Mastercard is one of the most well-established Bookmakers' payments options. But how can you use it at betting sites? Join us as we reveal the answer to this, as well as much more in this guide.
Comparing Mastercard Betting Sites – Limits & Time Scales
Before you sign up to a Mastercard betting site, you ought to check to see what the site’s T&Cs are before proceeding further. Typically, you will have to use the same payment method for deposits and withdrawals.
In the table below, we will highlight the minimum/maximum deposit limits, any fees that may be incurred using Mastercard, as well as give an idea of the processing times you can expect when making withdrawals online.
| Minimum deposit limit | Minimum/Maximum withdrawal limit | Fees | Processing times |
| £5 min deposit at most bookmakers | £5 – £20,000 | N/A (Often 0%) | Can be instant, but usually takes up to five working days |
What Bonuses Do Mastercard Betting Sites Offer
As Mastercard has become a permanent fixture at most betting sites, you can access a wealth of betting promotions if you deposit using this particular payment method.
Providing you have a registered account with a bookmaker, you will be able to access pretty much the same promotions as customers using other payment methods. Of course, you should always read the T&Cs to see if Mastercard is applicable for all types of welcome offers.
Some of the most common types of bonus offers are ‘Free bets’ or ‘Money back as a Bonus’, with the latter most likely to crop up at Unibet. Other bookmakers may offer enhanced prices to entice you to part ways with your money for special events.
What services do Mastercard offer?
Mastercard, as we have discovered, is a ubiquitous payment method. As such, it is favoured by punters all over the world. It is a global behemoth, so here is a rundown of some key facts and figures illustrating Mastercard’s presence in the market:
- Mastercard’s technology powers 1.9 billion cards.
- Available in 210 countries and territories worldwide.
- Mastercard has been a leader in safeguarding cardholder data for more than 45 years.
Mastercard betting sites are popping up frequently, but what makes them so appealing to punters? Aside from the simplicity of using Mastercard as well as the security measures installed, there are several ways bettors can use Mastercard to place wagers at online bookmakers in the UK:
Click to Pay
Arguably a much smarter way to pay online, Click to Pay enables punters at Mastercard betting sites to make payments seamlessly. Featuring more sophisticated payment technology, you can use it at any participating bookmaker, so all you need to do is to search for the Click to Pay icon. Payment information will be safely stored in your account, but there is also no need to worry about creating new passwords.
Contactless
Perhaps suited for the more traditional punter who prefers to visit a bricks-and-mortar bookmaker, contactless is the way of life, so subsequently it is more convenient.
Providing you have a contactless-enabled Mastercard, you will be able to use your debit card at any betting site. Remember, credit cards are no longer accepted as a form of payment after they were banned by the UK Gambling Commission in 2020.
Paying by Bank App
Another innovative method for handling payments is the Pay by Bank App. This fresh online option will enable punters to use the app without having to enter payment details, as well as checking their bank balance. Punters should be reminded not to exceed their budget.
Commerce for every device
Transforming the way people pay at Mastercard betting sites, this will suit any digital-based environment. Covering every device or tablet, this allows punters to pay when they want. For those that prefer to bet while on the move, this will cater to their needs.
Apple Pay/Google Pay
Whether you have an Apple or Android device, this digital method has had a transcending impact on the way punters approach Mastercard betting sites. Punters like being able to download their favourite payment method onto their wallet, as it enables them to check out much quicker when making purchases, and with Face ID installed, this speeds the process up too.
You can also check Betting sites that accept Google pay or Betting sites that accept Apple pay.
How do I use Mastercard for Betting?
Nowadays, what distinguishes the best UK bookmakers from the rest, is their diverse range of payment methods. When it comes to Mastercard betting sites, those that process deposits and withdrawals quickly will be a more attractive proposal to punters.
Being able to use Mastercard at any given betting site is relatively straightforward. Once you have set up an account, you will need to go to the deposits section. Here, you will be presented with a list of payment options, so you should select Mastercard. You will then be able to choose Mastercard each time you fill in a betting slip.
You will then be required to provide a minimum deposit, however the minimum deposit levels vary from bookmaker to bookmaker. Always check you can make deposits using Mastercard by visiting the T&Cs. If anything is unclear, you will be able to contact the bookmaker.
Processing times for withdrawals will also depend on which bookmaker you should use, although our meticulous research showed withdrawals can be processed in some cases instantaneously, while at other bookmakers, withdrawals can be processed in two to five working days.
Advantages of betting with Mastercard
There are several benefits attached to using Mastercard at betting sites, of which the chief advantage is that it is a secure payment method. Mastercard is accepted in most countries, so it is no surprise it is a trusted payment option for bettors.
Bettors can be given peace of mind that when they make wagers online, they can do so in confidence, knowing that they will be protected. Mastercard is continually refining their technology to keep fraudsters at bay.
Secure & Safe
Online bookmakers generally have SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology built into their site to safeguard their customers. Mastercard acts in a similar fashion, so that you know each time you play, your personal data isn’t compromised. Mastercard betting sites may even offer a Face ID recognition service to prevent unauthorised use of your playing account.
Low fees
As we have seen, using Mastercard generally incurs minimal fees, but in most cases, there is nothing passed on to customers. While many bookmakers will charge a small fee to use particular payment methods, this isn’t the case for Mastercard.
Convenience
Whether you prefer to make wagers at a bricks-and-mortar establishment or online, most people will have a debit card, which makes depositing into your playing account hassle-free. If you don’t have a Mastercard debit card, then it is very easy to apply for one online.
