Can You Use Credit Cards on UK Betting Sites? Why It's Not Allowed in 2025
Richard Trenchard
Last updated 17 Oct 2025
Credit card betting sites are banned in the UK. You cannot use a credit card to gamble, with sites licensed by the UKGC making it illegal to do so. In this guide, we will highlight why credit card betting is banned and the alternatives that are available to enjoy a safe and positive experience in the UK. We recommend you carry on reading to discover all of the other options available to you in 2025!
List of Best Betting Sites
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76%
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1 day
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1 - 3 days
79%
- Generous welcome bonus for new customers.
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1 - 3 days
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1 - 3 days
91%
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1 - 3 days
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98%
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1 - 4 days
92%
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1 - 4 days
- Betfair offers a diverse range of betting markets across various sports.
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1 - 5 days
85%
- Betfair offers a diverse range of betting markets across various sports.
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1 day
99%
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97%
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77%
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1 day
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1 day
78%
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1 day
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2 - 10 days
93%
- Competitive odds and markets across football and horse racing.
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2 - 10 days
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1 - 3 days
84%
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1 - 3 days
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- Generous odds on football and sports.
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0 - 3 days
83%
- Welcome bonus for new players.
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0 - 3 days
- Free bets for new players.
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1 - 3 days
96%
- Free bets for new players.
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1 - 3 days
100%
Bet £10 get £30
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100%
- Claim a welcome bonus when you join.
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1 day
82%
82%
- All new players qualify for free bets.
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1 - 5 days
90%
- All new players qualify for free bets.
- Gamble on a user-friendly website or modern mobile app.
- Bet on over 200 pre-match and live markets in every Premier League match.
1 - 5 days
- Large range of betting markets and competitive odds.
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0 - 5 days
94%
- Large range of betting markets and competitive odds.
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0 - 5 days
- SpreadEx’s sports spread betting.
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95%
- SpreadEx’s sports spread betting.
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- Welcome bonus offered to all new players.
- Competitive odds on Premier League football.
- Betting available on a wide range of popular sports.
1 - 3 days
81%
- Welcome bonus offered to all new players.
- Competitive odds on Premier League football.
- Betting available on a wide range of popular sports.
1 - 3 days
- Large number of sports and specials covered.
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1 - 3 days
80%
- Large number of sports and specials covered.
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1 - 3 days
88%
88%
87%
87%
Table of contents
- 1.Top UK Betting Sites with Safe Deposit Methods (Debit Card And PayPal)
- 2.The Official UK Ban on Credit Card Betting
- 3.What Happens If You Try to Use a Credit Card?
- 4.Are There Loopholes? Why You Must Avoid Them
- 5.The Best Legal Alternatives for UK Betting Deposits
- 6.How to Deposit with a Debit Card: A Step-by-Step Guide
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:
SpreadEx isn’t necessarily the biggest name in the UK betting industry; however, it is one of the top options around. They offer a unique experience, ...
| Overall rating | 95% |
|---|
Coral offers all new customers a welcome bonus free bet when creating an account through this page, and betting on one of the many sports, competition...
| Overall rating | 84% |
|---|
Still a relatively new operator for UK players, 7Bet has emerged as a top option for bettors seeking more. The operator has a host of markets to wager...
| Overall rating | 91% |
|---|
Betway is a global sportsbook, operating in many markets across the world. It remains one of the top options for UK bettors, as it provides many posit...
| Overall rating | 93% |
|---|
It’s fair to say Betano isn’t one of the most experienced bookmakers in a crowded gambling market. Still, it is a modern and forward-thinking business...
| Overall rating | 92% |
|---|
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:
Log In
Create an account or log in to a UKGC-licensed betting site.
Go to Cashier
Go to the ‘Cashier’ section of the site and/or hit the ‘Deposit’ button directly.
Select Debit Card
Select the ‘Debit Card’ option.
Enter Details
Enter your payment card details and the deposit amount.
Funds Added Instantly
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.
Meet the Author
We're delighted to have Richard on board at Flashscore. Offering a wealth of experience, Rich used to be a national newspaper and sports journalist before focussing entirely on the igaming and sports betting spheres. That means he is able to combine super sharp editorial instinct and crisp content with a wealth of information, having worked with some of the biggest names in the business over the past decade. So, when you see Rich's name on an article, you know it's packed information you can trust. Whether it's information on a particular casino, betting terms explained, betting tips, the best betting sites around, or anything else, Rich has got your back.
FAQ
Can you use a credit card on any betting sites in the UK?
No, you cannot use a credit card on any UKGC-licensed betting sites.
Why was my credit card deposit declined?
Credit card deposits are automatically blocked when making gambling-related transactions. This is in accordance with the 2020 law passed by the UKGC.
Is it illegal for me to try to use a credit card?
It’s not illegal to try and use a credit card, but you won’t get very far as all UKGC-licensed sites have blocked them from being made.
What is the best alternative to a credit card for betting?
The best alternative to using a credit card is to use a debit card. You can use it in exactly the same way you would when using a credit card; however, the funds that are used are those that are available to you and aren’t being borrowed.
Is using my debit card on a betting site safe?
Yes, it is very safe to use your debit card on a betting site. UKGC-licensed betting sites have various security technologies and measures in place that are designed to protect you from any potential dangers.
