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On this page
- Which payment methods do current welcome offers exclude?
- Which payment methods are often excluded?
- Why do bookmakers exclude some methods?
- Where do you find payment exclusions?
- What should you check before your first deposit?
- What if I already used an excluded method?
- Which payment rules apply at every UK site?
- Does it matter if I don’t get the offer?
- Staying in control
- Frequently asked questions
Many UK welcome offers don’t count deposits made with e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller, and some also exclude PayPal, Apple Pay, prepaid cards such as Paysafecard, or Revolut. If your qualifying deposit uses an excluded method, you usually won’t get the offer, even if you meet every other condition. Exclusions differ by bookmaker, so check the significant terms before your first deposit. The table below shows what the offers we list say.
Last checked 22 October 2026 by Tom Perkins. Exclusions taken from the terms recorded on our offer cards (checked on the operators’ own pages on 21 October 2026; Sky Bet on 22 October 2026).
You open a new betting account, deposit, place your qualifying bet – and the welcome offer never arrives. One of the most common reasons is that the payment method used for the deposit was excluded in the offer’s terms. This guide explains which kinds of payment methods are often excluded, why bookmakers do it, and how to check before you deposit.
Which payment methods do current welcome offers exclude?
These are the payment rules in the welcome offers we list. Skrill and Neteller are the most common exclusions; Unibet’s casino offer is the strictest.
| Offer | Excluded or required deposit methods |
|---|---|
| Sky Bet sports | Neteller and Skrill deposits don’t qualify |
| Unibet sports | Debit card or instant bank transfer only |
| Unibet casino | Debit card or instant bank transfer only; Apple Pay, PayPal, Paysafecard, Skrill and Neteller named as excluded |
| 10bet sports and casino | Skrill and Neteller deposits excluded |
| Stakemate sports | Revolut deposits excluded |
| Midnite sports and casino | No method excluded in the terms we recorded; one offer per payment account |
| BetMGM, BetUK, Spreadex | No method excluded in the terms we recorded |
| Dabble | Its published key terms don’t state payment exclusions; check the full promotional terms |
Terms as recorded on our offer cards, checked on the operators’ own offer pages on 21 October 2026 (Sky Bet on 22 October 2026). Offers change, so read the significant terms next to each offer before you deposit. Credit cards can’t be used at any of them (see below).
Which payment methods are often excluded?
Exclusions are set by each bookmaker and differ from offer to offer. The categories most often named in welcome offer terms are:
- E-wallets – services such as PayPal, Skrill and Neteller are among the most frequently excluded.
- Prepaid vouchers and cards – for example paysafecard.
- Some instant bank or open banking payments – occasionally excluded, though less commonly.
- Some mobile wallets – occasionally excluded; others, such as Apple Pay, are often treated like debit cards. Never assume – check.
Debit cards are the method most commonly accepted for qualifying deposits, but even that is not guaranteed. The only reliable source is the significant terms of the specific offer.
Why do bookmakers exclude some methods?
Bookmakers rarely set out every reason in their terms, but common explanations include:
- Preventing bonus abuse. E-wallets and prepaid vouchers can make it easier to open several accounts or move money between them, which bookmakers try to prevent with “one offer per person” rules.
- Verification. Debit cards and bank accounts are directly linked to a named person, which can make identity and ownership checks simpler.
- Cost. Some payment methods cost the bookmaker more to process.
Whatever the reason, the exclusion is part of the offer’s terms. If you deposit with an excluded method, you will usually not receive the offer – even if you meet every other condition.
Where do you find payment exclusions?
Under ASA/CAP guidance, significant conditions that are likely to affect someone’s decision to take up an offer must be shown prominently with the offer. On our site, payment method exclusions appear in the significant terms next to each listing:
New customers. Min £5 deposit. First bet only: min £5 single/each-way at odds 1/1+ within 30 days of registration. 3 x £10 Free Bets (singles/each-way, excl. virtuals), expire after 30 days. Free Bet stakes not returned. Neteller and Skrill deposits excluded. No wagering on Free Bet winnings stated.
Promo code:
AB5G30Three separate £10 Free Bets, usable on singles and each-way.Full T&Cs
New Sky Betting and Gaming customers 18+ only (previous Sky Bet, Vegas, Casino, Bingo or Poker account holders excluded). Register, add card details and make a minimum £5 deposit. Your first bet must be a single or each-way bet of at least £5 on any Sky Bet market at odds of 1/1 or greater; accumulated smaller stakes do not count and only your first bet counts. Staking requirement must be met within 30 days of registration. Rewards: three £10 Free Bet tokens, usable on any single or each-way market excluding virtuals, not with any other offer. Free Bets expire 30 days after crediting, are non-withdrawable and stakes are not included in returns. One claim per customer. Customers depositing with Neteller or Skrill do not qualify. Offer may differ if you arrive via another link. Sky Bet General Promotion Terms apply.
