdrawal speed → where most often available" to build into your longrid.