How To Make A Deposit At An Online Casino
Online gambling deposits may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many options are available. Moreover, every online casino has a different way of accepting online gambling deposits, so it’s essential to understand how to deposit money into your online casino account. In today’s blog, we look at the most common payment methods accepted at online casinos and what you need to know before depositing your own.
Types Of Online Casino Deposit Methods
When you’re ready to start playing your favorite games for real money, the first step is funding your account. This might seem daunting initially, but don’t worry – it’s a straightforward process. Online casinos offer a variety of deposit methods to cater to different preferences and needs.
Each method has pros and cons, and depending on the method type, the depositing process can vary from inputting your card details to logging in to your online banking. Below, we will examine the most common payment methods offered as deposit methods.
Credit and Debit Cards
Credit and debit cards are online casinos’ most popular deposit methods. They are widely accepted and easy to use, and most players are already familiar with them; you probably use your debit and credit cards daily! To use a credit or debit card, enter the card details and the amount you wish to deposit on the cashier’s screen.
Once you confirm the transaction, the funds are instantly available in your casino account. It’s easy, hassle-free, and fee-free – although there are a few things to remember.
Firstly, while deposits are typically instant, withdrawals can take longer – sometimes a few days – as they undergo processing by both the casino and your bank. Also, some players may not feel comfortable sharing their card details with an online casino, although reputable sites use advanced encryption to protect your information.
Note: some banks may block transactions to and from online gambling sites. This doesn’t reflect the casino’s legitimacy but rather the bank’s policies on gambling transactions. Credit card deposits might also be treated as cash advances, which could incur additional fees. Before using your card at an online casino, it’s a good idea to check with your bank to see whether they allow online gambling transactions and whether or not they impose fees when the card is used at an online casino.
Skrill
Skrill, the most widely accepted EWallet at online casinos, acts as a middleman between your bank and the online casino. First, you must set up a free account at the main Skrill website. You must verify your ID, as Skrill is a licensed financial operator in many jurisdictions. You can then top-up your Skrill account via bank transfer, credit or debit card, or other payment methods.
Once your Skrill account is loaded, depositing at an online casino is simple and fast. You choose Skrill as your deposit method, input the amount you wish to deposit, and the funds are transferred to your casino account almost immediately.
Now, one of the reasons why this payment method is so popular is the high level of security and privacy it offers. Skrill keeps your personal and financial details separate from the casino, significantly reducing the risk of fraud or data theft. The EWallet also uses robust encryption and security protocols to protect your login data.
Skrill is also widely available. Almost every online gambling site accepts Skrill, and it’s very rare to see a non-US casino not accepting it. However, it’s essential to know the fees associated with Skrill. While depositing money into a casino account is usually free, there are usually charges for loading your Skrill account or withdrawing funds from it. Additionally, some online casinos might exclude Skrill deposits from certain bonus offers, so checking the casino’s terms and conditions is always good.
PayPal: Easy Deposits Into Your Online Casino Account
PayPal is perhaps the most popular payment method, even more than Skrill – but it gets knocked off the top because it’s nowhere near as widely available as Skrill. This is because PayPal is very strict about who they work with; you generally find online casino players in the UK can use it. Again, as an EWallet, PayPal acts as a middleman between your bank account or credit card and the casino, ensuring additional security for your financial details.
Setting up a free account with PayPal is easy, and again, you’ll need to verify your ID and transfer funds to your PayPal account. When depositing at an online casino, simply select PayPal as your preferred payment method and log into your PayPal account through the casino’s payment page. Confirm the transaction and the funds will be available in your online gambling account immediately.
Now, while only a few online casinos offer PayPal, those that do make it easy to deposit at an online casino don’t need to enter personal or card details – although you can deposit using your debit card through PayPal. Another benefit of PayPal is that deposits are usually eligible for casino bonuses, unlike other EWallets. Additionally, PayPal’s mobile app makes it convenient to manage transactions on the go, which is good news for players wanting to enjoy real money casino games from their mobiles!
Neteller: Accepted at Most Online Casinos
Neteller has carved out a strong niche in online gaming, and along with Paypal and Skrill, it’s one of the three main eWallets available at online gambling websites. To use Neteller, you must first create (and fund) a free account. You can add money to your free account through bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or other e-wallets. Once your Neteller account is funded, depositing money into your casino account is easy.
