MasterCard is a common way to quickly and conveniently deposit to sports betting sites. Major sportsbook brands process MasterCard deposits for free. Your bank will charge fees if the deposit is processed as a cash advance. See below for a few common ways to avoid deposit fees.
With the NFL and college football seasons underway, deposit now to beef up your bankroll. Other MasterCard sportsbooks will welcome your deposit for various global soccer leagues like the Champions League, Europa League, MLS, Premier League, La Liga, and other leagues like Brazilian Serie A, Danish Superliga, and the Swiss Super League.
The following sportsbooks accept Mastercard debit and credit card deposits.
MasterCard Sportsbooks
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Table of Contents
- MasterCard Sportsbooks
- How to Deposit
- Processing Fees
- Account Withdrawals
- MasterCard Pros & Cons
- MasterCard e-Wallets
- About Mastercard Sports Betting
- Depositing Each Season
- Before You Deposit
- MasterCard FAQs
MasterCard Sportsbooks
BetRivers
Look no further than BetRivers when it comes to a trusted sports betting name. With a vast selection of bets and sports leagues from around the globe, novice and experienced bettors alike will not be disappointed.
Signing up is quick and easy, allowing players to get started in minutes. Live in-gaming betting gives you plenty to bet on even if your team has already won the game.
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BetRivers Mastercard Deposits
BetRivers MasterCard deposits are free and credited instantly to your account. This is by far one of the best ways to fund your sports betting or online casino account.
Alternative BetRivers deposit methods include other credit cards, eChecks, PayPal, VanillaCash, and PayNearMe. Just make sure to check the fine print as there may be restrictions depending where you live.
What We Like About BetRivers
Reputation is key and BetRivers is among the most revered sportsbooks in the United States. Depositing and withdrawing money is simple and safe, there are a ton of sports betting options, a full-service casino, and one of the smoothest user interfaces in the industry.
With a ton of domestic and foreign sports leagues to choose from, finding a bet has never been simpler. There are also a ton of promotions and new player offers, especially before the start of major sports seasons.
This diamond in the rough offers competitive single-game and futures odds for most major sports.
BetRivers Deposit Help
BetRivers offers customer support through email, live chat, and a comprehensive help center with detailed FAQs.
BetMGM
Name recognition is important in the sports betting world and there is none bigger than BetMGM. BetMGM has been one of the most recognizable names in brick-and-mortar casinos. It comes as no surprise that they are also a major name in online sports betting.
BetMGM gives bettors the opportunity to wager on all of the best sports action in North America and Europe. Their industry-leading user interface offers customers a superior experience.
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One new customer offer/Add'l Terms
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BetMGM Mastercard Deposits
All BetMGM Mastercard deposits are free. Funds will be immediately credited to your player account. This is true for players visiting both the sportsbook and online casino.
There are many other ways to deposit money to your BetMGM account. Other major credit cards and ACH transfers will credit almost instantly to your account. BetMGM also accepts Apple Pay, PayPal, Cash at Cage (where available), and the Play+ card.
What We Like About BetMGM
BetMGM has become one of the top industry names for many reasons. Their site is easy to use and navigate, making it friendly for those who are less tech-savvy. BetMGM offers lines and odds for all major US and European sports. Best of all, you’ll quickly find that BetMGM’s selection of straight, futures, and exotic bets can’t be beat.
There is also the matter of their rewards program. Available both in-person and online, BetMGM’s program helps players make the most of their bets. BetMGM also has live streaming for some games, allowing players to follow along with their wagers.
Review BetMGM’s odds for the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, racing, US and international soccer, collegiate basketball and football, and more.
BetMGM Deposit Help
BetMGM offers customer support through email, live chat, phone, and a comprehensive help center.
How to Deposit with Mastercard
Time needed: 2 minutes
How to Deposit with Mastercard
- Open a new sports betting account.
Review our list of recommended online sportsbooks. Open a new account, making sure to enter all your personal details correctly. Don’t forget to add your bonus code.
