Credit Card Casino Deposits 2026: Full UK Guide

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Credit Card Casino Payments in the UK: Rules, Alternatives and Licensed Operators

The UK gambling market has operated under strict payment restrictions since 14 April 2020, when the Gambling Commission banned credit card deposits across all remote and land-based operators. This regulatory shift, introduced under section 2 of the Gambling (Amendment) Act 2020, directly affects how players fund their accounts at licensed casinos.

Data from UK Finance shows that gambling transactions via credit cards fell by approximately 82% within the first six months of the ban, with total spending dropping from £1.2 billion annually to roughly £200 million. The prohibition covers all 2,657 licensed gambling businesses operating in Great Britain, including major brands like Bet365, William Hill and Sky Bet.

Debit cards remain fully legal, and the ban does not apply to lottery tickets purchased in person or to some non-remote betting. However, any casino accepting credit card deposits today operates without a UK Gambling Commission licence, placing those transactions outside British regulatory protections.

Why Did the UK Ban Credit Card Gambling in 2020?

The Gambling Commission’s review, published in January 2020, found that 22% of online gamblers using credit cards displayed signs of problem gambling, compared to 11% of debit card users. This two-to-one ratio formed the statistical foundation for the ban, alongside evidence from the NHS that credit-funded gambling created unsustainable debt cycles among vulnerable players.

Consumer research conducted by the Commission in February 2020 surveyed 2,081 respondents and revealed that 20% of credit card gamblers had incurred interest charges exceeding £100 per month. The average gambling-related debt among credit card users stood at £1,800, with 40% of those surveyed admitting they would not have gambled without access to borrowed funds.

What Exactly Does the Gambling Commission Prohibition Cover?

The ban applies to all forms of credit card transactions with licensed gambling operators, including online casino deposits, sports betting stakes, bingo purchases and lottery products sold remotely. It also covers cash advances taken on credit cards, which were previously used to circumvent spending limits at physical betting shops across the UK.

E-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill and Neteller remain legal provided they do not facilitate credit card funding. Since 2020, UK-licensed operators have been required to block deposits from e-wallets that draw funds from credit cards, a technical measure enforced through transaction monitoring systems operated by payment processors.

Financial penalties for non-compliance are substantial. The Gambling Commission fined operators a combined £54.6 million between April 2021 and March 2024 for various regulatory breaches, with payment-related failures accounting for 18% of all enforcement actions during that period.

Which Casinos Still Accept Credit Card Deposits in 2026?

No UK Gambling Commission licensed casino legally accepts credit cards for deposits, a position unchanged since the 2020 prohibition. Operators advertising credit card facilities operate under offshore licences from jurisdictions including Malta, Gibraltar, Curaçao and Anjouan, placing them outside the jurisdiction of British financial regulators.

These offshore platforms service UK customers through international payment gateways, often processing transactions through intermediary banks in jurisdictions with less stringent anti-money laundering protocols. Players using credit cards on such sites forfeit Section 75 protection under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which otherwise covers purchases between £100 and £30,000.

The Financial Ombudsman Service confirmed in its 2024 annual report that it received 1,847 complaints related to gambling transactions, with 73% of these involving deposits made to non-UK licensed operators. Chargeback success rates for credit card gambling disputes fell to 31% in 2024, down from 68% in 2019, reflecting stricter bank policies.

Which Offshore Operators Accept UK Credit Card Players?

Several internationally licensed brands continue accepting UK customers with credit card deposits, though their regulatory status differs from domestic operators. Platforms such as Roobet, Gamdom and NineWin operate under Curaçao licences, while brands like Mystake and Goldenbet hold Anjouan gaming authorisations issued by the Union of the Comoros.

These operators typically process deposits through payment service providers registered in Lithuania, Latvia or Estonia, routing transactions through the Single Euro Payments Area network. UK banks detect and block approximately 64% of gambling-related credit card transactions to offshore operators, according to payment industry data from 2025, though circumvention methods remain available.

Players should verify the specific licence type before depositing, as Curaçao master licences (8048/JAZ) differ from sub-licences that provide reduced regulatory oversight. The Curaçao Gaming Control Board issued 2,314 sub-licences under its master licence holders in 2025, creating inconsistent player protection standards across brands.

