Tag: banks

Everything you need to know about online casino payout times in Ireland

One of the most important aspects of playing at an online casino for players in Ireland is the speed with which they’ll get their winnings.

Online casinos should be places of fun and excitement, but if you do land a win, the process of getting that money into your hands should be a stress-free one. From the minute you trigger the withdrawal process, a series of events unfolds, leading to you getting your winnings, but how quickly that process happens can vary wildly for a myriad of reasons.

By staying informed, you can avoid lengthy delays and stay in control.

How online casino withdrawals work

So you’ve hit a win at the online casino and now, quite rightly, you want your winnings. When you tap the button to withdraw money from an online casino, the platform will review the request and, if necessary, check that wagering requirements have been met. This is crucial for those playing with introductory bonus offers that are often subject to strict terms and conditions.

Casinos will then verify your identity. Depending on the platform, this can take minutes or days, which is why it’s handy to have completed the verification process before playing. 

When the withdrawal is approved, it’s then depends on your chosen method to receive your money. Whether it’s bank transfer, debit cards, e-wallets or cryptocurrency, each has a very different processing time. Once the funds are processed, they’re made available in your account to use as you please — happy days!

Why can payments be delayed?

There are a variety of reasons that payments can be delayed. The most common of these is down to the platform’s internal approval processes. Incredibly, some casinos still deal with this manually and only during business hours in the country where the site is hosted. That means if you’re in Mayo playing on a site hosted in Malaysia, then you’ll need to wait for them to open for the day and process your request. Other sites have moved with the times, putting IT systems to good use and using automated systems that process requests around the clock.

The other major issue when it comes to delays is the withdrawal method you select. As discussed, credit and debit cards can take days for payments to clear, while bank transfers can take even longer. Digital wallets and cryptocurrencies are best used by players when speed is a priority.

Extra security and verification checks might take place if it’s your first withdrawal on a site. Additionally, some platforms offer a pending period so you can change your mind about making a withdrawal, only adding to the time it takes for your funds to clear.

Fast payout casinos in Ireland

If you want to avoid lengthy waits, then the good news is that there are plenty of options for Irish players. While some online casinos might be all talk when it comes to being quick at processing payments, it’s not hard for players to find the best legitimate fast withdrawal casinos in Ireland. 

Reputable sites are reviewed and rated according to a whole host of criteria, but their fast payout credentials are considered the top priority. Withdrawal times are stated clearly for each platform, allowing you to make an informed choice about which online casino is right for you. 

Some platforms offer instant withdrawals, but if that only applies to crypto and you want to use your e-wallet, which has a 90-minute wait time on another site, then you can make the informed choice of which one is right for you. 

How payment methods impact withdrawal speed

Withdrawal speed at online casinos is as much down to the payment method you choose as it is to the platform itself. E-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill are typically among the fastest payment options, with players receiving their winnings in a matter of hours. The global appeal of these options also adds to their popularity so whether you’re playing in Dublin or Dubai, your money should be with you in no time at all.

Cryptocurrency has taken withdrawal speed to a whole new level. Bitcoin and Ethereum are among the leading cryptocurrencies that online casinos now routinely accept for payment. These decentralised currencies do not rely on traditional establishments such as banks, so the process can be even quicker. Many players find their withdrawal in their crypto wallet mere minutes after making their request.

On the other hand, debit and credit card withdrawals, although still very popular with players and almost universally accepted, can take a lot longer to be processed. Once the online casino has processed the withdrawal, players still need to wait for banks to do the same at their end, meaning a wait of days rather than just hours.

Get your winnings faster

The best way to get your winnings faster is to play on a platform with the shortest processing time for withdrawals. Using an e-wallet or cryptocurrency will also cut down on waiting time, but there are other things that you can do as well in preparation for making a withdrawal.

Many online casinos still require player verification. You need to submit documents such as a photo ID or proof of address so the platform knows their money is going where it’s meant to be. By completing the verification process as soon as you sign up for a site, there won’t be needless delays when it’s time to withdraw your winnings.

