IF you’re a punter looking for the best online betting experience, there are two things you should do:
- Seek out the betting site with the best reputation. Ideally, it offers competitive sports odds, but also slots, jackpots, bingo, lottery, lotto, scratchcards, blackjack, roulette, and in one place.
- Make sure your preferred site offers secure and convenient payment options - like PayPal. If you’re on the hunt for the best PayPal betting sites, then this review will get you where you need to go. We’ll also cover all the major questions bettors have when getting started with deposit methods for the first time.
Betting sites that accept PayPal: Top 10 shortlist
How we rated the PayPal sportsbooks: Our standards
What makes a great PayPal betting site or sportsbook? Our team analyses a number of factors, but they all form part of three broad categories. Here’s how we break it down:
- Providers - Content matters when choosing between gambling sites. You need instant access to the best games and the best odds, and you definitely don’t want to run out of options. PayPal is available at a number of betting sites, but not all of these are created equal.
- Promotions - One of PayPal’s main benefits is how easy it is to make withdrawals. But to experience this feature you’ll need to land a few wins. A bonus code or promotion will help you to get the most out of every deposit, and increase your chances of walking away with a win. Our reviews also took into consideration bonus amounts, payment restrictions, and the ease of cashing out.
- Payment processing speed - Efficient online transitions are a two-way street. Your payment method can only do so much, the betting site must also pull its weight. Less reputable sites will hang on to your payout as long as possible, often employing frustrating delay tactics. We filter these bookmakers out to make sure you get your hands on your cash as quickly as possible.
- Betting markets - When it comes to evaluating PayPal bookies, our team looked beyond just payment options and charges. We assessed the diversity of betting markets offered, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
- Customer support - we scrutinized the customer offer and support provided to members, evaluating the betting site's overall customer base. By covering everything from the steps involved in using PayPal to the various offerings available, we are confident in the ratings provided for each of the sportsbooks reviewed.
Top 10 PayPal betting sites for UK players in 2024
1. bet365
bet365 has been an online bookmaker since 2001, and it's been integrated with PayPal for nearly as long. The bookie allows you to deposit and withdraw to bet on sports, slots, poker, blackjack, and more. Once you verify your bet365 accounts with PayPal, your Wallet will be up and running, and depositing is instant.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Low minimum deposits and bets | ❌ Promotions decrease after the welcome offer |
| ✔️ Very competitive bookmaker margins | ❌ The site can be a little cluttered at times |
| ✔️ Top-notch customer support |
2. BetUK
This online sportsbook has been operating since 2018 with great success. Some punters might prefer working with a long-established brand, but BetUK has proved itself to be small and powerful. Payment methods are limited, but PayPal is included as the main eWallet option. You’ll also be able to choose from several promotions with every deposit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Great iOS and Android app | ❌ Newer bookie with a shorter track record |
| ✔️ Great range of sports with a focus on football | ❌ Live streaming isn’t always available |
| ✔️ No promo code necessary |
3. Ladbrokes
With over 130 years in the business, Ladbrokes is one of the most reputable bookmakers in the UK. They offer a wide variety of betting options, including sports, casino, and lottery games, as well as unique features such as Odds Boost, Cash Out, and Bet Builder. Ladbrokes accepts PayPal as a payment option, making it easy to deposit and withdraw funds quickly and securely.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Diverse range of betting markets | ❌ May be overwhelming for new users due to the large selection of offerings |
| ✔️ Casino and lottery games | |
| ✔️ Odds Boost and Bet Builder | |
| ✔️ Optimized Android and iOS app |
4. Coral
Coral is a popular UK bookmaker that offers a range of sports, casino, and gaming options. They have built a strong reputation for providing excellent customer service. In addition to traditional betting options, Coral also offers unique features such as Build Your Bet, which allows users to create their own bets, and Smart Boost, which offers enhanced odds on select markets. Coral accepts PayPal as a payment option, making it easy for users to quickly and securely deposit and withdraw funds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Wide variety of sports, casino, and gaming options | ❌ The website may be overwhelming for new users |