- Visit the sportsbook’s cashier, banking, or deposit page.
After signup, use the sportsbook’s navigation menu to find its cashier, banking, or deposit page.
- Select MasterCard, enter amount, tap “Deposit”.
Select Mastercard. Specify your deposit amount. Tap “Deposit”. Make sure you enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV correctly.
- Provide additional card details if your bank requests them.
Some banks may require additional verification using your billing Zip Code, the last four digits of social security number, or SMS text message.
- Funds will be credited to your account and ready for action.
Allow 1-2 minutes for funds to be credited to your player account. Once the transaction clears, you’ll be ready to go. Contact customer service with any questions or concerns. The sportsbook may email you a transaction receipt for safekeeping.
Mastercard Processing Fees
Most legal sports betting sites do not charge MasterCard deposit fees. Some horse betting sites, like TwinSpires.com, charge a flat $5 fee for credit card deposits. However, your card issuer may charge 3%-5% cash advance fees if your credit line isn’t used.
There’s an easy workaround. BetRivers and SugarHouse offer a prepaid card that has free deposits and withdrawals, called Play+ Card. You can also use it anywhere Discover is accepted. BetMGM and DRF also have their own player card available for use on each site.
MasterCard Withdrawals
We discuss how to withdrawal deposits you made with a MasterCard credit or debit card.
Can I Withdraw to my Bank Account?
Withdrawing to a personal bank account is one of the easiest ways to receive your winnings. Sites that offer the Play+ card will have the fastest withdrawals. Bank ACH and wire transfers are next best.
Most sportsbooks have a withdrawal review period of up to 5 days. After, the withdrawal will post to your account within 1-7 business days.
DRF and TwinSpires both offer instant bank transfers. However, TwinSpires only offers transfers to bank accounts through EZ Money or PayPal.
Can I Withdraw Directly to my MasterCard Credit Card?
A direct withdrawal to your MasterCard, or statement credit, is not possible. Instead, consider using the following methods: ACH bank transfer, Paypal, a player card like Play+ Card, bank wire, check by mail, or cash at cage.
MasterCard Betting Deposit Pros
- Instant – MasterCard is accepted at all major sports betting sites and deposits are available immediately after authorization. It’s easy to get in on the action!
- No fees – Sportsbooks don’t charge processing fees, but be sure to double-check your bank’s policy on gambling deposits.
- Safe – MasterCard online gambling deposits are backed by Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards. Your transactions will be protected by a global set of regulations aimed at reducing risk and ensuring personal security.
- Debit card, too – MasterCard debit cards are also widely accepted for online gambling.
MasterCard Betting Deposit Cons
- Limits – Credit cards have limits, subject to your credit line and existing credit balance. MasterCard debit is limited to your bank account balance. Banks set these limits but most range from $1,000 to $1,500, with some as high as $2,500. If using debit, find out what your bank’s daily spending limit is to avoid surprises.
- Cash advance fee – These fees range from 3-5% starting from day one. Prepared bettors can use a sportsbook’s player card, like the Play+ Card, to avoid these added costs.
- Credit card payout – You can’t withdraw directly to your MasterCard. Instead, you must use another method like bank transfer, Paypal, ACH, player card, or bank wire.
- Added risk – Using a credit card means the obvious risk of betting money you do not have. Consider using a debit card that limits you to your available account balance.
e-Wallet Deposit Alternatives
PayPal is accepted at multiple sportsbook sites and has many benefits. Enjoy no added fees, rapid deposits, and high deposit limits. Paypal doesn’t charge a fee to send funds using your MasterCard. Paypal does charge a fee to receive a withdrawal from a sports betting site.
More About MasterCard Sports Betting
Legal History of MasterCard and Online Gambling
MasterCard, Visa and other credit cards have been used to fund online gambling accounts since internet gambling began in the mid 1990s. The 1999 National Gambling Impact Study Commission noted the rapid growth of online gambling, largely funded by credit cards. Specifically, the commission expressed concerns about pathological and underage gamblers, in addition to the ease with which criminals could launder money.