Versatility
Mastercard betting sites aren’t in short supply, so you can be rest assured that at any given online bookmaker, you should have no problem in trying to make wagers using Mastercard. If anything, Mastercard’s versatility is one of its major selling points.
Disadvantages of betting with Mastercard
However, while Mastercard boasts some great benefits, there are a couple of drawbacks associated with this payment method:
Credit card restrictions
Mastercard comes in many guises, including credit card, debit card, as well as prepaid card. However, if you are gambling in the UK, you won’t be able to use your credit card to fund your account, so you will have to use a debit card or an alternative payment method.
Processing times for withdrawals slower
Compared to e-wallets where processing times for withdrawals can be carried out instantly, Mastercard is much slower in this respect. Average processing times for withdrawals at Mastercard betting sites is between two to five days, so you should exercise a bit of patience.
Instead of Mastercard use Betting sites that accept Neteller, Betting sites that accept Paysafecard or Betting sites that accept Paypal.
How to Deposit on Mastercard betting sites
Mastercard is widely trusted at online bookmakers, and the process of making deposits is rather straightforward if you follow this step-by-step guide:
- Head over to your chosen site, and check out the depositing limits and requirements first.
- Once satisfied, log onto your account and visit the Cashier or banking page.
- Then, click on deposit. Here, you will be able to select Mastercard as your preferred payment option.
- You will then be asked to supply details about your Mastercard debit card, including account number, expiration date, and CVC number.
- Enter the amount of money you wish to deposit at an online sportsbook.
- Confirm the amount. Once the deposit appears in your account, you will be able to start wagering immediately.
History of Mastercard
A technology company that is rooted in payments processing, Mastercard has enjoyed inexorable growth. The origins of Mastercard date back to 1966 when a group of Californian banks formed the Interbank Card Association (ICA). In 1979, the Interbank Card was renamed Mastercard. 18 years later, Mastercard bought the BritishAccess card, and the Access name was dropped.
There have been a series of rebrands since, and in 2006, Mastercard changed its name from Mastercard International to Mastercard Worldwide in a bid to emphasise the way it can operate globally.
Over the past 10 years, Mastercard has permeated its influence across Europe, and since 2016, it has traded as a public company on the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) under the symbol MA. Today, Mastercard can be used in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, where it continues to be cherished by bettors.
Mastercard vs VISA
Mastercard is a convenient payment method, but it has one major competitor looking to claw away some of its market share which is VISA.
The two payment methods work in almost exactly the same way. From a betting perspective, they are the middleman as they act as a conduit to help you place wagers. They also offer similar levels of protection. Mastercard uses a Security code scheme, whereby punters can authenticate their identity via a one-time passcode. VISA has a Verified by VISA scheme which helps accelerate the speed of transactions, as well as protect your identity playing online.
Perhaps the fundamental difference, is that you may notice slightly different features between VISA and Mastercard. However, bettors that use VISA or Mastercard can expect to be eligible for the same promotions and bonuses.
Alternatives to Mastercard
Mastercard may not be everyone, so instead there are a variety of other payment methods that can be used at betting sites. Click on the logos to find out more.
Best Betting Sites accepting Mastercard
Bet £10 Get £30 18+. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £10 get £40 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 on any football market at minimum 1/1 odds. No cash out. Get £40 in Free Bets on selected events. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Debit card / Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly #ad
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Bet £5 get £20 18+ New UK+ ROI Customers only. Deposit & Bet min £5 as first bet at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x £20 Free Bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excluded. Free bet valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £10 get £30 18+. New customers using Promo code R30 only. Min £10 stake, min odds ½, free bets paid as 3x £10, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment methods/player/country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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£40 Money Back Offer + £10 Casino Bonus 18+ begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first bet loses. Wagering requirements: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. No deposit required for NI customers. Call 08081699314 to claim. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £10 Get £40 New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required
Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Up To 100% Profit Boost 18+ begambleaware.org Opt in. Min. Odds Evs, Min.depsoit £10, Max. £10 stake, Max. additional profit £100. Skrill and Neteller deposits are not eligible – Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Currently No Welcome Offer 18+. New UK customers only. Min bet £10 to receive £10 Free Bet (settled 35 days from registration). Min odds of 3/5. Free Bet credited at qualifying bet settled within 35 days. Please gamble responsibly, Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Alternative Payment Methods to Mastercard
Mastercard Betting FAQs
Yes, absolutely. Through encryption methods, bettors can make digital payments in the knowledge that their personal data won’t be compromised.
Betting at Mastercard sites doesn’t require high deposit amounts. Usually, you can deposit a minimum of £5 at most bookmakers.
The majority of bookmakers nowadays accept Mastercard. It is a very common payment method, so check out our table to find the best Mastercard betting sites.
Usually, this will be found in the cashier section where all the payment methods will detail the minimum deposits you must make, as well as expected processing times for withdrawals.
Depositing to a bookie with Mastercard is very straightforward. Once you have located the payment section, fill in your details, and confirm your deposit before you begin playing.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
For many bettors, Mastercard will be a go-to payment choice. Its efficiency as well as versatility makes it an appealing option, so they may well stick with that payment method in the long term depending on which bookmaker they choose.
Of course, Mastercard isn’t the only payment choice available at sports betting sites. Serious strides have been made by bookmakers to cater to the masses, with e-wallets also leaving their mark more recently.
Nevertheless, Mastercard is very reliable. There are plenty of advantages associated with using Mastercard at betting sites, such as the minimal fees, as well as enhanced security measures which will sit well with punters. If you have enjoyed what you read, have a try for yourself at a Mastercard betting site.