Best PayPal Betting Sites UK - 2023

How We Review the Best PayPal Betting Sites

To find the best PayPal betting sites UK, we put operators through their paces to make sure they tick all the right boxes for bettors hoping to keep their bank details and debit card numbers away from online betting sites. Here’s what we expect to see during our reviews.

Supports PayPal

We want to keep things as smooth as possible for our players, so when we scout for reputable PayPal betting sites, the first thing we do is ensure PayPal is definitely an option. While this may seem obvious, not all bookies accept PayPal, so we take the smart step of confirming that this e-wallet is indeed featured on the cashier page. 

Licensing and Security

When reviewing PayPal bookies, we put safety first. Other than sites supporting PayPal, we insist on one other non-negotiable: a valid licence from the Gambling Commission. This UKGC licence ensures legality, regulation, and secure betting. PayPal betting sites without one don’t make the cut. It’s that simple. 

Alternative Payment Options

While betting with PayPal is a popular choice, some bookies ask punters to use an alternative payment method to claim a bonus. It’s not always ideal, but it’s the way the payment system at a sportsbook rolls sometimes. In such cases, we scan the cashier page to ensure you have reliable deposit options like debit cards and Trustly available for your qualifying deposit.

Bonuses and Promotions

The best betting sites in the UK offer a selection of promos for both new account holders and existing bettors. These deals are a must for a top betting experience, so we ensure there are plenty on the menu. Remember, we also carefully check the T&Cs to identify sites where PayPal is accepted, and if not, we make sure there are plenty of alternatives to choose from.

Customer Service

Punters expect fast and friendly customer support from PayPal betting sites, so during our review, we ensure exactly what’s available. Top sites offer a range of options, including live chat, telephone and email support, and even social media channels. Our PayPal betting site reviews include opening hours for a site’s support channels, making it easy to see if the options work for you.

Mobile Compatibility

For mobile betting, convenience is key. Top PayPal betting sites ensure a smooth transition from your PayPal app to their mobile platform, providing hassle-free transactions. While all our featured bookies offer mobile-friendly sites, some also offer native apps, which come with perks like better security and bonus notifications. Use our reviews to pinpoint the best options for you.

Range of Sports and Betting Markets

To rank among the best UK betting sites with PayPal, the sites we review must offer a wide range of sports to bet on, including major picks like football and tennis, as well as niche options like handball and lacrosse. The best sites also offer deeper market coverage, with PayPal bookies like Betfair and William Hill offering hundreds of markets on a single football match. 

How to Set Up a PayPal Account

If you don’t already have one, setting up a PayPal account is a quick and easy process and offers a range of benefits — not only will you enjoy fast withdrawals when betting with PayPal, but you can also use your account to make secure payments at thousands of online stores.

Follow the steps below to get started.

1. Head to the PayPal website and click Sign Up – begin by heading to the PayPal website or downloading the app, and click the Sign Up button;
2. Choose a Personal or Business account – the vast majority of users only require a personal account, and this is all you’ll need to deposit and withdraw funds at PayPal betting sites, send money to friends and family, and make purchases online. A business account allows business owners to integrate PayPal checkout onto their website, receive payments from buyers, and have logins for up to 200 employees;
3. Enter your phone number – enter your personal phone number, ensure the country code is correct, and click next;
4. Fill in your personal details – here you’ll need to provide your name and address, and choose an email and password for your account;
5. Read the T&Cs and create your account – next, read and agree to PayPal’s user agreement and privacy policy. Then, click ‘Agree and Create Account’ to confirm.
6. Link a card or bank – to fund your new PayPal account, you’ll need to link a debit card, credit card, or bank account. These details will be saved so you can easily add and withdraw funds from the digital wallet whenever you need. You don’t need to have money in your balance to make payments though, as PayPal can also initiate payments directly from your bank;
7. Set up 2-step verification – to add an extra layer of security to your account, it’s always a good idea to set up 2-step verification. Each time you log in using a new device, you’ll need to authorise the log in with an extra step — this helps to prevent hackers accessing your account if they get a hold of your password. You’ll need to be on the PayPal website to set this up — head to settings > security > 2-step verification. From there you can choose your verification method — ‘text me a code’, ‘use an authenticator app’, or ‘use a security key’.