Internet gambling revenues, composed of both casino and sports betting, skyrocketed from an estimated $445.4 million in 1997 to $919.1 million in 1998. One analyst predicted a $2.3 billion market by 2001.
MasterCard Taken to Court
On March 20, 2000, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, heard motions regarding multidistrict litigation alleging MasterCard International illegally interacted with a number of internet casinos. In Re: MasterCard International Inc. plaintiffs alleged, among other claims, that MasterCard had violated the Wire Act. They sought financial relief for losses they incurred at various offshore online gambling sites.
The District Court’s ruling on February 23, 2001, later upheld by the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, clarified the application of the Wire Act to illegal online gambling. The Court determined that the wire act only applied to gambling activities related to a “sporting event or contest”. Further, the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate they suffered losses at any sports betting site. Therefore, the court could not conclude that MasterCard had violated the Wire Act. Moreover, internet casinos sending and receiving information were not in violation of the Wire Act because of its ambiguous language regarding the ‘transmission of a wire communication’.
Individual Banks Make Their Own Policy
According to a December 2, 2002 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, neither Visa nor Mastercard provided policies to its members prohibiting the use of its credit cards for internet gambling. Citing concerns from worldwide banking officials that implementing a blanket policy would be difficult, both associations created procedures that allowed individual member banks to decide whether to block internet gambling transactions. At the time, some jurisdictions permitted internet gambling, while others expressly did not. Both associations also emphasized that only legal transactions could be processed in its systems.
US citizens continued to bet online at offshore websites with their credit cards, provided their bank permitted internet gambling transactions, until the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. This landmark legislation prohibited internet gambling companies from accepting money transfers from a person participating in unlawful internet gambling.
PASPA Overturn Calls for Change
When PASPA was overturned May 14, 2018, and with the state of New Jersey’s previous legalization of sports betting, the stage was set for credit card companies to once again participate in online sports betting transactions.
In fact, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) specifically requested guidance from MasterCard in the wake of PASPA’s overturn. MasterCard clarified that the state restriction regards the location of the individual placing a wager, not the particular bank that issued the credit card. Existing state laws require sports betting providers to geolocate inside a state’s geographic boundaries, or other predefined area like tribal lands, before accepting a wager.
MasterCard has also dedicated Merchant Category Code (MCC) 7801 for online gambling. This code is distinct from 7800 for government owned lotteries and 7802 for government licensed horse and dog tracks.
How much USD is wagered in the USA legally?
Legal online sports betting is rapidly growing in the United States. In 2021 alone, 11 states began offering sports betting. Revenue also ballooned in 2021, with more than $52.7 billion wagered in the U.S. on sports. 12% of adults placed weekly bets and 14% of bettors say their bets are more than $100 on average. Oddsmakers only saw $4 billion of those bets in revenue, so get in the action!
In 2021, the most was wagered on sports legally in the United States with over $52.7 billion worth of bets placed. Projections say that number will increase year over year.
Are MasterCard deposits cash advance or credit?
Credit card deposits are sometimes treated as cash advances and thus are subject to cash advance fees. See section above for a way around those fees by accessing a Play+ card at certain sportsbooks.
What is MasterCard’s position on legal gambling?
MasterCard does not have a statement on its position on legal gambling. However, since current CEO Michael Miebach took over in 2021, the company has made decisions that indicate its support for legal gambling. For example, the company has streamlined the process for making deposits on legal betting websites.
Which banks/credit cards prohibit legal gambling transactions?
Credit card companies, like Visa, MasterCard, or Discover, do not block legal gambling transactions. However, issuing banks can be a bit more complicated. In states with legal gambling, major banks do not block the transactions. Beyond that, it’s more confusing. Banks exclusively based in states without legal gambling and local credit unions may have different policies. When in doubt, check with your bank or credit union before wagering.
