On this page
- What is Boku?
- New! Our Top 3:
- How to deposit with Boku
- Boku limits and fees
- Can you withdraw with Boku?
- Boku and casino bonuses
- Advantages and disadvantages of Boku
- What to do if a Boku deposit fails
- Is Boku safe?
- Boku alternatives
- Boku vs pay by mobile alternatives
- Why fewer casinos offer Boku
- Is Boku right for you?
- Boku for bingo and slots
- Where to play
- Key points to remember
Boku is one of the best-known pay by mobile services in the UK. Instead of entering card details, you confirm a deposit with a text message and the amount is added to your phone bill or taken from your pay as you go credit. It is quick, simple and keeps your bank details private. In this guide we explain how Boku works at UK casinos, what the limits and fees are, why you cannot withdraw with Boku and which alternatives are worth considering.
18+ · New UK players only · T&Cs apply. 100% up to £1.500 + 250 Free Spins Please gamble responsibly · BeGambleAware.org
18+ · New UK players only · T&Cs apply. 100% up to £1.500 + 300 Free Spins Please gamble responsibly · BeGambleAware.org
18+ · New UK players only · T&Cs apply. 100% up to £300 + 200 Free Spins Please gamble responsibly · BeGambleAware.org
18+. New customers only. Promo code WHV200. Stake £10 on slots to receive 200 free spins on Big Bass Splash. 10x wagering on winnings, spins valid 72 hours, max. winnings £30. Payment method exclusions apply. BeGambleAware.org
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What is Boku?
New! Our Top 3:
18+ · New UK players only · T&Cs apply. 100% up to £1.500 + 250 Free Spins Please gamble responsibly · BeGambleAware.org
18+ · New UK players only · T&Cs apply. 100% up to £1.500 + 300 Free Spins Please gamble responsibly · BeGambleAware.org
18+ · New UK players only · T&Cs apply. 100% up to £300 + 200 Free Spins Please gamble responsibly · BeGambleAware.org
No casinos match this filter yet.
Boku is a payment company that specialises in carrier billing: payments charged to your mobile phone account. It works with the major UK networks and is used for apps, games, streaming services and, at some sites, online casino deposits.
At a casino, Boku acts as a middleman between the casino and your network. The casino never sees your bank details, and your bank statement does not show the casino transaction, only your phone bill does.
Boku is part of the wider group of pay by mobile casinos. Some casinos offer Boku directly, while others use similar carrier billing services.
How to deposit with Boku
- Step 1: open the cashier at your casino and choose Boku or pay by mobile.
- Step 2: enter the amount you want to deposit.
- Step 3: enter your mobile phone number.
- Step 4: you receive a text message asking you to confirm the payment.
- Step 5: reply as instructed. The funds appear in your casino account within seconds.
The amount is added to your next monthly phone bill, or deducted from your credit if you use pay as you go.
Boku limits and fees
Carrier billing is designed for small payments, so limits are low:
| Feature | Typical at UK casinos |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | £5 to £10 |
| Maximum deposit | Often around £30 per day |
| Monthly limit | Set by Boku and your network |
| Fees for the player | Usually none charged by the casino |
| Processing time | Instant |
| Withdrawals | Not available |
The exact limits depend on your network and the casino. Some networks block gambling payments by default or on certain contracts, so check with your provider if a deposit is declined.
Can you withdraw with Boku?
No. Boku only handles deposits. To withdraw your winnings, you need to add another method, such as a debit card, bank account, PayPal or an e-wallet. Most casinos ask you to add this method and verify it before your first withdrawal.
This is the biggest drawback of Boku. Plan ahead: add a withdrawal method when you register, so you are not waiting when you want to cash out. For the fastest options, see our guide to instant withdrawal casinos.
Boku and casino bonuses
Some casinos exclude pay by mobile deposits from their welcome offers, or from specific promotions. Others allow Boku deposits to qualify like any other method. Always check the bonus terms before you deposit if you want to claim an offer. Since January 2026, wagering requirements on UK casino bonuses are capped at 10 times the bonus.
