Credit card betting sites give you one of the simplest ways to deposit funds and bet on your favourite sports. There are still plenty of safe ways to gamble with a credit card, and I’m about to show you exactly how and where.
Let’s start with a list of licensed betting sites that accept credit cards:
Top Credit Card Betting Sites Compared
Every site on our list is a great option to place bets with a credit card. Naturally, some will suit you better than others depending on what you’re after. To help you decide, I’ve broken them down into five important factors based on my own experience with each one:
Best Credit Card Betting Site Overall: BoyleSports
🥇 Winner: BoyleSports – This credit card betting site is just as good for beginners as it is for big spenders. The platform is simple to use, you can claim a 500% welcome bonus when you sign up, and it accepts both Visa and Mastercards.
🥈 Runner-up: Betfred – Simply register and get straight into a massive range of markets and promos, such as doubling or trebling your returns on first goalscorer bets if that player goes on to score twice or three times.
🥉Podium Finish: Coral – Easily one of the most straightforward and user-friendly credit card betting sites I’ve come across, especially on mobile. They’ve got a real-time announcements tab that keeps you updated on everything happening in the matches they cover.
Are There Betting Sites that Accept Credit Cards in the UK?
Yes, there are plenty of credit card betting sites in the UK—it just depends on where they’re licensed. Any operator under the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has been banned from accepting them since April 2020.
But that doesn’t make it illegal for players to use them, as the ban only applies to the operator. You can still deposit with a credit card at hundreds of safe, foreign-licensed gambling sites in Malta, Curacao, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Panama, and beyond.
Are Credit Card Betting Sites Safe?
Yes, especially if you stick to the credit card gambling sites on our list. Every one of them is fully licensed in its own jurisdiction and has been put through a proper vetting process to make sure it meets all the right standards. Of course, that’s on top of everything else that makes for a great experience.
That said, if you want to be extra cautious, there are a few things you can do, such as:
- Use a unique password: Set a strong password with caps, lowercase, numbers, and symbols—or just use secure mobile login and skip the hassle.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): VISA and Mastercard betting sites often let you set up 2FA on Google Authenticator. Even if someone nabs your password, they need your phone to get in.
- Turn on transaction notifications: Enable real-time alerts from your bank so you get an instant message for every transaction made with your card.
- Use a secure internet connection: Don’t throw your card details around on public Wi-Fi. If it’s Super Sunday and you’ve left it late, at least use a VPN to lock down your connection.
- Beware of phishing emails: Scammers send fake emails posing as your betting site. Always check the sender’s email. If it ends in the site’s official URL, it’s likely legit. To be safer, never click links. Go to the website directly instead.
Credit Card Betting Sites Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deposit Speed | Instant on most credit card gambling sites |
| Withdrawal Options | It’s a mixed bag since some banks block withdrawals. But you can just as easily set up an alternative method. |
| Fees | Betting sites that accept Mastercard and Visa credit cards usually charge no fees from their end. |
| Limits | Betting sites that accept credit cards have their own limits. Plus you have to factor in those set by your own bank. |
| Security | Transactions are encrypted, and many bookies offer 2FA protection. |
| UKGC Restrictions | Gamble with credit cards is banned. |
| International Restrictions | The vast majority allow betting with credit cards. |
Pros and Cons of Betting Sites that Accept Credit Cards
Gambling sites that accept credit cards in the UK have that sense of familiarity since adding funds is just like buying something off Amazon or Argos. But, naturally, there are trade-offs.
Let’s put the pros and cons side by side so you can see what works for you.
✅ Pros
- Deposits clear instantly
- Accepted at most offshore gambling sites
- Can be linked to eWallets for convenience
- Can be used to claim promos
- Higher limits than prepaid options
❌ Cons
- Withdrawals not allowed on most sites
- High deposits trigger fraud checks
- Easier to overspend
Bonuses at Credit Card Betting Sites in the UK
Betting sites that accept credit cards offer some of the best bonuses you’ll find. Let me run through the most popular ones and where to find them:
Welcome Bonuses
What They Are: You’ll see this at most credit card betting sites and can grab it as soon as you sign up. The most common one is a deposit match, where the bookie boosts whatever you put in by a set percentage up to a certain limit.