Does online gambling affect credit score?
Online gambling does not affect your credit score. However, certain activities can impact the score. Being behind on payments, lowering your available credit, and casino lines of credit can all negatively affect your score.
Any state limit on credit card deposits?
States do not limit your online gambling deposits. That decision is up to the credit card company and the sportsbook or casino you are wagering with. Sports betting providers must geolocate each customer to ensure they are placing wagers within the geographic boundaries of the state, or any other predefined legal jurisdiction, such as tribal lands.
Casino lines of credit often mean a hard inquiry on your score. Such inquiries will produce temporary drop in your credit score. Also, cash advances, while not impacting your score, do accrue interest immediately.
MasterCard does keep track of the type of transactions you perform. Through Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), MasterCard labels gambling transactions as amusement and entertainment transactions. This is a normal credit card company practice and does not impact your score.
When should I use an e-Wallet?
An e-wallet can help circumvent bank or credit card fees. Remember to link your bank account to an e-wallet like Paypal. Transactions to and from a bank account have little or no processing fees. However, fees will be applied to credit card and debit card transactions.
Depositing With MasterCard Before Each Season
- If you plan on using a credit card for online gambling make sure you set up a withdrawal option that doesn’t charge fees, like a Play+ card or a bank account for ACH transfers.
- Plan your sports betting season in advance. First, find a sportsbook that has the best betting options for that sport. Next, deposit before the season begins to establish your account.
- Deposit a lump sum of money at the beginning of a season. Then, budget future deposits throughout the season. Try to continue living off your winnings.
- No matter where your permanent address or billing address is, you will be geolocated when betting online. Make all your bets when you are within a state that permits legal sports betting.
Before You Deposit
- Gather your card, billing address, and ID card or USA state driver’s license.
- Some sportsbooks require a faxed or scanned written authorization. Download from customer service or the cashier page.
- First deposits with MasterCard are limited to fixed dollar amounts. You will be able to deposit more often after establishing a relationship.
MasterCard Sports Betting FAQs
Yes, you can deposit to a legal US sportsbook and place bets.
Yes, after a brief review of several seconds to a few minutes.
Yes, most sports betting sites limit initial deposits until you’ve established a good relationship with them.
Between $1,000-$1,500 with some allowing for up to $2,500.
Bank account transfers, online banking, PayPal, bank wires, money transfers, and cash-at-cage are all good backup deposit options.
Establishing a good customer relationship and consistent behavior can increase your deposit limit.
This varies, check with your credit card company first to avoid unwanted cash advance fees.
Betting Site Deposit Guides
- Visa Sports Betting Sites – Online sports betting and casino sites that accept Visa credit and debit card deposits.
- MasterCard Sports Betting Sites – See which sports betting and casino sites accept MasterCard credit and debit card deposits.
- Discover Sports Betting Sites – Discover is widely accepted at various sports betting and online casino sites.
- VIP Preferred eCheck Sports Betting Sites – Review a current list of betting sites accepting VIP Preferred ACH deposits.
- PlayPlus Card Sports Betting Sites – Easy to obtain and easy to use prepaid debit card for betting deposits and withdrawals.
- Bank Transfer Sports Betting Sites – Multiple leading betting sites accept deposits using their bank transfer payment gateway.
- PayPal Sports Betting Sites – Use a PayPal account to quickly and reliably fund your sports betting or casino player account.
- PayNearMe Sports Betting Sites – Get a PayCode and fund your gambling site player account with a quick trip to the store.
- EZMoney Horse Betting Sites – Use the EZMoney ACH processor to make a deposit using your bank account.
- Bank Wire Sports Betting Sites – Best for VIP customers seeking a discreet and high limit option for funding their player accounts.
- Sports Betting Sites – SportsBetting3.com offers the top sports betting sites for United States customers in jurisdictions where sports betting and online casino games are legal.
Coauthor: Zachary Bruhl