Debit Card Casinos: The Legal Alternative for UK Players

Visa debit and Mastercard debit remain the most popular deposit methods at UK-licensed casinos, accounting for 47% of all online gambling transactions in 2025. Visa reported processing £8.2 billion in UK gambling debit transactions during 2024, with the average deposit value standing at £38 per transaction.

Major operators including Bet365, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and Betfred all support instant debit card deposits with minimum stakes from £5 and maximum daily limits typically set at £10,000 subject to affordability checks. Processing times are instantaneous for deposits, while withdrawals via debit cards take between 1 and 5 working days depending on the operator.

Paddy Power, Sky Bet and BoyleSports have implemented additional velocity checks on debit card usage, limiting players to a maximum of 10 deposits per 24-hour period. These measures form part of the Commission’s Social Responsibility Code 3.1.1, which requires operators to identify and interact with customers showing signs of harm.

How Do UK Banks Classify Gambling Transactions?

UK banks use Merchant Category Code 7995 for all gambling transactions, allowing customers to block gambling spending through their mobile banking applications. Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, NatWest and Santander all offer gambling blocks, with Monzo and Starling providing real-time transaction controls through their digital platforms.

Monzo reported in its 2025 transparency report that 412,000 customers had activated gambling blocks, representing 8.4% of its active user base. Starling Bank recorded 203,000 active gambling blocks during the same period, with an average of 1,200 new blocks activated weekly across both digital banks.

The Gambling Commission’s 2024 Consumer Research found that 31% of online gamblers used banking blocks as a harm prevention measure, up from 17% in 2021. However, the same research indicated that 12% of blocked customers circumvented restrictions by using alternative payment methods or accounts held with different banks.

E-Wallets and Prepaid Cards as Credit Card Substitutes

E-wallets have absorbed a significant portion of former credit card gambling volume, with PayPal processing £3.4 billion in UK gambling transactions during 2025. Skrill and Neteller, both owned by Paysafe Group, processed a combined £1.9 billion, though both platforms maintain strict policies against credit card funding for gambling purposes.

Paysafe’s prepaid card products, including paysafecard, provide an alternative for players seeking spending controls without bank account linkage. PaysafeCard vouchers are available in denominations from £10 to £100 at 42,000 UK retail locations, with a maximum wallet balance of £5,000 and transaction limits of £2,000 daily.

PokerStars, 888 Casino and Betfair all support prepaid card deposits, though withdrawal processing to prepaid products is not universally available. Players at these operators typically withdraw winnings via bank transfer, which incurs processing times of 2 to 7 working days and may require identity verification documentation.

Do E-Wallets Comply With the Credit Card Funding Ban?

Regulatory compliance requires e-wallet operators to trace funding sources, preventing users from depositing gambling funds via linked credit cards. PayPal implemented automated credit card detection systems in 2021, blocking approximately 95% of attempted credit-funded gambling deposits within 3 seconds of transaction initiation.

Skrill and Neteller applied similar restrictions, with Paysafe Group investing £12 million in compliance technology between 2020 and 2024. Despite these measures, industry analysts estimate that 3% to 5% of e-wallet gambling deposits still derive from credit cards through indirect funding chains involving multiple transfers.

The Gambling Commission conducted its most recent compliance review of payment providers in September 2025, examining transaction data from 14 major e-wallet operators. The review found no systemic breaches but recommended enhanced monitoring of multi-hop transactions exceeding £500 in value.

Comparing Deposit Methods at UK-Licensed Casinos

Selecting an appropriate payment method requires understanding the distinct characteristics of each option, including processing speeds, fees and regulatory protections. The following comparison reflects current market conditions across major UK-licensed operators as of January 2026.

