When it comes to your personal security and privacy, a trusted banking method is imperative when playing at online casinos. Though the options have changed over the years, it could be argued that modern online casino banking methods are more dynamic and secure than ever.
From cash wire deposits to withdrawals via Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, the options for depositing and withdrawing money at online casinos are expansive.
We’re dedicated to providing you with detailed information, including pros and cons, about the most common payment methods accepted by gambling sites. The information provided on this site is intended to help you make the best choices before depositing at a casino.
We aim to provide the best information on international real money gambling sites, including gambling site deposit options and gambling deposit bonuses. We only recommend gambling sites that have quick and easy ways to deposit and cash out.
Online casino payment methods
Online casinos accept a wide variety of payment options for gambling deposits and withdrawals. These banking methods include payments through your bank, credit and debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrency. Some deposit methods are more widely accepted than others, and different options provide varying levels of anonymity, convenience, and speed.
Bank payments at online casino sites
Casinos may accept payments made through your bank using direct bank transfers, e-checks, or physical checks. Some betting sites also support third-party service providers that transfer funds between the casino and your bank account. Citadel Instant Banking is a global bank transfer provider, and examples of regional transfer services include iDeal in Holland, iDebit in Canada, Sofort and Trustly in Europe, EasyETF in South Africa, Lobanet in South America, and POLi in Australia and New Zealand.
Find online casinos by type of bank transfer
- Trustly
- SiD Secure EFT
- POLi
- iDEAL
- GiroPay (Germany)
- Euteller (Finland)
- eps-Überweisung (Austria)
- EasyEFT (South Africa)
- Online Bank Transfers (United States)
- InstaDebit (Canada)
- iDebit (Canada)
Credit / debit / prepaid cards for online casino deposits
Credit cards and debit cards are popular deposit methods as they are convenient for cardholders and widely accepted by casinos. Most sites accept at least one credit or debit card option like Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and Maestro. Credit and debit cards can also be used at online casinos.
Find gambling sites by type of credit card
Prepaid cards provide a highly secure and anonymous way to fund an account. Physical prepaid cards like paysafecard can be purchased at stores with cash or credit and can then be used online to make your gambling deposit. Those cards include EcoPayz and Astropay, and they are not linked to a bank or credit account, unlike prepaid credit or debit cards.
Find online casinos by type of prepaid card
Electronic wallets (E-wallets)
E-wallets are another popular option for online gambling deposits. Funds are usually available immediately, and you don’t need to share sensitive banking details or credit card numbers with the casino. Major e-wallet providers include Paypal, Skrill, Neteller, Wirecard, MuchBetter, and Entropay. Mobile wallets like Zimpler and Apple Pay are also accepted at select gambling sites.
Find gambling sites by type of e-wallet
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is one of the newest options for making fast and anonymous online gambling deposits. More betting sites are starting to accept popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum.
Before you make an online casino deposit
Below are some simple steps to follow before making your first gambling deposit at an online casino.
First, choose a site that is safe, secure, and trusted.
Reputable betting sites and online casinos are licensed by government gambling authorities to ensure that they are regulated and tested for fairness and safety. The site’s reputation and trustworthiness, security protocols, and how long it has been in business are all vital factors to consider. Read our FAQ on choosing an online casino here.
Once you’ve chosen a casino, look for answers to these questions:
What kind of bonuses does the casino offer, and can I cash in on them?
Most betting sites offer bonuses for first-time players, with requirements for how much you must deposit and wager within a specific timeframe to be able to cash in on bonus money and any associated winnings.
What payment methods does the casino accept?
Different sites accept varying payment and withdrawal methods, so always check which options are available at your gambling site of choice.
Are there fees for making deposits and withdrawals?
Although no fee options may be available, some casinos and payment providers may charge fees, so make sure to research this in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How long will it take to process my deposits and withdrawals?
Payment processing times depend on the site’s policies and the payment method used. Typically, processing an online gambling deposit is faster than making a withdrawal.
Does the casino request verifications?
Betting sites may ask you to provide verifications of your ID or payment method to combat fraud.
The answers to all of the above questions will vary depending on the casino you want to play at. We provided a general overview to help you locate the most relevant deposit and withdrawal information at any reputable gambling site. This information is usually laid out in the Banking, Banking Info, FAQ, or Getting Started sections. If you cannot find the answers to these questions, you can contact customer service at the casino via live chat or other available contact methods.
Gambling Deposits FAQ
What payment methods do online casinos accept?
Betting sites accept a variety of regional, national, and global payment options, including bank transfers, credit and debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrencies. These methods vary by casino.
Gambling sites should feature a section that lists all accepted deposit and withdrawal methods. This information can usually be found on the Banking, Banking Info, Getting Started, or the FAQ pages.
Take note of each site’s accepted payment methods for both adding and taking out money from your account – many casinos may offer more limited options for withdrawals than they do for deposits. In some cases, you may only be able to withdraw funds through the same payment method you used to make your deposit.
Are there fees for making gambling deposits and withdrawals?
