int
expert 7.2
Denis Anipchenko
Expert opinion

In this review, I will tell you about the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). It is a groundbreaking Indian instant payment system and protocol developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016. It facilitates real-time inter-bank peer-to-peer (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions directly from a mobile device.

UPI enables fund transfers between two bank accounts using only a unique UPI ID (Virtual Payment Address or VPA), acting as an open-source layer on top of the Immediate Payment Service (IMPS). It is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and almost all Indian banks support it, making it the backbone of India's digital economy. As of 2025, it accounts for 84% of India's digital payments and nearly half of all global instant payment transactions.

Best UPI Casinos 2025

Due to its primary function as an Indian domestic payment system, UPI acceptance is predominantly found in online casinos that specifically target the Indian market. These platforms allow users to transact in Indian Rupees. While specific casino names change frequently, the best operators supporting UPI are typically licensed and regulated by a reputable international authority, and offer a wide selection of games popular with Indian players (e.g., cricket betting).

They integrate UPI seamlessly for both deposits and withdrawals. I recommend conducting a quick search of top online casinos targeting the Indian audience, which will reveal the current platforms that accept this method. Casinoz provides reviews of the top casinos for Indian players.

Log in and register with UPI

Starting to use UPI is straightforward, provided you have an active bank account with a participating Indian bank and a smartphone:

  1. Link Your Bank Account: Ensure your mobile number is linked to your bank account.
  2. Download a UPI App: Install a UPI client app from an official source, such as one managed by NPCI like BHIM, or a popular third-party app like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm.
  3. Registration and VPA Creation: Open the app, verify your mobile number (which must be linked to your bank account via KYC), and link your bank account. The app will prompt you to create a unique Virtual Payment Address (VPA), or UPI ID (e.g., yourname@bankname).
  4. Set UPI PIN: Set a secure UPI PIN using your debit card details. This PIN is required to authorize all transactions.

Once registered, you can immediately use your UPI ID for P2P and P2M payments.

UPI Wallet

UPI does have a wallet feature known as UPI Lite.

UPI Lite is an on-device wallet explicitly designed for small-value, high-frequency transactions (50% of UPI transactions are below ₹200). It processes debit transactions offline (without needing an internet connection at the time of debit) and only syncs for credit (loading the wallet) or once the device is online.

The current maximum limit for a single UPI Lite transaction is ₹1,000, and the maximum amount that can be stored in the UPI Lite wallet is ₹5,000. This feature helps decrease the load on bank servers by decentralizing the processing of low-value payments, thus improving the overall system's stability and success rate.

Reliability and security

UPI is highly regarded for its reliability and security, which are central to its success:

  • Bank-Grade Security: Transactions occur directly between bank accounts, leveraging the security protocols of the Immediate Payment Service (IMPS).
  • Virtual Payment Address (VPA): The UPI ID acts as an identifier, allowing transactions without exposing the user's sensitive bank account number or other financial details.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication: Every transaction requires the user to enter their unique UPI PIN, providing an additional layer of authentication beyond the mobile device itself.
  • Regulatory Oversight: The system is developed by NPCI and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), ensuring strict adherence to compliance and security standards.
  • Real-Time Dispute Resolution: NPCI is working to operationalize real-time payment dispute resolution mechanisms, covering a high percentage of complaints and thereby enhancing user trust.

Customer service

Customer service for UPI is generally handled on the following levels:

  • UPI Client App Support: The specific mobile app you use (e.g., Google Pay, PhonePe, your bank's app) provides support for app-related issues, transaction status, and troubleshooting.
  • Bank Support: For issues related to debits, credits, or problems with a linked account, the user's bank is the primary point of contact.
  • NPCI: The overarching National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) also provides guidelines for resolving payment issues and mandates that UPI transactions offer online dispute resolution capabilities.

While UPI is fundamentally a bank-to-bank transfer system that doesn't rely on a card number for primary transactions, it has a key integration with cards:

  • RuPay Credit Card Linkage: The RBI has allowed linking RuPay Credit Cards with UPI. This means customers can make payments using their credit card through the UPI system by scanning a QR code or using a UPI ID, removing the need for a physical card at the point of sale.

This facility is driving significant credit transactions on the platform.

UPI in casinos Popular?

