Some U.S. sports bettors can fund their online sportsbook accounts using a check or a money order. However, there are some caveats to consider when using either method. Although this method can work, it has certain drawbacks. Here’s an overview of the process and some of its drawbacks.
Does the Site Accept Them?
Not all online sportsbooks will accept checks or money orders from U.S. members. The easiest way to find out is to simply check a specific sportsbook’s list of deposit options available to those in the U.S. If it is unclear whether or not the site will take one or the other, contact the book through its helpline. You should be able to get a straightforward answer from one of their service personnel.
Often, books won’t accept checks due to the fact that they will have difficulty processing them. Money orders, which are a bit more like cash, can have a higher success rate. Still, many books will not accept either from U.S. members.
Delays
There are often delays involved in getting funds properly credited to your account when you use a check or money order. Along with the time and expense spent in sending either, there’s the time that it takes to process the payment once it arrives at its location. Online bookmakers have found that this is not a very good way for bettors to fund their accounts, and it often leads to frustration.
If Using a Check or Money Order
If you are going to use a check of a money order, make sure that you follow all steps as outlined by the sportsbook. Not doing so can lead to long delays, and it may negate the entire process. Be sure to keep all pertinent information and receipts related to the process and copies of any correspondence.
Send the check or money order in the manner recommended by the book. Also, make sure that you’re aware of how long they expect to take for the entire process to be complete.
Planning Ahead
Due to the time it takes to fund an online sportsbook account, it is very important that sports bettors plan their deposits carefully. It’s easy to find your online account with a zero balance and numerous prime wagering chances slipping by if you have not added enough money at one time.
The problem may not be that you have lost all of your cash, either. This situation can develop if you’re involved in making a lot of bets or utilizing some large unit wagers. Needless to say, you always want your online account ready to go. Using a check or money order is much slower than person-to-person transfer or debit card funding.
Use Your Cash Wisely
Once it is in your account, be sure to use your online sportsbook bankroll wisely by making unit bets of variable sizes. Put more money towards the bets that are most likely to payout and always look to lower your risk.