Advantages and disadvantages of Boku
Advantages
- No card or bank details needed.
- Very quick deposits confirmed by text.
- Works with major UK networks.
- The low daily limit helps you control your spending.
Disadvantages
- No withdrawals.
- Low deposit limits.
- Not every UK casino offers Boku.
- Some networks block gambling transactions.
What to do if a Boku deposit fails
If your deposit does not go through, check these points in order. First, make sure your network allows payments to gambling merchants; some contracts block them by default. Second, check whether you have reached the daily or monthly limit. Third, make sure your pay as you go credit covers the deposit. Finally, contact the casino’s support team, as the casino may have paused Boku temporarily. Never try to work around a block by using someone else’s phone number.
Is Boku safe?
Yes. Boku is an established, regulated payment provider, and you confirm every payment with your own phone. Your bank details are never shared with the casino. As always, only play at casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.
One thing to be aware of: because Boku adds deposits to your phone bill, it can be easy to lose track of what you have spent. Check your bill regularly and use the deposit limits in your casino account.
Boku alternatives
If Boku is not available or you want to be able to withdraw, these alternatives are worth a look:
| Alternative | Deposits | Withdrawals | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paysafecard | Yes | No | Prepaid voucher, no bank details |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Sometimes | Fast mobile payments with Face ID |
| Google Pay | Yes | Sometimes | Fast mobile payments on Android |
| MuchBetter | Yes | Yes | Mobile e-wallet with withdrawals |
| Trustly | Yes | Yes | Direct bank payments, fast payouts |
Boku vs pay by mobile alternatives
Boku is not the only carrier billing service. Some casinos use other providers that work in a similar way, with deposits added to your phone bill and confirmed by text. Others use mobile-friendly methods that are often confused with pay by mobile, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or a mobile e-wallet. The key difference is where the money comes from: with true carrier billing, it is your phone bill or credit; with Apple Pay and Google Pay, it is your debit card.
Why fewer casinos offer Boku
Carrier billing has become less common at UK casinos in recent years. Networks are more cautious about gambling payments, fees for operators are relatively high and the low limits make it less attractive for regular players. Many sites now offer Apple Pay and Google Pay instead, which are just as quick on a phone and allow higher limits. If Boku is your preferred method, check the cashier before you sign up.
Is Boku right for you?
Boku suits players who make small, occasional deposits, who like to keep their bank details private and who mainly play on their phone. If you deposit larger amounts or want fast withdrawals to the same method, a debit card, Apple Pay or an e-wallet is usually a better fit.
Boku for bingo and slots
Because the limits are low, Boku fits best with low-stakes games. A £10 Boku deposit goes a long way in online bingo, where tickets can cost a few pence, or on slots played at 10p or 20p per spin. It is less suited to live casino tables, where minimum bets are higher and a daily limit of around £30 can be reached quickly. If you mainly play bingo or slots on your phone, Boku is a convenient way to top up.
Where to play
The casinos below are our current top picks for UK players. Check the cashier of each site to see whether Boku or another pay by mobile service is available.
Our pick: play at Inky Bet, or compare Tip-Top and Jackpot City.
Key points to remember
- Boku lets you deposit by text, charged to your phone bill or credit.
- Daily limits are low, often around £30.
- You cannot withdraw with Boku, so add a second method early.
- Some casinos exclude pay by mobile deposits from bonuses.
- Only use Boku at casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.
A Boku casino is an online casino that accepts deposits through Boku, a pay by mobile service. You confirm the deposit by text and pay it with your phone bill or pay as you go credit.
Limits are low. Many UK casinos allow around £30 per day with Boku, with a minimum of £5 or £10. Your network may set its own limits.
No. Boku only supports deposits. You need a debit card, bank account or e-wallet to withdraw.
Casinos usually do not charge a fee for Boku deposits. Check your network’s terms, as charges can apply on some contracts.
Yes, if your network supports it. The deposit is deducted from your available credit.