New customers. Opt in at sign-up. Deposit £10+ and place a £10+ bet at odds 1/1+ within 7 days (excl. virtuals, esports, non-UK/IE racing). 4 x £10 Free Bets: 2 for football accas (4+ legs), 2 for sports multiples (2+ legs), valid 7 days. Free Bet stake not returned.
Rewards credited on settlement of one £10 qualifying bet, win or lose.
Full T&Cs
New BetMGM customers 18+. Select the Sports Welcome Offer at sign-up. Deposit at least £10 and place at least £10 on a qualifying bet within 7 days of registration: min odds Evens 1/1 (2.0); each-way bets need £10 each way (£20 total); Bet Builder total odds must be 1/1+. Excludes virtual sports, esports and non-UK/IE horse racing. Free Bets, Profit Boosts, Odds Boosts, void, cashed-out, partially cashed-out and system bets do not qualify. Not with other offers. On settlement you get 4 x £10 Free Bets: 2 x £10 on football accas (4+ selections) and 2 x £10 on sports multiples (2+ selections), selected via the betslip checkbox. Free Bets expire after 7 days; stake not included in winnings. Once per household/computer/IP. Operated by LeoVegas Gaming plc (UKGC 39198). General and promotional T&Cs apply.
New customers. Opt in at sign-up. Deposit £10+ and place a £10+ bet at odds 1/1+ within 7 days (excl. virtuals, esports, non-UK/IE racing). 4 x £10 Free Bets: 2 for football accas (4+ legs), 2 for sports multiples (2+ legs), valid 7 days. Free Bet stake not returned.
Same LeoVegas offer structure as BetMGM, with UK/IE racing allowed for the qualifier.
Full T&Cs
New BetUK.com customers 18+. Opt in by selecting the Sports Welcome Offer at sign-up. Deposit at least £10 and place at least £10 on a qualifying bet within 7 days of registration: min odds Evens 1/1 (2.0); each-way needs £10 each way; Bet Builder total odds 1/1+. Excludes virtual sports, esports and non-UK/IE horse racing. Free Bets, Profit/Odds Boosts, void, cashed-out, partially cashed-out and system bets do not qualify. Once only; not with other offers. On settlement: 2 x £10 Free Bets on football accas (4+ selections) and 2 x £10 on sports multiples (2+ selections). Unused Free Bets expire after 7 days; stake not included in winnings. Operated by LeoVegas Gaming plc (UKGC 39198). General Promotional and General T&Cs apply.
New GB customers. Opt in. Deposit and bet £20+ on sports at min odds 1/1 (2.0) within 7 days. £40 in Free Bets, expire 7 days after issue. Debit card or instant bank transfer deposits only. Geo restrictions and T&Cs apply.
Qualifying bet can be on any sport at evens or bigger.
Full T&Cs
18+. New GB customers only. Opt in. Deposit and bet £20+ on sports at minimum odds of 2.0 (1/1) for £40 in Free Bets within 7 days. Debit cards or instant bank transfers only. Free bets expire within 7 days of issue. Geographical restrictions and T&Cs apply. (Summary terms as published on the Unibet promotions page; the full offer page could not be opened from our checker.)
- Debit card
- Instant bank transfer
New customers. Code BETGET30. Deposit £10+, place a £10 bet (single, acca or bet builder; no each-way) at odds 1/1+ within 14 days. 1 x £10 single (1/1+), 3 x £5 pre-match bet builder (3/1+, 3+ legs), 1 x £5 pre-match acca (4/1+, 4+ legs). Free Bets expire after 7 days. Stake not returned.
Promo code:
BETGET30Qualifying bet can be a single, acca or bet builder.Full T&Cs
New Midnite customers 18+. Register with code BETGET30, deposit at least £10 and place a £10 sportsbook bet at min odds 1/1 (2.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Singles, accumulators or Bet Builders allowed; each-way excluded; virtual sports excluded. Void, cashed-out or Free Bet/promotional bets do not qualify. Rewards on settlement (win or lose): 1 x £10 single Free Bet (min odds 1/1), 3 x £5 pre-match Bet Builder Free Bets (min odds 3/1, 3+ selections), 1 x £5 pre-match acca Free Bet (min odds 4/1, 4+ selections). Rewards are non-withdrawable, expire 7 days after crediting; free stake not returned. Free Bets usable on singles and straight accas only, not each-way, not with other promotions. Once per person/household/device/payment account. Midnite Terms of Service and General Promotion T&Cs apply.
