Though sports gambling sites still accept regular checks, the eCheck method is officially more popular among bettors. It works just like a hard-copy check, except itâs digital, which means your transactions are processed faster. Best of all, most sportsbooks accept eChecks, whereas regular checks are taken only by a handful these days. Not surprisingly, though, the best echeck betting sites are the ones that do the best job of putting through regular checks as well.
If youâre intrigued at the thought of using echecks as your primary payment method for sportsbooks, then please allow us to take you through everything you need to know first.
What you’ll find in this article:
Contrary to regular checks, you wonât have a difficult time finding gambling sites that accept eCheck deposits and process eCheck withdrawals. The sportsbooks that accept regular checks are still the ones best equipped to help you with the electronic version, but youâll find that at least half, if not more, of the online bookies you stumble across are willing to accept and deliver payments in the form of an eCheck.
Hereâs the thing: Not every site explicitly states they accept eChecks. When you go to the deposit or withdrawal page and try to select your preferred method, it may not be an option. But this isnât because your sportsbook doesnât take eChecks. Itâs more of a deliberate oversight, because eChecks are rarer than most other payment forms, so site designers donât want to waste valuable space on an option that doesnât appeal to the vast majority of sports bettors.
Donât interpret this as a shot at the eCheck method. It works. People just tend to prefer direct bank transfers, credit cards or e-wallets. Theyâre more direct, and they donât take nearly as long to process, regardless of whether you’re making deposits or requesting withdrawals.
Now, in the event your sportsbook doesnât have eChecks listed anywhere on their site, you can clear up whether theyâll accept them by contacting customer service. Oftentimes, youâll find out that eChecks are a viable payment method. If theyâre not, you can ask for your online gambling site to make an exception or simply use one of the many alternative methods at your disposal.
The eCheck process is a pretty simple deposit option across the USA. Whatever business youâre dealing with will usually seek to initiate and authorize your transaction with an online payment form or through a customer service representative over the phone. Upon receiving all the necessary information, the receiver will then try to process the transaction through a specific software designed to handle eChecks.
Theyâll receive a confirmation that it was successful and confirm it, at which point everythingâs basically done. However, it takes a little while for funds to be received or sent after this process is complete, so be prepared to wait a little while longer than you would if youâre using an e-wallet or credit card.
Be sure to only send your checking account number via secure channels. Emails are not recommended for sneidng the information necessary for using electronic checks at online sports betting sites.
While many sportsbooks will give you easy access to eCheck approval forms, a bunch will require you to contact customer service. Once you do, theyâll either send you a form that you can fill out and electronically submit back to them, or youâll have to hop on the phone with a representative who will manually take you through the entire process.
Plenty of betting sites take eCheck as a deposit method. Here are our five favorites:
As noted in our specific sportsbook reviews above, your eCheck deposits should be processed free of charge, as theyâre really no functionally different than a straight bank account transfer. However, because companies tend to pay a company to issue eChecks on their behalf, you will likely be responsible for a fee when withdrawing money. These surcharges vary by sportsbook and are usually a flat fee or a percentage of the entire transaction.
Sports gamblers are best off using eChecks at sites renowned for their speed, or that also accept regular checks. Since eChecks take a little longer to approve than a third-party e-wallet or credit card payment, itâs important to find an online bookie that doesnât dawdle when it comes to putting money in your account. Also, if they accept regular checks, theyâll have zero issue processing eChecks and probably have a service set up that will allow you to use this payment method without having to get on the phone and speaking with someone.
At this point, you might be wondering why people use eChecks instead of direct bank account transfers. After all, the latter is simpler. With eChecks, you have to fill out a form each time, which takes a lot longer than punching in an account and routing number.
Well, this is sort of the point. Companies do not hold onto your information when you pay with eChecks, since youâre technically paying from a unique source (i.e. a different check) each time. In essence, this allows bettors to refrain from having their information stored in a website. It may not always be necessary to be this cautious, but for the most risk-averse, thereâs value in knowing their information isnât readily available to the sportsbook theyâre dealing with, even if they have a recurring relationship.
Widely Available
Sports gambling sites may not always explicitly state it, but most do accept eChecks. If all else fails, give customer service a buzz. The best sportsbooks, like the ones we recommend, can walk you through the transaction process.
Easy to Use
Certain descriptions of how to use eChecks can be convoluted. Donât worry about them. The entire process is really easy. It basically amounts to filling out a form, submitting it and waiting for approval to come down.
Be Prepared to Wait…Possibly
Unlike credit card or e-wallet payments, eChecks are not instantaneous. They also donât take nearly as long to process as regular checks. Your wait time almost solely depends on your sportsbook. If they deal with eChecks all the time, itâs possible the transaction will be complete within a few hours. Other sites might make you wait anywhere from one to three business days before the final approval comes through.