Sports
The Most Popular Payment Methods in Modern Online Casinos
Thanks to a steady rise in the number of Canadian online casino players, gaming platforms are constantly introducing new and even more convenient ways for gamblers to deposit and withdraw funds. In fact, it’s not only the game selection that can make or break a casino but also the payment methods available. The days of waiting at the ATM, making a bank wire, eCheck transfer or using any other traditional payments are long gone thanks to modern mobile device technology. With this in mind, let’s take a look at each popular payment method to move funds in and out of your casino account.
Credit Cards

When it comes to payment methods offering sheer convenience, credit cards are a hard act to beat. They are simple to use, and deposits are instant, allowing players to begin gambling at once. Also, the number of reliable online gambling sites that accept credit cards is enormous. Whether you’re a fan of Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover cards, input the card number on the banking page of any Canadian-facing casino and claim the welcome or deposit bonus.
Even if your deposit funds are for immediate use, withdrawals with the same card might require five business days to clear. One thing you should be wary of is that many credit card transactions carry fees. It’s possible the casino will charge you 1 – 3% for online deposits. This could be in addition to any fee the card provider might ask for. Also, although a credit card might be accepted for deposits, check if credit card withdrawals are allowed.
Skrill

Skrill is an e-wallet for online payments and is good for deposits and withdrawals from top Canadian online casinos. Similarly to Pay by Phone Bill, it acts like a secure payment intermediary for the casino and your preferred payment method, be it credit or debit cards or bank account. Once you’ve linked these to the new Skrill account, enter the banking section of the Canadian online casino, fund your account, and start to play.
Be aware that while deposits are instant, withdrawals require patience. There’s a waiting period of around 2 – 24 hours to allow requests to be processed, followed by up to a 5 business day wait for the funds to hit your bank. Skrill may be convenient, but it’s certainly not cheap. Individual withdrawals, irrespective of how big or small, carry a fixed CAD$5.50 fee. Worse, Skrill doesn’t support the Canadian dollar, meaning an added fee for currency conversion to USD. Also, be aware that there are online casinos that exclude Skrill payments from their welcome bonus promotions.
eCheck

An eCheck is similar to old-fashioned paper checks. On lots of Canadian casino sites, you’ll notice this option referred to by a number of different names, including ETF, ACH Payments, ACH Transfers, and Direct Debits. For example, you’ll find eCheck listed on LeafletCasino as a reliable casino payment method. To make use of it, you’ll need a checking account with your bank. Due to the transactions being solely between the player and the casino’s bank and executed using the most up-to-date encoding technology, eCheck online casinos are incredibly safe and secure.
Unfortunately, eCheck platforms are slow. There’s a 24 – 48 hrs verification process, with a further 3 – 6 business days to wait for funds to finally be transferred. Another disadvantage of eCheck casinos is that they often require a sizable chunk of personal information.
Interac e-transfer

Unlike eCheck, for many Canadian players, Interac is a favourite go-to option for funding online gambling accounts. Though technically an e-wallet, Interac behaves like a debit card in that players from Canada can only transfer the available funds in their bank to a casino account. The platform is exclusively open to Canadian citizens who have a Canadian bank account. Honestly, it’s fast, effortless, and safe. Deposits are done in seconds, with withdrawals taking less than 24 hours. Even better, there are minimal fees, with free deposits. Still, some online casinos might demand a flat fee of CAD$1 for every withdrawal.
As for safety and security, Interac functions with over 250 banks and credit unions throughout Canada. The company’s confidence in its security measures is so strong that they offer a “zero-liability” policy whereby Inerac will reimburse money lost to fraud.
Neteller

The UK global payment company Paysafe Group owns both Neteller and Skrill. Neteller is one of the world’s most popular e-wallets, but it’s off-limits for Canadian online casino gamblers. Because countless Canadian players gamble at offshore casinos, and these can’t be regulated in Canada, this means the Neteller can’t be used for unregulated transactions. Players can use Neteller for online purchases in Canada and for managing finances, but they can’t fund casino accounts with it. This is unfortunate as there exist many reasons why Neteller would be a perfect choice for all Canuck casino players.
To start with, it’s virtually anonymous, as information about the actual casino used doesn’t appear on gamblers’ banking statements. Also, zero confidential banking details are shared with the casino. Furthermore, the payment platform uses 128-bit encryption to ensure transactions are hidden from third parties. We suggest you try either Pay by Phone payments or eChecks for equally secure transactions.
Paysafecard