Example Bonus: A credit card betting site matches your first deposit by 100% up to £100, then adds a 75% bonus on the second up to £150 and 50% on the third, capped at £200.
How to Maximise: Claim when your favourite sports have a packed schedule, so you can spread your bets naturally instead of going big just to clear it.
No Deposit Bonuses
What They Are: A no deposit bonus is basically free betting credit a bookie gives you without needing to put any money in. It can come as part of a sign-up offer, a promo, or a loyalty reward.
Example Bonus: As of the last update, none of the top gambling sites that accept credit cards in the UK sites are offering a no deposit bonus.
How to Maximise: Check the max win cap in the promo’s terms, and don’t stick your neck out on a bet where you won’t get to keep all the winnings even if it lands.
Free Bets
What They Are: A free bet lets you have a punt without putting your own money on the line. If it comes in, you keep the profit, but most of the time, the stake isn’t returned. There are usually minimum odds, expiry dates, and withdrawal conditions that you need to consider.
Example Bonus: Place three qualifying bets at a credit card bookmaker, and you can get a free bet worth 15% of their average value (min €4.5, max €100), credited once your last bet settles, valid for seven days.
How to Maximise: Have a look at what types of bets are off-limits. For example, a credit card betting site might not allow wagers on player markets or outrights.
Reload Bonuses
What They Are: Reload bonuses work just like a deposit match, but these kick in after the welcome offer’s out of the way. You might also see them called ‘re-ups’.
Example Bonus: Claim a 50% reload bonus up to £500 every single week from Monday to Friday.
How to Maximise: Offers like the above usually only come around once a week at new betting sites, so rather than making lots of small deposits, it’s worth planning ahead and doing just one to get the most out of it.
Cashback Offers
What They Are: Cashback is a way to get back a portion of your net losses, with the bookmaker returning a percentage of what you’ve dropped over a set period.
Example Bonus: Receive 10% cashback on net losses on sports betting every Monday.
How to Maximise: You can work the cashback into your budget, going a bit bigger on bets since you’ll get some losses back as bonus funds. Or just play as usual, then decide whether to use it again or withdraw after wagering.
Sports Available at Betting Sites that Accept Credit Cards UK
VISA and Mastercard sports betting sites cover all sorts of sports, not just in the UK but from across the world. The most popular ones are usually lined up in the main lobby menu, right next to the casino games.
In the table below, I’ll lay out the most popular sports you’ll find, along with major competitions, key markets, and a personal tip to keep you one step ahead.
| Sport | Most Popular Competitions | Popular Markets | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football | Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Championship, UEFA Champions League, World Cup | Match Winner, Both Teams to Score, Over/Under Goals, Anytime Goalscorer, Correct Score | A £10 BTTS bet at evens returns £20 if both teams score. In lower leagues, as well as in Finland, India, and Australia, over 2.5 goals tend to hit more often. |
| Horse Racing | Cheltenham Festival, Grand National, Royal Ascot, Epsom Derby | Win, Each-Way, Forecast/Tricast, Place Betting, Tote Pools | Each-way bets split stake—half on the win, half on a place. Also, Grand National outsiders often perform well. Since 2009, half the winners have been priced 25/1 or higher. |
| Tennis | Wimbledon, US Open, French Open, Australian Open, ATP Tour | Match Winner, Set Betting, Handicap, Total Games, Tie-Break in Match | There can be value in in-play betting because favourites often drop a set before recovering. |
| Cricket | The Ashes, T20 Blast, County Championship, IPL, ICC World Cup | Top Batsman, Total Runs, Method of Dismissal, Total Wickets, Match Winne | Shorter formats like T20s favour high totals. The weather can also impact Test matches. Always check forecasts before betting, as rain can increase the chance of a draw. |
| Boxing/MMA | Anthony Joshua Fights, Tyson Fury Fights, UFC Title Fights | Fight Winner, Round Betting, Method of Victory, Total Rounds | Underdogs in heavyweight fights often last longer than expected. |
| Esports | CS2 Majors, League of Legends Worlds, Dota 2 TI, Esports World Cup | Match Winner, Map Handicap, First Blood, Total Kills, Round Wins | Credit card betting sites often let you watch games without placing a bet. Make the most of it to get a proper feel for how things play out before jumping in at esports betting sites. |
Mobile Credit Card Betting, In-Play Credit Card Betting & Live Streaming
If you’re wondering what gambling sites accept credit cards in the UK on mobile, it’s the same lot as on desktop. At least, every site on our list does.
