Neteller vs Skrill vs PayPal: Which Is Best for Irish Players?
If you bet online in Ireland, your payment method is not just a “checkout detail”. It affects how fast you can deposit, how quickly you get paid, what fees you eat, and whether your casino even lets you withdraw back to the same method.
This guide compares Neteller vs Skrill vs PayPal for Irish players, with a focus on the stuff that matters in real life: fees, speed, verification, and where you will actually be able to use them.
Overview – Why Payment Choice Matters for Irish Players
Online betting is basically two separate experiences:
Depositing is easy
Withdrawing is where the “fine print” lives
The right wallet can help you:
Withdraw faster (or at least avoid avoidable delays)
Reduce currency conversion surprises
Keep gambling spend separate from day-to-day banking
Add extra security (2FA, merchant separation, fewer card details shared)
Also, Ireland is an EU market with strong consumer protections, but gambling sites still set their own payment rules. Your safest approach is simple: use licensed operators and payment methods with clear, published fees and regulated status.
What Are Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal?
All three are e-wallets. You load them via card or bank transfer, then use the wallet to pay merchants (including some betting sites). You can also withdraw back to the wallet, depending on the operator.
Skrill: A long-running wallet used heavily across iGaming and trading payments. Skrill publishes a fee schedule and notes an FX fee “up to 3.99%” for currency conversions.
Neteller: Similar iGaming footprint, also owned within the Paysafe ecosystem. Neteller discloses a currency exchange fee “up to 4.49%” (product terms can vary by market).
PayPal: Mainstream wallet with broad retail acceptance. In Europe, PayPal’s regulated entity is supervised in Luxembourg (CSSF), and it generally provides strong account security and dispute handling, though gambling acceptance is operator-dependent.
Key Features Compared at a Glance
Feature | Neteller | Skrill | PayPal |
Best for | iGaming-heavy sites, higher-volume users | iGaming, fast wallet workflows, fee transparency | Convenience, mainstream trust, casual betting |
Currency conversion fee | Up to 4.49% | Up to 3.99% | Conversion fees apply; varies by transaction type and terms |
Withdrawal fees | Varies by method and market | Example fee schedule shows 1.5% for some withdrawals and bank transfer fees (market dependent) | Often “free” wallet-to-wallet, but withdrawals/FX depend on route and terms |
Mobile apps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
KYC/verification | Yes (common) | Yes (common) | Yes (common) |
Widely accepted at Irish betting sites | Depends on operator | Depends on operator | Depends on operator |
Important: acceptance can change by operator and licence. Always check the cashier page for both deposit and withdrawal methods before you deposit.
Neteller for Irish Players
Neteller is built for online payments where speed and separation from your bank card matter. It is often supported by international iGaming brands, but not universally.
How Neteller works
Create an account, verify identity (KYC), add funds (card/bank options vary)
Use Neteller in a casino cashier to deposit
Withdrawals depend on the casino’s policy; some require you to withdraw back to the same method you deposited with
Fees, limits, and verification
The big “hidden” cost for many players is currency conversion. Neteller discloses an FX fee up to 4.49% when conversion is required.
Limits often increase after verification. If you plan to deposit or withdraw larger amounts, expect ID checks.
Pros (for gambling payments)
Often accepted on iGaming-friendly platforms
Keeps gambling spend separate from your main card
Wallet-style withdrawals can be quicker than bank rails, depending on operator
Cons
FX fees can bite if your casino account currency doesn’t match your wallet
Not every Irish-facing operator supports it for withdrawals
Verification can be a speed bump if you leave it until cashout day
Skrill for Irish Players
Skrill is probably the most iGaming-native of the three, with very clear fee disclosures and features built around betting and trading payments.
How Skrill operates in Ireland
Create an account, verify identity if required
Deposit via card/bank methods (depending on what Skrill supports in your country settings)
Use Skrill to deposit at supported gambling sites
Fees and speed highlights
Skrill’s published fee page includes:
An inactivity/service fee only if you do not log in or transact for 12 months (example: $5/month equivalent)
FX fee up to 3.99% when currency conversion is needed
Example withdrawal fees vary by method and region
Pros
Strong iGaming compatibility in many markets
Transparent fee schedule and clear FX disclosure
Often smooth for frequent deposits
Cons
FX fees still matter, especially if you bounce between EUR wallets and non-EUR site currencies
Some casinos restrict Skrill withdrawals or require matching deposit methods
Inactivity fees can catch people who “set and forget”
PayPal for Irish Players
PayPal is the most familiar name here. That matters because it reduces friction: most people already have an account and trust it.
How PayPal differs
PayPal is a general-purpose wallet, not iGaming-first
Some operators offer PayPal deposits, but not always PayPal withdrawals
Some casinos exclude PayPal deposits from certain bonuses
Regulation and protection
PayPal’s European entity is supervised in Luxembourg (CSSF), which supports a strong compliance framework.