All Canadian players are able to utilise the prepaid online payment platform Paysafecard. In fact, one of its best features means that no banking details or Visa and MasterCard information are required to create an account. The card itself has a couple of variations. First, there’s the “Paysafecard” which is a 16-digit code PIN number that can be used for online purchases. Next, there’s “My Paysafecard” which acts as an online account that you can add PINs to. In order to make a payment online, simply enter the username and the password. Having additional PINs gives you the opportunity to make larger payments straight to your online account.
Keep in mind that, unlike a few other banking options like Pay by Phone, Paysafecard carries a number of fees and spending limits. First off, there’s a maintenance fee of CAD$2.50 per month. Furthermore, Paysafecard has purchase and currency conversion fees. As for limits, the maximum single transaction amount is CAD$400. Also, you keep a maximum of CAD$3,500 in a single account.
Pay by Phone Bill

Better known as companies like Payforit and Boku, as the name suggests, Pay by Phone casino websites allows online casino players in Canada to fund their accounts directly using their monthly mobile phone bill. If you’re on a Pay-As-You-Go mobile plan playing at casinos that accept pay by phone bill for online gambling casino payments, the funds are withdrawn instantly. Regular mobile users will see the deposit charge against the monthly phone bill. In either case, make sure you have enough funds in your bank account to cover casino spending.
The whole process is quick and easy, with the deposit carried out via pay by mobile or SMS. Simply state the sum you wish to deposit, enter your phone number, and you’re good to go. As you can’t add money to a phone bill using mobile devices, you can’t use this method to cash out from Pay by Phone casinos.
Conclusion
Before jumping on the first payment option you come across, we suggest you do some research. Though many of these present themselves with promises of making the whole online casino deposit and withdrawal process faster and more easy-going, some are better suited to you than others. Much will depend on playing style, individual circumstances, and budgetary concerns, as well as the casino games you most enjoy. For instance, some might find eCheck or Pay by Phone Bill easier than more current solutions like eWallets. Nevertheless, be aware of deposit and withdrawal limits, the inclusion of extra fees, the level of security, and transaction speed.
All Canadian online casinos make it painless for new players to sign up and deposit funds into their accounts. However, don’t assume all payment options allow you to claim the casino’s bonuses. Once the time arrives to choose a payment method, it’s better to hedge your bets and go for a casino with as many banking options as possible.
Sports
Top 5 Practical Ways to Use AI to Better Understand Betting on 1xBet
AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming part of everyday life. In betting, AI can also be useful, especially for users who want to understand markets, rules, and terminology more clearly before placing a wager.
At 1xBet, player education remains an important part of the overall experience. That approach is also reflected in 1xBalance, a project focused on responsible betting, self-awareness, and practical learning tools for players. Alongside educational content, the project includes a self-assessment test and a calculator, helping users better understand their habits and make more structured decisions. In this context, AI becomes another useful modern tool: not for chasing unrealistic outcomes, but for learning how betting works more clearly and responsibly.
1. Use AI to explain betting terms in simple language
One of the most practical uses of AI is turning betting vocabulary into plain language. Many users see terms like Asian Handicap, Double Chance, Both Teams to Score, or Accumulator without fully understanding what they mean.
Instead of guessing, they can ask AI for a short explanation.
Example prompt:
Explain the betting term “Asian Handicap” in simple words for a beginner.
This is especially useful for newer players on 1xBet who want to understand the logic behind a market before making a decision.
2. Ask AI to compare similar bet types
Some markets look similar, but work differently. That is where mistakes often happen. A user may confuse Draw No Bet with Double Chance, or Over 2.5 with Team Total Over 2.5.
AI can help compare these options side by side.
Example prompt:
What is the difference between Draw No Bet and Double Chance?
This kind of clarification supports smarter, more informed use of the platform and fits naturally with the educational purpose of 1xBalance.
3. Use AI together with the 1xBalance calculator
AI can explain concepts, but practical planning also matters. That is where the 1xBalance calculator becomes especially useful. Once a player understands a market, the calculator can help them think more carefully about stake sizing and structure.
AI can be used to understand the logic of bankroll management, while the calculator helps apply that thinking in a more practical way.
Example prompt:
Explain bankroll management in simple terms and how a calculator can help me plan my bets more carefully.
Used together, these tools support a more disciplined betting approach and reduce the chance of impulsive decisions.
4. Use AI to understand rules and support responsible betting
Promotional terms, market rules, and betting conditions can sometimes feel technical or too long. AI can help summarize key points in simpler language.
Example prompt:
Summarize these betting rules in plain language and tell me the key conditions.
