POLi
POLi is an online banking payment method that connects directly to participating banks and is used at some online casinos mainly for deposits. It functions as a bank-linked service rather than an e-wallet or prepaid card. POLi is primarily available in Australia and New Zealand, and it is not commonly used by casinos licensed in South Africa, although some international casino sites list it as an option for players in supported regions.
Disclosure: NetEnt Casinos may receive compensation from listed brands. Read full disclosure.
Best POLi Casinos
Slots Magic
Casino RedKings
Key Takeaways
- POLi is a bank-linked payment method that lets players pay directly from their online banking without using cards.
- It is generally used for casino deposits; withdrawals back through POLi are less commonly available.
- The service is mainly supported by banks in Australia and New Zealand, not generally by South African-based banking providers.
- Deposits usually complete within minutes, but exact processing times depend on the casino and bank.
- Any fees, limits, and eligibility for gambling transactions are set by individual casinos and banks.
- Players complete transactions via their existing online banking login on desktop or compatible mobile browsers.
What Is POLi?
POLi is an online payments service that acts as an interface between merchants and customers’ internet banking. Instead of paying with a card or e-wallet, the user logs in to their online banking through the POLi system, approves a transfer, and funds move directly from their bank account to the merchant, in this case an online casino. The service has historically targeted customers in Australia and New Zealand, working with selected banks in those regions. Outside of gambling, it is used for paying bills, online shopping, and other internet-based purchases where bank transfers are accepted. Unlike an e-wallet, POLi does not hold balances for the user; it initiates transfers directly from the customer’s bank account to the merchant’s account. In the online gambling context, casinos that list POLi usually present it alongside other bank transfer and instant banking methods. Because it depends on local banking participation, its availability is regional, and it is not a standard method at casinos specifically focused on the South African market.
Depositing with POLi
Depositing with POLi typically involves using internet banking credentials rather than creating a separate POLi account. In many cases, players do not need to register with POLi directly; instead, they select the method at the casino cashier and follow the prompts. A typical deposit process at an online casino looks like this:
- The player goes to the casino’s deposit or cashier section and selects POLi as the payment method.
- The casino displays a list of supported banks; the player chooses their own bank from the list.
- The player is redirected to an environment connected to their bank’s online banking login, where they enter their internet banking details.
- They confirm the payment amount and authorise the transfer, often using the same authentication methods required by their bank (such as one-time codes or security questions).
- Once the bank confirms the transfer, POLi sends a confirmation to the casino, and the casino credits the player’s account.
Deposits usually appear in the casino balance shortly after authorisation, sometimes almost immediately, but the exact timing can depend on the casino’s processing system and the bank’s own handling of the transaction. Some banks may treat certain transactions or times of day differently, which can influence how quickly funds are visible at the casino.
Withdrawing Using POLi
POLi is primarily designed for one-way payments from customers to merchants, so many casinos only offer it for deposits. In such cases, players must choose another available method, such as a standard bank transfer, to withdraw any winnings or remaining balance. Where a casino does support withdrawals via POLi or a similar bank transfer channel, the process usually follows this pattern:
- The player goes to the withdrawal section and selects bank transfer or POLi, if listed explicitly.
- They enter or confirm their bank details, which the casino may already hold from previous verification steps.
- The casino processes the request, applies any internal review procedures, and initiates a payout to the bank account.
Payouts to bank accounts generally take longer than deposits, often ranging from one to several business days, depending on the casino’s internal processing times and the receiving bank. Some operators set minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts and may request identity verification before releasing funds, regardless of the initial deposit method.
Fees and Limits
POLi’s own fee structure is usually arranged between the service and the merchant, so casino players often do not see a separate POLi fee added to each transaction. However, practices can vary, and some casinos or banks may apply their own charges to certain types of transfers. Factors that can affect the cost of using POLi at online casinos include:
- Casino-side fees: Some operators may charge a handling fee for deposits or withdrawals by bank-based methods.
- Bank fees: The player’s bank may treat gambling-related transactions differently or impose standard transfer fees.
- Currency conversion: If the casino account and bank account use different currencies, conversion rates and potential foreign transaction fees may apply.
Deposit and withdrawal limits are determined by each casino and sometimes by the player’s account status. Minimum deposits via POLi can be similar to other methods, often around a relatively low figure set by the operator, while maximum limits can be influenced by both casino policy and bank transfer caps. Players should check the cashier or payment terms at each casino for current limits and any applicable charges before using POLi.
Security and Privacy
POLi integrates with banks’ existing online banking systems, which typically use encryption and authentication measures such as passwords, security tokens, or one-time codes. When a player completes a POLi payment, they log in to their online banking using the normal security steps defined by their bank. From a privacy perspective, POLi transactions do not require players to share card numbers with the casino. The payment takes place via internet banking, and the casino receives confirmation of payment rather than direct access to the player’s card details. However, the player’s name and banking information still sit with their bank, and the transaction appears on bank statements as a payment, often referencing the merchant or POLi. As with any banking-related payment method, players should ensure they access POLi and their bank through secure, up-to-date browsers and avoid completing transactions over unsecured public networks. Individual banks may have additional security measures that apply to online gambling transactions specifically.
Compatibility
POLi works through a web interface that connects to participating banks’ internet banking systems. As a result, it is generally compatible with desktop computers and laptops using standard web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. On mobile, POLi can often be used via a mobile browser, provided the player’s bank supports mobile internet banking and any necessary authentication steps. Some users may be redirected to their bank’s mobile site or prompted to use the bank’s own app during authorisation, depending on the bank’s setup. Casino apps that open an in-app browser or hand over to an external browser can usually support POLi payments, but this depends on how the casino has integrated the payment method and how the device handles browser redirects. Compatibility may vary between iOS and Android devices due to differences in how each operating system manages external links and banking apps.
Pros and Cons
Advantages of Using POLi at Online Casinos
- Uses existing internet banking credentials, so no separate e-wallet account is required.
- Allows deposits directly from a bank account without entering card numbers at the casino.
- Deposits are usually processed quickly after bank authorisation.
- Can be accessible to players who have bank accounts but do not use credit or debit cards online.
Disadvantages of Using POLi at Online Casinos
- Availability is limited mainly to banks in Australia and New Zealand, with limited use in South African-focused casinos.
- Often supported only for deposits, requiring an alternative method for withdrawals.
- Processing times and acceptance can differ between banks, especially for gambling-related payments.
- Certain casinos or banks may apply fees or specific terms to POLi or similar bank-based transactions.
- Players remain subject to their bank’s policies on gambling transactions, which may restrict or decline some payments.
Final Thoughts on POLi
POLi occupies a role in the casino payments ecosystem as a bank-linked method that routes funds directly from a player’s current account to the casino without card use. It is mainly relevant for players in regions where participating banks support the service, particularly Australia and New Zealand, rather than those who rely on South African-licensed banking providers. For casinos that offer it, POLi can serve players who prefer to transact via online banking and who wish to avoid entering card details on gambling sites. However, the need to use separate withdrawal methods at many casinos and the regional focus of the service mean that players should review each operator’s payment section carefully before choosing POLi for funding their casino account.
