An Analysis of Interac Gambling Sites Powered by Gigadat

Gigadat Inc has become one of the payment processors of choice among Canadians. It is part of the three main names you will typically see when making e-transfer deposits at an online casino. These are: Wyzia, Gigadat, and Payper. More recently, Loonio has risen in popularity, although it doesn’t yet have enough adoption rate to be a top 3 name.

Best Interac by Gigadat Casinos

  • Interac © (by Gigadat)
  • Interac by Payper
  • Interac by PayDirectNow
  • Interac © Instant – ALL Banks
  • www.grandmondialcasino.com
  • Casino Rewards
  • Yes, 4 Types
  • Yes*

  • Interac® (Gigadat)
  • Interac e-Transfer® (Payper)
  • eWallets
  • eCheck
  • www.captaincooks.com
  • Casino Rewards
  • Yes, 2 Types
  • Yes*

Gigadat by itself has become almost synonymous with iGaming deposits (much like the term eCheck), and their company “Gigadat Solutions” is currently the de facto leader of the space. Their close partnerships with Interac, Nuvei, and Wyzia through eCashout, have propelled their logo to many iGaming site cashier screens. You will typically see : “Interac powered by Gigadat”.

Why this success? In our opinion, this is largely due to the security Gigadat Inc offers, its reliability, and close integration with Interac. Interac is already Canada’s financial backbone, and allowed them to integrate very well into the iGaming deposit ecosystem.

This handy guide will cover everything you need to know about using Gigadat and Interac for your iGaming transactions. We will cover Interac from end-to-end. From making deposits using a branded service such as Loonio, to making a withdrawal via Gigadat Express Connect’s new product referred to as eCashout.

What is Gigadat?

Gigadat is a fintech company based in Winnipeg that offers online payment solutions for various industries, but mainly online gambling. Their platform focuses on facilitating transactions between players, casinos, and banks.

Here’s an overview:

  • Bank-grade security protocols (encryption, tokenization, PCI DSS)
  • Strict regulatory compliance (AML, location validation)
  • Smooth integration with Interac online banking products
  • Specialized gaming payment products (Interac Online, e-Transfers)
  • Support for fast deposits and withdrawal processes

It’s currently only available in Canada but is the single most popular payment method because of the instant processing payments.

List of Gigadat’s Main Products

Gigadat offers three main products:

Interac Online

Interac Online lets you pay directly through your bank account without having to enter any details. Needless to say this is one of the most secure payment methods out there.

Interac e-Transfer

Interac e-Transfer is the most popular option for online casinos. It’s very easy to use and usually just takes a minute or two. We’ll describe it in more detail later in this article.

Interac Request Money

Interac Request Money allows you to request payments from other individuals or businesses. It is particularly useful for businesses and individuals who need to collect payments frequently or on a recurring basis.

Here’s the complete breakdown of Gigadat’s products:

FeatureInterac OnlineInterac e-TransferInterac Request Money
PurposeOnline purchasesSending and receiving money electronicallyRequesting money from others electronically
Common Use at CasinosLess commonMost popularLess common
Transaction TypeDirect payment from bank accountEmail/SMS money transferEmail/SMS money request
InitiationBuyer initiates payment on merchant’s siteSender initiates transfer via online bankingRequester initiates money request via banking
Payment MethodBank accountBank accountBank account
RecipientMerchantIndividual (personal or business)Individual (personal or business)
NotificationNo notification; payment immediateEmail/SMS notification to recipientEmail/SMS notification to recipient
AuthenticationBank login credentialsSecurity question and answer (if not autodeposit)Bank login credentials
Deposit TimeInstantTypically within 1 minuteTypically within 1 minute after acceptance
FeesMay vary by financial institutionOften free or minimal feeOften free or minimal fee
SecurityHigh (bank authentication)High (encryption and authentication)High (encryption and authentication)
Usage ScenarioOnline shoppingSending money to friends/family, small businessesRequesting money owed (e.g., for shared expenses)
Transaction SpeedInstantTypically within minutesTypically within minutes after acceptance
Ease of Use for DepositsGoodExcellentGood
Ease of Use for WithdrawalsNot applicableExcellentNot typically used
Table comparing the three main Interac products offered by Gigadat

Interac Explained

Let’s dive a bit deeper into Interac and explore the details.

What is Interac?

Interac is Canada’s leading payment network. It enables real-time online payments and bank account transfers for consumers and businesses. It processes over 200 billion yearly and is used by over 80 major Canadian financial institutions.

