Online Gambling Payment Methods

Discover the safest and most reliable deposit options for US gambling sites.

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If you’re looking to get started with online gambling, one of the first things you’ll need to do is figure out how to deposit money into your online casino account. While this may seem like a daunting task, it’s actually quite simple once you know where to look.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about depositing money at online gambling sites, including what casino deposit methods are available and how to choose the right one for you.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when gambling online is that you should only ever gamble with money that you can afford to lose. This means setting a budget and sticking to it. Once you’ve done this, you can start looking into the various methods of deposit available to you.

Once you’ve decided on the best method of deposit for you, all that’s left to do is choose a site to gamble on. There are a number of different gambling sites that offer everything from real-money casino games to sports betting and poker. So it’s worth taking the time to browse around and find one that suits your needs. Once you’ve found a good site, all that’s left to do is create an account and start playing!

State-Regulated vs Offshore Gambling Deposits

The online gambling industry in the US is in a state of evolution. Over 30 states have legalized online sports betting, but only a handful of states have approved online casinos and poker. So if you’re looking to gamble online, there are two main deposit options for where to do so: state-regulated gambling sites and offshore gambling sites.

State-regulated gambling sites are only available in certain US states, while offshore gambling sites are available to players from states without legalized online casinos and sportsbooks.

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to depositing money. State-regulated gambling sites may have higher deposit limits, but they also typically have more restrictions on what methods can be used for deposits. Offshore gambling sites usually have lower deposit limits, but they tend to be more flexible when it comes to casino payment methods.

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for the highest casino deposit limits, state-regulated gambling sites are the way to go. But if you’re looking for more flexibility in terms of payment methods, offshore gambling sites might be a better option.

List of Online Gambling Deposit Methods (State Regulated Casinos & Sportsbooks)

  • Online bank transfer
  • Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex)
  • Electronic gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex)
  • Play+ (PlayPlus) prepaid casino cards
  • ACH E-check
  • VIP Preferred e-check
  • Wire transfer
  • PayPal
  • Cash vouchers
  • Cash At Casino Cage
  • PayNearMe Cash

List of Online Gambling Deposit Methods (Offshore Gambling Sites)

  • Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex)
  • Electronic gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex)
  • Person-to-person cash transfer (Moneygram, Ria)
  • Bank wire transfer
  • Money orders
  • Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Apecoin, Avalanche, Binance, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Chainlink, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Polygon, Ripple, Solana, Stellar, Shiba Inu, Tether, USD Coin)

Comparing Online Gambling Payment Methods

There are a few different ways to deposit money into your online casino account, and the method you choose will ultimately depend on your personal preference. The most popular deposit options include credit, debit, gift cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency. Let’s take a closer look at each of these deposit methods so you can decide which one is right for you.

Credit / Debit / Prepaid Cards

One of the most popular deposit methods is using a credit card. This is because it’s quick and easy, and there are usually no fees involved. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re using a reputable site before entering your card details, as there have been cases of fraud in the past.

The best credit card casinos accept almost any type of credit or bank card can be used to gamble online. This includes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also use prepaid cards, which are a great option if you’re looking to limit your spending.

Pros

There are a number of pros to using a credit or bank card for online casinos and sports betting sites.

  • Very quick and easy deposit method and there are usually no fees involved.
  • Very secure way to pay, as your card details are protected by encryption technology.
  • Most major credit and debit cards are accepted at almost all online casinos that cater to US gamblers.

Cons

There are a number of cons to using a credit or bank card for online casinos and sports betting sites.

  • It can be easy to overspend if you’re not careful, as gambling can be addictive.
  • If your card is lost or stolen, your money could be gone in a flash.
  • Some casinos may charge fees for using credit or debit cards, so it’s important to do your research before choosing a site.

Bank Transfers

Another popular method of deposit is via bank transfer. This is a bit more complicated than using a credit cred, but it’s still relatively easy to do. The main advantage of this method is that they are incredibly secure because you’re protected by your bank’s security systems.

However, it can take a few days for the funds to show up in your account, so keep this in mind if you’re planning on gambling with large sums of money. This is also usually the most expensive option, but the best bank account transfer casinos try to keep costs low. If you’re worried about security, an alternate solution is to set up a separate bank account just for your gambling activities.