Making a PayPal Deposit

Whether you like a bit of esports betting or enjoy creating ambitious accas for football markets, you’ll want an easy way to fund your account – and that’s exactly what PayPal is. Once your chosen sports betting site has verified your identity, you’ll be able to instantly deposit using PayPal in just a few steps. Of course, before you get started, you’ll need to register with PayPal. A personal account can be created in just a few minutes – all you need to share is your name, address, phone number and email address. As far as deposit methods for online betting goes, it’s certainly not complicated.

Fast Withdrawals with PayPal Betting Sites

Betting with PayPal is a great option for customers looking to prioritise fast withdrawals. Rather than having to wait around, cashing out via PayPal ensures you’ll receive your funds within 48 hours. Often, the process is completed quicker still, either within 24 hours or instantly in some cases. 

The reason the PayPal withdrawal speed may vary is because there are external limiting factors, the main one being the betting site’s internal processing speeds. Every bookmaker has its own process for verifying a customer’s withdrawal —  this is to ensure that the payment isn’t fraudulent, that the customer’s withdrawal limits haven’t been exceeded, and that the money is going to the right place. Many fast withdrawal betting sites are able to complete this verification process within minutes, while others take up to 24 hours or longer. Only once this process is complete can PayPal go ahead and take care of the rest.

To set yourself up for fast withdrawals, you’ll first need to create a PayPal account by following the steps we’ve outlined in the previous section. Once you’ve created an account and connected it to your bank, follow the steps below to withdraw funds from your betting account using PayPal:

1. Head to the cashier page of the PayPal betting site;
2. Select the option to withdraw funds from your account;
3. Choose PayPal as your preferred withdrawal method;
4. Key in the amount you’d like to withdraw;
5. Click confirm to submit the request.

Bonus Exclusions at PayPal Betting Sites

There’s a wide variety of online sports bonuses available at PayPal betting sites, so new and existing customers always have plenty to choose from. Many bonuses are activated by making a qualifying deposit, such as welcome offers you can claim when you make your first deposit. Unfortunately, PayPal and other e-wallets are sometimes excluded from unlocking these deposit bonuses. This can be frustrating, and even more so if you don’t realise until after you’ve made your deposit. For this reason, be sure to read the T&Cs of an offer before you get started.

There are legitimate reasons for these bonus exclusions, which are largely out of the betting site’s control. Here are two of the main culprits:

• Transaction Fees – PayPal has higher transaction fees than other vendors, such as banks, and these costs are levied on the betting site. To permit PayPal as an eligible deposit method to unlock bonuses could therefore result in a loss for the bookmaker.
• KYC Capabilities – Deposits via e-wallets such as PayPal have less thorough Know Your Customer (KYC) capabilities. Excluding PayPal from promotions therefore reduces the risk of bonus abuse, where customers could attempt to claim an offer multiple times.

While bonus exclusions are a significant pain point for PayPal users, don’t forget that you can use a temporary alternative such as a debit card, and then switch back to using PayPal for deposits and withdrawals once you’ve claimed the bonus. Bear in mind, however, that some sites put a stopper on this, so again it’s important to check the T&Cs.

Make a PayPal Deposit and Claim your Bonus

The best PayPal betting sites not only entice newcomers with a generous welcome bonus but also roll out the red carpet for existing customers. Expect exciting promotions like free bets offers, enhanced odds, and money back if your first bet loses. These offers often tie in with major sporting events, such as Premier League kick off or high profile boxing bouts. To claim these bonuses, make a qualifying deposit or bet (some may need a promo code), and you’re good to go. Our sportsbook reviews can guide you to the best deals. 

Free Bets

Free bets are one of the most common types of offers at PayPal betting sites. They’re often featured as part of a welcome offer for new customers, or as special deals for existing punters. Essentially, they’re exactly what they say on the tin — you’ll be able to place a bet without using any of your own cash. 

