WHAT IS PAYPAL?
It is an e-wallet that allows you to shop online and make payments for goods. It is also used as a business payment system and for person-to-person transactions. You can also use PayPal as a broker between your bank account, debit card, credit card, and online stores.
The Evolution of PayPal
While PayPal was not the first e-wallet to go online, it is one of the most popular and widespread. Electronic payment solutions existed long before PayPal was founded in 1998. Systems such as e-gold and WebMoney were both created in the mid-1990s. The development of a user-friendly interface, with high-level protection features and strategic partnerships (notably with eBay), gave PayPal its popularity and made it a leader in the electronic payment industry.
WHAT IS A PAYPAL CASINO?
A PayPal Casino is an example of an online gambling setup that accepts the PayPal eWallet. It allows players to deposit real money and place bets. You can also withdraw from your casino directly to your PayPal account.
Accepting PayPal is also a sign of trustworthiness. The eWallet performs strict due diligence on all its business accounts. Part of that due diligence process is determining the nature of business accounts, and online casinos require an enhanced set of checks. One of those checks insists that all online casinos must operate under a domestic licensing authority. If the gambling platform doesn't hold a domestic license, then PayPal will not allow the business account to continue to operate as a PayPal casino site. This strict rule reinforces an online casino brand's trustworthiness for customers.
UK PayPal Casinos (UKGC)
UK casinos operating under the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) can offer the eWallet service. The UKGC is a domestic licensing authority, and this fulfils PayPal's requirements for a gambling business to connect to the PayPal website for use as a payment and withdrawal gateway.
Canadian PayPal Casinos (AGCO)
PayPal permits Canadian online casinos operating under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to offer its eWallet services to customers. The AGCO is a provincial licensing authority that operates under Ontario gambling laws. This is also considered a domestic licensing authority. As a result, an AGCO license fulfils PayPal's requirements for a gambling business to connect to the PayPal website for use as a payment and withdrawal gateway.
💪BENEFITS OF USING PAYPAL IN ONLINE CASINOS
Using PayPal for your primary online casino deposits and withdrawals has several advantages. We've laid out the benefits in the sections below and expanded on each topic so you get a fully-rounded overview.
Security
PayPal has always had a reputation for being a security-conscious financial tool. The company has several fraud detection tools in place, which occasionally can be a little annoying. However, inconvenience is a small price when it comes to peace of mind.
No card or bank details required: If you have a PayPal account, you do not need to enter your debit card or bank information directly on the casino's website.
Anonymity: If you use PayPal as your online casino payment method, your deposits and withdrawals will only appear on your PayPal account, not your bank statements.
Encryption and fraud detection: Using PayPal for online betting means you benefit from the company's sophisticated encryption, which protects all money transactions. The e-wallet uses state-of-the-art encryption technology to protect your financial information and systems to detect and flag suspicious transactions.
Two-factor authentication (2FA): PayPal offers the option of enabling two-factor authentication/authorisation, which requires additional verification beyond your password, such as a personal identity number (PIN) or a one-time passcode sent via text message to your mobile phone. This adds an extra layer of security to your account, making it significantly harder for unauthorised individuals to access.
Buyer Protection: Though primarily used to prevent fraud during transactions, PayPal’s Buyer Protection offers gambling fans some supplementary security. If you run into any trouble with a transaction, PayPal has mechanisms to make it easier to put complaints in front of whoever is responsible.
Fast Transactions
Speed is a critical factor in online gambling, and PayPal excels in this area.
Instant Deposits: Once you finish the PayPal deposit process at any of the following casino websites, the money will be in your account immediately. You can start playing directly without delay. PayPal deposits are being processed instantaneously, whereas bank wire transfers or check payments can take several working days.
Instant Withdrawals: Users of online gambling sites often get frustrated at having to wait for the payment of winnings. PayPal withdrawal times are usually done within a maximum of 24 hours. This is quicker than many other deposit methods, some taking a week or longer. So if you win, you can get your prize much quicker.
User-Friendly Interface
PayPal is known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, which simplifies online transactions.
Effortless Navigation: Your user experience is paramount for PayPal’s platforms. Its interface is simple and clean. You can easily see all the needs and related actions you want, such as sending money, sending invoices, receiving money, making a payment request, and all your transaction history.
Mobile Friendly: PayPal Casino sites that accept this payment are also mobile friendly. The PayPal mobile app is even more useful, giving you access to your account wherever you go. This app is available on iOS and Android devices and has all the functions of the desktop version. You can deposit and withdraw from your casino in no time.