UPI is very popular among online casinos catering to the Indian market. Its popularity stems from several advantages crucial for online gambling:

  • Instant Transactions: Deposits are processed instantly, allowing players to start playing without delay.
  • Direct Bank Transfer: This method facilitates secure, direct transfers from the user's bank account, which is a preferred option for many players.
  • No Bank Details Shared: The use of a VPA (UPI ID) means users don't have to share sensitive bank account or credit/debit card numbers with the casino operator.
  • Widespread Use: Given its near-universal adoption in India, it is the most widely used digital payment method among Indian users.

How to Deposit in UPI Casinos?

Depositing funds into an online casino using UPI is a quick process:

  1. Select UPI: Navigate to the casino's cashier or deposit page and select UPI as the payment method.
  2. Enter Deposit Amount: Input the desired amount you wish to deposit in Indian Rupees.
  3. Provide UPI ID: The casino will typically ask for your Virtual Payment Address (VPA) or UPI ID. Enter it accurately.
  4. Approve Transaction: A payment request will be instantly sent to your linked UPI mobile application (e.g., Google Pay, PhonePe).
  5. Authorize Payment: Open your UPI app, review the request details (merchant name, amount), and confirm the transaction by entering your UPI PIN.

The funds will be transferred instantly to the casino account, and you can begin playing.

How to Withdraw Funds from UPI Casinos?

Withdrawing funds to your bank account via UPI is equally simple, provided the casino supports UPI withdrawals (which most do):

  1. Select UPI Withdrawal: Go to the casino's cashier or withdrawal page and choose UPI.
  2. Enter Withdrawal Amount: Specify the amount you wish to cash out.
  3. Provide UPI ID: Please enter the UPI ID (VPA) associated with the bank account where you wish to receive the funds.
  4. Processing Time: The casino will process the withdrawal request. While the UPI transfer itself is instant, the casino's internal processing time (which typically ranges from a few hours to 24 hours) determines the overall speed.

Once the casino approves and sends the payment, the funds are instantly credited to your bank account via the UPI network.

Frequently asked Questions

👛 What is the maximum transaction limit for a UPI transfer?

The general maximum transaction limit for a single UPI transaction is ₹100,000. However, the limit can be higher for specific use cases like payments to hospitals and educational institutions, which the RBI increased to ₹500,000 in December 2023. Individual banks or third-party apps may also impose their own lower daily or per-transaction caps.

🙋‍♂️ How is UPI different from traditional bank transfers?

While UPI runs on top of the IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) framework, it is much more user-friendly. Traditional IMPS/NEFT transfers require the recipient's bank account number, IFSC code, and account type, which is cumbersome. UPI only requires a simple, easy-to-remember Virtual Payment Address (VPA) or the recipient's mobile number, simplifying the transaction process significantly while still offering instant settlement.

🌍 Can I use UPI if I am a Non-Resident Indian (NRI)?

Yes, certain banks like ICICI Bank allow their non-resident Indian clients to use their international mobile numbers to make UPI payments in India. This service is available in several countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Singapore, provided the account is an eligible NRI account (e.g., NRE/NRO).

❔ Is UPI a separate digital wallet, and do I need to load money into it?

No, UPI is not a separate pre-loaded digital wallet in the traditional sense. It is a payment protocol that connects your bank account instantly. When you use UPI, the money is transferred directly from your linked bank account. The exception is the UPI Lite feature, which acts as an on-device wallet for small-value transactions that you do need to load funds into from your bank account.

Pros
  • Instant deposits and quick withdrawals.
  • High security using VPA and UPI PIN.
  • No sharing of sensitive bank account/card numbers with merchants.
  • Zero transaction cost for most P2M transactions.
  • Accessible via multiple third-party apps and bank apps.
Cons
  • Primarily available for users with Indian bank accounts and mobile numbers.
  • Casino availability is limited to sites targeting the Indian market.
  • Daily/per-transaction limits can apply based on bank and UPI app restrictions.
Denis Anipchenko
Denis Anipchenko
Editor-in-chief and online gambling expert

Denis is a true professional with many years of experience in the gambling industry. His career started back in the late nineties when he worked as a croupier, pit boss, manager and casino manager. This unique experience allowed him to deeply understand the world of gambling from the inside. Since the late noughties Denis has dedicated himself to writing articles and analyses about gambling, and since the early tens he has become a key figure in the Casinoz team. Here he not only writes and edits content, but also creates reviews, shares his expertise and helps readers understand the intricacies of gambling. Denis combines practical experience and in-depth knowledge, making him one of the most respected experts in the industry. His writings are always up-to-date, proven and useful information for anyone interested in the casino world.

An expert in:
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  • management
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Facts checked Alex Vasilev Scientific editor and fact checker
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