Pros
Easy setup and widely trusted brand
Strong security tooling
Often best for casual users who want simple deposits
Cons
Gambling acceptance is inconsistent by operator
Withdrawals may be limited even if deposits are allowed
FX/fees depend on transaction type and your PayPal account setup
Direct Comparison – Neteller vs Skrill vs PayPal
Fees and Transaction Costs
The two fee buckets that matter most:
Currency conversion
Skrill: FX fee up to 3.99%
Neteller: FX fee up to 4.49%
Withdrawal routes
Skrill publishes example withdrawal fees by method/region
PayPal and Neteller fees vary by route and merchant rules
If you want fewer surprises: match your wallet currency to the gambling site account currency whenever possible.
Deposit and Withdrawal Speed
Typical reality:
Deposits are usually instant for all three when supported.
Withdrawals depend more on the casino’s processing time than the wallet. Your wallet only starts “being fast” after the operator approves the withdrawal.
Limits and Verification Requirements
All three use verification checks. Best practice:
Verify your wallet before you deposit anything meaningful.
Do not wait until you have a big win pending. That is when delays feel personal.
Availability at Irish Casinos and Bookmakers
This is the deciding factor for many players:
Some Irish-facing bookmakers prefer cards and bank transfers
Many casinos support Skrill/Neteller, but not always both
PayPal is sometimes available, sometimes blocked, sometimes deposit-only
Always check the cashier page for the specific operator.
Security and Regulation
Skrill and Neteller publish FCA-authorisation statements on their sites (via their group entities).
PayPal’s EU supervision is noted via CSSF.
Ease of Use and Mobile Experience
PayPal wins for “I already have it”.
Skrill/Neteller win for “this was designed for gambling-style payments”.
Which E-Wallet Is Best for Online Gambling in Ireland?
Here is the clean, practical answer:
PayPal: best if you are a casual bettor who wants convenience, and your preferred operator supports PayPal withdrawals.
Skrill: best all-rounder for iGaming-heavy users who value fee transparency and consistent usability, with FX fees up to 3.99% when conversion applies.
Neteller: strong for iGaming users too, but watch FX costs (up to 4.49% when conversion is needed).
If you want the “most predictable” experience, pick the wallet your chosen operator supports for both deposits and withdrawals, then keep currency conversion to a minimum.
Pros and Cons Summary Table
Wallet | Pros | Cons | Best for |
Neteller | iGaming-friendly, separates spend, often fast | FX can be costly, acceptance varies | Regular gamblers who want a dedicated wallet |
Skrill | Transparent fees, iGaming-first features, strong usability | FX fees, inactivity fee if unused long-term | Frequent deposits, multi-site players |
PayPal | Familiar, strong trust, good security | Operator acceptance inconsistent, sometimes deposit-only | Casual players who want simplicity |
Safety, Licensing, and Player Protection
Use this checklist:
Only use licensed operators (Irish-facing licences, EU framework, or recognised regulatory regimes)
Turn on two-factor authentication in your wallet
Avoid “agent” services or anyone offering to “cash out for you”
Keep gambling funds separate from bills and essentials
If you are regularly topping up because you “feel due”, that is your cue to set limits or take a break.
How to Choose the Right E-Wallet for You
Ask yourself:
Do I care more about fast withdrawals or easy deposits?
Does my operator allow withdrawal to the same method I deposit with?
Am I paying FX fees because my wallet currency doesn’t match the site?
Do I need one wallet for gambling only, or general spending too?
Quick rule:
Deposits often work with more methods than withdrawals. Choose based on withdrawal support.
FAQs – Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal for Irish Players
Are these payment methods legal in Ireland?
Yes, e-wallets are legal payment tools. What matters is whether the gambling operator is licensed and whether it supports the method for your account.
Which is fastest for casino withdrawals?
Usually Skrill/Neteller when the casino supports wallet withdrawals, but the operator’s processing time is the biggest factor.
Can I claim bonuses with Skrill or Neteller?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some operators exclude e-wallet deposits from welcome bonuses. Always check bonus terms.
Does PayPal charge conversion fees?
PayPal may apply currency conversion spreads/fees depending on transaction type and settings. Check the transaction preview and PayPal terms.
Which has the lowest gambling transaction fees?
There is no universal winner. For many users, the biggest fee driver is currency conversion, where Skrill discloses up to 3.99% and Neteller up to 4.49% when conversion applies.
Final Verdict – The Best E-Wallet for Irish Players
If you want one simple answer:
Pick PayPal if you want convenience and your chosen bookmaker/casino supports PayPal withdrawals.
Pick Skrill if you want a gambling-friendly wallet with very clear fee disclosures and broad iGaming use.
Pick Neteller if your preferred sites support it well, and you are disciplined about avoiding unnecessary FX conversions.
And the most important advice, because it saves people real money: check withdrawal methods before you deposit, not after.