Online Bank Transfer Overview

  • Accepted by most regulated gambling sites in the U.S.
  • Deposits only.
  • Instant deposits.
  • Online bill pay must be enabled in your online banking portal.
  • Fast, convenient, and free.
  • Available to players who hold a bank account at select U.S. banks only.
  • Sensitive banking information is not shared with casinos or third-party payment processors.

Pros

There are a number of reasons you should consider bank transfers for online casino deposits.

  • You can make larger deposits.
  • Usually no fees on the casino side.
  • One of the most secure casino deposit methods.

Cons

  • Banks may question you about the payment if you’re depositing to an offshore casino.
  • You might incur bank wire fees.

Not all banks in regulated markets support online bank transfers for deposits, so you will need to check with your online casino or bank for availability.

Select examples of banks that support online bank transfers to licensed online gambling sites:

  • Bank of America
  • BB&T
  • Chase
  • PNC
  • Santander Bank
  • Wells Fargo

E-wallets

Another popular method of deposit is through an e-wallet service such as PayPal. This is a secure way to transfer money, and it also offers the added benefit of being able to withdraw your winnings directly into your bank account. However, it’s worth noting that there may be fees involved with using this service, so be sure to check before you sign up.

Pros

The main advantage of using an e-wallet for online gambling sites is security. These services are very secure, and they offer the added benefit of being able to withdraw your winnings directly into your bank account. This is a great option if you’re looking to keep your money safe and secure.

Cons

The main disadvantage of using an e-wallet for online gambling is the fees involved. These services can be quite expensive, so it’s important to do your research before signing up. Another downside is that not all sites accept e-wallets, so it’s important to check before you start playing.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency online casinos are becoming increasingly popular in the US. While there are a few different ways to use cryptocurrency for gambling online, the most common is through an exchange.

An exchange is a platform that allows you to buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies. There are many different exchanges available, so it’s important to do your research before choosing one. Once you’ve found an exchange that you’re happy with, you can then set up an account and start buying and selling currency.

Once you have some cryptocurrency, you can then use it to gamble online. This can be done through specialized gambling sites or through online casinos that accept cryptocurrency. It’s important to remember that not all gambling sites accept cryptocurrency, so be sure to check before you start playing.

If you’re looking for a more secure way to gamble with cryptocurrency, you can always use a wallet. A wallet is a piece of software that stores your currency offline, away from the risk of online theft. There are many different wallets available, so be sure to choose one that’s right for you.

Pros

Cryptocurrency is becoming one of the most popular casino deposit methods, and there are several reasons why it’s a great option.

  • It’s a secure way to transfer money, and transactions are (almost) anonymous. This means you can rest assured that your personal and financial information is safe and confidential.
  • Lower fees. This makes it a more cost-effective option than other deposit methods such as bank transfers.
  • Cryptocurrency is a fast and convenient way to deposit funds into your account, and withdrawals can be processed in just a few minutes.

Cons

  • Learning how to buy and transfer cryptocurrency can be intimidating for some.
  • If you make a mistake sending or requesting crypto, it can be lost.
  • Cryptocurrencies are subject to high volatility – meaning their value could go up or down in between transfers.

Wire Transfers

Compared to online banking transfers, wire transfers can be cumbersome and slow. Wire transfers do still have their place, however, as they are widely accepted at regulated gambling sites in the U.S. for deposits and withdrawals, and wire transfers offer some unique benefits compared to online bank transfers. For example, GoldenNugget in New Jersey does not place a maximum withdrawal limit on wire transfers.

Wire Transfer Overview: 

  • Widely accepted at regulated gambling sites in the U.S.
  • All banks offer wire transfer options.
  • No instant deposit options.
  • Slower deposit and withdrawal times compared to online bank transfers.
  • Some banks allow wire transfers to be initiated online, but most banks require that wires be initiated in person at a bank branch.
  • Banks charge flat fees for incoming and/or outgoing wire transfers.
  • Accepted for both deposits and withdrawals.
  • Higher minimum and maximum withdrawal limits than online bank transfers.