Easy Integration: Linking your bank account or credit card to your PayPal account is easy. Once the link has been established, PayPal users will have the added convenience of conducting transactions with either source by transferring funds from their PayPal casino.
⚠️THE CONS OF USING PAYPAL FOR ONLINE CASINO TRANSACTIONS?
Where there are pros, there are also cons. There are many reasons why PayPal has become the preferred casino payment method for countless players, and that is why there are so many PayPal casino UK sites from which to choose. However, no payment method is perfect, and PayPal is the same, as there are cons as well.
Cons of PayPal at Online Casinos
- PayPal is only sometimes accepted at slot sites: Many UK casinos accept PayPal, but some do not, which limits your options. In Canada, only casinos available in Ontario under the AGCO licensing authority accept PayPal payments. Canadian players cannot use PayPal at Curacao or MGA casino sites.
- You'll need to create a PayPal account: Before using PayPal for your online casino transactions, you'll have to create an account. Getting PayPal account details requires some back-and-forth verification, which can take time.
- Fees for receiving money: PayPal users will experience fees charged by PayPal when making casino withdrawals.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
As with any other casino payment method, you may encounter some issues when moving cash funds from and to online casinos. Below, we have listed some of the most common issues you may encounter and give helpful advice on working around them.
- Failed Transactions: If your transactions are not going through at the best PayPal casinos, they are more than likely down to transaction limits. An online casino always has a minimum deposit amount you must send when funding your account. Similarly, you'll have to adhere to minimum and maximum withdrawal limits.
- Account Verification Issues: You must verify your PayPal account before you can send or receive cash funds through PayPal. This involves uploading certain documents and sending them to PayPal to prove you are who you say you are. You'll also have to verify your account at online casinos in most cases.
If you experience any issues when using PayPal, a customer support team is on hand. In our experience, PayPal support is second to none, so they'll have your issue sorted out as quickly as possible.
HOW TO SET UP A PAYPAL ACCOUNT FOR ONLINE GAMBLING
You must create a PayPal account before you can enjoy playing at online casinos that accept PayPal. As long as you have the required information, this should take no longer than a few minutes—although you will have to verify your identity, which can take a bit more time.
Creating a PayPal Account
Below are the steps you'll need to follow to create a PayPal account:
- Register an Account at PayPal: You can create a free account quickly. All you'll need is an email address and a phone number. Remember to create a secure password to protect your account.
- Provide Additional Information: Once registered, you will have a basic account. Next, you need to update your profile with your address and additional contact information. This will all need verifying, so expect PayPal to request copies of your identification, such as a driver's license or passport, and proof of your address via recent utility bills or bank statements.
- Provide Your Bank Details: The next step is to link your PayPal account to your bank account or bank card. You must share your banking details, such as your account number, so you can transfer funds between your bank account and your PayPal account.
Assuming the above goes well, and PayPal has verified your account, you're now ready to fund your account and make deposits at the best PayPal casinos.
DEPOSITING FUNDS INTO YOUR CASINO ACCOUNT VIA PAYPAL
Now that you have a brand new PayPal account, the next step is to fund it so that you can start playing at PayPal slot sites.
Step-by-Step Guide
Assuming your PayPal account is created and verified and you either hand funds in it or it's connected to your bank account, follow these steps to deposit at a casino site.
- Choose a PayPal Casino UK from our list of recommendations.
- Go to the 'Cashier' section at your chosen online casino.
- Select PayPal as the payment method for your deposit. (If this is your first deposit, make sure you have selected the welcome bonus or entered the relevant bonus code.)
- Enter how much you'd like to deposit while considering the casino's minimum deposit required.
- Enter your PayPal account details and complete the transaction.
Minimum and Maximum Deposit Limits
The casino will accept a minimum deposit. On top of this, PayPal has maximum transaction limits depending on the currency you use and where you're based. PayPal states you can send up to 60,000 USD in a single transaction, but they also say they'll often limit this to 10,000 USD. Either way, you'll not have to worry about those limits unless you're a high roller.
Processing Times
Deposits at casinos using PayPal are instant. There are no processing times, as the money hits the casino's account instantly—and therefore, the money is credited to your casino account instantly. If this doesn't happen, contact the casino's support team to see what the issue is.
WITHDRAWING WINNINGS FROM YOUR CASINO ACCOUNT VIA PAYPAL
Like PayPal deposits, withdrawals using this popular payment method are also straightforward. What's great is that once the casino has processed your withdrawal, it appears instantly in your PayPal account.
Step-by-Step Guide
Once you're ready to cash out, follow these steps:
- Go to the 'Cashier' section on your best PayPal casino site.
- Select PayPal as the payment method you wish to use for your withdrawal.