Potential transaction fees depend on the casino and payment method, and they should be listed on the site’s Bank, Banking Info, Getting Started, or FAQ pages.
Reputable gambling sites typically provide details about potential fees charged by the casino itself as well as those incurred by the payment provider for every accepted banking method. For example, a casino may note that they do not charge any fees for Paypal transactions, but that Paypal charges a transaction fee.
How do I make a gambling deposit at a betting site?
First, select the casino you want to play at and the payment method you want to use after reading our how-to guide on RealGamblingSites.com. Upon registration, go to the site’s cashier area, choose your preferred banking option, provide any information requested by the casino, and transfer funds to make an initial deposit. You can start playing as soon as the funds from your gambling deposit are available in your account.
What is the fastest way to make a gambling deposit?
Many deposit methods fund your account instantly, including credit card, e-wallet, and bank transfers. Check the Banking, Getting Started, or FAQ pages for specific information about the casino’s accepted deposit methods and their corresponding processing times.
How can I withdraw money from my account?
When you have a positive balance in your account, you can choose to withdraw some or all of your funds. Initially, the withdrawal process can be more cumbersome than making deposits – your first withdrawal from a betting site may involve additional steps, including ID and payment method verification. After you’ve completed these steps, withdrawals are usually more automated.
What payment verification do gambling sites require?
Withdrawal processing times vary depending on the site and payment method selected. Some methods are instant, others are processed within 24-72 hours, and still others – like a physical check – can take even longer. Detailed information about processing times for each withdrawal method accepted by a gambling site can be found on the Banking, Getting Started, or FAQ pages.
Are there withdrawal limits at online casinos?
Yes. Most casinos limit the amount of money you can withdraw from your account per transaction. Some sites also limit the number of withdrawals you can make per week (or another time frame) depending on the selected method.
Many sites also specify a minimum amount that you must withdraw per transaction. Information about withdrawal minimums and maximums, as well as any other limits, should be listed on the Banking, Getting Started, or FAQ pages at reputable casinos.
How can I cash in on gambling deposit bonus offers?
Many casinos offer attractive welcome promotions in the form of bonus money or other incentives, such as free spins, on your initial deposit. Each gambling site features different bonuses that come with varying terms and conditions.
To cash in on online casino bonuses, you must usually meet specific wagering requirements. For example, you may need to wager 10x the amount of your first deposit to receive the bonus money and any associated winnings. It is crucial to read the Terms and Conditions of any bonus offer to make sure you can realistically fulfill the playthrough requirements to claim the money. Different games may also contribute in varying degrees to the wagering requirements. For example, a casino may offer 100% credit towards the requirement for gameplay on slot machines, but only 50% credit for table games. Be sure to click the Terms & Conditions link for any bonus promotion you’re considering to review the details of its wagering requirements and what percentage of your gameplay contributes towards meeting them.
Casinos may also offer bonuses for deposits made using specific payment methods. For example, a betting site may award a $10 bonus for depositing funds with a prepaid card purchased through the casino. Promotional offers for deposits made via specific payment methods may also carry requirements that you can find on the site’s Terms and Conditions page.
How do I know if a site is safe to play at?
Most gambling sites are legitimate and trustworthy; however, there are also many rogue casinos that should be avoided. Some key things to look for in a gambling site are:
- A casino license: Make sure a casino holds a permit issued by a recognized gambling authority. Betting sites that were awarded a license from a trusted jurisdiction went through a thorough testing and verification process. Examples of governments that issue online casino licenses include the United Kingdom (UK Gambling Commission), Isle of Man, Alderney, Kahnawake, Cyprus, Gibraltar, and Malta.
- Third-party testing: Third-party testing companies provide another level of verification, and you can view the certificates companies issue after successful testing. These companies perform testing and verification for casino software and Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair gaming and legal compliance. Examples of testing companies are eCOGRA, GLI (Gaming Laboratories International), and TST (Technical Systems Testing).
- Encryption certificates: Look for an SSL Certificate, which indicates that a site offers at least 128-bit encryption to protect your sensitive information.
- Reputation and background: Look into how long the casino has been in business and whether it boasts a good reputation. Some sites are backed by major gambling brands, which provides additional legitimacy.
- Software: Check if the games provided by the casino are offered by a reputable gaming software developer.
When gambling at sites for real money, there are a few things to consider before signing up and making a first deposit including what country you are from, which currency you prefer, and what type of gambling you prefer to do. It is also a good idea to consider what gambling deposit option you will be using, and how big a deposit you will make in order to take maximum advantage of deposit bonus offers at top gambling sites.
For now, we’ll start by focusing on poker, casino, sports betting, horseracing, and bingo gambling deposits.
Poker Deposits
For more information on making a poker deposit and the best poker site deposit bonuses, see our poker deposit section. Finding the best poker site to deposit at can sometimes be difficult, we’ve made it easy for US and international gambling players alike.