There’ll usually be a limited range of markets eligible for your free bet, as bookmakers often use them to promote a particular sport. For example, you could pick up a free bet to use on any Premier League match at the weekend. Alternatively, a site may offer a free bet exclusively for live betting.

Matched Deposits

Matched deposits are a popular type of welcome offer for new PayPal betting customers. Essentially, the betting site will ‘match’ your deposit to a particular percentage — a 100% match on a £20 deposit would add an additional £20 in bonus credit to your account, effectively doubling your available funds and leaving you with £40 to play with.

These types of offers will have a bonus limit — for example, a ‘100% deposit match up to £200’ would mean £200 is the maximum bonus you could receive. There’ll also be a minimum deposit required in order to qualify, usually £10 or £20.

Promo Codes

While many bonuses simply require you to sign up and add funds to your account to qualify, others require a promo code to get in on the action — there’ll usually be an option to enter one when you register with a site.

Some sites display their codes front and centre on their homepage, while others are a little more exclusive and appear in selected adverts. When browsing the range of betting deals here at Compare.bet, we’ll let you know if you’ll need a promotional code to pick up the rewards.

Bet x Get y

While matched deposit offers allow you to claim rewards when you make a deposit, other bonuses are activated by actually placing a bet. Here’s an example of a welcome offer you might see along these lines:

• Sign up, bet £10 & get £50 in free bets

There’ll usually be stipulations around the qualifying bet, such as the odds it’s placed at, so be sure to read the T&Cs before you get started.

Profit Boosts

Profit boosts are another popular offer at PayPal betting sites. On selected bets, the bookmaker will advertise an increased potential payout if your bet wins. Acca boosts work in a similar way — accumulators with a certain number of selections will have their payout increased by a certain percentage.

Money Back Bets

Money back bets are pretty straightforward — essentially, you get your money back if your bet doesn’t win. In some cases, you’ll get your money back as cash, but other times your stake may be returned as a free bet instead. 

Some money back bets apply to more specific scenarios. The Bore Draw bet found at bet365 is a good example — if you’ve bet on a team to win a football match and the game finishes 0-0, you’ll get your stake back.

Bonus Terms and Conditions

It’s important to read the small print before you sign up and claim your reward, as terms and conditions apply to every sports betting deal. Below are some of the most important T&Cs you need to be aware of when choosing a new PayPal betting site:

• Payment method exclusions – Often, betting sites limit your qualifying deposit for bonuses to debit cards, excluding payment options like e-wallets and prepaid cards. To be on the safe side, it’s usually best to use a debit card for your initial deposit and then switch to PayPal for subsequent top ups. 
• Minimum deposit and/or bet – Almost every PayPal betting site’s welcome bonus requires new players to make a minimum deposit or bet of between £5 and £20 to receive their bonus. 
• Minimum odds – PayPal betting sites usually stipulate that qualifying bets need to satisfy minimum odds requirements for players to receive their bonus. These aren’t usually too high but may apply to your free bets too.
• Time limits – Virtually every bonus will expire after a certain number of days. This expiry period is usually seven days, but some PayPal betting sites will give you up to three months to use your bonuses.
• Market restrictions – In some cases, free bets can only be used on certain sports and markets. In others, you’ll only be able to use your free bets on certain types of wagers or events.
• Winnings caps – Some betting bonuses at bookmakers with PayPal come with maximum win caps, meaning that there will be a ceiling on how much you can win from your free bets.
• Wagering requirements – Wagering requirements determine how many times you must bet your bonus before cashing out. Betting bonuses at PayPal betting sites usually have no rollover demand but are almost always part of the deal with casino offers. 

Bet on the Go with a Mobile PayPal Betting Site

Convenience is part of what makes PayPal so appealing, and the ability to pay and play on your mobile only adds to this convenience. According to a study from 2020, nearly eight in ten smartphone owners have at least one mobile payment app installed — of these, PayPal is the app of choice for 65% of people. Couple this with the fact that around 55% of punters use their mobiles to bet online, and it’s easy to see why PayPal betting sites are so popular.