Do your research before you play and look for a casino with a strong reputation for prompt payments. Reputable sites should make information very easy to find and clear to understand. If it’s not, then move on to another platform.

In conclusion

Understanding the payout process is crucial for anyone gambling online in Ireland. By choosing a reputable, fast payout casino, verifying your account early and selecting the right payment method, you can greatly reduce the time it takes to receive your winnings.

How to Use Crypto Securely in Ireland: Devices, Apps, and Safety Tips

Cryptocurrency use in Ireland has grown quickly, offering both a flexible payment option and an alternative investment. However, with crypto, users are fully responsible for protecting their assets. There are no banks to reverse fraud or recover lost keys. Security depends on the device used, the apps chosen, and daily habits. For anyone in Ireland using crypto, staying secure is essential.

Using Secure Devices for Crypto Transactions

A secure device is the foundation of any safe crypto setup. For Irish users, this usually means a personal smartphone or laptop that’s regularly updated and well-maintained. Operating system updates patch security flaws, while antivirus software and a firewall help block threats. These tools should always run in the background, with auto-updates enabled.

Public Wi-Fi, common in cafés or during commutes, poses risks since data can be intercepted. A virtual private network (VPN) adds encryption and helps protect sensitive activity. Ideally, crypto transactions should be carried out on a home network using a clean, trusted device.

Some users take this further by setting up a separate phone or computer solely for crypto use. After a factory reset, the device runs only essential apps and stays offline unless needed. This approach adds another layer of protection, especially when making crypto payments on entertainment platforms such as online casinos, where safeguarding wallet access and private keys is essential for peace of mind.

Gambling expert Viola D’Elia from ESI notes that top no-verification platforms take security and anonymity to another level. These sites don’t require players to provide sensitive personal or financial details. Instead, registration typically involves just an email address, a username, and a password. This low-barrier setup enhances anonymity while still offering access to thousands of provably fair games and enabling near-instant, secure payouts through a wide range of cryptocurrencies. By combining strong device protection, smart internet practices, and a mindset focused on privacy, users can confidently navigate the crypto space while keeping their assets safe and their identity protected.

Choosing Trustworthy Crypto Wallets

In Ireland, users can choose from mobile, desktop, hardware, and browser-based crypto wallets, each offering a different trade-off between convenience and security. Mobile wallets are quick and useful for small transactions, but can be compromised if a phone is lost. Desktop wallets provide more features but still operate online, making them vulnerable. Hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor keep private keys offline and are widely regarded as the most secure option. Though they require an upfront cost, they offer strong protection by staying disconnected except during transactions. Browser-based wallets are convenient but require caution; always verify site legitimacy and avoid entering sensitive details unless sure of the source. Whenever possible, users should use wallets that grant full control of private keys, as custodial options limit personal ownership.

Protecting Passwords and Enabling Two-Factor Authentication

One weak password can result in the complete loss of assets. That’s why password hygiene matters. Avoid using the same login details across multiple platforms. Irish users should rely on reputable password managers to create and store strong, unique passwords. This makes it harder for hackers to guess or brute-force access to crypto accounts.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is also essential. Instead of relying solely on a password, users receive a second confirmation code before gaining access. SMS-based codes can work, but they are more vulnerable to SIM swap attacks. A more secure method is to use an authenticator app, like Google Authenticator or Authy. These apps generate time-sensitive codes and cannot be intercepted in the same way.

For higher-value accounts, physical security keys such as YubiKey can take authentication even further. In these cases, an attacker would need the physical device in addition to knowing the password. Adding these extra steps might feel inconvenient at first, but they significantly reduce the risk of losing access or having accounts compromised.

Securing Seed Phrases and Backup Systems

The most important part of any wallet setup is the seed phrase, a sequence of words that can recover the entire wallet. In Ireland and beyond, many have lost life-changing amounts by storing it on phones, computers, or cloud services.

Never save a seed phrase digitally. Instead, write it down by hand and store it in a fireproof safe or another secure place only you or trusted individuals can access. Metal backups are also reliable, offering durability against fire or water damage. Ideally, keep copies in two or more locations to reduce risk.