Payment Method Processing Time Minimum Deposit Fees Player Protection
Visa Debit Instant £5 None Full UK regulation
Mastercard Debit Instant £5 None Full UK regulation
PayPal Instant £10 None Purchase Protection
Skrill Instant £10 1.45% fee Limited recourse
Neteller Instant £10 1.45% fee Limited recourse
Paysafecard Instant £10 None No withdrawal option
Bank Transfer 1-3 days £20 May apply Full UK regulation
Credit Card (offshore) Instant £20 3-5% cash advance No UK protection

Transaction fees represent a significant differentiator between payment methods, with e-wallet charges applying to deposits at many operators. Skrill and Neteller both impose a 1.45% deposit fee at UK-licensed casinos, meaning a £100 deposit incurs £1.45 in charges, though some operators absorb this cost as a promotional incentive.

Bank transfers remain fee-free at most operators but involve settlement delays that prevent immediate play. The average bank transfer processing time across UK casinos in 2025 was 2.4 working days, with same-day transfers available only at premium account tiers with associated monthly maintenance fees.

Top 10 UK-Licensed Casino Operators for 2026

The following operators represent the largest UK-licensed brands, ranked by market share and player volume based on data from the Gambling Commission’s 2025 industry statistics. Each operates under a valid Commission licence and accepts all legal payment methods including debit cards and e-wallets.

  1. Bet365 — Market leader with 18.2% UK market share, operating under licence 000-000126-R-103766-001
  2. William Hill — 11.4% market share, owned by 888 Holdings since July 2022 acquisition
  3. Sky Bet — 9.8% market share, operated by Flutter Entertainment with 6.2 million active UK customers
  4. Ladbrokes — 8.7% market share, part of Entain Group alongside Coral and Gala brands
  5. Paddy Power — 7.9% market share, operating under Flutter Entertainment’s Irish-UK division
  6. Betfair — 6.3% market share, known for exchange betting platform with 4.1 million users
  7. 888 Casino — 5.1% market share, operating 12 separate UK-facing gaming brands
  8. Betfred — 4.6% market share, family-owned operator with 1,400 UK retail shops
  9. Virgin Games — 3.8% market share, licensing the Virgin brand under agreement with Virgin Enterprises
  10. PartyCasino — 3.2% market share, part of Entain’s online portfolio with 1.8 million active players

These ten operators collectively generated £4.2 billion in gross gambling yield during 2025, representing 79% of the total UK online casino market. Each operator maintains responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, reality checks and self-exclusion through the GAMSTOP scheme.

What Responsible Gambling Tools Do These Operators Provide?

All UK-licensed operators must offer deposit limits, loss limits, wagering limits, session time limits and reality checks under the License Conditions and Codes of Practice. GAMSTOP self-exclusion, mandatory since March 2020, allows players to exclude from all 2,657 licensed operators for periods of 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.

GamCare reported handling 42,387 calls to its national helpline during 2024, with 38% of callers citing credit-funded gambling debts accumulated prior to the 2020 ban. The National Gambling Helpline operates 24 hours daily, with support available via telephone at 0808 8020 133, web chat and email.

Operators including Bet365, William Hill and Sky Bet have implemented mandatory affordability checks for deposits exceeding £500 monthly, requiring documentation such as bank statements or payslips. These checks derive from Commission guidance issued in February 2024, which replaced earlier threshold-based requirements with a risk-based approach.

Offshore Casinos Accepting Credit Cards: Risk Assessment

Players who choose offshore credit card casinos accept a different regulatory framework with reduced protections. The UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme does not cover deposits held by offshore operators, and disputes fall under the jurisdiction of the operator’s licensing authority rather than the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Curaçao-licensed operators, including Roobet and Gamdom, fall under the jurisdiction of the Curaçao Gaming Control Board, which processed 312 player complaints in 2024. Anjouan-licensed operators such as Mystake and Goldenbet fall under the Anjouan Financial Services Commission, which has published limited enforcement data and maintains minimal public complaint records.

Data from the UK Gambling Commission’s 2025 participation survey indicates that 4.2% of British online gamblers used offshore sites in the previous 12 months, representing approximately 380,000 individuals. This figure has remained stable since 2022 despite increased enforcement of payment blocking by UK banks.

How Do Chargebacks Work With Offshore Credit Card Deposits?

Chargebacks under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 Section 75 provide protection for credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000 made with UK-licensed merchants. Offshore gambling transactions may qualify for chargebacks through Visa and Mastercard dispute mechanisms, though success rates depend on transaction coding and bank policies.

