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Wirecard Casinos: What Happened and the Best Alternatives
Wirecard was once a major payment processor for online casinos and prepaid cards. In 2020 the company collapsed in one of Europe's biggest financial scandals. Here is what happened, what it means for casino players and which payment methods to use instead.
Casinos Formerly Using Wirecard
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What Was Wirecard?
Wirecard was a German payment company founded in 1999. It processed card payments for online merchants – including many online gambling operators – and issued prepaid cards through its banking subsidiaries. At its peak it was listed on Germany's DAX index of leading companies.
What Happened to Wirecard?
In June 2020, Wirecard admitted that around €1.9 billion that was supposed to be held in trust accounts probably did not exist. The company filed for insolvency shortly afterwards. In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority temporarily froze the activities of Wirecard's UK card-issuing subsidiary, which briefly disrupted prepaid cards and fintech apps that relied on it. Wirecard's businesses were later wound down or sold.
What It Means for Casino Players
- Wirecard no longer processes casino payments. Casinos that used it moved to other payment processors years ago.
- Old prepaid cards issued through Wirecard have been replaced or closed. If you still have one, contact the card provider.
- Casino listings may be outdated. If a casino still lists Wirecard, its cashier information may simply not have been updated – check the current options in the cashier.
Lessons From the Wirecard Collapse
The Wirecard scandal is a reminder to use well-regulated payment providers and not to keep large balances in casino accounts or payment wallets for longer than necessary. E-money providers must safeguard customer funds, and licensed casinos must protect player balances, but withdrawing your winnings regularly is always the safest approach.
Best Alternatives to Wirecard
| Method | Type | Withdrawal speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa / Mastercard | Debit card | 1–3 days, faster at some casinos | Universal acceptance |
| PayPal | E-wallet | Within 24 hours | Fast payouts at licensed casinos |
| Trustly | Open banking | Same day | Paying straight from your bank |
| Skrill / Neteller | E-wallet | Within 24 hours | Wide acceptance |
| Paysafecard | Prepaid voucher | Deposits only | Budget control and privacy |
How to Tell if a Casino's Payment Info Is Outdated
- It still lists Wirecard or other closed services such as discontinued e-wallets.
- Its payment page has not been updated in years.
- The cashier shows different methods from the ones advertised.
Outdated payment pages are not always a red flag, but they suggest checking the casino more carefully. Read our casino reviews for up-to-date payment information.
Posted by Stephen Tate
FAQ
Can I still use Wirecard at online casinos?
No. Wirecard became insolvent in 2020 and no longer processes payments. Casinos that used it have switched to other providers.
What happened to Wirecard?
In June 2020 Wirecard admitted that about €1.9 billion in supposed cash balances probably did not exist and filed for insolvency, in one of Europe's largest corporate frauds.
What should I use instead of Wirecard?
Debit cards, PayPal, Trustly, Skrill and Neteller are reliable alternatives for casino deposits and withdrawals.
Were player funds lost because of Wirecard?
Some customers of prepaid cards and fintech apps that relied on Wirecard's UK subsidiary had their accounts temporarily frozen in 2020. Funds were generally returned once the regulator allowed the subsidiary to resume operations.
Know Your Limits and Play Safe