Best Mastercard Casinos 2024

There is no denying that the top casino sites in Ireland that accept Mastercard can be found far and wide. This popular payment method has been a staple offering at online casinos since its inception. Here at IrishLuck, we wanted to find out why this option remains at the top of every casino’s preferred payment methods list.


Our guide will take players from Ireland on the grand tour of Mastercard, from its humble beginnings to its worldwide popularity. We will be delving into the pros and cons of this payment method, scrutinising its deposit and withdrawal processes, exploring its casino bonuses, checking out the efficiency of its customer support, testing its mobile compatibility, and recommending the best online Mastercard casinos for Irish players.

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Fact checked by Rebecca Mackay

Leading Mastercard Online Casinos

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The Story Behind Mastercard

Founded in 1966 by an alliance of several banks and regional associations known as the Interbank Card Association (ICA), Mastercard, then known as Interbank, was created in response to BankAmericard, which later became Visa, its biggest competitor to date. Mastercard is one of the largest payment-processing corporations in the world. In 1969, Interbank was rebranded to Master Charge, introducing the iconic overlapping of the yellow and orange circles logo still recognised today. In 1979, Master Charge received a further rebranding, changing its name to MasterCard and yet again in 2016, when it dropped the second capital to simply become Mastercard.

As a global leader, Mastercard operates in more than 200 countries, reaching over 640,000,000 customers using 150+ currencies and with over 550 million cards in circulation. Its services include debit and credit card payments, prepaid cards, and mobile and contactless payments. It is a payment processor that connects billions of online and offline merchants and customers.

Mastercard has become synonymous with quality service, reliability, and security. It doesn’t supply credit or debit cards but processes payments and transactions between merchant banks and the customer’s bank card provider. Accepted by the majority of online casinos worldwide, it’s easy to see why it is the number one choice for so many online gamblers.

🏛️ Company Name

Mastercard

💻 Website

www.mastercard.com

🗓️ Year Founded

1966

🤑 Currencies Accepted

150+

🌍 Markets Accepted

200+

💳 Product Type

Debit Card, Credit Card, Prepaid Card

Fun Facts About Mastercard 

Recognised worldwide, Mastercard is present in 200+ countries using 150+ currencies

1983: Mastercard introduced a laser hologram to their cards to stop scammers from producing fake card
1988: Mastercard became the first payment card to be issued in the People's Republic of China
1990s: Mastercard created the first global online debit program: Maestro
Prior to becoming a publicly traded company in 2006, Mastercard-branded cards had been issued by more than 25,000 financial institutions
Mastercard sponsors major sports/team events, including the EUFA Champions League
Mastercard is fully compatible with Googe Pay, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Fitbit Pay, and Gaming Pay
2014: Mastercard teamed up with Apple to implement an e-wallet function on subsequent iPhone models
Tailor-made deals from exclusive businesses, eg L'Oreal and Amtrak, for Mastercard users only
Mastercard enables biometric security by combining chips and fingerprint scanning to verify the cardholder's identity
Special online discounts, VIP experiences, cinema tickets, and more by using Mastercard
2021: Mastercard added cryptocurrencies to their preferred payment methods allowing merchants to directly convert Bitcoin and several others into traditional currency and process payment methods via the Mastercard network

How to Deposit at Mastercard Casino Sites

The next step following registration and sign-up at one of the popular Mastercard casinos is to deposit some playing funds. This is a straightforward process; just follow our handy step-by-step guide:

  1. Visit the cashier, select ‘deposit’ and choose Mastercard from the available options.

  2. Enter the 16-digit card number, the cardholder’s name (this must be your name), the expiration date, and the CVC (Card Verification Code) number.

  3. Select the amount you wish to deposit. You may receive a confirmation code via SMS.

  4. Enter the code and confirm the transaction. Your deposit is then complete, and the funds should instantly appear in your casino account.

