SOURCE: Gaming Intelligence Group

Currently issued in the UK, Ireland, Spain and Germany, Ukash is now available to consumers in 16 additional countries across Europe, reaching an estimated 226 million extra internet users.

The Ukash system enables those who do not have, or do not use credit or debit cards to pay for goods and services online.

Cash consumers in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia and Sweden can get Ukash at their nearest bank branch by completing a simple paying-in slip. They will then receive an email or SMS message with their unique and secure 19-digit Ukash voucher number. This voucher number is used when they are asked to pay at any of the hundreds of web sites that accept Ukash.

If they have a bank account but don’t want to give out their details online, they can make a bank transfer, either at their bank, or using internet banking, and receive their Ukash voucher by email or SMS direct to their mobile.

In the UK, Ireland, Spain and Germany, consumers can get Ukash vouchers from thousands of stores such as convenience stores, newsagents and petrol stations.

"Ukash has been a great success in the UK, Ireland, Spain and Germany and I am sure that the expansion across Europe will ensure that the success story continues,” says Mark Chirnside, Chief Executive Officer at Ukash.

Ukash is already accepted at hundreds of international websites, and becoming popular with online gaming companies including Ladbrokes, 888.com, PartyGaming and Bwin.