Best USSD Online Casinos 2024

By Jaya Priya 04.11.2023, updated 15.11.2024

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USSD casinos have gained massive traction in recent years, especially in regions with limited access to internet-based banking. In this digital era of mobile devices, the USSD banking method offers the utmost convenience since all you have to do to fund your casino account or withdraw your winnings is dial the provided code on your phone and follow the on-screen instructions. In this article, we’ll look at the payment method in detail, covering a few key areas, such as its market coverage, transaction times and fees, and convenience and safety, among others. We’ll also provide a well-vetted list of top USSD casinos and break down the deposit and cashout procedure in these online gambling platforms.

General information about USSD

For starters, USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, a communication protocol that transmits information in real time between GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks and service providers as long as the communication line stays open. But how does it work?

Depending on the region, financial institution, or merchant, such as an online casino, there are numerous USSD codes for different purposes. Therefore, based on the service you want, the user dials the provided code (usually comprises a text that starts with a * and ends with a #) on their mobile phone, and the network operator’s server sends a query to the involved party (such as a bank) through a gateway. The recipient will then respond to the query through the same gateway, and the contents are displayed on the user’s mobile device. This process is repeated as many times as required until the user completes their task or service, at which point the communication session will be over.

Uses of USSD

During its early days, USSD was used for basic services such as loading prepaid mobile phone credit and checking account balances. However, over the years, the application of this service has expanded to other essential sectors. For instance, this payment system has been integrated into the financial industry, making banking services easily accessible to people worldwide. Therefore, you can now check your bank account and mobile wallet balance, pay bills, or perform various transactions, such as casino deposits and withdrawals, through USSD-based payment systems.

USSD market coverage

The USSD technology was invented in 1997 in Europe by the ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), meaning it’s a well-known and used payment method in various European countries. A few years later after its creation, numerous countries in Africa adopted this system due to the continent’s colonial ties with Europe. The low buying power in Africa made USSD pretty prevalent because once the technology was integrated into the banking sector and other key areas, it allowed low-income users with limited or no internet connection and smartphones to access basic financial services at affordable rates and without hassle. 

Over the years, online casinos in Europe, Africa, and Asia have incorporated this payment system into their platforms. Now, mobile device users can transfer funds into their player accounts and withdraw winnings in real time in just a few steps. Some gambling-friendly jurisdictions where you can find real money USSD casinos include

• Kenya
• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Ghana
• Tanzania
• India
• UK, etc.

How to deposit to online casinos with USSD

As previously stated, the USSD technology creates a real-time session between the service provider’s platform and the network operator’s server. Therefore, if you deposit into your casino account using this payment method, the funds will be credited almost instantly. In addition, it’s a cost-effective deposit option as it features no service charges for payment processing. Let’s take a look below at how to go about depositing in online casinos that accept USSD.

1. Your first step is to find the best USSD casinos online, pick the one that meets all your preferences, and sign up for an account. Upon registration, head to the banking/cashier page and open the Deposit tab. Here, you’ll find the supported deposit options, including USSD.
2. Pick USSD as your preferred payment alternative, at which point you’ll be presented with various deposit options depending on your gambling platform. Some online casinos will have a USSD list of the supported banks, while others might have a unique USSD code that only gives access to mobile wallets. Therefore, select the payment method that works for you and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. After you have filled in the required payment details, the final step will be to authorise the transaction by entering your 4-digit PIN.

Afterwards, your gambling account will be credited within no time, usually in less than a minute. Top USSD casinos have generous welcome offers for successful first-time deposits, meaning you can claim the signup bonus once you understand the attached T&C.

How to withdraw from online casinos with USSD

The USSD payment method also allows users to receive funds, making it a convenient withdrawal option for online casino players. However, before submitting your payout request, especially first withdrawals, you’ll be required to go through the KYC procedure for account verification. In most gambling platforms, this process requires you to upload copies of your identity documents (ID card, DL, or passport), a recent utility bill, and a bank statement. After approval, follow the procedure below to cash out your winnings using USSD:

1. Proceed to the banking section and open the Withdraw page.
2. Select USSD as your withdrawal option from the provided list and follow the issued guidelines. Please note that you’ll also be presented with the same options as during deposits, i.e., USSD codes for supported banks.
3. Upon completing the transaction, wait for the casino to release your funds.

USSD payouts have speedy transaction times, but the overall withdrawal time will depend on your real-money USSD casino. You’ll have your winnings within a few minutes or in less than an hour.

USSD transaction times and fees

The USSD payment method has fast transaction times for casino deposits and withdrawals. With deposits, all you have to do is dial the provided code on your phone and follow the issued instructions, which include inputting your preferred deposit amount and PIN code. As soon as you authorise the payment, the funds will be credited to your casino account instantly. The same applies to payouts, but they may be delayed depending on your playing casino’s withdrawal time or if you experience network issues. However, USSD withdrawals are considered one of the fastest in the gambling industry since they take only a few minutes to process.

Regarding fees, USSD payments are quite cost-friendly. You’ll not incur any transaction charges from your gambling platform, but you may be subject to transaction fees from your financial institution, especially with deposits. In addition, you’ll incur negligible fees from your network operator for providing the USSD connection.

USSD casinos pros and cons

Pros

• USSD transactions can be performed on all mobile devices, including basic feature mobile phones.
• You don’t require an internet connection to make a USSD payment, making it an ideal banking method in areas with little or no data coverage.
• USSD payments have simple menus that are easy to navigate, making it a well-suited option for people with limited technical skills.
• They are cost-effective as they usually feature low transaction rates.

Cons

• They are unsuitable for high rollers because they have low maximum transaction limits.
• Transactions may be delayed because of network issues.

Convenience and safety of USSD casinos

USSD codes can be run on any mobile device, even the basic phones that don’t allow data access. Therefore, you don’t need a smartphone to deposit into your player account, and you can easily withdraw your winnings from anywhere, including areas with little to no data coverage. In addition, USSD payments are cost-effective and user-friendly, making it an ideal banking option for low-income players with limited technical skills or literacy.

Regarding safety, USSD transactions are highly secure since you’ll have to provide a PIN code to authorise the payment. In addition, the USSD technology operates offline, adding an extra layer of security against online fraud.

Conclusion

The USSD technology creates a connection between the network operator and various service providers, such as financial institutions, allowing users to access banking services in real time using codes. Thanks to the numerous perks, including wide accessibility, easy-to-use menus, and cost-friendly transaction rates, USSD payments have become popular in remote areas with limited to no internet access. In this review, you’ll find a step-by-step guide on depositing and withdrawing in USSD casinos, a brief overview of the banking method’s market coverage, transaction times and fees, among other details.