How to Withdraw at Mastercard Casino Sites 

As long as the chosen casino accepts Mastercard withdrawals, players from Ireland will find the process simple. Do remember, though, that if you still need to submit proof of identity documents for verification, these will need to be forwarded before your request is made. In addition, you must also ensure that you have completed any wagering requirements in accordance with the bonus or cashout terms. Here’s a quick-step guide to making a withdrawal using Mastercard:

  1. Visit the cashier and select the ‘withdrawal’ or ‘cashout’ option

  2. Select Mastercard from the payment options and enter the amount you wish to withdraw

  3. Click to confirm your withdrawal amount and submit the request

Your funds may take up to five days to process. Check with your banking provider about their processing times and the casino’s T&Cs as to any pending periods and turnaround times.

Fees to Use Mastercard Online

Most of the Mastercard Casinos in Ireland do not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, there are a few that might. Before registering with any casino, it’s always worth checking the payment page or terms and conditions to note any fees.

Generally, no fees will be levied on deposits, and when it comes to withdrawals, it is typically around the 2% to 3% mark, if any. Any other fees may come from your chosen banking provider during processing, so checking this out is worthwhile before using your Mastercard.

payment methods online casinos ireland

Mastercard Withdrawal Speed

Deposits are usually instant when using Mastercard, but withdrawals can take up to five days to process. Time frames depend on the casino site and your chosen banking provider. Many casinos will impose a 24–48 hours pending period on withdrawal requests while they carry out verification checks.

Once your withdrawal request has been approved, funds are released immediately. However, your chosen banking provider may delay the transfer due to their processing times. If your preferred casino site does not accept Mastercard withdrawals, you may have to initiate a bank transfer, which can take even longer to process, generally seven to ten days.

How We Rate Mastercard Casinos

The team here at IrishLuck thoroughly investigates the online casinos in Ireland to ensure they offer a safe and fair gambling experience for all players. We rate all reputable casinos against strict review criteria, ensuring that all boxes are checked before we consider a recommendation:

Safety and Security Check

We will only recommend online casinos that are licensed and regulated by a reputable gaming authority, such as the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority.  

Responsible Gambling

Reputable online casinos will promote responsible gambling by offering protection tools to keep players safe, such as deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs, and self-exclusion. It will also offer links to helpful organisations that can assist with problematic gambling and addiction

SSL Certification

Safe casinos online utilise top-spec SSL encryption technology to protect all data and financial transactions from third-party hackers.

Fair Gaming

The best online casinos will be independently rated by respected organisations such as eCOGRA. All games will be monitored to ensure the Return to Player (RTP) and Random Number Generator (RNG) stats meet fair gaming compliance.

Games and Software

We ensure that recommended casinos offer a wide variety and diverse selection of casino games that are supplied by top software providers such as Evolution, Red Tiger, NetEnt, or Microgaming. We take into account the casino’s mobile compatibility and user-friendly navigation, in addition to the availability of free-play demo games.  

Bonus and Offers

Top online casinos will offer exciting bonuses and promotions for both new and existing players. We make sure that bonus terms are fair and transparent, giving the player a clear indication of playthrough requirements. We explore the bonuses on offer to ensure a great variety of choices, which may include match deposits, free spins, cashback, and loyalty programs.

Banking Options

With real money casinos, we ensure there is a decent selection of trusted and reliable payment methods, including Mastercard, Visa, Neteller, and PayPal and that the process for deposits and withdrawals is simple, fast, and secure.

Customer Service

Great customer service is key to retaining players. We check the responsiveness and efficiency of the customer service team and explore the different channels of communication available. We like the offer of 24/7 support through telephone, live chat, email, and contact forms, plus a useful FAQ section.  

Mastercard Irish Casino Types

As mentioned above, major online casinos all accept Mastercard as a payment method. Here are some of the different types of casinos that accept Mastercard.

Live Casinos That Accept Mastercard

Live casinos are extremely popular among players and provide an authentic casino experience with professional dealers and real-time play. Conveniently, Mastercard can be used as a payment method to wager on live dealer games in several of the top online casinos. 

New Casinos That Accept Mastercard

There is a never-ending supply of new casinos popping up in the marketplace, and you will typically find that Mastercard is one of the top payment methods offered by new casino brands. Its popularity, worldwide recognition, safety, and reliability are among the many reasons.