New customers. Choose bonus at sign-up. 100% of first deposit up to £50 as Sports Bonus. Wager bonus 10x within 30 days; singles 1/1+, accas only if every leg 1/2+. Cash used first. Withdrawing before wagering is complete forfeits the bonus. Skrill and Neteller deposits excluded.
Wagering is at the 10x legal cap with a 30-day window.
Full T&Cs
Select the Sports Welcome Bonus at sign-up and make your first deposit: 100% Sports Bonus up to £50 credited to your Sports Bonus balance. To convert it to cash, wager the bonus 10x within 30 days. Single bets below 1/1 (2.00) do not count; accumulators do not count if any selection is below 1/2 (1.50). Virtual sports, voided, cancelled, drawn, cashed-out and Free Bet wagers do not count; only the first settled bet per event counts. Withdrawal before completing wagering forfeits bonus and bonus winnings. Cash balance is used before bonus. Skrill or Neteller deposits not eligible. Not with other promotions. 10bet general T&Cs and Promotion Terms apply.
If a payment exclusion is not clear from the summary, read the full terms on the bookmaker’s site before you deposit. Look for wording such as “deposits made using … will not qualify” or “qualifying deposit must be made by debit card”.
What should you check before your first deposit?
- Read the significant terms next to the offer.
- Note which payment methods qualify and which do not.
- Check whether the offer must be opted into, or needs a promo code.
- Check the minimum deposit and qualifying bet, minimum odds and expiry.
- Use a qualifying method for the first deposit if you want the offer.
- Set a deposit limit before you deposit.
Our free bets guide and how free bets work explain the other common terms in detail.
What if I already used an excluded method?
Usually, the offer will not be credited. You can contact the bookmaker’s customer service to ask, but bookmakers are entitled to apply their published terms. Do not open a second account to try again – this normally breaks “one account per person” rules and can lead to accounts being closed.
Which payment rules apply at every UK site?
Separately from offer exclusions, some rules apply to all betting in Great Britain:
- No credit cards. Since 14 April 2020, licensed operators cannot accept credit card payments for gambling, including credit card money routed through e-wallets (Gambling Commission, licence condition 6.1.2).
- Your own payment method. Payment methods must be in your name.
- Withdrawals usually go back to the deposit method where possible.
More on each method: PayPal betting sites, bookmakers that take Apple Pay and why credit cards are banned for gambling.
Does it matter if I don’t get the offer?
An offer should never be the only reason you open an account or deposit. If an excluded payment method is the one you are most comfortable using, it may be better to skip the offer than to change how you manage your money just to qualify. Choose a licensed bookmaker first – see how to choose a safe gambling site.
Staying in control
Welcome offers are designed to get you to deposit and bet. Decide on your budget first, set a deposit limit, and stop if betting stops being fun. You can self-exclude from all online gambling sites licensed in Great Britain for free with GamStop. Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133. See our responsible gambling page.
Frequently asked questions
Why is PayPal excluded from some free bet offers?
Bookmakers set their own offer terms. E-wallets are commonly excluded, often to help prevent multiple-account abuse. Check each offer.
Is Apple Pay excluded from welcome offers?
It depends on the bookmaker. Unibet’s casino welcome offer excludes Apple Pay deposits, while the other offers we list don’t name it as excluded (checked 21 October 2026). Check the significant terms each time.
Can I switch payment method after signing up?
Usually the first or qualifying deposit decides eligibility. Check the terms before your first deposit.
Are Skrill and Neteller excluded from free bet offers?
Often. Of the offers we list, Sky Bet’s and 10bet’s exclude Skrill and Neteller deposits, and Unibet’s casino offer excludes them along with PayPal, Apple Pay and Paysafecard (checked 21 to 22 October 2026).
Does a Revolut deposit count for welcome offers?
Not always. Stakemate’s welcome offer excludes Revolut deposits (checked 21 October 2026). Other bookmakers may treat it like any other debit card, so check each offer’s terms.
Affiliate disclosure: onlinebetfree.co.uk may receive a commission if you open an account through links on this page. This does not affect the offers we list or how we describe them, and it never changes the terms a bookmaker gives you.
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. For free, confidential support visit BeGambleAware.org or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.