| ✔️ Unique features | ❌ Limited promotions compared to other bookmakers |
| ✔️ Renowned UK bookmaker |
5. Unibet
Unibet is one of the top bookmakers, being a top brand that goes hard on advertising and sports sponsorship deals. It’s been integrated with eWallets, including PayPal, ever since these methods opened up to betting sites. Many view Unibet as a great entry-level site, with a simple betting interface and generous casino bonus amounts for sports, slots, jackpots, blackjack, and roulette, to keep small budgets moving.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Easy-to-navigate site and app | ❌ No phone number for customer support |
| ✔️ Consistent stream of bonuses and promos | ❌ Mobile casino has limited game options |
| ✔️ Super-quick withdrawals via eWallets |
6. kwiff
As a betting site with an odd name and a smaller profile, kwiff isn’t on many top ten lists. We think it should be because, despite only being launched in 2015, it works hard to keep up with the big fish. Instead of going after high visibility, kwiff decided to target high functionality. Download the betting app and link your PayPal account for a streamlined experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Designed as a highly functional betting app | ❌ Not a great option for those who prefer desktop sites |
| ✔️ Odds are frequently ‘supercharged’ for bigger wins | ❌ Doesn’t offer live streaming |
| ✔️ Cashback and bet credits on offer |
7. Grosvenor Casinos
Grosvenor Casinos is a reputable UK bookmaker with over 50 years of experience in the industry. They have a wide range of sports betting options, including popular sports such as football, horse racing, and tennis. Grosvenor Casinos also offers live streaming for select events, allowing users to watch and wager on games in real time. They have a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, making it easy to place bets on the go. Grosvenor Casinos accepts PayPal as a payment option, ensuring fast and secure payments and withdrawals.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Wide range of sports betting options | ❌ Limited promotions compared to other bookmakers |
| ✔️ Live streaming for select events | |
| ✔️ Mobile app for easy betting on the go |
8. BetMGM
Despite being up and running since 2018 in the US, many people still haven’t heard of BetMGM in the UK. The company has only just entered the market and is still flying slightly under the radar, focusing on offering a quality experience rather than flashy ad campaigns and sporting events. Still, it can certainly compete with the big fish by way of generous promos and attractive odds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Some exciting and original features | ❌ The registration process is a little longer than average |
| ✔️ Premium casino selection alongside sports | |
| ✔️ Live betting and live streaming available |
9. BoyleSports
BoyleSports is a popular UK bookmaker with a wide range of sports betting options, including football, basketball, tennis, and horse racing. They offer competitive odds and a variety of betting markets, including live betting and virtual sports. BoyleSports also has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, making it easy to place bets on the go.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Diverse betting markets | ❌ Welcome offer not eligible for PayPal |
| ✔️ Competitive odds | |
| ✔️ Excellent app |
10. Betway
Betway has been signing up players since 2006, offering a fantastic sports and casino combo. They’re big on eWallets as payment methods, offering the option of not just PayPal but also InstaDebit, iDebit, and more. It’s a well-established and well-rounded site that allows players to fill their time with all types of gambling entertainment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Great for live streaming | ❌ The app doesn’t offer the full range of features |
| ✔️ Full range of sportsbook markets | ❌ Not the most attractive website |
| ✔️ eSports, Poker, Slots, Blackjack, and Roulette are available |
PayPal as a betting payment method - an overview
PayPal, originally created by the notorious Elon Musk, is a very well-established eWallet. If you’re not sure what that means, all you have to do is picture an actual wallet that exists only in digital format. Instead of a betting site dipping directly into your bank balance, they can only go as far as your wallet. Of course, this virtual wallet needs to be funded, and you do this with your regular credit or debit cards. That way, your gambling account can only ever access however much you placed into your eWallet, and not the full extent of your bank balance.
Getting set up on PayPal is easy. Just register an account, but be sure to choose the PayPal site that’s designed for the UK. Once you input your personal details, you can plug in your bank card and make the choice on how much money you want to transfer.
