The competition regulator wants rivals to Apple Pay on the iPhone: what it could mean for your first deposit
Apple Pay is the most popular digital wallet in the UK, and many new players use it for their first casino deposit. On 20 October the Competition and Markets Authority proposed rules that would let rival wallets use the iPhone’s contactless technology on fairer terms. Nothing changes overnight, but it is worth knowing what is proposed and how wallet payments are treated when you claim a sign-up offer.
By Ryan Jessop. Published .
Key points
- The CMA published proposals on 20 October 2026 to open the iPhone’s contactless (NFC) technology to rival apps.
- It expects access fees to be substantially lower than today.
- The consultation closes on 17 November 2026, before a final decision.
- The CMA says contactless now makes up 39% of UK payments, and no rival wallet has launched to compete with Apple’s.
- For sign-up offers, our checks found Apple Pay accepted at all five casinos but not confirmed as qualifying.
- Proposals published
- 20 October 2026
- Consultation closes
- 17 November 2026
- Contactless share of UK payments
- 39%
- Legal basis
- DMCC Act 2024
- Apple’s status
- Strategic market status since October 2025
- Safest first deposit
- Debit card
What the CMA proposed
In October 2025 the CMA found that Apple has strategic market status in mobile platforms, which lets it impose conduct rules under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. On 20 October 2026 it proposed that Apple give other businesses access to the iPhone’s near-field communication chip through more technical routes, including the one used in the EU, at fees it expects to be substantially lower. The aim is to let banks and fintechs offer their own tap-to-pay wallets. Apple has argued that its approach protects security. The consultation closes on 17 November.
What it means for casino deposits
| Method | Accepted at our five? | Confirmed for the offer? |
|---|---|---|
| Debit card | Yes | Yes, subject to terms |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Google Pay | Coral and 10bet | Not confirmed |
| PayPal, Skrill, Neteller | Varies | Often excluded |
A future rival wallet would raise the same question: does it count as a card deposit? Until terms say so, type in your debit card for the qualifying deposit and use a wallet afterwards. See Apple Pay casino sign-up and debit card sign-up.
What happens next
The CMA will consider responses before deciding. If it imposes the rules, it will take time for rival wallets to launch. In the EU, the first rival payment app launched about six months after access opened. Our e-wallet sign-up guide will be updated if casino terms change.
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Frequently asked questions
What did the CMA propose about Apple Pay?
That Apple open the iPhone’s contactless technology to rival apps through more technical routes and at substantially lower fees.
When does the CMA consultation close?
17 November 2026.
Can I use Apple Pay to claim a casino sign-up offer?
Apple Pay is accepted at all five casinos we cover, but none of their terms confirms it qualifies. A debit card is the safe choice for the first deposit.
Will rival wallets appear soon?
Not immediately. The CMA must decide first, and new wallets would take time to launch.
Related pages
Sources
- GOV.UK: CMA outlines proposals to unlock contactless technology on Apple iPhone (opens in a new tab)
- Computing: UK watchdog proposes opening Apple’s iPhone contactless tech to rivals (opens in a new tab)
- Finance Magnates: brokers with payment cards could get their own iPhone wallets (opens in a new tab)
- Tech Insider: the 17 November deadline (opens in a new tab)
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