It’s smart to test recovery now and then. Setting up a secondary device and restoring from the phrase, without moving funds, ensures it works and that no words are missing or incorrect.

Avoiding Common Scams and Phishing Attempts

As Ireland’s crypto scene grows, so does the risk of scams, phishing being one of the most common. Fake websites, emails, or apps mimic trusted services to steal passwords or seed phrases.

Always check URLs carefully when accessing wallets or exchanges. Bookmark the official site and avoid clicking on urgent messages like “Your account will be locked.” Never open links or files from unknown emails or social media messages.

Social engineering is also a concern, with scammers posing as support staff or influencers. No legitimate service will ever ask for your private key or seed phrase. If they do, it’s likely a scam. 

Conclusion

Crypto security in Ireland starts with personal responsibility. Whether managing €100 or €100,000, the same principles apply. Using secure devices, strong passwords, private wallets, and reliable backups helps protect against common threats. Staying alert to phishing and using only registered platforms ensures safer transactions. With steady habits and awareness, crypto can remain a secure part of your financial toolkit.

 

Rain Technology Embeds Visual Security and Delivers Display Innovation From Smartphone to AR/VR

CES 2025, CEO Robert Ramsey, Ph.D. and Chief Scientist Michael Robinson, Ph.D. of Rain Technology, creator of the world’s most advanced directional display technologies, has shared expert commentary and select video explainers about:

  • The market outlook for emerging display technologies.
  • The big leap in visual privacy to combat shoulder surfers.
  • Key advances in AR and VR optical design to spur mass adoption.
  • Opportunities to capitalize on display innovations today.

The Market Outlook for Emerging Display Technologies

Whether for business or personal use, displays of all types are central to our everyday experience. However, the amount and type of information displayed, the types of devices themselves, the hardware technologies used to provide higher quality and more efficient images, and the situations in which these devices are used all continue to expand at an incredible rate. As such, significant market opportunity exists for companies developing innovative solutions. Experts in optics and photonics with a legacy in 3D cinema, Rain Technology scientists are radically changing the playing field for visual privacy and superior optical performance in emerging display technologies, which will transform the market by enabling the type of experiences that drive mass adoption through quality and comfort.

One of Rain Technology’s innovations that has been broadly adopted is Switchable Privacy™, a thin liquid crystal layer in the display that switches privacy on and off, preventing peripheral viewers from seeing sensitive content. See the details of how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/y05VX8Pundg. This has applicability across fraud prevention, securing confidential information, and ensuring personal privacy. It has already shipped millions of units through industry-leading partners. In addition, the company’s innovations in privacy have been successfully leveraged and deployed in the automotive sector. Specifically, No-Driver-Distraction™ helps create safer driving experiences by preventing driver distraction caused by light emitted from passenger screens, and Display Screen Branding™ provides off-axis brand promotion by manufacturers and retailers.

Rain Technology will subsequently be adapted to further define the future of AR and VR in gaming, business, medical, and military defense. Its patented approach, Anamorphic-XR™, which relies on common, easy to manufacture materials, delivers fundamentally superior capabilities to existing AR and VR optics to improve user experience, performance and comfort. It has the potential to significantly increase consumer adoption as well as time spent engaged with devices, opening new opportunities for consumer, enterprise, military and industrial uses.

A Big Leap in Visual Privacy for Every Device

Identity theft and data breaches are on the rise, compounded by mobile work, whether remote or simply in transit. Shoulder surfers, visual hackers, and snoopers are omnipresent. Although the market for adhesive-based privacy screens for smartphones, laptops and monitors is valued at over a billion dollars and set to double in five years, it is a stopgap, lacking the ability to be controlled by enterprise IT and security policy and compromising device performance and usability.

Consumers will begin to see device and display manufacturers as well as enterprise IT departments and application developers placing a higher priority on integrating software solutions with new embedded display technologies to deliver increased privacy and control at the source. This newfound level of security will put mobile privacy in everyone’s pocket and across laptops, point of sale, automotive, tablets, and other devices.

