Alternative Sportsbook Deposit Methods: PayNearMe, PaySafeCard, Play+, Money Orders, and Cash
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Martin Green
- January 28, 2026
Not everyone wants to fund a sportsbook with a bank account or a card. Some bettors prefer cash-style options, prepaid vouchers, or sportsbook-specific prepaid cards.
This guide explains the alternative methods you may see in sportsbook cashiers, what they’re best for, and their most important limitation:
Many alternative methods are deposit-only — you may need a different method to withdraw.
Quick takeaways
Alternative methods are usually about privacy, access, or convenience — not speed.
Some methods (like PayNearMe) are commonly deposit-only.
Voucher methods (like PaySafeCard) often have transaction limits and can have fees and inactivity charges.
Money orders are legitimate but typically slow and require careful recordkeeping.
PayNearMe (cash deposits at retail partners)
What it is
A cash deposit method where you generate a pay code and complete the payment at a participating retail location.
Typical experience
Generate a PayCode/PaySlip.
Pay cash at the store and keep your receipt.
Funds can post after the payment is accepted (timing varies by operator).
Important limitation
PayNearMe is commonly deposit-only, not withdrawals.
Best for
Cash deposit convenience.
Avoiding card entry at checkout.
Not ideal for
Withdrawals (plan a separate payout method).
PaySafeCard (prepaid voucher / PIN-based payment)
What it is
A prepaid cash-to-digital payment option: you purchase a PaySafeCard and pay online using a PIN.
Why bettors use it
Cash-style budgeting.
Reduced need to share traditional banking info at checkout.
Limits and fees to watch
Some regions have strict per-transaction limits.
Fees and inactivity policies can apply depending on location/terms.
Best for
Smaller, controlled deposits.
Bettors who want voucher-style payments.
Not ideal for
Large deposits.
Withdrawals (often requires another method).
Play+ (prepaid programs used by some sportsbooks)
What it is
A prepaid program that can act as a bridge between sportsbook funds and card-style spending. Where supported, it may offer a path for deposits and withdrawals.
Best for
Bettors who want a prepaid ecosystem that may support payouts and those who prefer a non-crypto “middle layer”.
Not ideal for
Bettors who don’t want an extra account/program to manage.
Money orders (including USPS and similar)
What it is
A prepaid paper instrument purchased for a specific amount and used as payment.
Key realities
Typically slower than electronic methods.
More manual steps and more recordkeeping.
Best for
A fallback when electronic methods fail.
Bettors who can tolerate slow processing.
Not ideal for
Speed + last-minute funding.
Cash-in-person (where offered)
What it is
Any method that allows you to deposit cash via a physical location, agent workflow, or retail network.
What to watch
Confirm it’s official in the sportsbook cashier.
Keep receipts and reference numbers.
Availability varies widely by operator and region.
Choosing the right alternative method (simple decision guide)
Pick PayNearMe / cash-style if:
You want cash deposits and don’t need withdrawals via the same method.
Pick PaySafeCard if:
You want PIN-based deposits and strict budgeting.
Pick Play+ if:
You want a prepaid-style method that may support deposits and withdrawals.
Pick Money Orders if:
Everything else fails and you can tolerate slow timelines.
Responsible Gambling note
Banking tools aren’t the same as bankroll management. Set clear limits, avoid chasing losses, and step away if betting stops being enjoyable. If you need help, responsible gambling resources are available for support.
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What changed in the last update (Last updated: 1/28/2026)
- Modified list of deposit methods.
FAQs: Alternative Deposit Methods
Can I withdraw using PayNearMe?
Often no — many PayNearMe implementations are deposit-only.
What’s the biggest “gotcha” with voucher methods?
Limits and fees: transaction caps, potential distributor fees, and inactivity policies.
Are money orders safe?
Safer than mailing cash, but slower and paperwork-heavy. Keep receipts and tracking.
Before entering journalism, Martin worked for five years at William Hill in London, gaining first-hand industry knowledge that now informs his betting insights and safety evaluations.
His reporting and analysis have been featured in major outlets including:
- The Independent
- USA Today
- The Sun
- Legal Sports Report
- PlayUSA
- SportsLine (CBS) — where he appears as "The Guru"
- BA in English Literature
- MA in Creative Writing
- Postgraduate journalism qualifications