Check By Mail

Just as it sounds, if you select this option as your withdrawal method, casinos will mail you a physical check.

Withdrawal payments via check may be appropriate for people who:

  • Rely heavily on check-based banking.
  • Prefer paper transactions instead of electronic transactions.
  • Do not have a bank account. (Physical checks can be cashed at check cashing service locations.)
  • Aren’t eligible to withdraw using other payment methods that require a like-kind deposit first.

Check By Mail Overview:

  • Widely available at regulated gambling sites in the U.S.
  • Withdrawal method only.
  • Relatively long processing and transit time.
  • Mail delivery can be unreliable.
  • Checks must be mailed to the player’s mailing address that is registered at the online gambling site.
  • Minimum withdrawal amounts are higher compared to other payment methods.
  • Anyone can request a physical check by mail.

PayNearMe Cash

PayNearMe provides a discreet, secure, and relatively convenient way to deposit cash funds into online player accounts. Simply make cash payments at a cash register at any 7-Eleven, CVS, or Family Dollar stores and the funds will be available in your player account within minutes.

PayNearMe services are available for a variety of payment types nationwide, however, PayNearMe Cash payments for online gambling deposits are only accepted in regulated states.

PayNearMe Cash Overview: 

  • Accepted at most regulated gambling sites in the U.S.
  • Make convenient cash deposits at thousands of retail payment locations in regulated U.S. states.
  • Very high success rate for online deposits.
  • No or low fees due at the point of deposit payment ($0 – $5.99), depending on the size of the deposit and the casino.
  • No PayNearMe account needed to make deposit payments.
  • Cash payments must be made at a retail location.
  • Deposits are not instant, but the money is usually available within minutes.
  • Low daily deposit limit of $500.
  • Deposit method only.
  • For cash players in New Jersey, PayNearMe retail locations may be more convenient than Cash@Casino Cage options in Atlantic City.

Cash At Casino Cage

Similar to PayNearMe, paying with cash at the casino cage allows players to use cash for online gambling payments. Unlike PayNearMe, however, the this payment method works for both deposits and withdrawals and the daily limits are much higher.

For example, the Golden Nugget online casino offers a $100,000 daily maximum for Cash At Casino Cage transactions compared to a $500 daily maximum deposit with PayNearMe Cash.

The catch is that you must make the transactions in person at the casino cage in Atlantic City that is linked to your online casino in New Jersey. It is a popular and convenient payment method for people who have easy access to Atlantic City and prefer cash transactions.

Cash At Casino Cage Overview: 

  • Cash only deposits and withdrawals for online gambling.
  • Available at all online gambling sites licensed in New Jersey.
  • Available at all online sports betting sites licensed in Nevada.
  • No fees for deposits or withdrawals.
  • Instant deposits (cash funds are available in your online player account instantly).
  • You may need to wait in line at the cage, depending on how busy the casino is.
  • You will need to verify your identity and your online player account information before making transactions.
  • Transactions can only be made in person, at casino cages.
  • Casino cages are open 24/7 for transactions.
  • Very high deposit and withdrawal limits.

PayPal 

PayPal boasts a long history as a preferred payment method in the U.S., thanks to its origins as the payment of choice for ebay. PayPal remains the most popular e-wallet in the U.S. and it is accepted at most regulated U.S. online gambling sites for instant deposits and withdrawals.

PayPal Overview: 

  • Widely available as an accepted payment method at regulated online gambling sites.
  • The most common and popular e-wallet in the U.S.
  • Instant online gambling deposits.
  • High deposit success rate.
  • Accepted for both deposits and withdrawals.
  • Sensitive financial information is not shared with online gambling sites.
  • Withdrawals may only be possible if you have deposited via PayPal at an online gambling site.
  • Must be a personal U.S. PayPal account.
  • Deposits require an additional login to your PayPal account.

Skrill

Another well-known global e-wallet option, Skrill is not as widely used in the U.S. as PayPal, and Skrill’s terms are generally less favorable than PayPal’s for U.S. players. Skrill’s fees for funding accounts can be pretty hefty, depending on the funding method you choose. For example, fees for funding via ACH are 2.5% and 2.9% for Mastercard/Visa, but bank transfers are free.