- Enter how much you want to withdraw from your UK PayPal casino balance.
- Enter your PayPal account details.
- Wait for the casino to process your PayPal withdrawals.
Minimum and Maximum Withdrawal Limits
Two points you should add to your checklist when looking for an online casino.
- Minimum Withdrawal: Minimum withdrawals should be between £/$10.00 and £/$30.00 or an amount you are comfortable with. PayPal does not place any restrictions on this.
- Maximum Withdrawals:
Information covering both maximum and minimum withdrawals can be found in our Playcasino online casino reviews, on the casino site itself under the terms and conditions, or on a dedicated payments page.
Processing Times
Processing times depend on the PayPal online casinos you play at. Once you submit a cash-out request, it will enter a pending stage. On average, you'll have to wait for the finance team to verify and approve withdrawals. Some casinos will approve your request within an hour of submitting it, while others can take up to three days. If you have not passed a KYC check, you can expect the process to take longer for a casino to process a withdrawal. Once the finance team approves the withdrawals, the funds should instantly appear in your PayPal account.
💡 Tips
Before deciding which PayPal casino is best for you, always check the terms and conditions to ensure the withdrawal policy is fair. Unfortunately, some gambling platforms hide behind the small print, and you may miss these crucial points, so here are some tips on what you should look out for.
- Deposit turnovers mean you must play through your deposit several times before making free withdrawals. For example, some casinos may require a deposit turnover of 3x your deposit. For instance, a £/$50 deposit will require placing £/$150 worth of bets before your withdrawal is free.
- KYC checks sometimes require notarised documents. Generally, an online casino requesting you to pay expensive legal fees to have documents notarised is overkill. It is more of a delay tactic. There are plenty of alternative casinos out there that do not require you to go through the unnecessary expense of notarising documents.
PAYPAL CASINO SITES BONUSES AND PROMOTIONS
One great advantage when making a casino PayPal deposit, especially compared to other eWallets such as Skrill and Neteller, is you'll never run into issues when you want to claim a casino bonus. Whether you want to grab a welcome bonus, free spins, a cashback deal, or anything else, you can do so using PayPal. Some offer only bonus funds, while others may give free spins.
Types of PayPal Bonuses Available
Below are just some of the bonuses you'll encounter at the best PayPal casino sites:
- Welcome Bonus: When you find some online casinos that accept PayPal, you'll usually be offered a welcome bonus. These are usually generous as they're designed to attract players and persuade them to make their first deposits. Usually, these give you a match of your deposit in bonus cash, some free spins on online slots, or, in some cases, a bit of both.
- Reload Bonuses: These work similarly to a welcome bonus, although they're usually not worth as much. These bonuses are offered to existing players who have already made their first deposits. Again, these could offer a 50%, 100% or 200% bonus deposit match, some bonus spins, or a combination.
- Free Spins: Canadian or UK slot sites sometimes offer free spins in return for a deposit or as part of the reload or welcome bonus. These will usually be for selected online slots, although in some cases, you may be able to use them on any slot you choose.
Wagering Requirements to Consider at PayPal Slots Sites
Most bonuses via PayPal transactions are not free money or free spins credited to your real money balance. You'll have to adhere to various wagering requirements to convert any bonus cash into real money you can withdraw, so you must make your bonus funds count.
- Playthrough Requirements: The most important requirement to look out for is the wagering requirement. This is how often you'll have to wager bonus funds before they convert into real cash. This could be anything from 5x to 100x, depending on the casino you're playing at. Also, check to see what casino games the bonus funds contribute towards when wagering. For example, most slots usually contribute 100%, while some casinos exclude the use of live casino games.
- Minimum Deposit: While all online casinos will have a minimum deposit required when funding accounts, they'll also have a minimum deposit required for certain bonuses. Make sure you understand that limit before making a deposit.
- Bonus Expiry: All bonuses have an expiry date, and once that date comes around, all unused bonus funds are removed from your casino account. It's important to know when the bonus expiry is, as you'll have up until then to wager your bonus funds.
- Free Spins Expiry: Free spins expire if not used within a certain timeframe, so make sure you use your free spins before this happens. Most bonus spins expire after around 24 to 36 hours. As long as you use them in time, all your winnings from your free spins will be added to your bonus money balance. From here, bonus funds expire within a different time frame, which could be anything from 3 to 30 days. Just note that the timeframe in which free spins expire differs from when your bonus money expires.
- Max Bet: Another key bonus rule is the maximum bet allowed when using bonus funds. Casinos set a max bet to make it more challenging for players to wager their funds. Usually, the max bet will be around £/$5 to £/$10, depending on the casino you're playing at.
