If you ask someone to transfer money to you online, chances are that they will mention just one option: PayPal. Since being launched in 1998, Paypal has grown into the de facto standard in online payment processing. It is more common than not that if you are checking out at an online retailer, you will have the option to pay using PayPal, because it is assumed that just about everyone has an account with them.
PayPal can also be used to fund online casino accounts, though it is not as popular an option as you might expect. The company is very careful in their policies regarding online gambling, and that abundance of caution means that it will not allow many gambling sites to offer it as an option. However, when it is available to players, it can be among the very best ways to transfer money to an online casino.
Can I Use PayPal at Online Casinos?
The answer to this question will depend on where you live and which online casino you are trying to play on. PayPal has some very tight controls on how their services can be used for gambling, and that extends to Internet casinos as well.
The easiest way to explain this is that they will only allow licensed online gambling operators to accept Paypal deposits, and they can only do so in the jurisdictions in which they are licensed. For instance, a UK licensed casino can apply with PayPal to allow their UK customers to fund accounts. However, if that same company also offered their games in the United States, PayPal would not allow that site to accept deposits.
While this certainly limits the number of online casinos that take PayPal, there are more than a few sites that can accept this fast and convenient payment method. We have a list of recommended PayPal casinos listed below.
How to Deposit Using PayPal
Making a deposit is extremely simple. If you are at a casino that accepts PayPal, you should see it listed under the options listed on their cashier page. Once you choose it, you’ll have to determine how much you want to deposit. From there, you’ll be taken to your PayPal account and go through the same verification steps you would if you were making a purchase online. The entire process can be completed in a minute or so, and your funds should immediately appear in your casino account.
Why Use PayPal?
PayPal is fast, reliable, and secure, making it one of the best ways to complete any online transaction, including deposits into casino sites. A typical transaction takes just moments to complete, and there is little risk of identity fraud or similar concerns when using the service. PayPal also allows you some flexibility in your funding, as you can either use money already in your account or link a bank account or other financial device in order to fund your purchase and deposits.
It can also serve as your withdrawal method from online casinos. That means that, as long as you are playing at sites that accept PayPal, it can be your single stop for moving your funds around, as all of your casino banking can go through the same account.
PayPal Casino FAQ
Why is PayPal not available at many online casinos?
PayPal generally prohibits the use of their services for gambling activities. That includes a wide variety of things: online casinos and poker rooms, sports betting, horse racing, and lottery tickets, among many other potential gambling options.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. PayPal approved select gambling companies who offer products such as the ones above in regulated jurisdictions where they hold a license. In order to qualify, the sites (or companies) have to prove that they can block participants from other, unregulated jurisdictions from participating. In particular, it looks to see that account holders in the United States cannot access sites in other jurisdictions, meaning sites that allow American players typically can’t take PayPal, with the exception of a few sites that operate in regulated state markets.
What options do I have if PayPal isn’t offered?
If you cannot use PayPal, there are a number of alternatives you might want to try. If you like the idea of using an e-wallet, you might want to try one that is more widely accepted in the world of Internet gambling, such as Skrill or Neteller. You may also be able to make a credit card deposit, transfer money from your bank account directly, or use a prepaid option like Paysafecard.
How much can I deposit?
The amount you can deposit varies depending on the casino you are playing at. Most set both minimum and maximum deposit amounts that are wide enough to cover the needs of most players. However, if you want to deposit even more money, you may be able to contact the customer service department to make special arrangements. There may also be restrictions on your PayPal account that limit how much money you can spend in a single day.