Skrill Overview: 

  • Accepted by a limited number of regulated sites in the U.S.
  • Deposit and withdrawal method.
  • Instant deposits at online gambling sites.
  • Sensitive financial information is not shared with online gambling sites.
  • Fees for funding Skrill accounts can be high, depending on the funding method.

Neteller

As of June 2019, Neteller is no longer offering services in the U.S. This change has been updated on most regulated gambling sites in the U.S. that did accept Neteller as a payment method.

VIP Preferred e-Check

VIP Preferred is an ACH e-check service tailored specifically for land-based casino and online casino players in the U.S. Once you register a bank account with VIP Preferred, you can automatically use that bank account for ACH e-check transactions at any land-based or online casino that accepts VIP Preferred.

Key Points: 

  • ACH e-check service specifically for online casinos and land-based casinos in the U.S.
  • Widely available at regulated online gambling sites in the U.S.
  • Exceptionally high success rates.
  • Only available to players who hold a U.S. bank account.
  • You must share your checking account number and routing number online one time when you register with VIP Preferred.
  • Deposit limits are set by VIP Preferred.
  • Seven-day rolling limits.
  • Instant deposits.
  • Once registered, use VIP Preferred at any land-based casino or online gambling site in the U.S. that accepts VIP Preferred.
  • Deposit and withdrawal method.
  • Instant deposits.
  • Gambling deposit and withdrawal transactions are listed on your bank statements.
  • No fees for deposits or withdrawals.
  • Players can make VIP e-check withdrawals without making a VIP Preferred e-check deposit first.
  • Withdrawal processing times can be relatively fast.
  • VIP Preferred advertises higher limits than other e-check options.

ACH e-Check

ACH e-check is a general term that refers to e-check processing in the U.S., which is a reliable and widely accepted payment at regulated U.S. sites. ACH e-checks work like physical checks, but the checking account and routing numbers are provided online for instant transactions instead of via paper checks. In addition to VIP Preferred, there are several different ACH e-check providers that provide payment services through online gambling sites.

ACH e-Check Overview: 

  • Accepted at most regulated online gambling sites in the U.S.
  • Deposit and withdrawal method.
  • Instant deposits.
  • A valid U.S. bank account is required.
  • You must share your checking account number and routing number online at least once when you do your first ACH e-check transfer.
  • Gambling deposit and withdrawal transactions are listed on your bank statements.
  • Limits may be imposed by the ACH e-check provider, and may vary depending on the provider.
  • No fees for deposits or withdrawals.
  • ACH e-check withdrawals may not be dependent on making deposits via ACH e-check.
  • Very high success rate for deposits at legal U.S. online gambling sites.

Play+ (Play Plus) Cards

Play+ (PlayPlus) cards are available at most regulated sites in New Jersey, for example, and provide players with a secure and convenient payment method specifically tailored for online casinos.

PlayPlus cards are prepaid cards linked directly to player accounts at online gambling sites. Play+ cards can be funded via e-check or credit/debit card, and the prepaid funds in your Play+ account can be used to make purchases anywhere that Discover is accepted.

Play+ Bonus Offers

Some sites, like Golden Nugget in New Jersey, offer a bonus for signing up for a PlayPlus card. Players can get up to $10 cashback from GoldenNugget for registering and depositing into their Play+ account.

Play+ Fees

Fees vary by casino, and each casino brand has its own Play+ program details. The Golden Nugget, for example, does not charge any fees for loading or using PlayPlus cards. There is a $2 fee for ATM withdrawals with the card (the ATM fee is waived for VIP PlayPlus members), and a $2.95 per month inactivity fee is charged if the card hasn’t been used for one year or longer.

Play+ Card Overview: 

  • Many regulated online gambling sites in the U.S. offer Play+ card options.
  • Easily funded with e-checks and debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
  • Funds are FDIC Insured.
  • Prepaid cards specifically for online gambling sites.
  • Prepaid cards are linked directly to online player accounts.
  • Balance can be used at ATMs and merchants outside of casinos where Discover is accepted.
  • Instant approval.
  • Instant deposits.
  • Bonus offers for card enrollment at some online casinos.
  • Different Play+ accounts at different casinos offer different terms.
  • Free or variable fees, depending on the individual casino’s Play+ program parameters.
  • Very high approval rate and success rate at online gambling sites.

