Established in the 1990s, PayPal’s first business model was processing payments for eBay, the world’s largest online auction site. The two companies became so synonymous they eventually merged before breaking up again in 2015. Paypal Holdings Inc currently trades under the ticker symbol PYPL.
Besides processing payments for online auctions, PayPal also moved into other markets.
This included online gambling sites. It was the first choice for U.S. players in the early 2000’s. Most online poker, casinos and sportsbooks accepted PayPal. The ease of funding a PayPal account made it convenient. Its brand name made players feel more comfortable using it compared to newcomers to the market.
PayPal left the online gaming business after it merged with eBay in 2003.
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Using PayPal for US online gambling
PayPal remained as eBay’s preferred payment processor after it dropped the online gaming business. It returned to the U.S. online gaming market in 2015.
NJ online sportsbooks and casino sites accept PayPal. As does Pennsylvania, Indiana and West Virginia. And, when you signup using the links on this page, you qualify for exclusive no deposit offers for Sugarhouse, BetMGM, Unibet and Hollywood Casino.
List of PayPal gambling sites in USA
| Rank | Sportsbook & Casino | Legal States | Bonus Offer | Get Your Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Unibet Casino | NJ & PA | $750 Match | Get Bonus! |
| 2. | BetMGM Casino | MI, NJ, PA & WV | $1,000 Match | Get Bonus! |
| 3. | PlaySugarhouse Casino | NJ | $250 Match | Get Bonus! |
| 4. | DraftKings Casino | CT, MI, NJ, PA & WV | $60 Free + with First Deposit get an extra $25 free, plus 100% Match up to $2,000 (except CT) | Get Bonus! |
| 5. | Hollywood Online Casino | PA | $750 Match | Get Bonus! |
| 6. | Golden Nugget Casino | MI, NJ & WV | $1,000 Match | Get Bonus! |
| 7. | Tropicana Casino | NJ | $100 Match | Get Bonus! |
| 10. | FunzPoints | All US (except WA) | $20 Match | Get Bonus! |
There are some restrictions for PayPal transactions for Americans looking to use the eWallet for online gaming purposes. You can only fund these types of accounts using electronic funds or an existing balance. A transfer from another individual counts as an existing balance.
Funds in an American PayPal account that originated from the user’s credit or debit card may not be used to fund an account. This is due to restrictions that many bank card issuers have on gaming transactions, even ones that are specifically legal. U.S. players may withdraw from PayPal by electronic check, check and PayPal debit card.
Using PayPal for online gambling in the UK
The UK was the first market that PayPal returned to for online gaming payment processing.
This started in 2008 with Betfair. The number of sites that accept bets from UK players has exploded since. A PayPal online betting site in the United Kingdom must have a license from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to accept the eWallet. Paypal does not approve or work with unlicensed sites.
Players in the UK may fund a PayPal account using Visa, Mastercard, Solo, Switch, Delta, electronic funds transfers and an existing balance. Withdrawals are processed by check, electronic check and PayPal’s debit card.
Using PayPal for online gambling in Canada
PayPal is not available for online poker, casino or sportsbook transactions in Canada.
This is because gaming sites in Canada are not licensed and regulated by the government. That is a requirement for PayPal to process payments. PayPal is still available for transactions related to eBay purchases and other person-to-person transfers.
Benefits of using PayPal for online gaming transactions
PayPal is a fast way to load an online casino, poker, or sports betting account. There are a variety of ways to fund a personal PayPal account.
Transfers are instantaneous to merchants, including online gaming sites. Deposits made by PayPal rarely require a documentation check as PayPal already does that when creating an account.
Withdrawals are simple with PayPal. Some sites tack on a 2.9 percent fee for withdrawals, although some will cover this cost, depending on local regulations and company policy. You can send cash for free from a PayPal account to a bank. There is a small fee for a check or debit card withdrawal.
PayPal is the oldest eWallet. This experience shows in its security and software. PayPal security is quick to identify fraudulent logins and transactions. This protects players and their balances.
Drawbacks of using PayPal
The 2.9 percent fee for withdrawals in some jurisdictions is the number one complaint about PayPal. Additionaly, there may be a fee in countries where debit and credit cards are used.
PayPal does not offer good customer service. One issue not related to online gaming is the high number of chargebacks eBay sellers report. PayPal rules on the side of the buyer far too often in the eyes of sellers.