Are There Any Betting Apps That Take Credit Card in the UK

Using credit cards for gambling by individuals in the United Kingdom has been prohibited by the Gambling Commission.

This prohibition, which was implemented on April 14th, 2020, follows assessments conducted by the Commission on online gambling, as well as examinations of gaming machines and the government's policies on social responsibility. A public consultation took place between August and November 2019.

In Great Britain, there are approximately 24 million adult gamblers, of whom around 10.5 million engage in online gambling. According to data from UK Finance, 800,001 individuals make use of credit cards for their gambling activities.

A separate study conducted by the Commission reveals that 22% of online gamblers who employ credit cards are classified as problem gamblers, with a greater number being at risk of harm.

If you do have a problem with gambling you can block your access to betting apps.

This ban encompasses all forms of gambling, both online and offline, except for local lotteries. This comprehensive prohibition is designed to offer greater protection to individuals who may be vulnerable.

Using Credit Cards for Gambling

It is no longer feasible to transfer funds from a credit card, such as AmEx, or any other credit card, into digital e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, or EcoPayz and subsequently utilise these intermediary accounts to finance betting websites.

Before the 2020 ban took effect, replenishing digital wallets was a viable choice, particularly for individuals whose sole payment method was credit cards. However, this option remains accessible outside the UK.

This approach was practical because the majority of bookmakers do not impose fees on deposits or withdrawals made through e-wallets. Nevertheless, your credit card provider is unlikely to reward you with bonus points, cashback, or reward points for funding an e-wallet.

Various credit card companies apply different fees for depositing funds into digital wallets.

For example, Skrill imposes a flat 1.9% fee for all credit cards, including Diners Club and JCB.

Please be aware that even when using a digital wallet, your credit card may still block the transaction and subject you to cash fees.

Many websites still stipulate in their terms that credit cards cannot be used to access their accounts, not even through PayPal.

Prior to proceeding, it is advisable to verify the policies of your credit card provider, the e-wallet service, and the bookmaker.

Lastly, you can finance a betting account by using your credit card to purchase cash vouchers like PaySafeCard. However, there is a possibility that this could be categorised as a cash transaction and be subject to elevated cash fees.

If you have alternative means to fund your betting account, it is advisable not to use a credit card, particularly in the UK, where it is presently prohibited.

Alternatives to Using Credit Cards

There are several alternatives to making payments via credit cards on betting apps. These alternative payment methods are commonly accepted on many betting apps in the UK and elsewhere. Here are some options:

1. Debit Cards: Debit cards are usually widely accepted and are a straightforward alternative to credit cards. They allow you to use funds directly from your bank account without incurring debt.
2. E-Wallets: Electronic wallets or e-wallets, such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller, are popular options. They provide a layer of security and privacy, as you can link your e-wallet to your bank account or credit card, but the betting site only sees your e-wallet information.
3. Bank Transfers: You can transfer funds directly from your bank account to the betting app. While it may take a little longer for funds to appear in your betting account, it's a secure option.
4. Prepaid Cards: Some betting apps accept prepaid cards like Paysafecard. You can purchase these cards with a set amount of money and use them for online transactions.
5. Mobile Payments: Many betting apps now support mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, making it convenient to deposit funds using your mobile device.
6. Cryptocurrencies: A growing number of betting apps accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. These transactions are often quick and secure, but you'll need to have some knowledge of how cryptocurrencies work.
7. Pay by Phone: Some betting apps offer the option to pay by phone bill, where your deposits are added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance.
8. Vouchers: Certain betting sites may offer voucher systems or promotional codes that can be used to deposit funds or claim bonuses.

It's essential to check the specific payment methods accepted by the betting app you intend to use, as availability may vary from one platform to another. Additionally, consider factors such as transaction fees, processing times, and any applicable bonuses or promotions when choosing your preferred payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can credit cards be used to deposit funds on betting apps?

Is it illegal to gamble with a credit card?

Summary

Credit cards have traditionally been a secure method for online money deposits and have been a preferred payment choice for many individuals.

However, since April 2020, the Gambling Commission has discontinued this practice, and unfortunately, credit cards are no longer accepted as a valid payment method on UK gambling websites. As a result of this recent credit card ban, you won't come across any online betting sites that directly accept credit card payments. If you happen to be located outside the UK and still choose to use a credit card for such transactions, you should be prepared for substantial fees associated with its usage.

The primary reason behind the unavailability of credit cards for online gambling is primarily rooted in the terms established by the credit card providers, rather than those imposed by the bookmakers. Several factors contribute to this situation.