Mobile Casinos That Accept Mastercard

Mobile gaming is continuously on the rise; players can access online casinos and their games from anywhere in the world through their smartphone or tablet device. For convenience, you can access your Mastercard account by downloading its mobile app, which is compatible with the most popular operating systems, including iPhone and Android. It enables payment through all the main payment apps, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, and smart wearables like Garmin Pay and Fitbit Pay.

mobile casinos ireland

Pros and Cons of Mastercard

Not every payment method will suit every player, and there are always pluses and minuses to consider. At the end of the day, you need to choose the payment option that suits your needs best. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of Mastercard:

  • Accepted worldwide
  • Wide availability in the iGaming industry
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Perks, benefits, and features from partner merchants
  • Accepts crypto as a preferred payment method
  • Variety of card options from standard to elite
  • Credit card options are not accepted at UK-licensed casinos
  • Withdrawals are not accepted at some online casinos
  • Fees (2% to 3%) may be charged on withdrawals
  • Longer processing times than other payment options

Online Casino Bonuses Using Mastercard

In such a competitive marketplace, most online casinos will offer attractive online casino bonuses such as welcome bonuses to draw new players to their sites. However, it's also about retaining those players once they've joined, so top online casinos will offer generous daily, weekly, and/or monthly promotions to keep players engaged. 

These promotions may include reload bonuses, free spins deals, no-deposit bonuses, cashback offers, and loyalty programs. Fortunately, unlike certain payment methods, Mastercard deposits are typically accepted as eligible for most casino bonuses. Online sites in Ireland regularly refresh their offers, so it's always worth checking the promotions tab. As we mentioned earlier, checking the bonus terms before claiming is always advisable so you know what to expect regarding wagering requirements, time frames, and playthrough conditions. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular bonuses found at Mastercard casinos:

Welcome Bonus

This is always the first bonus that welcomes any new player to the site. It is often an attractive offer that entices players to check out the casino and register for an account. The most common welcome package includes a 100% match deposit bonus and a free spins bundle.

Cashback

Some Irish gamblers may be able to claim a small percentage of their losses back at some of the top online Mastercard casinos. Around 5% to 10% may be offset against the loss of your first deposit, or it may be against your wagers for a set period of time. In some cases, the cashback will be rewarded as real money without the expectation of wagering requirements.

free spins online casinos ireland

Free Spins

Irish players depositing at Mastercard casinos can expect to find free spins thrown in with their welcome deposit bonus or offered as a regular promotion for existing players. Sometimes the bonus may specify a selected slot or collection of slots to play through your spins, but other times you may get free rein to use them on any of the slots in the lobby.

No Deposit Bonus

On the rare occasion that you pick up a no-deposit bonus, you will typically find it to be of low value and only used as a teaser for new players to join. For example, you may be offered ten free spins for signing up at the casino, but you will need to register all of your financial and personal data to retrieve any winnings, which are more than likely subject to wagering terms.

Matched Deposit

Matched deposit bonuses are often offered as weekly promotions for the existing player base and may also be known as reload bonuses. They are typically a deposit match like the welcome bonus, but with a lower percentage. For example, ‘Friday Fun Day! 50% up to €200’, means that for a €200 deposit, players will receive €100 in bonus funds.

Mastercard Customer Support

On the Mastercard help page, it will remind you that it is not the card issuer; however, it will connect you to your banking provider directly. In this section, you will find a list of global telephone numbers to choose from should you need to report your card lost or stolen (Ireland: 1-800-55-7378). 

This page also shares card benefit information, reload locations for prepayment cards, information regarding identity theft alerts, and an option to download the app from Google Play and the App Store. At the bottom of the page, you will find a link to the Mastercard FAQs, which also provide comprehensive information regarding this popular payment method. Customer support is available by telephone, and the multilingual team also offers a 24/7 live chat function. A Twitter account is available for sending messages via @AskMastercard, or you can email the team at AskMastercard@mastercard.com.

customer support

Other Payment Methods Similar To Mastercard

When it comes to payment methods, Irish gamblers will find a multitude of options available at the best Mastercard casinos. Of course, it would be remiss not to mention Mastercard’s biggest competitor, Visa. This particular payment method can be found at the majority of online casinos and is a trusted and reliable alternative that provides similar functionality.