At the same time, 1xBet encourages players to combine tools like AI with official resources such as 1xBalance, where the focus is not only on betting mechanics, but also on awareness, balance, and informed play. AI can simplify information, but the final reference point should always remain the official platform rules.
5. Use AI together with the 1xBalance test to reflect on habits
AI can also support self-reflection. Players can ask it to help organize a betting journal, review decision-making patterns, or think more clearly about their habits over time.
That connects well with the 1xBalance self-assessment test, which gives users a chance to reflect on how they approach betting and whether their habits remain balanced.
Example prompt:
Help me create a simple betting journal to track my stake, market, result, and reason for the bet.
In this way, AI, the 1xBalance test, and the calculator all serve the same broader purpose: helping players stay informed, structured, and more conscious of their decisions.
Final thought
AI can make betting on 1xBet easier to understand, especially for users who want more clarity around terms, rules, and market logic. At the same time, 1xBet continues to invest in player education through 1xBalance, a project built around responsible betting and practical support tools.
The 1xBet platform offers many useful features, including access to detailed statistics, generous bonuses, and other activities. With AI tools, you can quickly learn about all the available functions and better understand how the website and mobile apps work.
Used together, AI, the 1xBalance test, and the calculator help create a more informed experience. The strongest approach is simple: use modern tools to learn, use official 1xBet information to verify, and treat understanding as the foundation of responsible betting.
Sports
2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship Starts May 7
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
About 1,500 pupils and students from 300 schools nationwide will participate in the 2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship.
The event will be held from May 7–8, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Lagos, according to a statement from the financial institution, which also assured that all arrangements have been concluded to make the contest memorable.
The Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship is organised in partnership with the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) and SchoolMate.
The 2025 edition, its third, witnessed a significant growth in participation, with over 2,500 students from 450 schools participating.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Ecobank’s Segment Head for Education, Faith and Social Services, Mr Adekunle Adewuyi, said the bank remains committed to scaling the championship as a pathway for developing Nigeria’s next generation of intellectual and strategic leaders.
According to him, the championship has evolved into a strong national platform for nurturing talent and promoting critical thinking among young Nigerians.
“This championship has become a leading national platform for identifying and nurturing emerging chess talents.
“Chess is a powerful educational tool; it sharpens critical thinking, problem-solving and discipline. Through this initiative, we are preparing young Nigerians not just for competition, but for leadership roles in the future,” Mr Adewuyi said.
He described the tournament as a rapidly growing, award-winning scholastic competition that attracts thousands of students annually and promotes intellectual development while fostering future chess grandmasters.
Also speaking, the Vice President of NCF, Mr Adeyinka Adewole Samuel, said the championship aligns with global standards set by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), which encourages countries to organise structured school-level competitions.
According to him, the tournament targets primary and secondary school students aged 7–18, as part of a deliberate strategy to build a sustainable pipeline of future grandmasters.
Mr Adeyinka disclosed that about 150 primary schools and 150 secondary schools are expected to participate this year, with each school fielding five players, bringing the total number of participants to approximately 1,500 students from about 15 states, adding that the competition will feature a N20 million prize pool.
He also revealed that enhanced measures have been introduced to improve event delivery, including strict player eligibility checks, enhanced crowd control, and the deployment of 50 trained arbiters to guarantee fairness and transparency.
Highlighting the impact of the initiative, Mr Adeyinka noted that Nigerian students who emerged from the Ecobank championship have excelled at continental competitions.
“The growth has been phenomenal. When Nigeria competes at continental tournaments, many of the standout players are alumni of the Ecobank championship. We won a gold medal last year in Uganda, and that success is strongly linked to what Ecobank has done,” he said.
On his part, the Marketing Head of SchoolMate Nigeria, Mr Ambesh Kumar, said the company partnered with the initiative to support youth development through education and sport, noting that chess helps children build discipline, focus and strategic thinking.
“We are passionate about quality education for children, and we see this tournament as a veritable means of advancing that cause. Last year, we distributed books to the children, and this year marks our first involvement as a co-sponsor.
“SchoolMate has operated in Nigeria for several years, and we see this chess championship as a meaningful way of giving back to society,” Mr Kumar stated.
Sports
European League Weekend Delivers High-Stakes Clashes Live on SuperSport
League football across Europe enters a defining stretch, with title races tightening and battles for European places and survival intensifying. From England to Spain, Italy and France, key fixtures could shape the final weeks of the season. Watch it all live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.
