Online gambling has exploded in popularity over the last few years. In 2025 the global online gambling industry is projected to be worth over $127 billion. With so much money flowing through internet casinos, sportsbooks and fantasy sites, depositing funds safely and easily is extremely important.
Debit and Credit Cards Still Dominate
Debit and credit cards remain the most popular way for players to add money to their accounts in 2025. According to industry research, over 68% of deposits at Jacks are made via Visa or Mastercard.
The reasons are obvious – debit and credit cards are simple, convenient, widely available and offer instant transfers. Most sites accept Visa and Mastercard, with deposit success rates over 90% on the first try.
Below are the most popular card brands:
| Brand | Deposit Success Rate |
| Visa | 94% |
| Mastercard | 92% |
| American Express | 89% |
| Discover | 87% |
To boost security, most sites utilize 3D-Secure and fraud-monitoring systems during deposits. Players should also use unique and strong passwords for their gambling accounts.
eWallets
For players looking for an alternative to cards, eWallets like PayPal, Skrill and Neteller are excellent options. Over 19% of online gambling deposits are made via eWallets.
eWallets act as a middleman, allowing you to store money and transfer it easily. They offer convenience and security and can provide anonymity.
Below are the top eWallets in 2025:
| eWallet | Deposit Time | Withdrawal Time |
| PayPal | Instant | 24–48 hours |
| Skrill | Instant | 24–48 hours |
| Neteller | Instant | 24 hours |
When using an eWallet, you transfer money into the eWallet account, then direct the eWallet to send funds to your gambling site. Transfers are secure thanks to encryption and two-factor authentication can add an extra layer of account protection.
Cryptocurrency Gaining Traction
While still a small percentage of deposits, cryptocurrency is gaining popularity every year. Bitcoin, Ethereum and stablecoins like USDC are now accepted on many online gambling sites due to fast transfers and privacy benefits.
Industry analysts predict crypto deposits will reach over 8% by 2027, especially as blockchain technology and acceptance improve.
| Cryptocurrency | Confirmation Time | Privacy Level |
| Bitcoin | 10–20 minutes | High |
| Ethereum | Under 5 minutes | High |
| USDC (Stablecoin) | Under 5 minutes | Medium |
When depositing crypto, payments are pushed directly to the gambling site’s wallet address. Confirmation times vary based on the blockchain but average less than 30 minutes.
Gambling with cryptocurrency provides more privacy compared to credit cards, since only your wallet ID is shared during transactions. However, knowing your source of funds may still be requested.
Bank Transfers Still Used By Many
Despite being the slowest method on our list, bank transfers are still utilized by 15% of players making deposits.
Bank wires offer security thanks to oversight from financial institutions and regulators. However, they lack convenience and deposits can take 1-3 business days to confirm.
For larger deposits, though, bank transfers are reliable and safe. Just be ready for a short wait for the funds to clear.
| Bank Transfer Type | Deposit Time |
| Domestic Bank Wire | 1–2 Business Days |
| International Wire | 3+ Business Days |
| Direct Bank Transfer | 1–3 Business Days |
When initiating a bank transfer, you provide the gambling site with your bank details and transfer the deposit to their provided account. Confirm with your bank first that gambling transactions are permitted to avoid any potential blocks.
Prepaid Cards Give More Control
For players who want more control over their spending, prepaid cards have emerged as a smart option.
Prepaid cards work by loading funds onto the card before using it for purchases. This allows you to only deposit what you intend to spend at online gambling sites.
Below are the most popular prepaid cards:
| Prepaid Card | Fees | Deposit Time |
| Green Dot | $4.95 per load | Instant |
| Netspend | $5.95 per load | Instant |
| PayPower | $3.95 per load | Instant |
While prepaid cards generally have higher fees compared to other deposit methods, they offer convenience and spending control. Just take note of reload costs each time you add more funds.
Convenience Comes at a Cost
As you can see, players have a wide variety of secure, convenient and fast options to fund online gambling accounts today. While credit and debit cards still make up the majority of deposits, alternative methods are gaining ground.
Consumers are willing to pay a bit more in fees for the speed and reliability of instant transfers. However, bank wires and transfers are still used despite the longer wait times.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all payment method. Choose the option that best balances costs, convenience and security for your personal needs and preferences.
