Introduction
In this day and age, pretty much everyone has a credit card. At least that’s what statistics say. Per a 2019 Nilson report in 2018, there were 6.3 billion payment cards in circulation on the planet, with 72% of US adults having at least one in their pocket.
Naturally, given the accessibility of this transaction method, it is a preferred choice for many who are into wagering on sports and games of chance over the internet.
In general, online credit card use has risen by 16.3% in North America this past year, as this payment option remains the most popular way to pay on the internet, offering simplicity and superior fraud protection.
However, due to the possibility of debt accumulation, many interested in online betting are not 100% sure that they can use their Visa, American Express, or MasterCard for testing their sporting knowledge and instincts en route to money prizes. To clarify this and other potential dilemmas relating to this topic, below, we will answer the following questions:
- Is it illegal to bet with a credit card?
- Can you use a credit card on betting sites?
- What is the safest gambling site out there?
- What are 3 safety tips when using a credit card?
Betting On Sports with Credit Cards
To those wondering – Can I bet on sports with a credit card? Yes, you can. In reality, there is nothing too different in using this money transfer method on sports betting sites compared to all the others available in this sector. There are no extra or distinct steps for credit card gambling transfers.
The principal standout aspect of using these cards is that it takes longer for withdrawals to get processed. Meaning, you can expect to get your requested funds in three to five banking days. That is a far cry from the 24 to 48 hours in which e-wallets facilitate identical money transactions.
Though, credit card deposits do happen instantaneously. So, there are no wait times associated with users beginning their gambling journey, only small ones when they get their winnings.
Some bettors still get concerned about exposing their card details, including their CVV code, to sportsbooks when engaging in this hobby over the internet. Nevertheless, nowadays, thanks to SSL encryption, those worries are unfounded.
Moreover, many banks closely monitor credit card transactions, giving them a higher level of scrutiny. They also may charge higher interest rates, lack grace periods, on top of providing the possibility of accumulating debt.
Despite the listed drawbacks, many still choose to use them because of the convenience and security this method provides.
Is It Illegal To Bet On Sports With Credit Cards?
If the site you are considering allows you the option to fund your gambling account via your credit card, then no. In such a scenario, this option is perfectly legal. Operators use geo-tracking software to determine what is allowed for those accessing their platforms. Thus, the burden of legally offered options rests entirely with them.
It is accurate that some countries and states do not permit their residents to lay down wagers online via credit card deposits.
For example, in April 2020, the UK Gambling Commission instituted a nationwide ban on credit card gambling, hoping the lower the financial harms associated with this activity. Per its research, around 22% of UK internet gamblers that use this method can get classed as gambling addicts.
In the US, some banks have opted to refuse gambling transfers as an acceptable card purchase altogether. That holds for mainly massive brands and not regional, smaller financial institutions. The cause for this is not related to credit card fraud. It is so because this activity is not yet as mainstream in the US as some still consider it somewhat taboo.
Essentially, if a person can keep their impulses in check, there should be nothing wrong with them utilizing their preferred card for sports betting fun.
3 Safety Tips for Credit Card Betting
Betting via the internet is safer than ever. The sphere itself is exploding in popularity stateside due to the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018, which made it feasible for US states to pass their sports wagering legislation.
Massive gambling juggernauts are now entering the US market, implementing state-of-the-art security technology. So, there is little to worry about, safety-wise, on the operator’s end.
Things betters can do to ensure that their credit card betting adventure goes smoothly include.
Only Bet on Credible Platforms
In 2018, the American Gaming Association stated that over 2,800 gambling sites exist in the digital sphere. In the past three years, this number has likely doubled, given this industry’s rapid expansion. That means that many shady companies have entered this arena. Thus, it is best to stick to wagering only on reputable credit card betting sites with proven track records of always paying out wins. SafestBettingSites.com has a fine selection of such platforms.
Set Deposit/Loss Limits
Since credit cards provide users loans, it is wise for all gamblers to set deposit/loss limits inside the profile page of their chosen internet sportsbook. These options act as a money management tool that keeps bettors in check.
Watch Out for Hidden Banking Fees
A gambling site may list that it does not have any fees regarding credit card transfer. Nonetheless, that does not mean that the bank that issued a card will also not have any. Therefore, it is always wise to check this tidbit before performing a gambling deposit/withdrawal.
Top Credit Card Betting Sites
Going by most bettor reviews, the best three websites/apps for credit card betting are.
BetUS
Founded back in 1994, BetUS is one of the original gambling sites, boasting an impeccable reputation. After closing down sign-ups for a while, this pioneering Curacao-licensed platform began again accepting new accounts in mid-2020.
Their main sign-up offer consists of a 100% deposit match that can yield up to $2,500 in free-bet funds for sports wagers. The promo code needed to activate this offer is JOIN125. Many consider BetUS one of the best betting sites that accept visa debit cards.
Bovada
Bovada is the US branch of Bodog, one of the trailblazers of online betting. They have been around approximately the same amount of time as BetUS, based out of Canada. Bovada not only has longevity on its side, but it also has some of the best customer support in the industry. However, their 5.9% fee on credit card transfers is brutal. Their welcome offer consists of a 50% match up to $250.
MyBookie
Compared to the previous two mentioned platforms, MyBookie is relatively young, launched in 2014, with headquarters in Costa Rica. They offer a wide range of betting markets, have a decent batch of VIP perks, and provide a 100% up to $1,000 deposit match bonus on registration. The latter’s coupon code is MYB100.
To Wrap Up
As with any online transaction, when utilizing a credit card for gambling over the internet, the main thing holders should worry about is overspending. Casual bettors who can keep a cool head when placing sports wagers have nothing to lose sleep if their chosen platforms allow card transfers.
About the Author
Shelly Schiff has been working in the gambling industry since 2009, mainly on the digital side of things, employed by Safest Betting Sites. However, over her eleven-year career, Shelly has provided content for many other top interactive gaming websites. She knows all there is to know about slots and has in-depth knowledge of the most popular table games. Her golden retriever Garry occupies most of her leisure time. Though, when she can, she loves reading Jim Thompson-like crime novels.