Rain Technology is powering this change. Its patented Switchable Privacy controls the viewing angle to protect enterprises and individuals from visual hacking, data fraud, and identity theft. Switchable Privacy is applicable across the displays for smartphones, laptops, POS and ATM terminals, automotive dashboards and in-cabin displays, and medical kiosks. See more about Switchable Privacy here: https://youtu.be/4IzHUionehY.

Key Advances in AR and VR Performance to Spur Mass Adoption

AR and VR devices have been hyped for decades but have yet to realize their potential. To achieve mass adoption, the device hardware must significantly improve in weight, power efficiency, brightness, image quality, and eye comfort. Rain Technology’s Anamorphic-XR represents a crucial advancement in the evolution of AR and VR features, functionality and performance.

Rising consumer interest and commercial long-term strategies from the major players in AR and VR will be complemented by substantial government investment in these innovations, particularly in headsets and navigation and targeting systems. This dual trajectory of technological enhancement, spurred by Anamorphic-XR, and strategic funding will propel the industry forward. This will effectively pave the way for broader integration by the leading AR and VR manufacturers into various sectors, ultimately transforming how people interact with their digital and physical environments. As these improvements are integrated, a surge in user engagement can be expected in terms of session time and application diversity, from entertainment to surgery to day-to-day interaction with the environment.

Opportunities to Capitalize on Display Innovations Today

  • Smartphones – Rain Technology is working with smartphone manufacturers to integrate its embedded Switchable Privacy display technology, ensuring peak performance in optical clarity, color and luminance, while providing Privacy Mode for optimal protection and Share Mode for collaboration. Available now for smartphone brands, display manufacturers, and component suppliers from Rain Technology.
  • Laptops, Tablets and Monitors – Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables viewing in Share Mode and Privacy Mode as well as delivering best-in-class performance for image clarity, color and luminance. Available now to laptop brands and manufacturers from Rain Technology.
  • Retail POS – Customer and staff-operated POS terminal numbers are expanding rapidly, and customers are increasingly sensitive to their data being “visually hacked” or even their privacy compromised during cart review, transaction or tipping at point of sale. Optimizing POS devices for both retailers and consumers, Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables manufacturers to deliver a Privacy Mode for consumer transaction security as well as a Share Mode for brand promotion. Now available to retailers from POS manufacturer Datecs and direct from Rain Technology.
  • Bank ATMs – With more than 3 million ATMs around the world, shopping, dining and withdrawing cash puts consumers as well as merchants, retailers and bankers at risk. Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables ATM manufacturers to ensure financial service providers can mitigate the risk of data breaches, meet regulatory compliance, and foster consumer loyalty and trust. Available today to ATM manufacturers and supply chain providers direct from Rain Technology.
  • Medical Kiosks – Private patient information, governed by HIPAA regulations, is often displayed on screens across the medical environment, from check-in kiosks to registration desks to hospital nurses stations, pharmacies and more. Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables manufacturers of monitors and tablets to deliver a Privacy Mode for patient privacy and Share Mode for collaboration. Now available to manufacturers and display providers across the healthcare industry through Rain Technology.
  • Automotive Displays – Bridging the gap between passenger infotainment and safe driving while meeting evolving legislative safety standards, Rain Technology’s No-Driver-Distraction controls the viewing angle and luminous levels so the display screens within the cabin can only be viewed by the intended audience (driver or passenger). Rain Technology’s Display Screen Branding delivers a unique in-cabin design and branding opportunity for marketers. Available today to automotive suppliers, tier one integrators, and brands both directly from Rain Technology and via display manufacturer Tianma.
  • AR and VR – The future of AR and VR relies at least partly on hardware device advances. Rain Technology is the first to introduce a patented optical design approach — Anamorphic-XR — that holds significant advantages over existing systems in the areas of image quality, color, field of view, brightness (up to 10x improvement), weight, and comfort. Currently available as a proof-of-concept demonstrator, Rain Technology is actively engaging with partners to integrate this technology into future device and wearable offerings.

To learn more, visit www.raintechnology.com.

