When it comes to playing at online casinos, safety can be a real issue. There are more safe and legal casinos than ever before, but it is still possible to fall for a black-market casino. For that reason, many online gamblers choose to use a digital wallet to protect their personal and financial information.
PayPal is one of the safest online payment providers on the market when it comes to depositing and withdrawing funds at casinos. Thanks to its ease of use, fast processing times and widespread acceptance, it has become a firm favorite amongst casino players.
A wide range of casino sites accept PayPal, but which sites offer the best experiences for players? If you're overwhelmed by the choice, you can check out reviews of real money online casinos that accept PayPal to help you choose. In this article we'll go through how to select PayPal casinos that are safe, which offer the best casino games and how to find the best PayPal casino bonuses.
Best PayPal Casino Sites
- Best for Mobile – Unibet, 888 Casino
- Best for US Bonuses – BetMGM, Borgata
- Best for UK Bonuses – 888 Casino, Grosvenor, The Grand Ivy
- New PayPal Casinos – WynnBET, Caesars
- Best for Slots – Golden Nugget, SugarHouse
- Best for Live Casino Games – Borgata, SugarHouse, Golden Nugget
- Best for Fast PayPal Withdrawals – SugarHouse
What Are Digital Wallets?
Also known as e-wallets, digital wallets allow users to make electronic transactions quickly, easily, and – most importantly – safely. Digital wallets are also increasingly being used to authenticate the credentials of the holder, for example their legal age.
The use of digital wallets is on the rise, in large part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdowns, online spend increased, and many adopters continued to use contactless payment methods to avoid spreading the virus.
A study carried out by Juniper Research has estimated that the number of digital wallet users worldwide will exceed 4.4 billion by 2025. In 2020, the number of users was recorded at 2.6 billion. China and India are amongst the most enthusiastic adopters of the technology, with the UK and the US lagging somewhat behind.
Spend through digital wallets is predicted to double to $10 trillion annually by 2025, up from $5.5 trillion in 2020. With digital wallets more popular than ever, there are now countless digital wallet providers to choose from. Many big mobile and tech firms have jumped on the bandwagon in creating their own. Some of the biggest names you may have heard of are ApplePay, Google Wallet, Cash App and Venmo.
However, there is one company that paved the way for these providers many years before digital wallets surged in popularity. Technically speaking, PayPal is a peer-to-peer payment and financial exchange platform. It includes an e-wallet in its app and is commonly used to handle payments online, both for business and personal use.
What Is PayPal?
PayPal is one of the biggest online payments systems in the world, operating in more than 200 countries and regions around the world. The company was first launched in 1998 as Confinity, developing security software for mobile devices. It soon switched focus to digital payments and in 1999 PayPal was born.
With over two decades of experience, PayPal is now internationally regarded as one of the internet's top payment providers and processes millions of payments every day. 2022's Fortune 500 ranked PayPal in 143th place, making it one of the highest earning corporations in the US.
It's worth noting that the variety of options provided by PayPal are not the same in every jurisdiction. In some countries, users can only conduct transactions in their local currency. In other countries, account holders can only send money. For that reason, it's worth checking your PayPal options for your home country.
PayPal users in the UK and the US needn't worry though, as they have the full range of options available to them. In the US, PayPal is free to use if transactions are made from your personal online account, a linked bank account or the PayPal Cash app. Transaction fees apply when making payments with PayPal credit, or your credit or debit card.
When it comes to making international money transfers, different rules apply. If both the payee and the recipient have PayPal accounts, the transaction can be processed entirely through PayPal. You can still use PayPal to send money internationally even if the person you're sending money to doesn't have a PayPal account, thanks to Xoom, another payment service owned by PayPal.
Why Use PayPal For My Online Casino Account?
Now that there is such a large range of e-wallets to choose from, some might wonder whether PayPal is still the best option. There are a number of key reasons why it's hard to go wrong with PayPal, making it a surefire winner when it comes to choosing a payment method to use at online casino sites.
Its scale is a major asset, as there are a huge number of online casinos that accept PayPal. You can take it as a given that any reputable casino sites that you want to use will accept PayPal. It is more unusual to find sites that don't accept this popular payment method, and that can be a red flag for reasons that will be explained in more detail further on.
Most online casinos accepting PayPal will allow both deposits and withdrawals through the platform. That is something that is not always the case with payment methods, making PayPal casino payments one of the most convenient options. Some of the biggest household names, like Amex, can usually only be used to deposit money.
As a firmly established leader in its niche, PayPal has a strong reputation and some of the highest levels of security available when it comes to making online payment transactions. PayPal only accepts gambling transactions in countries where gambling is legal and only at operators licensed to operate in those jurisdictions.
PayPal carries out its own approval processes, and gambling sites are required to prove that they are legitimate before being approved. The same goes for online betting sites, which have to go through the same verification checks. By using PayPal, you can also ensure anonymity on your bank statements. It acts as a buffer between your casino and financial details, such as your bank or debit card.