There are over 300k online stores that accept Interac. That’s close to saying that every single Canadian online store accepts Interac. They also have over 30 million customers. So we can confidently say that Interac is the single most popular online payment method in Canada.

Interac Security Benefits

As the only bank-backed payments network in Canada, Interac offers exceptional security. For example:

  • Bank-level encryption safeguards transaction details
  • Direct connections prevent exposure of sensitive financial data
  • Stringent identity verification protocols
  • Trusted by Canada’s major financial institutions

Besides, on their website it says that they have over 99% percent fraud prevention, which is truly impressive.

How to Deposit with Interac e-Transfer:

  • Select Interac e-Transfer: In the casino’s banking section, choose Interac e-Transfer from the deposit options.
  • Choose Your Bank: Choose your financial institution and then you will see the details that you will need to enter when sending from your bank.
  • Get Details: You will now get to a window that shows you all the details you will need to enter when depositing from your bank.
  • Login to Your Bank: Sign in to your online bank account and choose Interac e-Transfer from your bank menu.
  • Process Payment: Enter all the details from step 3 and process the payment.
  • Confirmation: Viola, now your money is in your casino account.

Gigadat Company History & Leadership

Gigadat was founded in 2013 by a team that saw a gap in the Canadian market when it came to online transactions. The company is headquartered in Winnipeg and has been led by CEO Guy Fietz since the start. In the years since launch, Gigadat has really exploded in popularity. The company employs over 100 technical, payments, security, and compliance experts dedicated to further innovation.

Gigadat has tailored its payment gateways for industries like iGaming, retail, digital goods, and financial services. Their integration with iGaming ensures that Canadian casino players can make quick and seamless deposits and withdrawals without any hiccups.

The company’s passion for innovative, tailored payment solutions across key industries has positioned it as a driving force in Canadian fintech. With regulators opening new markets like single-event sports betting and iGaming, expect Gigadat’s expansion in the iGaming sector to continue gaining momentum.

Why Choose Gigadat for iGaming?

There are several key reasons Gigadat stands out as the top payment solutions provider for Canadian online gambling:

  • Security – Gigadat leverages encryption, tokenization, and bank-level protocols to provide unmatched protection for player data and privacy.
  • Compliance – Strict regulatory adherence enables iGaming operators to maintain licensing and display full fairness to their players.
  • Interac Integration – Seamless integration with Interac online banking network, the preferred payment method by Canadians.
  • Reliability – Specialized platform that offers maximum uptime and smooth transactions between players, casinos, and banks.
  • Support – Dedicated account management and customer service tailored to needs of iGaming operators.
  • Domestic Expertise – Canada-based company with over a decade of experience in online transactions.

How to Use Interac Casinos

Interac is renowned for its security, speed, and ease of use, making it the favorite payment method among canadians. Interac has maintained its reputation through continuous technological advancements since its initial celebration as a revolutionary way to pay. Even with the rise of many other innovative payment methods, Interac remains deeply embedded in Canadian culture and widely accepted by merchants nationwide.

If you have a bank or credit union account that supports online banking and is part of the Interac network, you can use this payment method without needing to register a special account or link your banking information separately. This integration is handled automatically by your financial institution, allowing you to start using Interac immediately.

If you are in your cashier page in the casino dashboard you might find any of these options:

  • Interac © Desjardins
  • INTERAC ©
  • INTERAC e-Transfer by Email
  • INTERAC © Instant – ALL Canadian Banks
  • INTERAC powered by Gigadat
  • INTERAC by Payper
  • INTERAC by Loonio

Pro tip: If you are unsure whether your bank supports Interac, you can check the complete list of Interac Partner Banks.

You can choose the official Interac service, or a sub-branded service such as Gigadat, Loonio or Payer. For iGaming deposits, Gigadat is usually preferred because they specialize in the field.

The 3 Best Canadian Gigadat Casinos with Interac Deposits

While Interac is a highly popular payment method, its use is limited to Canadian banking customers. That also means Canadian-based online casinos typically offer Interac as a payment option. At least the most popular casinos like for example:

  • LuckyReels.io
  • GrandMondial
  • Spin Casino

The New Brand LuckyReels Offers Interac by Gigadat

Here is the deposit process for Interac “powered by Gigadat” at Canadian casino Luckyreels.io

Step 1 – Select the Gigadat-branded Interac mini-logo in the cashier

LuckyReels Gigadat Selection Screen

As you can see, Interac deposits via Gigadat come with min and max limits of 30CAD and 7500 CAD respectively.