CES 2025 news

Two thirds of businesses believe ‘legacy banks’ are too slow to adapt to modern business needs — Revolut

Revolut Business, the global financial superapp trusted by hundreds of thousands of businesses worldwide, has conducted a study in partnership with market research firm Dynata, highlighting that international businesses are turning away from ‘legacy banks’ to manage their financial needs, echoing the sweeping changes seen across consumer banking. The findings come as the company launches Revolut Business 5 — the fifth generation of its financial management platform for businesses.

The recent survey of 2,850 business decision-makers from seven European countries, including respondents from every county in Ireland, found that close to two thirds (63%) of businesses believe ‘legacy banks’ are too slow for their financial needs.

Nearly four out of five (79%) respondents reported issues with ‘legacy banks’, including high fees, slow transactions, and poor mobile experiences, and three out of five (64%) large businesses are worried they will be left behind competitors without enlisting a fintech.

These concerns are driving businesses to fintechs like Revolut, where innovation and agility are founding principles. Revolut is reinforcing its focus to support large enterprise clients with Revolut Business 5, which provides an enhanced user experience across both mobile and desktop platforms to meet the evolving needs of industry leaders. Revolut Business has been redesigned to save enterprises more time and money.

James Gibson, General Manager at Revolut Business, commented on the recent survey findings and emphasised Revolut Business’s capabilities: “When we started Revolut Business in 2017, we knew that businesses wanted a banking product that evolved with their needs and provided a customer experience you’d expect in this day and age. The demand for customer-orientated business accounts has only increased since then.

“As we launch Revolut Business 5, we know we’re giving customers the ability to find features faster, spend with precision, and manage payments easily. Revolut Business is continuing to grow, and look forward to welcoming more customers who are fed up with the existing status quo in Ireland and want a solution that moves with the technology of the day.”

In Ireland, specifically, the survey also found that:

  • 72% of business leaders believe that ‘legacy banks’ are too slow to adapt to modern business needs, notably much higher than the European sample size average of 64%.

  • More than half (52%) of businesses use the services of a fintech, while a further 30% are willing to trust and are actively looking to use a fintech to manage their finances.

  • A quarter (25%) of hospitality businesses and close to one in five retail businesses (19%) now no longer use a traditional bank in Ireland.

  • Looking outwardly, more than three-quarters of business leaders (77%) said they were seeing more industry peers turn to fintechs for their business banking needs, while 81% of these already use a fintech provider (such as Revolut) personally outside of work.

  • Notably, nearly a third (31%) of business leaders in Ireland would prefer to manage their business’ financial needs solely with their fintech provider.

Revolut Business 5 offers faster navigation, personalised layouts, and easy access to card details and analytics right from the home screen. Updated features notably include B2B SEPA Direct Debits, streamlined payment tools for online and in-person sales, dedicated treasury tools for currency exchange, and multi-layered approval options for managing team spending across departments.

Revolut Business is already contributing 15-25% of the company’s overall gross profit, with some of Revolut’s notable customers in Ireland including Aer Lingus, O’Neills, and DID Electrical. The company also recently announced that global annualised revenue for Revolut Business has surpassed $500M (€461m). This growth is a testament to the demand for Revolut Business, as more companies turn to digital banks for a faster, more flexible way to manage their financial needs.

For more information, please visit: www.revolut.com/business

Fintech VS Traditional Banks: Difference And Cooperation

Traditional banks and fintech companies are two distinct kinds of financial organizations. Financial technology, or fintech, is the use of technology to enhance and automate financial services. On the other hand, conventional banks are physical establishments that provide financial services including loans, deposits, and investments.

New technological developments open the daily door to creating innovative financial systems that compete with existing banks.

The great majority of the current banking infrastructures are supported by financial technology and the products that are part of that industry. Despite widespread concerns that fintech may threaten conventional banking, there is no match for the benefits it offers. We’ll look at the parallels and contrasts between traditional banks and fintech companies in this article.

Why is Fintech Needed?

As a financial organization, banks have long been seen as the exclusive means of conducting transactions involving money, with the expansion of technology and the modernization of practically all conventional practices. We believe that there is still a lot of space for innovation and growth in our banking sector.