PayPal has its own fraud team at work to ensure that online casinos are not conducting illegal activities when it comes to handling your cash. PayPal can therefore be viewed as a stamp of approval when choosing an online casino. Alongside a clearly displayed gambling license, you can play with peace of mind at real money PayPal casinos.
How Much Will I Pay in Fees?
When it comes to using PayPal at casinos, fees are not usually an issue. Most real money online casinos that accept the payment service for deposits and withdrawals will not charge you any fees. Neither will PayPal charge you for spending or withdrawing funds from PayPal to your bank account. Charges can arise at certain ATMs, so it's always worth checking the small print if using PayPal at a land-based casino.
If an online casino does want to charge you additional fees to use PayPal to deposit and withdraw funds, it's worth using a different payment service or finding an alternative casino. There's no good reason to charge customers extra for PayPal payments, and with an array of other options out there it's not something you need to consider doing.
PayPal users at US casinos can expect to be subject to the usual deposit and withdrawal limits. These limits are put in place to protect customers from gambling harms and to combat the risk of money laundering occurring at the casino. Usually, online casinos that accept PayPal will cap deposits between $5000 and $10000. A minimum deposit can be as low as $10.
What Types of Casinos Accept PayPal?
All sorts of legit online casinos accept PayPal, and the options are virtually endless. When choosing a site to play at, it's worth bearing in mind the kinds of online casino games that you would like to play. Are you after the latest online slots, or do you prefer the immersive feel of live casino card games?
Some online casinos are also optimized for mobile devices, enhancing your experience while you play on the go. You might also be interested in the best welcome and PayPal casino bonus offers, so that you can make the most of your bankroll. Whatever your chief concern, there's sure to be a real money PayPal casino that's perfect for you.
Newest PayPal Casinos Online
While there are definitely perks to playing at established online PayPal casinos, it's worth paying attention to the new casino sites on the block. New online casinos offer some pretty exciting bonuses, as they are keen to sign up customers and make a name for themselves.
New casinos often come with the most modern design and cutting-edge features, including the latest casino software. You're also likely to discover the freshest selection of online slot games with sleek graphics and innovative features. New casinos are usually well optimized to play both at home on a desktop computer and on a range of mobile devices.
Our Picks
One of the newest online casinos in the US at the moment is WynnBET. This PayPal casino boasts an impressive portfolio of games from leading software providers, including NetEnt and Evolution Gaming. A 100% matched deposit bonus up to $1000 is on offer to new players, and existing customers can take part in fun weekly game bonuses.
Another option is the recently rebranded Caesars online casino. Its bonuses vary state by state, so it's worth checking for yourself what's on offer where you live. If you sign up to an online casino account with the operator in New Jersey, you could enjoy a $10 free bonus with no deposit necessary, alongside a 100% match bonus up to $2000.
Best PayPal Bonuses
On the topic of bonuses, many players may wonder whether they can take advantage of any special bonuses for using PayPal as their preferred payment method. Unfortunately, there are no exclusive PayPal bonuses on offer at the moment. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of bonuses that you can redeem at real money casinos that accept PayPal.
Bonuses are an integral part of virtually every online casino, as they are a vital way to attract customers and elevate themselves above the competition. For that reason, players really don't need to play at casinos that don't offer competitive bonuses. Welcome bonuses often include perks like free spins and cash to play with. Other bonuses are often available to loyal players.
It is always worth checking the fine print when claiming PayPal deposit bonuses. You may have to ensure that you make a minimum PayPal deposit and play your winnings through a set number of times before you can cash out. Free spins can sometimes be limited to specific slots.
Our Picks
Amongst the best US PayPal casinos that offer no deposit bonuses are BetMGM and Borgata. BetMGM offers new customers a $25 no deposit bonus accompanied by a first deposit match up to $1000. Meanwhile, Borgata has a 100% matched deposit bonus of up to $1000 as well as a $20 bonus of free cash to play with.
In the UK, not all online casinos will let you claim bonuses when using PayPal. You will have to look at the terms and conditions to check whether the bonus that you want to try is compatible. However, there are still plenty of PayPal casinos to choose from, including 888 Casino, Grosvenor and The Grand Ivy.
888 Casino is offering a 100% matched deposit bonus up to £100 and 88 free spins. Grosvenor's welcome bonus includes £30 free to play with when you deposit £20. One of the great things about this bonus is its small wagering requirements – just five to ten times. At The Grand Ivy, new sign-ups are rewarded with a 100% match bonus up to £300 plus 25 Starburst spins after an initial £20 deposit.
Best PayPal Casinos for Mobile
These days there is no shortage of mobile PayPal casinos to choose from. However, when choosing where you want to play there are a few key things that you should look out for. Firstly, is the casino optimized for mobile play? If it is, you can expect a slicker and more immersive experience.
It should also be compatible with your device's operating system, such as Android or iOS. Mobile casinos are just as safe as regular online casinos, and require the same licenses and safety measures. In choosing a mobile PayPal casino you shouldn't expect to sacrifice the number or quality of online slot games available.