Common Problems with Online Gambling Deposits

You can’t deposit as much as you want

The maximum allowed deposit on most gambling sites is limited, mainly due to the casino trying to protect itself from chargebacks. That means you won’t be able to deposit more than a set amount with one transaction. The usual restriction is between $1,000 and $2,000, but there’s no way around it other than by making multiple payments.

If you’re a high-roller and want to deposit more money, we recommend searching for a casino that doesn’t have any maximum deposit limitations. Or, use a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin to make your deposits, as most casinos don’t limit the amount you can deposit in crypto.

Your card is declined

If you’re trying to deposit money at an online casino with a credit card, and your card is declined, there are a few things you can do.

First, make sure you have enough funds or credit available to cover the deposit and any fees. Card payments and deposits are frequently denied due to insufficient funds, which means you won’t be able to go over your credit limit or deposit more money than you have in your bank accounts.

Next, check to see if there are any errors with your personal banking details. If everything looks correct, then it’s possible that your card has been blocked for gambling transactions. In this case, you’ll need to contact your bank or credit card provider to resolve the issue.

Another possibility is that your chosen casino doesn’t accept cards from your country. This is fairly common, so it’s worth checking the casino’s terms and conditions before trying to make a deposit.

If all else fails, you can always try an alternative payment method such as e-wallets or cryptocurrency. These methods are usually more reliable than credit or debit cards, and they’re also often faster and more convenient.

Your deposit isn’t showing up in your account

Although most casino deposit methods are immediate, which means money will be credited to your account as soon as you confirm the transaction, some alternatives will need you to wait for the funds to process. A credit card deposit, for example, will be completed when your credit card company approves it, but a bank wire transfer can take up to five business days.

Furthermore, some deposits take longer on the casino’s side to complete. This sort of information should be available on the casino’s or gambling site’s website, but if you have any questions, you should contact customer service. If you can, make your deposit using an e-wallet or cryptocurrency, which is usually quite fast.

Gambling Deposit / Payment Methods FAQ

Do banks allow online gambling?

Most banks will allow online gambling transactions, but there may be some restrictions depending on your country or the bank itself. For example, banks in the United States are not allowed to process gambling transactions, so if you’re trying to deposit money at an online casino from a US bank, it’s likely that the transaction will be declined. In this case, you’ll need to use an alternative payment method such as e-wallets or cryptocurrency.

Is it safe to deposit money for online casino gambling?

Yes, it’s generally safe to deposit money for online casino gambling, as long as you’re using a reputable and well-established casino or gambling site. However, there is always a risk involved when dealing with any kind of online transaction, so it’s important to be careful and only deposit what you can afford to lose. If you’re ever unsure about a casino or gambling site, it’s best to do some research before making a deposit.

How long does it take for an online gambling site to deposit money?

The time it takes for an online casino to deposit money into your account will vary depending on the method you’re using. For example, a credit card deposit will be completed when your credit card company approves it, but a bank wire transfer can take up to five business days. The fastest withdrawal methods are Bitcoin, which is almost instant, and e-wallets that are normally processed in 24 hours or less.

Can you use a debit card for online gambling deposits?

Yes, you can use a debit card for online casino gambling deposits. Most online casinos will accept bank cards such as Mastercard Maestro and Visa Electron as a form of payment.

Although most online casinos will allow debit card deposits, there may be some restrictions depending on your country or the bank itself.

For instance, banks in the United States are not permitted to process gaming transactions, so if you try to deposit money at an online casino using a US bank card, the transaction is likely to be denied. In this scenario, you’ll need to use another payment technique such as e-wallets or cryptocurrency.

What is the best payment method for online casino gambling?

There is no single “best” payment method for online gambling, as each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Credit cards are convenient and widely accepted, but they may be subject to fees and restrictions. E-wallets are often more reliable than credit cards, and they’re also often faster and more convenient. Cryptocurrency is a relatively new option that has some advantages over other methods, but it’s not yet as widely accepted. Ultimately, the best payment method for an online gambling site is the one that works best for you

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