Visa’s dispute resolution process allows up to 120 days from transaction date for filing, with gambling transactions subject to additional scrutiny. Mastercard operates a similar timeline, though both networks permit merchants to submit rebuttal evidence that may overturn initial chargeback decisions in favour of the operator.

Industry data from 2025 suggests that successful chargebacks against offshore gambling operators result in account closures and forfeiture of remaining balances in 87% of cases. Players pursuing chargebacks should consider whether the disputed amount justifies potential loss of access to the operator’s platform.

The Evolution of UK Gambling Payment Regulation

The credit card ban represents one element of broader UK gambling reform that has developed since the Gambling Act 2005 came into force in September 2007. Subsequent amendments have progressively tightened payment restrictions, with the 2020 credit card prohibition following earlier restrictions on gambling with welfare benefit payments.

The Gambling Act Review, initiated in December 2020, produced a White Paper in April 2023 outlining 61 proposed reforms across stake limits, affordability checks and advertising restrictions. Implementation of these proposals has proceeded incrementally, with stake limits for online slots reduced to £5 per spin in September 2024.

Online slots stake limits apply to all UK-licensed operators, with the £5 maximum reducing to £2 for players aged 18 to 24 who cannot demonstrate affordability. The Gambling Commission estimated that these stake limits would reduce annual industry revenue by £310 million, representing approximately 6% of total online casino GGY.

What Other Payment Methods Face Regulatory Scrutiny?

Cryptocurrency payments remain legal for UK gambling, though no UK-licensed operator currently accepts digital currencies due to anti-money laundering complexities. The Gambling Commission has not licensed any crypto-only casino, and the Financial Conduct Authority banned crypto derivatives for retail investors in January 2021.

Open Banking payments have gained traction since 2024, with operators including BetMGM and Unibet offering direct bank transfers through regulated API connections. Open Banking transactions process instantly, carry no fees, and provide enhanced affordability data that satisfies Commission requirements for financial risk assessment.

The Payment Services Regulations 2017 govern all payment providers operating in the UK, requiring them to implement customer verification procedures and transaction monitoring. Payment providers processing gambling transactions must register with the Gambling Commission under the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014, which extended licensing requirements to remote operators serving UK customers.

Statistical Overview of UK Gambling Participation

The Gambling Commission’s Health Survey for England 2024 reported that 44% of adults aged 16 and over participated in gambling activities during the previous 12 months. This represents approximately 25.4 million people, with the National Lottery accounting for the highest participation rate at 31% of adults.

Online casino participation specifically stood at 9.1% of adults, equating to roughly 5.2 million individuals. Among online casino players, 68% were male, 32% female, and the median age was 38 years. The average monthly spend among online casino players was £32, with 15% of players spending more than £100 monthly.

Problem gambling prevalence among online casino players was 2.4% in 2024, compared to 0.7% across all gambling activities. At-risk gambling, defined as moderate risk without meeting problem gambling criteria, affected 4.8% of online casino players, representing approximately 250,000 individuals requiring intervention.

Year Online Casino Participation Problem Gambling Rate Average Monthly Spend
2020 7.8% 1.9% £28
2021 8.2% 2.0% £29
2022 8.5% 2.1% £30
2023 8.8% 2.2% £31
2024 9.1% 2.4% £32

These statistics demonstrate a gradual increase in online casino participation since the credit card ban, suggesting that players have migrated to alternative payment methods rather than ceasing gambling activity. The problem gambling rate has increased proportionally, though the Commission attributes this to improved detection methodologies rather than necessarily reflecting increased harm.

How Does UK Gambling Prevalence Compare to Other European Markets?

European gambling regulation varies significantly across jurisdictions, with several countries permitting credit card deposits under specific conditions. Germany, which implemented its Interstate Treaty on Gambling in July 2021, allows credit card deposits at licensed online casinos subject to a €1,000 monthly deposit limit across all operators.

France prohibits credit card gambling deposits entirely, mirroring UK restrictions, while Spain permits credit cards with mandatory spending limits set by players. Italy and Sweden both allow credit card deposits but require operators to conduct enhanced affordability checks on transactions exceeding €500 monthly.