Our Picks
One of the best is undoubtedly Unibet. Available in more than one hundred countries and with over six hundred games in its portfolio, Unibet's online casino is a top choice for online gambling afficionados.
Another great mobile casino that accepts PayPal is 888 Casino. 888 has a wide range of top-notch products to choose from, including the latest slots and live casino games. It is also well established in the US, being the first online casino operator to be fully licensed there in 2013.
Best PayPal Casinos for Games
We've already explained why the newest PayPal casinos are some of the best when it comes to discovering great games to play. Despite this, some of the longer established operators have huge portfolios and strong ties with the best software providers in the online gambling industry. You won't find special PayPal slots, but PayPal casino sites do boast the best games around.
Our Picks
One of the best PayPal casinos for online slots is Golden Nugget. Its site offers an impressive 851 games to play, including the popular Guns n' Roses, Bonanza Megaways and Da Vinci Diamonds slots. As well as an enticing welcome bonus, this casino offers a range of weekly bonuses and VIP promotions.
SugarHouse is another online casino site that offers a great variety of PayPal slots; more than 600 in fact. It works with top software providers, including Konami, NetEnt and Big Time Gaming to bring players exclusive games. Our top picks to look out for are Divine Fortune and Dead or Alive 2.
SugarHouse is a great option if you're after live casino games like live dealer poker, baccarat or roulette. Golden Nugget also offers fifteen live games, with its most popular being High Limit Blackjack. Our favorite live dealer PayPal casino has to be Borgata, which streams its games from the casino itself. Twelve of its live games can be played on mobile and all run 24/7.
Best Online Casinos for Fast PayPal Withdrawals
One of the major perks of PayPal deposits and withdrawals are their reliability and speediness. A casino that accepts PayPal will normally take your deposit straight away, allowing you to start playing your favorite slots and card games immediately. Some will take longer to process your PayPal deposit, but these are not amongst the top tier of online gambling websites.
When it comes to withdrawing funds from online gambling websites, it can take some time. PayPal will take around 24 hours to process funds, and on top of this casinos need time carry out their own anti-fraud and anti-laundering checks. For many sites, this means that you may have to wait two or three days to receive your funds.
Our Pick
SugarHouse is one of the fastest USA online casinos when it comes to PayPal withdrawals. Its minimum withdrawal limit is just $1, which is about as low as its possible to get. While it can still take up to three days to cash out for some players, the casino's standard time is less than 24 hours.
Tips For Playing Safely
While it's true that PayPal online casinos are amongst the most secure online, it's still worth being aware of how to play safely online. There are some scam casinos out there, and you don't want to lose your hard-earned cash or your financial details to them.
Once you've chosen your PayPal casino, there are few important things to look out for to ensure that it's a legit casino site. First of all, scroll all the way to the bottom of the casino's homepage. You should see the logo of the regulator responsible for overseeing online gambling in your country or state.
In the UK, the Gambling Commission manages the licenses of regulated online casinos. In the US, regulating bodies vary state by state. Clicking on the regulator's logo should take you through to a page on its website clearly showing the casino's license. If a casino does not display its licensing information it is unsafe to play at and you should close your account if you've already made one.
You can also look out for the padlock symbol in front of the casino's web address. This indicates that the site uses SSL encryption to keep your data safe. Online casinos in the UK are also required to be PCI and UK-GDPR compliant, proving that they can protect the financial data of their players.
It is standard for casino account logins to require an email address and a unique password. The best online casinos include extra measures like security questions or two-factor authentication. If you feel that there is something not quite right about a casino site, it is best practice to avoid it. You can always check out online casino reviews from other players to help you come to an informed decision.
Alternatives to PayPal
While PayPal is considered one of the best online casino payment methods, it is not the only option out there. Some casino players may prefer to use a different provider, in particular if they already have an account set up with a provider that they regularly use, or if they haven't set up a PayPal account. Some options even come with their own casino-specific bonuses, adding a little extra fun for players.
Virtually every online casino accepts Visa for deposits, and it is often one of the quickest and safest payment methods on the market. Players needn't worry about paying operator fees to deposit their funds, although banks may charge additional fees. Another drawback with this option is that sometimes withdrawals are not accepted, and where they are they can be slow.
Another option is Skrill, a trusted digital wallet provider. Skrill may not be as widespread as PayPal, but it is still a trustworthy option for making online casino payments. In the UK, it is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority and has strict verification standards.
Players in the US can try Play+, a prepaid card that is compatible with a wide range of American casino and betting sites. Some casinos offer bonuses to customers that sign up with Play+. These can include free spins, cash to play with and cashback on deposits.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly what PayPal is and why it's a great choice to handle your online casino transactions, you're ready to have a go and play casino games for yourself. Don't forget to always check that your chosen PayPal casino site is licensed and regulated in your country, so that you can play with peace of mind.
Whether you're after the thrill of high-stakes jackpot slots or the slow-burn of a live dealer game, PayPal online casino sites have a lot to offer every kind of player. You may even find a great bonus to play with, so you can maximize your fun and cash out real money. PayPal gambling sites are ranked as the safest around, so happy playing!