You simply select Neteller as the deposit method, enter your account details and the amount, and the transfer happens almost immediately. This quick process makes it a preferred choice for players who want to start playing without delay.
One of the significant benefits of using Neteller is its high security level. Your financial details are not shared with the casino, reducing the risk of fraud. Neteller uses top-notch encryption and security measures to protect your transactions. Another advantage is that Neteller is widely accepted at online casinos, making it a versatile option for players. Additionally, Neteller accounts can be managed on mobile devices, allowing for convenient tracking and management of funds.
However, like with Skrill, you must be aware of the fees. Deposits to an online gambling website are free – usually – but when withdrawing money from Neteller to your bank, you will usually pay a fee, and it can be pretty high. Like Skrill, most online casinos also restrict Neteller from welcome bonuses, so you’ll need to remember this.
ecoPayz
ecoPayz functions similarly to other EWallets, although it’s not as popular as the payment method options we’ve covered thus far. To use this EWallet, you must create an ecoPayz account and fund it via bank transfers or credit cards. Once your account is loaded, depositing at an online casino is straightforward. You select ecoPayz as your deposit method, enter the amount, and the transfer to your casino account is processed almost instantly.
Remember that while depositing with ecoPayz is usually free, fees might be associated with funding your ecoPayz account or withdrawing funds to your bank account. Also, as with other EWallets, some casinos might exclude ecoPayz deposits from certain bonus offers, so checking the specific terms and conditions is advisable.
iDebit
iDebit bridges your bank account and the online casino, allowing direct and secure transactions. To use iDebit, you don’t necessarily need to set up an account beforehand; you can choose to check out as a guest during your first transaction. This involves selecting iDebit at the casino’s cashier, logging into your bank account through iDebit’s secure gateway, and approving the transaction. The funds are instantly transferred from your bank account to the casino, enabling you to play immediately.
A key advantage of iDebit is its emphasis on security. Since the transaction is conducted within the secure environment of your online banking, your financial details are not shared with the casino, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. This direct banking method is also appealing because it’s straightforward and doesn’t require additional funding for a separate account, as with EWallets.
However, iDebit might have fees for certain transactions. While making payments from your online banking to a casino is typically free, there may be a fee for transferring funds from your iDebit balance to your bank account. It’s also worth noting that iDebit is less widely accepted than other payment methods, so you’ll need to check if your chosen casino supports it.
MuchBetter
MuchBetter is a mobile-based payment solution emphasizing ease of use and security. To get started, download the MuchBetter app on your smartphone and create an account. You can fund your MuchBetter account through bank transfers or credit/debit cards. When you wish to deposit at a casino, select MuchBetter at the cashier, enter your deposit amount, and approve the transaction through your mobile app.
Security is a cornerstone of MuchBetter’s service. The app protects your account using Touch ID, dynamic security codes, and transaction review systems. This focus on security ensures that your financial information and transactions are well protected. Additionally, MuchBetter is explicitly designed for online gaming, meaning it’s widely accepted at various online casinos, making it a versatile option for players.
Another unique feature of MuchBetter is its reward program. Users can earn points for every transaction they make, and regular players are then entered into weekly prize draws where they can win real money. Considering you don’t have to pay anything extra, this is great, especially if you plan to deposit at an online casino using MuchBetter frequently.
Paysafecard
Paysafecard is a prepaid payment method offering a different approach than Ewallets or direct bank transfers. It works through vouchers, which you can purchase at various retail outlets for cash. Each voucher comes with a 16-digit PIN code. To deposit at an online casino, you simply choose Paysafecard as the payment method, enter the PIN code, and the amount on the voucher is transferred to your casino account. Paysafecard’s straightforward and instant nature allows you to start playing your favorite games immediately.
One of the main advantages of using Paysafecard is the security and anonymity it provides. Since you’re using a prepaid voucher, sharing personal or financial information with the casino is unnecessary. This makes Paysafecard an ideal option for players hesitant about sharing their details online. It’s also suitable for those wanting a greater degree of privacy.
However, there are some limitations to consider. Paysafecard is typically used only for deposits, not withdrawals. So, if you win at the casino, you’ll need to choose an alternative method to withdraw your funds. Additionally, since you have to buy the vouchers physically (although some regions offer online purchase options), it might not be as convenient as other online payment methods.