If you’re looking for faster withdrawals, it would be worthwhile to check out the likes of PayPal, Neteller, or Skrill. These handy e-wallets provide safe, fast, and reliable transactions and are a great alternative when gambling online. The only downside is that some casinos deem them an ineligible depositing method when looking to claim bonuses.

Casino Games You Can Play Using Mastercard

As Mastercard is so widely accepted within the iGaming industry, players from Ireland have the pick of the bunch when it comes to top online casinos and their wide variety of casino games. These include traditional table games like roulette, baccarat, poker, and blackjack, plus several exciting variants; video slots, classic slots, and progressive jackpot slots; scratch cards, video poker, and instant win games; plus live dealer tables and gameshow experiences.

Powering these exciting and feature-rich casino games are top iGaming software providers such as Evolution, Play’n GO, Thunderkick, NetEnt, Microgaming, and Pragmatic Play. Mastercard casinos and licensed suppliers are subject to third-party scrutiny, where the RTP rates and RNG software stats are monitored to ensure compliance with fair gaming regulations.

Slots

Online slots are undoubtedly among the most popular casino games, not least for their thrilling bonus features and fast gameplay. Features can include free spins, win multipliers, stacked wilds, cascading reels, and multiple ways to win. Firm fan favourites include the legendary Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, The Dog House, Royal Mint Megaways, and Immortal Romance

Roulette

Roulette is one of the oldest casino games still being played today, both online and offline at land-based gambling sites. It is a game of chance and features multiple betting options. The most popular variants include American Roulette, Double Ball Roulette, European Roulette, Multi-Wheel Roulette, and French Roulette.

Poker

One of the most popular card games of all time is the game of poker, which features in most online casinos and all land-based venues. Poker requires a certain amount of luck and good fortune, but also strategy, thought, and skill. The most familiar of poker games will be Texas Hold’em; however, you will also find several variants available at reputable online casinos, including Three-Card Poker, Stud Poker, Omaha Hold’em and Four-Card Poker.

Blackjack

One of the easiest games to learn is Blackjack, a real favourite among table game beginners and seasoned players alike. Countless Blackjack variants are available to Irish players, including Blackjack Switch, European Blackjack, Spanish 21, and Multi-Hand Blackjack.

Mastercard Security

Mastercard is one of eight payment systems designated by the HM Treasury to be regulated by the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR), whose measures recognise that payment systems must be resilient, dynamic, competitive, and meet the needs of individual users and businesses.

Mastercard is headquartered at 2000 Purchase Street, Purchase, New York 10577, USA, with regional offices dotted around Dubai, Miami, Singapore, Belgium, and Purchase, plus its Operations Centre in St. Louis, USA.As the world's second-largest payment processing corporation, Mastercard takes its users' safety seriously and has provided top-notch security measures to protect all data and financial transactions conducted across its vast payment network. Reputable online Mastercard casinos are also responsible for taking certain actions to protect their players.

Zero Liability Fraud Protection: Mastercard protects its users against unauthorised purchases. So contact your card issuer if you spot unfamiliar charges on your statement or if your card has been lost or stolen.

Identity Theft Protection: Mastercard provides detection and protection, including monitoring, alerts, and resolution.

Mastercard Identity Check: Update to the Mastercard SecureCode. This measure is backed by the EMV 3-D Secure protocol and enables users to authenticate themselves when making card-not-present (CNP) online purchases.

Biometric Security: Two-factor authentication combines chips and fingerprint identification to verify a cardholder's identity.