- Max Cash Out: Also known as a max conversion, some online casinos limit how much you can win from a bonus. Ensure you understand the max cash-out limit, as you'll want to stop using your bonus funds when you reach that number, or you'll risk losing some. You'll find the max cash, max bet, and when free spins expire in the bonus terms and conditions.
Bonus Abuse
Just be aware that if you break any bonus rules, the casino sites can forfeit your bonus cash and free spins. That is why we strongly suggest you understand all of these rules before claiming a bonus. Take note of free spins, bonus money rules, and rules that apply to table games. Virtual and live casino games can seem easy to trick by guaranteeing wins, like betting on red and black simultaneously. However, if you convert your bonus into real money when the bonus team reviews it, the conversion will be denied as guaranteed wins count as bonus abuse.
To avoid bonus abuse, learning the wagering requirements is a good habit. Not only will you avoid bonus abuse, but you will also learn when bonus offers are not as good as they initially look. For instance, if a welcome bonus has high wagering requirements or a low minimum bet using bonus money, you may want to look elsewhere for an offer that gives you more value for your money.
How to Claim PayPal Casino Bonuses
Claiming casino bonuses at PayPal Casinos UK or Canada is usually straightforward. You may need a bonus code, or you can select the bonus when you deposit in the cashier's area. Before claiming, check the terms and conditions to ensure you understand wagering requirements, such as how many times you'll have to wager the bonus funds when the bonus funds expire, the max bet, and any other rules.
- Click the bonus you want to claim on the bonus/promotions page or enter a bonus code.
- Make a deposit using PayPal or any other eligible payment method.
- Receive your bonus and start playing.
MOBILE COMPATIBILITY: PLAYING ON THE GO WITH PAYPAL CASINO SITES
Another benefit of using PayPal as your payment method of choice is the fact you can use it on the go. There is a PayPal app you can download on your mobile devices that makes sending money quick and easy when you're out and about. Many online casinos are optimised for mobile devices, too, meaning you can deposit and play on mobile casinos anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
- Mobile App vs. Mobile Browser: The PayPal app is a streamlined version of the desktop PayPal website. It is designed for use on touchscreen mobile devices with smaller screens than computers. The browser PayPal option is designed for desktop and laptop computers, so it will offer a few more features than the app.
- Best PayPal Casino Apps: As mentioned, there are some great Canadian and UK casinos you can play on via apps. You can even use the PayPal app to get money in and out of your accounts at mobile casinos. LeoVegas and 888 Casino are great examples of popular Canadian and UK online casinos with fantastic apps.
SAFETY TIPS FOR USING PAYPAL IN ONLINE CASINOS
You already know many benefits of using PayPal as a payment method at online casinos; however, to ensure your PayPal account is safe, heed some of these tips.
- Protecting Your PayPal Account: You can do several things to keep your PayPal account protected and out of the hands of hackers. The first is to enable 2-factor authorisation on your account. While it's annoying to have to verify who you are each time you log in, it ensures that only you have access. Also, you can set up notifications so that you're always informed whenever money is transferred or any other activity occurs. The final and most obvious tip is to use a secure password for your account.
- Recognising and Avoiding Scams: The most common PayPal scams are phishing scams that come through your email. Scammers will send you an email pretending to be PayPal, informing you of money coming in or out of your account. They'll ask you to log in on a fake PayPal site and learn your account details. Never trust an email like this, and only ever log into your account on the official PayPal site.
ALTERNATIVES TO CASINOS THAT ACCEPT PAYPAL
There are several alternatives to using PayPal. First, we'll look at some of the most popular e-wallet options and some more traditional deposit and withdrawal methods. To polish this section, another area you'll see quite often mentioned when it comes to casino deposits and withdrawals is crypto cryptocurrency.
Alternative eWallets
Many advantages of using PayPal casino sites also apply to other eWallets. For example, using a secure payment gateway that only requires your email address is an advantage all eWallet users benefit from.
Skrill: Another popular eWallet, particularly for casino gaming, is Skrill. However, this payment method is often excluded from bonuses - meaning, if you make a minimum deposit using Skrill, you may not be able to claim bonuses or free spins. Skrill charges a 1.45% fee for transfers to other Skrill accounts and a flat fee of €5.50 for withdrawals to a bank account. However, there are no fees when depositing funds at casinos.
Neteller: Neteller is similar to Skrill and, again, is often bonus excluded. It's widely accepted at casinos and is one of the more popular payment methods around. Generally, PayPal charges a small fee of 1-3% of the total amount for withdrawals. For UK-based transactions, particularly on gambling websites, PayPal charges a fixed £1 plus 0.5% of the total amount. In comparison, Neteller charges 2.5% for withdrawals. PayPal wins out here in most cases.