Once this goes through, and it’s usually instant, simply visit your betting site cashier. There you can click ‘deposit’ and choose ‘PayPal’ from the list. Once you confirm your deposit amount, you’ll be redirected to a PayPal login page to confirm your deposit. For payouts, the process is very similar.
The benefits of PayPal betting
Deciding to use PayPal will come down to whether or not its services are useful to you. Safety and convenience are usually at the top of the benefits list. Here are the best things about the PayPal eWallet:
- You never have to reveal your full financial information like your credit card or debit card details to the betting site. You use a password to log in to the platform, and that's it.
- PayPal utilises top-of-the-range encryption security on every single transaction, so the chances of funds getting hacked are very slim indeed. In other words, it's as trustworthy as customers can hope for.
- PayPal’s Purchase Protection means you always have someone reliable on your team in case of a fraudulent transaction.
- Paypal transactions are super quick and very transparent, allowing you to keep track of your deposits and withdrawals for your winnings.
The disadvantages of using PayPal to bet
Nothing is perfect, and few things are worse than a 100% positive review. The truth is that while PayPal is a fantastic option, there are some things you should keep in mind before creating your account.
- Once you hit a certain number of transactions, PayPal is likely to freeze your account until proof of ID and KYC is completed.
- Conversion fees across countries cost money, so do try to avoid them if possible. Always deposit and withdraw in the native currencies of your PayPal account.
- You need to have a valid credit or debit card in your name to open and fund your PayPal account.
FAQ about betting with PayPal online
In this section, I'll give straight answers to the most important questions potential bettors might have about using this convenient payment method to fund their hobby.
1. Are there any fees for using PayPal?
PayPal is completely free for deposits and withdrawals. Of course, this isn’t to say that they’re a charitable business. PayPal has shareholders who need to get paid. They collect profits from the operator's side, in this case, the online sportsbooks and online casinos.
Each time the punter selects PayPal for a deposit or withdrawal, the betting site is charged transaction fees. This fee is usually a percentage of the value of the transaction and can be anything ranging from 1.90% to 3.49%. It’s hard to nail down the exact amount as the commission is agreed on a case-by-case basis between PayPal and the vendor.
2. What is the minimum you have to deposit when using PayPal?
While PayPal itself doesn’t apply any minimum deposit requirement for topping up your account, casinos and sportsbooks do. Thanks to increasing competition in the betting market, minimum requirements have become very reasonable. The majority of PayPal bookies will require a min deposit of £10.
Of course, this is entirely discretionary and there are many betting sites that set different deposit limits depending on the payment method. For example, if a site got a pretty raw commission deal from PayPal, they might be inclined to increase the qualifying deposit to £20 or even £25 as a way of recouping losses. Be sure to check this out before going ahead.
3. What is the minimum withdrawal with PayPal?
There aren't many withdrawal restrictions in place when it comes to your PayPal money balance. You can almost clean out your PayPal account down to the last penny, with a min withdrawal of £1. Keep in mind that we’re drawing a distinction here between withdrawing from PayPal and withdrawing from your betting account.
Most bookies set minimum withdrawals at about £10. That means if your betting account balance sits at £5 you’ll probably need to let it sit there. On the other hand, if your PayPal balance is at £5, you’ll be able to withdraw 100% of it.
4. Is it safe to bet online with PayPal?
PayPal is an extremely safe e-wallet, backed by sophisticated software and encryption. It’s also been around for a very long time, meaning the company is wise to hackers. But the truth is that nothing is ever completely secure, and there are always new scammers out there looking to make a quick buck.
The lure of millions of e-wallets filled with digital cash and the occasional sports bet settlement is difficult to resist. But don’t let this put you off. All you need to do is stay alert and vigilant when it comes to scams, particularly phishing emails. PayPal customer service will never ask you to divulge your financial information via email or phone, so hit delete quickly whenever someone asks - no matter how convincing they may seem!
5. What are the alternatives to PayPal?
If you’re not sold on PayPal, that’s absolutely fine. Most online casinos and online sportsbooks give players the ability to choose from three or more different payment options.
- Skrill
- Boku
- Neteller
- InstaDebit
- iDebit
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Maestro
- PaybyMobile
- American Express
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.