Step 2 – Select a deposit amount (30 to 7500 CAD) and register your official name (cannot be changed later)

Step 3 – Complete the Gigadat Payment Process.

You will find there are two options available: Interac e-transfer or Interac e-transfer “Request Money”. We will cover both methods in this review piece.

  1. Using Interac e-Transfer
Gigadat Payment screen with timer showing two options: Interac e-transfer or Interac Request Money.

As you can see from the image above, you will have 10 minutes to complete the following tasks:

1- Login to your online banking portal

2- Select Interac e-Transfer

The recipient email is given to you etransfer@orderdeposit.com and an exact match is required. The message field will be automatically populated with a unique identifier that is tied to your iGaming transaction. The recipient name needs to be : Gigadat. For the purposes of this example, the minimum deposit of 30 CAD has been used.

  1. Using Interac eTransfer Request Money
Interac by Gigadat using Request Money method

In this case you will be prompted to select your bank from the list of available logos. If you can’t find your bank here, then scroll down a little bit and you will find additional input fields, as per:

Gigadat manual selection field for your bank

On this second screen, you can select your bank, or your credit union by province or territory.

You then follow the prompts and complete payment that way.


When all the data fields have been entered, and the payment submitted you will see this screen.

LuckyReels payment processing screen

This is the check out screen. Ideally, if you followed the steps correctly and have enough funds, the payment should take place in minutes.

Comparing Interac by Gigadat to Loonio Side by Side

For this comparison we will compare the previous Gigadat offering by LuckyReels to Winmaker’s new implementation of the Loonio service. We will do this by studying the Loonio deposit process, step by step, at the brand WinMaker.

Step 1 – Choose Interac by Loonio in the Cashier’s screen

Deposit Options Offered by Winmaker for Canada

As you can see on their banking page, the min/max limits of Interac by Loonio on Wimaker is 30/3000. So the maximum deposit is considerably less than what is offered by Gigadat on LuckyReels (which was 7500 CAD for reference).

Selecting Loonio for Interac e-transfers on WinMaker

As you can see, one neat little feature of the Loonio implementation on WinMaker is that you can choose to automatically use bonuses. For the purposes of this demo, we unchecked the feature. But this would automatically qualify you for free credits in the casino.

When comparing the Gigadat and Loonio implementations side by side (since both are offered on WinMaker) one thing we discovered is that Loonio requires more information upfront. As you can see from the screenshot above, you are requested to add your address, city and postal code before initiating a payment. However, with Gigadat these are not needed on WinMaker. I think this is because the Loonio implementation seems to use “request money” by default – and not e-transfer like LuckyReels, hence this new data requirement.

Step 2 – Select Your Financial Institution

Loonio participating bank selection screen

Here you will find a list of Loonio partnering banks and institutions such as : ATB financial, BMO, Meridian, People’s Trust and Coast Capital. Again, if you can’t find your bank, you can scroll down and find manual input fields, as per:

Loonio manual bank input fields

From then on, the deposit process is mostly the same as Gigadat’s. One interesting thing we noticed is that with Loonio, the URL you are taken to for the secure deposit process is

Loonio processing URL : etransfer.interac.ca

This is is different than the URL you are taken to when using Interac via Gigadat, which is:

interac.express-connect.com

Another key feature we liked from Loonio is that the deposit process is not timed to only 10 minutes. It takes much longer to expire and you have a handy button to cancel the money request, as you can see below:

Loonio.ca request for money cancelled screen

All in all we found the Loonio.ca deposit experience to be more streamlined, transparent, and with better UI and external links (for example to the help desk) than Gigadat’s. The deposit limit is slightly lower at 3000 CAD but we did like Winmaker’s auto inclusion of bonuses and flexible timing for deposits. So Loonio would be our second pick for the best Interac implementation. However adoption is currently limited, so we recommend Gigadat in general as the best Interac deposit solution for Canadian iGamers.

Overview of Interac’s Mobile Options

Interac is also Canada’s leading mobile payment processor, offering a variety of mobile payment options, including:

  • Interac Debit
  • Interac Debit for eCommerce
  • Interac e-Transfer

When we say mobile payment processor here, we mean that the payments can be initiated by mobile. However they won’t be charged to the carrier company. For this you would need a pay by phone service such as Boku.

