If you’ve arrived at this article searching for information about depositing funds at 22bet Nigeria using Entropay, we have some important news to share. While Entropay was once a popular virtual payment card option for online transactions, including sports betting deposits, the service has been permanently discontinued since July 1, 2019. This comprehensive guide will explain what happened to Entropay and provide you with the best current alternatives for depositing at 22bet Nigeria.
What Was Entropay?
Entropay was a pioneering fintech service launched in 2003 that provided virtual prepaid Visa cards for online transactions. The service allowed users to create virtual payment cards funded from their bank accounts, offering an extra layer of security for online purchases and betting deposits. Entropay became particularly popular among online betting enthusiasts because it provided a secure intermediary between their bank accounts and betting sites.
The service offered several attractive features including instant virtual card creation, wide acceptance at any Visa-friendly site, and the ability to manage multiple virtual cards from a single account. For many Nigerian bettors, Entropay represented a convenient way to fund their betting accounts while maintaining privacy and security.
Why Entropay Was Discontinued
The end of Entropay came after a series of regulatory challenges. In 2018, Visa declined to renew their licensing agreement with Entropay in Europe, which effectively ended the service’s ability to operate as a virtual Visa provider. By July 1, 2019, Entropay officially announced the discontinuation of their consumer product, leaving millions of users worldwide without access to their virtual payment solution.
The discontinuation was part of broader changes in the fintech landscape, where traditional payment processors began implementing stricter regulations and partnerships. Entropay’s parent company confirmed that the service closure affected all markets globally, not just Nigeria, making it impossible for any betting site, including 22bet Nigeria, to continue accepting Entropay deposits.
Current Payment Options at 22bet Nigeria
Since Entropay is no longer available, Nigerian bettors need reliable alternatives for funding their 22bet accounts. Fortunately, 22bet Nigeria offers an extensive range of modern payment methods specifically tailored for Nigerian users.
Bank Cards and Digital Payment Gateways
The most popular deposit methods at 22bet Nigeria include card payments through secure payment gateways. Paystack and Flutterwave are the leading options, supporting major Nigerian bank cards including Visa, Mastercard, and Verve. These payment processors offer instant deposits with robust security features that match or exceed what Entropay once provided.
The minimum deposit amount is ₦250, making it accessible for bettors with different budget ranges. Both Paystack and Flutterwave support major Nigerian banks including Guaranty Trust Bank, Kuda Bank, OPay, and numerous other financial institutions across the country.
Mobile Banking Solutions
22bet Nigeria has embraced mobile banking solutions that are particularly relevant for Nigerian users. The platform supports USSD banking through GTB’s *737# service, allowing users to deposit funds directly from their mobile phones without needing internet access. This method is especially popular in areas with limited internet connectivity.
ALAT by Wema Bank is another modern alternative that provides instant deposits and withdrawals. This digital banking solution offers the convenience that Entropay users once enjoyed, with the added benefit of being integrated with established Nigerian banking infrastructure.
E-Wallet Alternatives
While Entropay is no longer available, several robust e-wallet alternatives serve Nigerian bettors effectively. These include internationally recognized services like Skrill and Neteller, though availability may vary. Local e-wallet solutions like OPay have gained significant popularity among Nigerian users due to their integration with local banking systems and mobile money services.
Step-by-Step Guide to Modern Deposit Methods
Using Paystack (Recommended Alternative)
- Login to Your Account: Access your verified 22bet Nigeria account through the official website.
- Navigate to Deposits: Click the green “Deposit” button prominently displayed on your dashboard.
- Select Payment Method: Choose “Card Deposit Paystack” from the available options.
- Enter Details: Input your deposit amount (minimum ₦250) and email address.
- Complete Transaction: You’ll be redirected to Paystack’s secure portal where you can select your bank and complete the payment using your debit or credit card.
Using USSD Banking
- Access Deposit Section: Login to your 22bet account and click “Deposit.”
- Choose USSD: Select the USSD option from available payment methods.
- Enter Information: Provide your deposit amount and email address.
- Follow Instructions: A USSD code will appear on your screen. Dial this code on your mobile phone to complete the transaction.
Security and Safety Considerations
Modern payment alternatives at 22bet Nigeria actually offer enhanced security compared to what Entropay provided. Current payment processors use advanced encryption, two-factor authentication, and are regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria. These features provide better fraud protection and transaction monitoring than older virtual card systems.
All deposits at 22bet Nigeria are processed instantly and without fees from the bookmaker’s side, though individual banks may apply nominal charges. The platform uses SSL encryption and maintains strict KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures to ensure transaction security.
Welcome Bonus Opportunities
New users depositing through current payment methods can access 22bet Nigeria’s generous welcome bonus. The platform offers a 100% first deposit bonus up to ₦207,500 for sports betting. To qualify, users need to make a minimum deposit of ₦1,700 within seven days of registration. This bonus structure is more generous than what was typically available during Entropay’s operational period.
Looking Forward: Better Alternatives
While the discontinuation of Entropay initially disappointed many users, the evolution of payment technology has brought superior alternatives. Modern payment processors offer faster transaction times, better fraud protection, integration with local banking systems, and more comprehensive customer support than older virtual card services.
Nigerian bettors now have access to payment methods that are specifically designed for the local market, offering features like USSD support, integration with major Nigerian banks, and compliance with local regulatory requirements. These developments represent a significant improvement over international services like Entropay that were not specifically tailored for Nigerian users.
Conclusion
While Entropay is no longer available for deposits at 22bet Nigeria or any other platform worldwide, the current payment ecosystem offers superior alternatives that are more secure, convenient, and tailored for Nigerian users. Paystack, Flutterwave, USSD banking, and modern e-wallet solutions provide the security and convenience that Entropay users once valued, with the added benefits of local market integration and instant processing.
For Nigerian bettors looking to fund their 22bet accounts, these modern alternatives offer a seamless experience that surpasses what was possible with discontinued services. The key is choosing a method that aligns with your banking preferences and taking advantage of the robust security features and instant processing that current payment solutions provide.
Remember to always verify your account properly, keep transaction records, and gamble responsibly when using any deposit method at 22bet Nigeria.