Another point to note is that Paysafecard transactions are generally not associated with fees for players, so it’s a more cost-effective option than other payment method options we’ve covered so far. Furthermore, many online casinos offer bonuses and promotions for deposits made through Paysafecard, making this payment method even more suitable!
Trustly
Trustly operates as a direct online banking payment method, enabling you to make deposits into your casino account directly from your bank account. To use Trustly, select it as the payment option at the casino’s cashier, then you’re redirected to Trustly’s secure gateway. You choose your bank and log in with your regular online banking credentials. After confirming the transaction, the deposit is made instantly, and you can start playing immediately.
One of the key benefits of Trustly is the level of security it offers. Since the transaction occurs within your bank’s secure system and no sensitive financial information is shared with the casino, it dramatically reduces the risk of fraud. Trustly uses the highest encryption standard available, adding an extra layer of security.
Trustly is also known for its convenience. It doesn’t require a separate account or registration process, making it straightforward for anyone with an online banking account. Moreover, many online casinos in Europe and beyond accept Trustly, giving players a wide range of gaming sites.
However, checking whether your bank supports transactions via Trustly is essential, as its availability can vary. Also, deposits are instant, but withdrawal times can vary depending on the casino’s processing policies. Once the casino processes your withdrawal, the funds appear instantly in your bank.
Jeton: One of the Lesser-Known Casino Deposit Methods
Jeton is an e-wallet service that offers fast and secure transactions for online gambling. To use Jeton, you must first set up an account and fund it through various methods such as bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or other payment options. Once your Jeton account is funded, depositing at a casino is straightforward. You select Jeton as your deposit method at the casino, enter the amount, and the funds are transferred to your casino account quickly, allowing you to begin playing immediately.
Jeton keeps your personal and financial details secure and separate from the online casino, minimizing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access. Jeton employs robust encryption technology to protect your transactions. Additionally, Jeton is gradually being accepted by many online casinos, providing flexibility and convenience to its users.
Another benefit of Jeton is its user-friendly mobile app, which allows you to manage your transactions and account balances easily from your smartphone. This is particularly advantageous for players who prefer to handle their gaming finances on the go.
However, it’s worth noting that fees might be associated with funding your Jeton account or withdrawing funds from it. While depositing into a casino account is usually free, other transactions might incur charges.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a digital wallet service available to users of Apple devices, offering a convenient and secure way to make payments. You must set it up on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to use Apple Pay for casino deposits. Once set up, making a deposit is incredibly easy.
At the casino’s cashier, select Apple Pay as your deposit method, choose the amount, and authenticate the transaction using Touch ID, Face ID, or your device passcode. The process is incredibly fast and efficient, allowing you to start playing almost instantly.
Apple Pay doesn’t share your card details with the casino; instead, it uses a device-specific number and unique transaction code for each payment. This means your card numbers are never stored on your device or Apple servers, and they’re not shared with merchants, adding an extra layer of protection. Furthermore, Apple Pay’s authentication methods (Face ID, Touch ID, passcode) ensure that you authorize transactions, reducing the risk of fraud.
However, there are a couple of limitations. Firstly, Apple Pay is only available to users of Apple devices, which automatically excludes more than 50% of the world’s population! Like other digital wallet services, Apple Pay is often used only for deposits. This means you’ll need to choose an alternative method for withdrawals, which can be a pain. Thirdly, Apple Pay isn’t offered as a standalone payment method that much in the online gambling world yet, so you won’t find it accepted at all online gambling sites.
PayByPhone
PayByPhone is a mobile payment solution that allows you to make deposits at online casinos using your mobile phone. It’s easy to use and convenient – but it’s come under a lot of scrutiny in the last few years, with some online gambling regulators claiming it encourages players to gamble with money they don’t have. Why? Because when you deposit using PayByPhone, the deposit amount is either charged to your monthly phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance.
Nonetheless, it’s still widely available, and to use PayByPhone, you select it as the deposit method at the casino’s cashier and enter your mobile number and the deposit amount. You’ll then receive a confirmation message on your phone, and upon confirming the transaction, the funds will be available in your online gambling account.