Interac Debit (formerly Interac Flash)

Interac Debit was initially launched as Interac Flash by RBC and Scotiabank and is now available through all banks and credit unions in the Interac network. Interac Debit cards feature a security chip and come with NFC support. This means you can just tap your Interac card on any payment kiosk displaying the Tap to Pay icon to complete a transaction.

These cards can also be linked to digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay for online purchases by selecting Interac Debit as the payment method and entering the card details.

Interac Debit for Online Payments (eCommerce)

Interac Debit for Online Payments brings the convenience of Interac Debit to digital transactions, much like the original Interac Online service. You can make payments on websites displaying the Interac Online or Interac Debit eCommerce logo without entering personal information or card details. Simply select your bank from a list, log into your online banking, and confirm the payment.

This product is also compatible with digital wallets, allowing you to make payments by simply tapping your smartphone at mobile-compliant kiosks.

Interac e-Transfer

Interac e-Transfer is commonly used for person-to-person transfers but is also accepted by many online casinos for deposits and withdrawals. To initiate an e-Transfer, the sender inputs the recipient’s email or mobile number, the transfer amount, and a security question and answer. The recipient receives a notification and must answer the security question to access the funds. This process ensures a high level of security and convenience.

Note: While Interac itself does not charge fees for e-Transfers, your bank may apply a small fee for processing these transactions.

Mobile Interac Security and Compatibility

Interac no longer maintains its own mobile app. Instead it integrates its services with existing popular mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay. This ensures an even more secure and seamless experience.

Requirements for Using Interac on Mobile Devices:

  • Supported Financial Institution: Your bank or credit union must be part of the Interac network. This includes about 90% of Canadian financial institutions.
  • NFC Technology: Your mobile device must support NFC technology, which is standard in all modern smartphones and smartwatches.
  • Compatible Payment Wallet: The mobile wallet app (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) must support Interac Debit.

To check if your bank or credit union supports these Interac mobile payment options, visit their website or contact customer service.

Does It Cost Anything to Use Interac Online?

There are no charges for making Interac deposits at online casinos. Interac only imposes a small processing fee on the receiver, usually the online casino, which is generally absorbed by the merchant and not passed on to the customer.

Interac Withdrawal Fees:

  • As the recipient of the funds in a withdrawal, you may incur a fee.
  • Some banks waive these fees for certain types of accounts or a limited number of transactions per month.
  • It is advisable to check with your financial institution regarding any fees associated with Interac withdrawals.

Depositing & Withdrawing with Gigadat

Gigadat powers quick, convenient funding options for iGaming through integrations with Interac’s online banking products:

Interac Online Deposits

You can instantly fund your account directly from your connected bank account in real-time. Gigadat verifies identity and processes transactions through Interac seamlessly.

Speed: Instant deposits directly from bank accounts

Fees: None for players to deposit

Gigadat Express Connect for Withdrawals (using eCashout)

You can securely withdraw your winnings to your bank accounts via Gigadat and Nuvei’s service called eCashout. Gigadat enables operators to automate payouts through Interac quickly and safely.

Speed: Instant bank transfer after having completed initial set up process

Fees: None

Read our full article here for more details.

For both deposits and withdrawals, Gigadat provides fast, secure payment gateways thanks to deep integration expertise with Interac and Canadian banks.

Using Interac in Land-Based Casinos

Interac is not only useful for online gambling but also for transactions in land-based casinos throughout Canada.

Here are two notable land-based casinos that accept Interac

  • River Rock Casino Resort (BC): A prominent casino in British Columbia, known for its wide range of gaming options and amenities.
  • Caesars Windsor (Ontario): One of Ontario’s largest and most famous casinos, offering extensive gaming and entertainment options.

Benefits of Using Interac at Smaller Gaming Venues

Smaller resorts, gaming centers, racetracks, and card rooms often provide higher return payout percentages, which can be more favorable for gamblers. These venues typically accept debit card payments from Canadian gamblers, including Interac.

Interac may not have all the features of modern digital wallets or the fee-free transactions of e-Checks, but its security, simplicity, and widespread acceptance in Canada make it an excellent choice for both online and offline gambling.

Partnering Financial Institutions

Gigadat has established strategic partnerships with leading banks, credit unions, and financial service providers across Canada. These partnerships are critical for ensuring deep integration with the country’s financial infrastructure and facilitating smooth, reliable transactions.

