Can You Use Credit Cards on UK Betting Sites? Why It's Not Allowed in 2025

Top UK Betting Sites with Safe Deposit Methods (Debit Card And PayPal)

With credit card betting sites unavailable in the UK, you can still find many safe alternatives to use to participate in online sports betting and casino gaming. For example, you can find betting sites that allow you to use a debit card to make transactions, or you can use e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller for greater convenience and accessibility.

Each of these methods is safe to use and can be trusted when using a UKGC-licensed betting site. Check out our list of trusted options below if you want to get started today:

The Official UK Ban on Credit Card Betting

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced in January 2020 that it would be banning the use of credit cards for gambling activities. That ban would then come into effect on 14 April 2020, following the Commission’s review of online gambling and the Government’s Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures.

The decision followed a public consultation between August and November 2019, which revealed that 800,000 people used credit cards to deposit funds. Of these, 22% were identified as problem gamblers, with a significant portion of the latter being at risk.

The ban came into effect to protect consumers from gambling with borrowed money and to offer a significant layer of additional protection to vulnerable people.

What Happens If You Try to Use a Credit Card?

If you try to use a credit card when depositing funds, the transaction will be declined automatically. It is a legal requirement of the UKGC licensing terms, and any operator that holds it must block it from happening.

Most sites won’t even allow you to move on and complete the next step upon recognising it’s a credit card. You’ll be asked to enter alternative details, such as those from a debit card.

Are There Loopholes? Why You Must Avoid Them

No, there are no loopholes that will allow you to engage in credit card betting. You cannot use funds from a credit card and add them to an e-wallet, as these will also block transactions that are trying to fund their accounts with this payment method.

You should never look to use credit card betting sites, either. Offshore or unlicensed sites may not offer you the same protections, which can pose major risks and possible financial harm to you.

The Best Legal Alternatives for UK Betting Deposits

There are numerous legal alternatives to credit card betting, many of which are accessible to most UK bettors. The safest methods include:

Debit Cards (Visa & Mastercard)

Debit cards can be trusted for online betting. They are similar to credit cards, but they only allow you to deposit the funds you have available. They are widely accepted at all UKGC-licensed betting sites.

E-Wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)

E-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller have become increasingly popular payment methods for online betting. You can enjoy faster transaction speeds with these methods, as well as additional security. Each of them won’t share your banking details with the sportsbook, keeping you protected.

Apple Pay / Google Pay

Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are convenient options for mobile bettors. Linked to your debit card, they can be used to make quick transactions without sharing your bank details with the betting site.

How to Deposit with a Debit Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

To make a deposit using a debit card, follow these simple steps:

1. Create an account or log in to a UKGC-licensed betting site.
2. Go to the ‘Cashier’ section of the site and/or hit the ‘Deposit’ button directly.
3. Select the ‘Debit Card’ option.
4. Enter your payment card details and the deposit amount.
5. Hit ‘Confirm’ and your account will be credited instantly.

If you encounter any issues, get in contact with the betting site’s customer contact team, as they’ll be able to help you. However, the process is typically straightforward to follow.