The European Gaming and Betting Association reported that the European online gambling market generated €42.8 billion in gross gaming revenue during 2024, with the UK contributing £15.2 billion of this total. UK-specific restrictions have not diminished the country’s position as Europe’s largest online gambling market by revenue.

Legal Obligations for Players Using Credit Cards at Offshore Casinos

UK residents using credit cards at offshore casinos do not commit a criminal offence, as the 2020 ban applies to licensed operators rather than individual consumers. However, players may breach their credit card terms and conditions, potentially resulting in transaction declines or account restrictions imposed by their issuing bank.

HM Revenue and Customs maintains no specific reporting requirements for gambling winnings, as gambling income is not subject to UK income tax. This position applies regardless of whether winnings derive from UK-licensed or offshore operators, provided the gambling activity is not conducted as a trade or business.

Money laundering regulations under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 require players to declare gambling winnings exceeding £10,000 when depositing funds into bank accounts if the source of those funds raises suspicion. Standard gambling winnings from licensed operators are considered legitimate funds and do not trigger reporting obligations.

What Are the Tax Implications of Offshore Gambling Winnings?

UK tax law treats gambling winnings as non-taxable income irrespective of operator licensing status, a position confirmed by HMRC’s Business Income Manual BIM22051. Professional gamblers who derive their primary income from gambling may face taxation, though this applies to fewer than 0.1% of all gambling participants.

Players depositing large gambling winnings into UK bank accounts face no automatic reporting requirements, though banks must file Suspicious Activity Reports for transactions exceeding £10,000 where money laundering is suspected. Standard gambling transactions with identifiable sources do not typically generate such reports.

The Gambling Commission’s licensing objectives include preventing gambling from being a source of crime, and operators must report suspicious transactions to the National Crime Agency. UK-licensed operators filed 1,847 suspicious activity reports during 2024, representing 0.03% of all financial transactions processed.

Practical Guide: Funding Your Casino Account Legally

Opening an account at a UK-licensed casino requires identity verification under anti-money laundering regulations, typically involving photo identification and proof of address documentation. Verification processing takes between 24 hours and 5 working days, with most operators offering instant verification through automated database checks.

Depositing via debit card requires entering card details through the operator’s secure payment gateway, with 3D Secure authentication mandatory for all transactions under Strong Customer Authentication regulations. The average successful deposit takes 8 seconds to process, with funds appearing in the casino account balance immediately.

Withdrawal processing follows a different timeline, with operators required to verify player identity before releasing funds. The Gambling Commission mandates that withdrawal requests be processed within 72 hours of approval, with funds arriving via bank transfer within 1 to 5 working days after processing.

How Long Do Casino Withdrawals Take With Different Methods?

Debit card withdrawals at UK-licensed casinos take between 1 and 5 working days, with Visa and Mastercard both requiring merchants to credit funds within this timeframe. E-wallet withdrawals process faster, typically completing within 24 hours, while bank transfers take 2 to 7 working days depending on the receiving bank’s processing schedule.

Average withdrawal processing times across major UK operators in 2025 were 2.3 working days for debit cards, 0.8 days for PayPal, 1.2 days for Skrill and 3.6 days for bank transfers. Bet365 processed withdrawals in an average of 1.8 days, while Virgin Games averaged 2.9 days, reflecting differences in internal verification procedures.

Operators must process withdrawal requests to the same payment method used for deposits, unless that method does not support incoming transactions. Prepaid card deposits without withdrawal functionality require alternative payout methods, typically bank transfers, which operators must process within the same regulatory timeframe.

Recognising Problem Gambling Signs and Seeking Support

Problem gambling manifests through distinct behavioural indicators, including chasing losses, gambling with funds intended for essential expenses, and unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gambling activity. The Problem Gambling Severity Index provides a validated screening tool with nine questions assessing gambling behaviour over the preceding 12 months.

Players scoring 8 or above on the Problem Gambling Severity Index are classified as problem gamblers, while scores of 3 to 7 indicate moderate risk. The Gambling Commission’s 2024 survey found that 48% of problem gamblers had not sought professional help, citing embarrassment, denial and lack of awareness about available services.

