You cannot use a credit card to gamble at UK licensed casinos. The UK credit card ban came into force on 14 April 2020. It covers online and offline gambling. The only exception is lottery tickets and scratchcards you buy in person from a shop. This guide explains what the credit card ban covers, why the Commission brought it in and what to use instead.
1What the credit card ban covers
The UK Gambling Commission banned licensed operators from accepting credit cards as a way to pay for gambling. That includes direct credit card deposits. It also includes deposits through an e-wallet that you top up with a credit card. If you link your e-wallet to a credit card, a UK casino should not accept a deposit from it.
The ban applies to every operator with a Great Britain licence. It makes no difference whether you play slots, bet on sport or buy bingo tickets online.
2Why the credit card ban was introduced
The Commission said gambling with borrowed money can lead to financial harm. Interest and fees on top of losses make it worse. When it announced the ban, the Commission cited research on online gamblers who used credit cards. It found that 22% of them met the definition of problem gamblers. The aim was to cut the risk of people building up debt through gambling.
3Payment methods you can use instead
- Debit cards: nearly every UK casino accepts Visa and Mastercard debit cards.
- E-wallets: services such as PayPal, as long as you fund them from a bank account or debit card. See our guide to PayPal casinos.
- Open banking: pay directly from your bank account through services such as Trustly. Read more about Trustly and open banking casinos.
- Bank transfer: slower, but available at many sites.
4What if a site still accepts credit cards?
A gambling site that accepts credit card deposits from UK players is very unlikely to hold a UK Gambling Commission licence. UK rules on fairness, safer gambling tools and complaints do not apply to unlicensed sites, so it is best to avoid them.
5Using debit cards responsibly
The credit card ban removed one route to gambling debt, but it is still possible to overspend with a debit card. Set a deposit limit with every casino you use. Your bank’s gambling block adds an extra safeguard. Many UK banks let you block gambling transactions on your debit card from the banking app.
Our guides to safer gambling tools and casino budget and bankroll rules cover practical ways to stay in control.
6Credit card ban: key points
- In force since 14 April 2020 for all UK licensed gambling operators.
- Covers direct credit card payments and credit-funded e-wallets.
- You can still use debit cards, open banking, bank transfers and e-wallets topped up from a bank or debit card.
- A site that accepts credit cards from UK players is a warning sign.