Whether paying online, in-store, via the app, or on a mobile device, Mastercard provides end-to-end encryption, authentication, and tokenization. Coupled with a global presence, multilingual support, and fifty-plus years of looking after customers, Mastercard has your safety covered. Online Mastercard casinos utilise SSL encryption technology to safeguard data and financial transactions. To check for the casino’s security provider and certificate, just click on the padlock icon in the casino’s URL address bar. Reputable Mastercard casinos will be licensed by trusted gaming authorities like the UKGC or the MGC, two of the most stringent regulators with high expectations.

Players from Ireland must provide Mastercard casinos with proof of age and identity before making any withdrawals. This aligns with the casino's Know Your Customer (KYC) policy and licensing requirements. Those wishing to withdraw substantial amounts may also be required to submit additional information in line with anti-money laundering procedures. Licensed and reputable Mastercard casinos will also offer Irish gamblers a range of protection tools to promote responsible gambling. These may include reality checks, time-outs, deposit and wager limits, and enforced self-exclusion. The customer support team can assist with self-exclusion if you decide to act.

Using Mastercard to Gamble - Expert’s Verdict

You would be hard-pressed to find a casino in Ireland that does not accept Mastercard as a preferred payment method! Mastercard is one of the largest payment processors after Visa and provides customers with a credit card, debit card, or prepayment option.

Deposits and withdrawals are as simple as ABC, and funds arrive instantly in your casino account. Players trust Mastercard for a variety of reasons, including reputation, strong security measures, and hassle-free transactions. Mastercard has partnered with several online and offline merchants to bring its customers exclusive discounted offers. It offers international transactions using over 150 currencies across more than 200 countries, reaching over 640,000,000 customers with over 550 million cards in general circulation.

However, not all online casinos accept Mastercard deposits or withdrawals, notably those in the UK. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) placed a blanket ban on all credit card transactions for any UK-licensed casino with effect from April 2020. However, Mastercard debit or prepaid cards can still be accepted. You may also find that some sites offer the option to deposit but not withdraw using Mastercard.

Mastercard FAQs

We’ve reached the final section of our Mastercard Casinos guide. All that is left are our frequently asked questions and our experts' responses. Feel free to browse the list, as you may require clarity on a couple of the significant points that we have discussed:

Can I use Mastercard at online casinos?

Yes. The majority of online casinos offer Mastercard as a preferred payment method. Not all provide Mastercard withdrawals, but you can always choose a suitable alternative, such as a bank transfer. Mastercard users will experience instant deposits, safe and secure transactions, a wide choice of casino games, and the eligibility to claim casino bonuses.

Can Irish players use Mastercard at online casinos?

Most definitely. Mastercard is one of the most widely used and recognised payment methods within online casinos in Ireland. It is safe and reliable, providing fast and secure deposits and withdrawals.

Is Mastercard free to use when gambling?

The majority of online casinos will not charge for deposits or withdrawals made using Mastercard. However, the odd few may charge between 2% and 3% for withdrawals. The only other potential fee will be for currency conversion, for which you can use the handy online calculator available on the Mastercard website.

Which countries accept Mastercard?

Mastercard is accepted in over 200 countries and territories. It is widely recognised and reaches over 640,000,000 customers using over 150 currencies across the world.  

Are there any fees charged?

Many Mastercard casinos will not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals, however, you may find a few that do. It’s best to check the payment page or T&Cs prior to registration. You should not expect fees to be levied any higher than 3%. It is also worth checking that your banking provider does not charge any fees for processing Mastercard transactions.

Are Mastercard Casinos safe to play at?

Yes. Reputable Mastercard casinos are licensed and regulated by trusted gaming authorities. All transactions are sent through SSL encryption technology, which protects the player’s data and financial information. Only reliable and trusted payment methods are available, including Mastercard. In addition, all games are monitored by third-party organisations to ensure they are safe and legit.

Can I use Mastercard in Mobile Casinos? 

Yes. Mastercard has its own app through which you can access your account. It is compatible with most systems, including iOS and Android. It enables payment through mobile apps like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay, making it super convenient to wager in mobile casinos.

Casino Expert

Online casino expert of 9 years. Dermot provides quality and in-depth online casino reviews for Irish casino enthusiasts and the latest iGaming industry news. One of his best works, our ...continue reading

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