All the PayPal betting sites we recommend are mobile friendly, allowing you to easily bet on sports whenever and wherever. However, the very best PayPal bookies go one step further by offering a mobile betting app. 

Mobile apps make for an even better betting experience — here’s how:

• Fast loading – Apps store data on your phone, rather than on shared web servers, so loading times tend to be quicker and navigation smoother.
• Quick access – Once you have the app installed, it takes just one tap to jump from your home screen to the betting site.
• Push notifications – By turning on push notifications, you can stay in the loop of all the latest promotions and odds offers.

One of the few potential downsides to betting apps is that occasionally they’ll only be available on one operating system. That said, most of the top bookies do offer an app for both iOS and Android. Plus, the bookmaker’s mobile site will run on any device’s browser, so you’ll never be locked out of betting on your phone — unless, of course, you choose to set up a time out or self-exclusion.

Try One of 2023’s New PayPal-Friendly Bookies

PayPal is already a widely accepted payment method at the UK’s top online betting sites, but what about the newest bookies on the market? Although they’ll need to earn a solid reputation first, you’ll find PayPal available to use at many exciting new betting sites.

There are lots of reasons why you may want to opt for a newer site over a more established name. For one, they often have slicker interfaces and more original designs. Sites like HeySpin and BetTarget take a more modern approach than the likes of William Hill and Betfair, which look a little dated in places. Additionally, new betting sites sometimes offer some of the best promotions on the market in an attempt to stand out from the crowd.

Try These Alternatives to PayPal

All clued-up on PayPal, but not sure it’s the right payment option for you? There are plenty of alternatives at the top sports betting sites. We’ve put together a list of banking options that are widely available at online bookmakers.

Bet Securely at PayPal Betting Sites

PayPal is one of the most secure online payment providers out there. Incorporating the security protocols into its everyday operations, PayPal works hard to protect its customers. It monitors every transaction 24/7 to minimise the risk of fraud and has procedures in place to act fast if it does suspect a fraudulent payment.

All this being said, there are a few steps you can take to further ensure your safety when betting with PayPal:

Only Bet at Secure Sites

PayPal is pretty selective in terms of which sites can offer its services, but you should still double-check the safety of the bookmaker you’re betting at. Look for the small padlock and ‘https’ in the URL bar (the ‘s’ stands for secure). You should also stick to licensed sports betting sites, which are the only kinds of online sportsbooks you’ll find here at Compare.bet.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, adds another layer of security to your account. PayPal has its own 2FA process, the PayPal Security Key. When you activate this, you’ll need to enter a unique one-time code that’s sent by text each time you log in. You can also protect your PayPal account with security questions, just to make it extra secure.

Beware of Phishing Emails

Keep an eye out for any emails that claim to be from PayPal and ask you to disclose details about your account. PayPal says that it will never ask for sensitive information, so any such emails should raise red flags. Likewise, you should never click on links or download attachments in these kinds of emails. Have you reived a suspicious email? Contact the PayPal customer support team, and delete the email from your inbox.

Extra Security Tips

• Avoid betting with PayPal on a public or shared device, especially if you’re using PayPal’s One Touch feature;
• Choose a unique password that includes a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters;
• Contact PayPal and your bank as soon as possible if you suspect that your account security may be at risk.

Responsible Gambling with PayPal

Gambling can be a lot of fun for many people, but for others, it can be a source of addiction. That’s why PayPal have taken the step to allow players to block gambling transactions from their PayPal account. That means that if you are struggling with a gambling problem, you can opt out of making deposits and withdrawals on all sports betting markets, including horse racing, using PayPal.

As well as blocking PayPal transactions directly via the e-wallet, you can also contact your bank to block all gambling transactions, use Gamban to block all online gambling, enter the self-exclusion programme provided by GAMSTOP and get in contact with GamCare to receive specialised support.