Premier League: Title Pressure, Derby Spotlight, Survival Fight
The title race remains finely poised, with Arsenal narrowly ahead of Man City, while the relegation battle continues to tighten.
Saturday’s fixtures see Brentford host West Ham at 3:00 p.m., with the visitors looking to build on a vital win that kept them above the drop zone. At the same time, Newcastle face Brighton, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205), as both sides chase momentum in a congested mid-table. Arsenal then take on Fulham at 5:30 p.m., with the leaders aiming to maintain their advantage despite midweek exertions.
Sunday is headlined by the North-West Derby at 3:30 p.m. as Man United host Liverpool, with both sides looking to secure their Champions League spot. Later, Aston Villa meet Tottenham at 7:00 p.m., with Villa chasing a top-four return after their recent slip and Spurs fighting to get out of the relegation zone.
On Monday, Chelsea face Nottingham Forest at 3:00 p.m., seeking to arrest a poor league run of five straight defeats, before Man City visit Everton at 8:00 p.m., where victory is essential in the title chase.
All Premier League matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65)
La Liga: Title Within Reach, Top-Four Race Tightens
Barcelona’s lead leaves them on the brink of another league title, but the race for Champions League places remains open below them.
On Saturday, Villarreal host Levante at 1:00 p.m. looking to secure their third position before Atletico Madrid visit Valencia at 3:15 p.m., balancing league priorities with European commitments. Barcelona travel to Osasuna at 8:00 p.m., aiming to extend their winning run.
Sunday features Real Betis against Real Oviedo at 5:30 p.m., with Betis targeting the top four, while Real Madrid face Espanyol at 8:00 p.m. looking to restore confidence. Sevilla and Real Sociedad conclude the round on Monday at 8:00 p.m.
La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).
Serie A: Champions League Race Intensifies
Inter remain in control at the top, but the battle for European places is tightening.
Saturday sees Como host Napoli at 5:00 p.m. in a key clash for the last Champions League spot, while Atalanta face Genoa at 7:45 p.m. needing a response from their inconsistent form.
On Sunday, AC Milan travel to Sassuolo at 2:00 p.m., Juventus meet Verona at 5:00 p.m., and Inter host Parma at 7:45 p.m. Roma round off the fixtures against Fiorentina on Monday at 7:45 p.m., with top-four implications.
Serie A matches are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).
Ligue 1: Podium Battle Takes Focus
PSG remain favourites for the title, but the race for Champions League places is wide open.
Marseille face Nantes at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, before PSG host Lorient at 4:00 p.m. Nice take on RC Lens at 8:05 p.m., with Lens needing a strong result to stay in contention.
On Sunday, Lille host Le Havre at 2:00 p.m. before the standout fixture sees Lyon meet Rennes at 7:45 p.m., with both sides in strong form and separated by minimal margins in the race for a top-three finish.
Watch Ligue 1 matches on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected fixtures on SS Africa 1 (DStv Ch. 207, GOtv Ch. 63).
Weekend Highlights
Premier League
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Brentford vs West Ham – Sat, 3:00 PM
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Newcastle vs Brighton – Sat, 3:00 PM (SS Football)
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Arsenal vs Fulham – Sat, 5:30 PM
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Man United vs Liverpool – Sun, 3:30 PM
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Aston Villa vs Spurs – Sun, 7:00 PM
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Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest – Mon, 3:00 PM
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Everton vs Man City – Mon, 8:00 PM
La Liga
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Villarreal vs Levante – Sat, 1:00 PM
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Valencia vs Atletico Madrid – Sat, 3:15 PM
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Osasuna vs Barcelona – Sat, 8:00 PM
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Real Betis vs Real Oviedo – Sun, 5:30 PM
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Espanyol vs Real Madrid – Sun, 8:00 PM
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Sevilla vs Real Sociedad – Mon, 8:00 PM
Serie A
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Como vs Napoli – Sat, 5:00 PM
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Atalanta vs Genoa – Sat, 7:45 PM
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Sassuolo vs AC Milan – Sun, 2:00 PM
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Juventus vs Verona – Sun, 5:00 PM
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Inter vs Parma – Sun, 7:45 PM
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Roma vs Fiorentina – Mon, 7:45 PM
Ligue 1
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Nantes vs Marseille – Sat, 2:00 PM
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PSG vs Lorient – Sat, 4:00 PM
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Nice vs RC Lens – Sat, 8:05 PM
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Lille vs Le Havre – Sun, 2:00 PM
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Lyon vs Rennes – Sun, 7:45 PM
Catch Every Moment
As part of the Canal+ family, SuperSport remains committed to delivering world-class football coverage year-round from Europe’s biggest leagues to global showpieces such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv, with matches also available via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
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