Casino Deposits
Finding a great casino site to deposit at can be overwhelming, we’ve gone through hundreds of online casinos and listed only the top online gambling casinos based on ease of depositing and withdrawing, plus easy to clear deposit bonus offers. See more at our casino deposit page.
Sportsbook Deposits
When it comes time to deposit at a gambling site with sports betting to wager on your favorite team, we list only the best free bet deposit offers at sportsbooks and betting sites. It is especially important to us only to recommend sports gambling sites that have a proven track record of great customer support and fast withdrawals. Visit our sports gambling section for more information on depositing at sports betting sites and sports gambling deposit bonus promotional offers.
Online Casino Banking Options
The following is a list of the primary and most commonly accepted deposit and withdrawal methods at online casinos around the world. These methods are not available to all players, but they tend to all be offered by major online brands. The limits, fees, accessibility and processing times associated are varied.
ACH
Bank Wire
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Cryptocurrency
Credit and Debit Cards
Eco
Neteller
Paysafe
Person 2 Person
Quickcash
Skrill
Your Location
There are a number of elements that come into play when choosing the best banking method for you as a player. First, your location will play a large role in determining which deposit options are available to you.
Players in the United States will frequently have significantly different casino banking options than those in the UK or even in Canada. There are certain services that are available in select countries only, so you may not be eligible for all of the options that a casino has listed on their website.
Min and Max Deposit/Withdrawal Amounts
One of the biggest differences between deposit methods is found in the minimum and maximum amounts allowed. For example, a credit or debit card deposit via Mastercard or Visa may have little or no minimum, while a bank wire may have a minimum of $500, $1,000 or even $2,000.
The minimums tend to be higher for the banking methods that require more manual work on the part of the casino and processor. While a credit card is virtually hands off and can be processed automatically, an ACH or bank wire will require manually finding the deposit information, confirming the transaction, and then ultimately crediting the account. Larger players will find a bank wire to be one of the most viable options, but low or mid limit players would not generally transfers to be the best option.
There are still several options, depending on the casino, that allow for deposits without any associated minimum. Cryptocurrency like Bitcoin has become popular largely due to its ability to move even small amounts of funds with relative ease. Some online casinos will not have minimums for deposits with cards as well, but these vary from brand to brand.
Fees for Online Casino Deposits and Withdrawals
As payment processing at online casinos has evolved, so too have the associated fees. There was a point in time where it was rare for a casino to charge players for making a deposit, but today fees for funding an account are fairly commonplace. The method that you choose to deposit with will determine how much, if any, fees are incurred on your transaction. Credit cards tend to have the most fees and can be around 3-5% on a deposit. Because of this, many players now use more cost efficient deposit methods including ACH or even cryptocurrencies.
Your fees for a casino deposit may be refunded or otherwise credited back to you depending on your level of play. Large volume or loyal players may be entitled to their fees being given back, either in the form of cash, bonus, free play, or some combination of all three. It never hurts to ask live chat or support whether you may be entitled to having your casino deposit fees refunded.
Online casino withdrawals tend to have different sets of parameters than you will find for deposits, even when comparing the same banking method. First, a player can’t deposit with a credit card and make a withdrawal the same way, since there is no way to issue funds onto a credit card. Because of this, a different method will need to be utilized when making a withdrawal. Beyond this, the limits (both min and max) will usually be different when withdrawing than when depositing.
The most common methods for payouts through online casinos are check by mail (standard paper check), ACH, wire, or cryptocurrency. Other methods, like Neteller or Skrill, are also offered, but are available to less players and have more restrictions. Check and ACH payouts are both easy and straightforward, and the majority of online casinos will offer these options with little or no fees. If there is a fee for a check, it is usually only on the second or third withdrawal within a month, and the first cashout is typically free.
Bank wire and other cash equivalent withdrawal methods will generally either have larger fees, larger minimums, or both. As is the case with deposits, however, most big players will be able to negotiate for these cashout fees to either be reduced or eliminated altogether. Another factor in the payout fees will be whether your withdrawal is international or domestic, as the payment processing for the casino will either be cheaper or more expensive depending on where the payment is going.
The one option that is almost always free, for both deposits and withdrawals, is Bitcoin and/or other cryptocurrencies. If you are, or expect to be, an avid online casino player, it may be most beneficial for you to convert your real money into Bitcoin in order to make the banking process that much easier. Almost every single online casino now accepts Bitcoin for banking transactions, and you will be able to receive your payouts much more quickly, which makes it a win win option for players and the casinos alike.
Methods Allowed and Bank Statements
Since online casinos tend to use “middle men” third party processors for their deposits, you may see an obscure or seemingly random name show up on your bank statement. This is most applicable to card deposits, but if you send an ACH or wire to fund your player account, you may also be required to send the funds to a name that doesn’t match the casino you are playing at. While this may feel concerning, it is fairly common practice in the industry.
As is the case with all online casino play, you should consider the risks and laws and regulations in your local area. Each online casino presents its own unique set of risks and history to consider, which is very important when you are depositing real money. Make sure you perform your own due diligence in making responsible decisions when playing for real money at any online casino.