MuchBetter: MuchBetter is a newer eWallet that has become a popular choice for UK players. One reason it stands out is there are no transaction fees, but you will have to pay small fees when funding or withdrawing from your MuchBetter account. Also, there are fees if currency conversions are involved. Muchbetter also offers a loyalty program that awards points as you use it.
MiFinity: Another eWallet that is a good alternative to PayPal is MiFinity, and it is quickly becoming more available at the best online casinos. It offers fast and secure payments and can be used to claim casino welcome bonuses. Casinos do not charge fees when depositing or withdrawing using MiFinity, but there are fees to pay when you move money into or out of your MiFinity account.
Each of the above payment methods has pros and cons. In effect, they act as a middleman between your bank account and the casino, meaning you're never required to share your banking information when transacting. If you're not a fan of the best PayPal casinos, look for platforms that best support the payment option from above that suits your preferences.
Traditional Payment Options as an Alternative
The best PayPal casino sites support other eWallets and accept more traditional payment options, such as debit cards, bank transfers, and online banking.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are a great alternative if you cannot find a casino that accepts PayPal. However, in the context of this PayPal Casino guide, where we specifically narrow the target markets to Canadian and UK online casinos, credit cards may not be an option.
The reason is that the licensing laws of the UKGC and AGCO state that players cannot fund online casino activity with a credit card. You should note that PayPal will prevent you from using any funds to top up your eWallet to deposit to an online casino site.
Debit Cards: If you cannot use a credit card, almost all casinos will accept debit card payments. To use this option, you will need to be comfortable entering your debit card details in the deposit area.
Once you have made your first successful deposit using a debit card, debit card payments generally offer a one-click payment option. This feature means all you need to do is enter the amount you want to deposit and click to top up your casino account instantly.
Cryptocurrency
You will not find PayPal casinos that accept cryptocurrency. This is because, to date, most domestic licensing authority frameworks do not allow online casinos to accept crypto payments. For example, UK casinos operating under the UKGC and Canadian casinos under the AGCO have yet to implement proper rules for cryptocurrency transactions.
- Players in Canada: That said, players in Canada, including Ontario, can opt to play at Curacao casinos, which accept crypto deposits and withdrawals. UK players cannot sign up to cryptocurrency casinos operating under Curacao licensing.
- Players in the UK: The only alternative for UK players is to sign up for crypto gambling platforms that operate without a license, which we do not recommend. We recommend playing using GBP under the protection of UK gambling and consumer rights laws.
FUTURE OF PAYPAL IN ONLINE CASINOS
The number of PayPal casino sites has been declining over the years. Yet, this was the eWallet provider's own doing. When the company decided to prevent online casino sites from operating in markets covered by domestic licensing from using its services, the number of PayPal casinos declined rapidly. However, that trend is being reversed.
Trends and Predictions
Many countries worldwide have already introduced domestic licensing to oversee internet gambling activities.
Here are some examples:
- As of 2024, 30+ states in the USA have created state-level licensing for sports betting. Seven states also allow online casino and poker sites, and an eighth allows online poker.
- In Canada, the AGCO licensing authority came online in 2023.
- In Ireland, a domestic licensing authority is just around the corner.
All these situations fit PayPal's strict gambling transaction policies perfectly. As a result, the eWallet is slowly reversing the huge decline in casino-related transactions. As more domestic gambling licensing authorities come online, we are seeing a steady rise in PayPal casinos across the globe.
Emerging Technologies
With so many cryptocurrency ETF approvals in the financial space right now, it is highly likely that crypto payments will become commonplace in PayPal casinos in the future. As PayPal already has built-in cryptocurrency capabilities, if or when this happens, PayPal could also become a middleman for casino crypto payments and cashouts.
ROUNDING UP ONLINE CASINOS THAT ACCEPT PAYPAL
It is a popular payment method at UK casinos for convenience and fast transactions. Canadian and UK players appreciate its user-friendliness, availability, and the fact that it can be used when claiming bonuses. You can instantly deposit or withdraw funds at the best PayPal casinos with a few clicks. As a third-party payment method, you never have to share your bank details with a casino.
For those interested in using PayPal, our curated list of the best online casinos that accept this popular payment method can help you find a suitable platform for your style of play. You can enjoy fantastic casino bonuses, claim large deposit match welcome bonus offers, play on the go using mobile casino apps, and choose from thousands of games. All left for you is to pick a PayPal slots site from our list of recommendations!
