Payment methods: cards, cryptocurrencies (USDT is very popular), transfers (Venezuela)

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1) The big picture: the "dollarization" of everyday life and the shift to number

In recent years, settlements in dollars and numbers have become the norm. Foreign bank cards already occupy a significant share of everyday transactions in the country (about 11% of purchases in 2024, against 8% a year earlier), fueling the turnover of foreign currency for business. This is happening against the backdrop of partially liberalized currency rules and a chronic shortage of cash USD.

In parallel, cryptocurrency payments are growing, dominated by stablecoins - primarily USDT. Crypt is used by retail and services as a "digital dollar" amid bolivar instability; the profile and business press describes it as a tool for daily calculations and even payments.

2) Cards: How and when they pass

Foreign cards (Visa/Mastercard). Most often - cards issued outside Venezuela. The payment is made in the issuer's currency; local acquirers through intermediaries "bring" dollars into the system, which expands the supply of currency for the market. For the user, plus is the usual UX; cons - commission of the issuing bank and possible blocking of MCC from individual operators.

Local cards/credit cards. They work in bolivars and are tied to bank limits; due to inflation and restrictions, they are more commonly used for domestic transfers (see Pago Móvil) rather than international subscriptions/top-ups on foreign sites. Objective levers - limits, commissions, KYC.

For iGaming: international offshore sites often accept foreign cards directly, but can reject payments from individual countries/banks, or offer bypass providers. The risks of chargebacks and additional checks are increasing.

3) Transfers: Pago Móvil, bank P2P and remittances

Pago Móvil. National "fast payment" between banks: transfers by phone number/ID with almost instant crediting 24/7 in bolivars - the main everyday way of "account-to-account." It is supported by the largest banks and international remittance services. For local sellers - convenient VES reception without POS.

Classic interbank transfers. Used for large amounts in VES; speed - from "almost instantaneous" to several hours/day depending on the banks.

Remittances. In 2023, ≈ $5 billion in transfers came to the country, with about 9% in crypto; highlighting the role of cross-border payments in household budgets. For players, this means access to replenishment through family/friends abroad and to services that directly "pour" money into Pago Móvil.

For iGaming, legal land-based casinos accept VES payments/deposits through local channels. Offshore sites usually cannot directly pull Pago Móvil, so use exchange gateways/coupons or offer crypto.

4) Cryptocurrencies: USDT as' operating dollar'

Why USDT. Stablecoin is convenient as a "digital cache": quick confirmation, low commissions (especially in TRC-20), P2P quotes are available to everyone. Retail prices are often set in USD, but USDTs are calculated at the local P2P rate (often Binance) by scanning the seller's QR wallet.

Reach and penetration. Crypto has become a mainstream tool: businesses and individuals use USDT in payments and settlements; media record acceleration of "cryptodollarization." Reports and analysts note the high pace of adoption and the role of P2P markets.

Practice at operators. Foreign iGaming sites are increasingly accepting USDT (TRC-20/ERC-20) for deposits/withdrawals, sometimes through third-party crypto processors. Pros - speed and predictability of the amount; cons - volatility of network commissions and KYC requirements on the exchange/merchant.

5) What to choose for the player: task comparison

• → Pago Móvil: instantly, without POS, convenient "from phone to phone." Does not work as a direct method on foreign iGaming sites.

• → A foreign card (if passed by a merchant) is familiar, but deviations/additional commissions are possible.

• → USDT (more often TRC-20) - quickly, predictably, massively supported. Follow the translation network and P2P course.

• → Remittans→Pago Móvil: transfers through providers that already "know how" in Pago Móvil.

6) Risks that are important to remember

Offshore status of many iGaming sites. In Venezuela, there is no single national online licensing regime: consumer protection is limited, disputes are resolved in the jurisdiction of the operator. This is especially critical when paying by card and crypt.

Exchange rate losses. With a card - conversions/bank fees; USDT - P2P spreads and translation network. Use "clean" quotes and check the network (TRC-20 vs. ERC-20).

Compliance and limits. Remittance services and exchanges have limits/sources of funds/CCM. Violation of the rules threatens to block the account/delay the withdrawal.

7) Quick check list before deposit

1. Method → merchant. Check that the site supports your method (card/USDT/coupon) and translation network.

2. Course and commissions. At USDT - check P2P heading and network; with a card - the total amount after conversions.

3. KYC. Verify in advance at the exchange/payment partner - this will speed up the withdrawal.

4. Test amount. Start small, then increase the checks.

5. Merchant history. Look for independent feedback/support 24/7 and clear payment/withdrawal rules.

Venezuelan payment reality for betting and casinos in 2025 is a hybrid: foreign cards where they are accepted; Pago Móvil and bank transfers - for local settlements and day-to-day VES; and the rapidly growing layer of USDT, which has actually become an "operating dollar" online and offline. The choice of tool depends on the jurisdiction of the operator and the desired speed/commission - but in any case, it is worth carefully considering the course, network and withdrawal conditions.