Major Bank Partnerships

  • Royal Bank of Canada: RBC, one of the largest financial institutions in Canada provides robust support for Gigadat’s payment processing services.
  • Toronto-Dominion Bank: TD Bank’s extensive network and advanced banking solutions complement Gigadat’s payment processing capabilities, enhancing transaction efficiency and security.
  • Bank of Nova Scotia: Scotiabank’s comprehensive financial services support Gigadat’s integration, ensuring seamless and secure transactions for its customers.

Credit Union Collaborations

  • Coast Capital Savings: This credit union partnership allows Gigadat to offer tailored financial solutions to a broader range of customers, ensuring that even smaller financial institutions can benefit from advanced payment processing technologies.
  • Alterna Savings: Alterna Savings is another union that collaborates with Gigadat to enhance the payment processing experience for its members.

Financial Service Providers

Gigadat’s relationships with various financial service providers enable it to offer a diverse range of services, from traditional banking solutions to innovative digital payment methods. These partnerships ensure that Gigadat remains at the forefront of financial technology, providing cutting-edge solutions to both businesses and consumers.

Regulatory Compliance and Licensing

Gigadat complies with financial regulations, including those set by FINTRAC, ensuring that all transactions are secure and legally compliant. This adherence to regulatory standards enhances trust and reliability among users and partners.

Adoption at Canadian Casinos

Speaking to the affiliate manager of Casino Rewards, the parent brand of Luxury Casino, she was able to confirm that Interac is their most popular deposit method there. Second to Interac is electronic check. This shows that Interac has some benefits for both operators and players over eCheck. For the operators, using Interac drastically lowers the number of chargebacks. For players, Interac is more readily accepted than eCheck at casino sites.

Still, to us at eCheckCasinos.ca, it’s extremely impressive that eCheck was able to supplant credit cards at Casino Rewards brands in terms of use (for Canadian players). This shows the popularity of the method and the growing adoption rate in modern iGaming circles.

Interac will never be classified as an electronic check service per se since it requires the use of a third party and uses a different payment framework. However, branded eCheck services like iDebit and Instadebit are still classified as EFTs. On this site we generally recommend quality EFT services over third parties, however Interac has gained such importance that we decided to cover the subject.

Closing Words on Gigadat’s Current Market Position

Gigadat is now recognized as a leader in the Canadian fintech industry, often compared favorably against competitors like PayPal and Skrill. Its specialized focus on the Canadian market and deep integration with local financial institutions truly set it apart.

These relationships allow Gigadat to achieve deep integration with Canada’s financial fabric. The synergies between Gigadat and its partnering institutions enable smooth transactions for Canadian iGamers. This payment solution meets the evolving needs of the present iGaming economy, and we can highly recommend it as an eCheck alternative.

Gigadat is a privately held company founded in 2013. While Guy Fietz serves as the CEO, the ownership structure involves a team of Canadian payment experts who collectively manage the company's operations and strategic direction.

Receiving unexpected money from Gigadat could be due to a legitimate transaction, such as a refund or a payment you were anticipating. However, if you did not expect the transfer, it is essential to verify the source by checking your transaction history or contacting your bank. Please know that there are many frauds or scams documented on Reddit that start with receiving unsolicited funds. So please proceed with caution.

To contact Gigadat, you can visit their official website at gigadatsolutions.com for more information. Their headquarters are located at 2500 - 360 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4H6, Canada. Typically, companies like Gigadat provide contact forms or customer service emails on their websites for inquiries. Here is their website contact page.

Gigadat is known for its fast and efficient transactions. Withdrawals using Gigadat's services, such as INTERAC™ e-Transfer, or eCashout are often processed quickly - in less than 24 hours - with many online casinos offering almost instant withdrawals.

Author

  • Dana Nikolic

    Dana Nikolic is a veteran iGaming expert with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing online casinos. She has written for publications such as Huffpost, Thrive Global , Newsbreak and Medium. She takes a meticulous approach to evaluating gaming sites, assessing critical factors like game variety, bonuses, customer support and withdrawal speeds. Leveraging her insider knowledge, Dana provides discerning casino reviews that highlight the top performers in the industry. She knows how to identify casinos that offer an exceptional overall experience. Dana also uncovers the best deals and bonuses to maximize player value. With a decade reviewing sites, she has stringent criteria for picking casinos that provide the most rewarding entertainment. More information about Dana on our about us page.

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