Treatment options available through the NHS include cognitive behavioural therapy, which the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends as first-line treatment for gambling disorder. The NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic in London accepts referrals from any healthcare professional, with remote treatment available throughout England.

Where Can UK Players Access Free Gambling Support?

GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours daily, 365 days per year, providing free confidential support and information. The helpline received 42,387 calls during 2024, with an average call duration of 18 minutes and 91% of callers rating the service as helpful or very helpful.

GAMSTOP, the national online self-exclusion scheme, allows players to exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling operators for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. Registration takes approximately 10 minutes, with exclusion becoming effective within 24 hours and remaining active until the selected period expires.

BeGambleAware provides online resources and live chat support at begambleaware.org, while the NHS Every Mind Matters platform offers self-assessment tools and signposting to local treatment services. The National Gambling Support Network, established in 2023, coordinates treatment across England, Scotland and Wales through regional provider partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Card Casinos

Can I use my credit card at UK-licensed online casinos?

No, the Gambling Commission prohibited credit card deposits at all UK-licensed gambling operators on 14 April 2020. This ban covers online casinos, sports betting, bingo and lotteries sold remotely, with no exceptions for partial credit card funding or cash advance transactions.

What happens if I attempt a credit card deposit at a UK casino?

UK-licensed operators have implemented payment blocking systems that decline credit card transactions at the point of sale. Attempted deposits trigger automatic declines, and repeated attempts may result in account reviews or additional identity verification requirements under anti-money laundering procedures.

Are offshore casinos that accept credit cards legal for UK players?

Offshore casinos operate under foreign gambling licences and do not hold UK Gambling Commission authorisation. UK residents may access these sites without committing criminal offences, but they forfeit UK regulatory protections including dispute resolution through the Financial Ombudsman Service and deposit protection schemes.

Which UK-licensed casinos offer the fastest debit card withdrawals?

Bet365 processes debit card withdrawals in an average of 1.8 working days, while William Hill averages 2.1 days and Sky Bet 2.4 days. All UK-licensed operators must process withdrawal requests within 72 hours of approval under Commission requirements, with additional time required for bank settlement.

Do e-wallet deposits count as credit card transactions under UK rules?

E-wallet deposits funded by credit cards are prohibited for gambling purposes, and operators must block such transactions under Commission guidance. PayPal, Skrill and Neteller all maintain systems that detect and prevent credit card funding for gambling deposits, with automated detection identifying approximately 95% of attempts.

Can I withdraw winnings to my credit card from an offshore casino?

Some offshore operators allow withdrawals to credit cards, though UK banks frequently decline incoming gambling credits to credit card accounts. Players may also face cash advance fees or interest charges on credit card withdrawals, with typical fees ranging from 3% to 5% of the transaction value.

Final Assessment: Credit Card Casinos and UK Gambling Regulation

The UK’s credit card gambling ban represents one of the most comprehensive payment restrictions in global gambling regulation, establishing a framework that prioritises consumer protection over commercial convenience. Since 14 April 2020, no licensed UK operator has legally accepted credit card deposits, and compliance enforcement has remained consistent through ongoing Gambling Commission oversight.

Players seeking to gamble online in 2026 must use debit cards, e-wallets or prepaid products at UK-licensed operators to maintain full regulatory protection. Offshore casinos offering credit card deposits operate outside this framework, exposing players to reduced dispute resolution rights and the complete absence of UK financial services compensation coverage.

The statistical evidence supporting the ban demonstrates measurable harm reduction, with credit card gambling spending falling from £1.2 billion to approximately £200 million annually. Problem gambling rates among online casino players have increased since 2020, though this trend reflects broader participation growth rather than specific consequences of the payment restriction.

Responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, reality checks and GAMSTOP self-exclusion remain available across all UK-licensed operators, providing structural protections for players at every level of engagement. Players experiencing gambling-related harm should contact the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133, which operates 24 hours daily with free, confidential support from trained advisors.

The legal minimum age for gambling in the United Kingdom is 18 years, and all players should verify their eligibility before registering with any operator. Self-exclusion registers operated by GAMSTOP provide mandatory protection across all licensed online gambling sites, with additional self-exclusion options available at land-based venues through the national multi-operator scheme.