Paysafe Group, parent company of online payment processors Neteller and Skrill, have informed customers that prepaid MasterCards will soon be blocked in over 100 countries. It is believed that this change will lead to greater acceptance of Bitcoin in the gaming industry.
The change in the policy does not apply to 28 countries in the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA). Countries that do not belong in the European Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) will have their prepaid MasterCard service discontinued as of November 25.
Paysafe Group informed their customers about upcoming change in a recent email:
“We regret to inform you that as of November 25, 2016, we will no longer offer the Skrill Prepaid MasterCard® in your country,” the letter stated. “You will not be able to use your card but your Skrill Account remains fully functional and your balance is unaffected. You can withdraw funds from your Skrill Account to your bank account or send money to any other Skrill user or online business accepting Skrill.”
E-wallet services, provided by Neteller and Skrill, are popular among online gamblers, because they assure instant withdrawal option. Once funds are transferred from online gaming site to a prepaid MasterCard, they become available for use anywhere MasterCard is accepted.
The change, announced by Paysafe Group, is believed to have a serious affect in the industry. The list of countries that will have MasterCard service suspended, include some of the world’s biggest gambling markets (such as Australia or Brazil). Customers in Russia and China were told that they will be able to use their existing prepaid cards until their expiration date is reached, however new cards will not be issued.
Paysafe Group has not yet announced the reasons behind this decision.