One of the primary benefits of PayByPhone is the convenience it offers. It’s a quick process, requiring just a few taps on your smartphone. Additionally, it adds a layer of security since no bank details or card information is shared with the casino. This makes it a secure option for players who are cautious about sharing their financial information online.
However, PayByPhone also has some limitations. The most notable is that it’s typically used only for deposits, not withdrawals. This means you’ll need to have an alternative method in place for withdrawing your winnings. Also, there might be a limit on how much you can deposit via PayByPhone, which is generally lower than other payment methods. For example, in the UK, players are generally limited to a maximum of £30 per week.
Bank Transfer
Bank transfers, or wire transfers, are a traditional method of transferring funds directly from your bank account to your casino account. To deposit via bank transfer, you select it as your payment option at the casino, get the casino’s bank details, and then initiate a transfer from your bank, either online, over the phone, or in person. While this method is much slower than EWallet or card deposits, it’s one of the most secure. It’s also the best option for transferring large sums of money to a casino.
Since the transaction is handled directly by banks, it’s subject to rigorous security measures and monitoring, minimizing the risk of fraud. However, the processing time for bank transfers can be a significant downside. Unlike the instant time frames enjoyed by EWallet and card depositors, bank transfers can often take more than a week to complete, and this does not include public holidays or weekends!
Additionally, most online gambling sites have high minimum deposit and withdrawal limits – and you may also pay a fee if you choose to deposit or withdraw using a bank transfer.
Check Payment
Checks, although less common in the era of digital payments, remain a viable option for making deposits at some online casinos. To use a check, you simply write it out to the casino and mail it to their address. The main advantage of using checks is their security. Since they are processed through banking channels, they are subject to strict security measures, and you don’t need to give any card or personal information, either. Additionally, checks can be suitable for making large deposits, as they typically don’t have the same transaction limits as some EWallets.
However, there are notable downsides to using checks. The most significant is the processing time; it can take several weeks for a check to arrive by mail and be processed by the casino. Additionally, there may be fees associated with depositing checks, and not all casinos accept them, especially as more modern payment methods become more widespread.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies have become an increasingly popular way for players to fund their accounts at online casinos. Major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin allow casino players to deposit safely, quickly, and often anonymously. The decentralized nature of crypto transactions offers some key advantages over traditional banking methods.
Unlike credit cards or bank accounts, cryptocurrencies enable instantaneous transfers between the player and the casino every time. (Well, assuming the Blockchain isn’t overloaded, that is.) Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, too, which means there is no financial institution that facilitates or processes payments. Instead, peer-to-peer blockchain networks verify and record all transfers transparently. Without that middleman, deposits via crypto tend to be free of additional fees or charges beyond network costs.
It also means no one to stop or block your transaction. This is good for players living in anti-gambling countries, but it is a double-edged sword. For example, if you deposit to the wrong crypto address, there’s nobody to turn to to get your money back, so you’re on your own.
Crypto is also incredibly secure. Though not 100% foolproof, blockchains are far less prone to hacking or manipulation. Player information does not need to move through multiple vulnerable channels when using crypto deposit options.
Of course, cryptocurrencies also come with challenges, including market volatility, irreversible transfers, and remembering wallet keys or passwords. But their efficiency, security, cost savings, and privacy make crypto among online casinos the most appealing funding solution. We’re continuing to see more online casinos beginning to integrate crypto into their systems, and this is likely to continue, in our opinion!
How To Make a Deposit
Making your first deposit at an online casino only takes a few simple steps. Once you’ve registered your player account, you’ll need to navigate to the cashier or banking section of the casino website or app. This is typically accessible via a menu link like Deposit, Banking, Cashier, or similar.
In the cashier portal, you’ll find all the available payment methods for funding your account. Depending on the casino you play at, you may see some, all, or none of the methods mentioned above. Select which payment method works for you and enter the amount you want to deposit.
If choosing bank cards as your deposit method, you’ll need to enter your card number, expiry date, CVV code, and billing address details. Most online casinos accept major card providers like Visa and Mastercard, although AMEX is rarely accepted. Card deposits are almost always instant, and any fees are charged to the online gambling platform, not yourself.
If you deposit with an EWallet, you generally will be redirected to the EWallet’s website, where you can log in and confirm the transaction. Crypto deposits are sent to a unique wallet address generated within the online gambling’s cashier section. If you want to deposit using a bank transfer or via check, you’ll need to contact the casino’s customer support team to get information on how to make online gambling deposits.