Tragic events also occur because the global banking sector has experienced several crises as a result of regulatory problems. The lack of regulation and innovation made it necessary to find more sophisticated alternatives to banks. This is where fintech and financial software development companies become necessary. combining banking services with contemporary technology to make it simple for individuals to conduct transactions and access additional financial services.

What Are the Differences Between Traditional Banking and Fintech?

Regulations

There isn’t really a single regulatory body that specifically oversees fintech businesses. One of the most significant causes for the rise in fintech businesses is this. Moreover, in the absence of stringent regulation, these fintech companies are free to modify their operations and are not subject to rigid requirements. This makes it extremely easy for fintech businesses to respond quickly to the needs of their clients in this dangerous sector.

An origin country’s central or national bank oversees the global financial system. Also, the regulatory agencies demand that a conventional bank follow all applicable laws, rules, and regulations in order to protect the client’s money. In order to maintain openness between customers and financial organizations, banking rules are used.

Growth Prospects

Fintech businesses and banks both have enormous growth potential, but the rate and direction of that development are yet uncertain.

One of the industries with the quickest growth is the fintech sector, which has an annual growth rate of around 25%. However, by implementing features like mobile payments, digital security, peer-to-peer lending, and crowdfunding, conventional banks have reacted to the digital shift and the threat of fintech.

Customer Experience

Consumers don’t need to be physically present to transact or use financial services since fintech operates remotely. This makes using fintech a practical choice. Consumers may sign up on their computer or, in most circumstances, using a mobile app. Fintech provides speedy consultations, 24/7 access, remote account opening, and overall improved client communication. They have developed as a result of their emphasis on the user experience, which is where banks have lagged.

The majority of the time, opening an account or applying for financial services at a bank requires your actual presence. Not every bank has the tools necessary to check your identification online. Customers will have a less satisfying experience with conventional banking as a result of this inconvenience.

Cost

Because of their lower operational expenses than conventional banks, fintech businesses may provide their clients with fewer fees and better interest rates. Conventional banks sometimes charge more for their financial goods and services because of their greater overhead expenses, such as rent and staff.

Security

Both conventional banks and fintech businesses are required to adhere to stringent security standards and safeguard the financial and personal information of their clients. Fintech firms have drawn criticism for lacking knowledge and experience in security and fraud prevention, however.

 

TransferMate announce new embedded payments solution for banks and FIs

TransferMate have today announced the launch of ‘TransferMate Connect’, an integrated payments solution for banks and financial institutions to deliver faster and more cost-effective payments products and services for their customers.

TransferMate has built the largest non-bank payments infrastructure in the world, covering more than 140 currencies and over 200 countries. Through TransferMate Connect, banks and financial institutions can integrate with this network and instantly expand their global reach, giving them the ability to pass on its benefits to their own clients.

Banks and FIs will be able to build new cost-effective, fast, and secure payment propositions, allow their clients to set up trading capabilities in new territories quickly and at low-cost, and create or expand revenue streams generated by the funds moving through the network.

“TransferMate Connect is a single technology providing a global payments gateway for banks and Financial institutions to streamline their exiting multiple correspondent banking systems into one interface” said Sinead Fitzmaurice, CEO of TransferMate. “With our extensive global network and the world-class compliance and security underpinning it all, we believe TransferMate is leading the evolution of how money moves around the world.”

A unique part of the proposition is the ability of banks and financial institutions to also integrate with another TransferMate product, Global Accounts, and again give their clients the capacity to leverage it for their own benefit.

Global Accounts allows users to open local bank accounts in over 30 currencies, creating their own international banking network where they can hold, pay, and store currencies in a way that suits them. It significantly reduces transaction fees and FX costs for users, allows for better control over international cash flows, and exponentially speeds up the ability of a user to set-up a banking presence in a new territory.

“This complete package of solutions is truly innovative, and unmatched in the marketplace” said Terry Clune, Group CEO of the Clune Tech Group and founder of TransferMate. “We’re allowing banks and FIs to immediately create new products and services, or improve existing ones, and put them into market without causing any friction for their clients. I believe it’s going to give them a real competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

For more information on TransferMate Connect, go here.