Lately, I’ve noticed more online sportsbooks moving away from native apps and instead focusing on fully optimised mobile websites. I like this approach since there’s no need to install anything. You get full functionality straight from your browser, just like on desktop. Plus, you can easily add a home screen shortcut, so there’s no need to type in the URL every time.
In-play betting is also easy to find, covering most sports and markets, with cash-out available to bank winnings or cut losses mid-game. Plenty of esports matches—even in the lower tiers—are streamed live, and now and then, you’ll get coverage for other sports too.
When that’s not on the cards, credit card gambling sites have you covered with 2D visualisations, real-time stats, and live odds updates. This way, you’re never really betting blind.
Alternative Payment Methods at Credit Card Gambling Sites
Just because you bet with a credit card the first time around doesn’t mean you’re tied to it. In fact, it likely won’t be an option for withdrawals. Either way, you’re free to switch to any available method.
At most, you might need to upload a few documents to prove you own the accounts, which is standard under anti-money laundering (AML) rules. It’s all pretty straightforward, and most sites these days have automated systems that get it sorted in no time.
Here’s a look at the options available, along with some well-known choices and what makes them worth considering:
- Cryptocurrencies (BTC, LTC, ETH, USDT, DOGE): Instant deposits and fast withdrawals, no bank involvement, lower fees, some sites offer crypto-exclusive bonuses, transactions are more private than traditional banking.
- eWallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz): Faster withdrawals than cards, no need to share banking details,
- Prepaid Cards (Paysafecard, Neosurf, AstroPay): No bank account needed, keeps spending in check, good for smaller deposits.
- Bank Transfers (Trustly, Sofort, Open Banking): Works directly from your bank, higher deposit limits.
- Mobile Payment Services (Apple Pay, Google Pay): One-tap deposits, extra security via biometric authentication,
- Instant Banking Services (Revolut, Wise, Monzo): No need to enter full banking details, deposits process instantly, some options allow withdrawals.
➡️ Did you know? Litecoin (LTC) is a popular cryptocurrency for online betting, offering transaction confirmations in approximately 2.5 minutes and lower fees compared to Bitcoin.
Best Credit Card Betting Sites – Key Takeaways
Credit card betting sites let you top up instantly and get your bets down straight away, just like any online purchase. Withdrawals are hit and miss—some allow it, others don’t—but setting up another payment method is just as easy.
You’ll get broad sports coverage, in-play betting, and even live streaming on select matches. The best choice comes down to what matters most to you when betting with a credit card. Here are my final three takeaways to help you decide:
- Credit card deposits are instant, and most credit card betting sites process them without extra fees.
- Not many betting sites accept Mastercard and VISA withdrawals.
- Bonuses on credit card deposits vary.
FAQs for Gambling Sites that Accept Credit Cards
Yes, plenty of gambling sites licensed in Malta, Curacao, and Gibraltar let you deposit safely with a credit card. The only ones off-limits are UKGC-regulated bookies, as LCCP Section 5.1.2 blocks them from accepting credit cards.
Yes, especially if you go with licensed sportsbooks that use encrypted transactions, 2FA security, and verified payment processing.
VISA and Mastercard betting sites offer plenty of deposit matches, free bets, reload bonuses, and cashback deals.
Credit card gambling sites let you bet on everything from Premier League football and Cheltenham racing to esports, MMA, and darts. Some bookies specialise in esports (with live streaming), while others also have markets on greyhounds, snooker, or niche markets like politics and entertainment betting.
Most sportsbooks won’t charge you when you gamble with a credit card. But your bank might add cross-border or currency exchange fees, so it’s worth checking.
The maximum deposit limit when gambling with a credit card depends on the sportsbook and your bank. If you’re looking to deposit larger amounts, cryptocurrencies might be a better option.