Regardless of whether you deposit using credit and debit cards using an instant bank transfer from your online banking, you, like all online casino players, can begin playing your favorite online casino games instantly, except for bank transfer deposits and check online gambling payments.
Processing Times For Online Gambling Deposits
You may have questions about the processing times when looking at deposit method options and the best casino methods offered at online gambling sites where you can play your favorite real money casino games. Thankfully, most deposit method options are instant – almost all online casino sites will instantly credit your deposit to your account.
Instant deposit method options at online casinos include credit and debit card deposits, cryptos, and EWallets. The only exception is if the deposit methods you chose to use at an online casino have any issues or flags up as suspicious with the online casino. In this case, they may carry out additional checks before crediting the money to your account, although this is rare.
Naturally, even the best online casinos will need time to process your deposit if you use deposit methods like bank transfers. Unless necessary, we’d advise against using a bank transfer or check to deposit, as the funds can take more than a week to be credited to your online gambling account!
Another aspect to consider is the verification process, which can impact deposit times, especially for new players. Online casinos must adhere to strict regulations, including Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies. If you join a new online casino – especially if you live in the UK – you must verify your identity before making a deposit.
Thankfully, once you do this once, you rarely need to do it again. Plus, many online gambling sites today use state-of-the-art automated verification software, so it takes just a minute or two!
Deposit Method Fees
Regardless of your casino deposit methods, one thing is universal: online gambling platforms and the best online casinos want players to make deposits. Subsequently, casino deposit methods rarely come with fees unless an online gambling site has to. When you choose a deposit method like a debit card, there is a fee, but the casino pays it.
However, this isn’t always the case, and some EWallets, like Skrill, may charge you a fee – although this is usually when you withdraw money instead of depositing it to a casino. However, you will pay a fee if you choose one of the many crypto casino deposit methods available. This fee, however, is not paid to the casino; instead, it is a mining fee required for you to send the transaction.
While most online gambling sites don’t charge you a fee for their deposit methods, you should always check beforehand. The last thing you want to be doing is paying a fee on your online gambling deposits, so it’s worth taking a minute or two to check this before selecting which payment solutions you’ll use!
Essential Things To Know Before Depositing
I’ll put this in bullet-point form to keep it easy to read. All the information about each bullet is expanded within these pages, but getting a quick feel for what to expect is reasonable. I remember some issues that confused me initially. But that said, it may look more complicated than it is. The processes are straightforward if you find a good casino, which isn’t tricky.
- Some casinos are “bad apples,” but the majority are legitimate, providing you play yourself fairly! Not all casinos accept players from all countries. Generally, if you live in a country where online gambling may be against the law (Italy, USA, etc), check carefully. You should also check the minimum age limit at each casino.
- When you come to cash out, you will often be asked to provide some documentation/ID, electronically or otherwise, the first time you cash out a sizable amount. This will delay payment for up to 7-10 days (on average) the first time you do this.
- Most casinos run on one of several well-known casino software platforms so you will see similar games and interfaces at many online casinos. The software is also an essential indicator of the legitimacy of a casino, and it is pretty easy to download and register a “real money” account. Note that most casinos also allow you to sign up as a guest to play for fun and try it out first.
- Many online casinos have download and/or Flash/Java options available. Where there is an option, the download version will generally have many more games. The casino deposit methods available rarely change depending on which software they’re running. However, today, in 2024, all casinos run using HTML5, so Flash and Java are no longer available. Thankfully, again, this doesn’t change the casino deposit methods available to you.
- Generally, casinos accept Euros, US dollars, and UK pounds. Some also take Canadian dollars and S.A rands. Most casinos take credit and debit cards, but many experienced players set up a free eWallet account, which speeds up payments and makes life easier.
- Casino signup bonuses are common but need careful thought as they come with very strict terms and conditions, which many players find obstructive (I rarely take them personally).
- All casino games have a “house edge.” How much this varies and, in many cases, is affected by your degree of skill in the chosen game. However, most online games have higher expected odds of return than land-based bricks and mortar (“B&M”) casinos. As a generalization, you’d expect around 92% – 95% for slots, 97% – 99.5% for video poker, 97.5% – 99.5% for table games, and Keno, which varies significantly from 75% to 95%.