Tips for Gambling Safely

Here are some top tips to keep in mind for maintaining healthy gambling habits:

• Set your own budgets – PayPal betting sites will let you set your own spending limits, so set yourself realistic restrictions that allow you to carry on enjoying your gambling.
• Use self-exclusion tools – Self-exclusion tools like GAMSTOP put a stop to your gambling activities for a determined period of time, which makes sure you’re not spending too much time at PayPal betting sites.
• Bet only what you can afford to lose – Gambling should be a fun and sustainable hobby, so never bet what you can’t afford to lose.
• Don’t bet on sports and markets you’re not familiar with – You should only bet on sports and markets that you’re knowledgeable about. Betting on your favourite sports is more enjoyable, after all. 
• Don’t chase your losses – Chasing your losses is a dangerous practice that will only make things worse. If you’re on a bad run of luck or form, it’s worth taking a break.
• Don’t look at gambling as a way to make money – Gambling is a game of luck and chance, so should never be seen as a source of income. Betting should be a fun pastime — the second it starts to feel like a chore or a necessity, reach out for help and support.

Safer Gambling Organisations

The key thing to remember when betting on sports is that it’s intended as a safe and enjoyable experience. Responsible gambling is key! You can play your part by setting a budget and reducing the length of time you spend gambling. However, if you’re worried you may be developing some bad habits or suspect that someone close to you may be struggling, help is available. You can explore our responsible gambling page to find more info and tips, as well as the contact details for professional gambling charities and organisations.

• Gamblers Anonymous – Gamblers Anonymous is a charity that was founded in 1957 with the aim of supporting those who struggle with gambling related issues. They meet all around the UK, and online, and have helped millions of people work through their addictions. 
• GambleAware – Begambleaware.org is the perfect place to start if you think you may be showing early signs of problem gambling. Its website is full of useful information and different forms of support, so click on the link to familiarise yourself with their work.
• GamCare – GamCare is another excellent charity that provides various forms of help, advice and support to victims of addiction. You can speak to an advisor 24 hours a day via their live chat function, speak over the phone, or set up a WhatsApp conversation. If you prefer, you can also be added to group chats and forums with people who have been through similar experiences. 
• Safer Gambling UK – Safer Gambling UK not only helps raise awareness for problem gambling and addiction through initiatives such as Safer Gambling Week, but is also available to provide support through the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.

Learn More About PayPal

Even if online betting with PayPal isn’t something you’ve done before, chances are you’ve already used PayPal in other capacities, or heard of it at the very least. The e-wallet rose to prominence as a result of its popularity with eBay users and is now a household name.

PayPal was originally founded as Confinity by Max Levchin, Peter Thiel, and Luke Nosek in 1998. In 2000, it merged with x.com, an online financial services company co-founded by Elon Musk. The merged entity was renamed PayPal in 2001 and went public the following year. 

Following PayPal’s acquisition by eBay in 2002, its user base surged as it became millions of buyers and sellers’ preferred payment method worldwide. eBay spun off PayPal in 2015, but the company has continued to be a major player in the years since.

PayPal has made numerous acquisitions of its own and continued to develop innovative new features in recent years. Users can now buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrency from their PayPal app, while the Pay in 3 service allows customers to split purchases over three, interest-free instalments. 

As of 2022, PayPal operates in more than 200 countries, supports 25 currencies and has nearly 430 million active, registered users around the globe. All things considered, it’s safe to say PayPal is one of the most reputable payment providers available online today. It’s no surprise, then, that PayPal betting sites are so popular.

Get Started at a PayPal Betting Site

Now that you’re up to speed on how PayPal provides a fast, convenient, secure way to place bets on your favourite markets, you can try it for yourself at one of the best PayPal betting sites.

Head back to the top of this page to compare the top PayPal sports betting sites right here, read our expert reviews of the featured sites, and when you’re ready simply click the link to claim your welcome bonus and get started.

References and Related External Links

Please note that Compare.bet is not responsible for the content of third party websites.

1. PayPal.com – ‘PayPal Help Guides’
2. NCSC.org.uk – ‘Setting up two-factor authentication (2FA)’
3. GamCare.org.uk – ‘How can gambling affect your life?’
4. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronshevlin/2021/07/13/paypals-domination-of-mobile-payments-is-coming-to-an-end/?sh=54e41f1e2e6d
5. https://focusgn.com/the-future-is-mobile-uplatform-stat-shows