What is Skrill?
Skrill is one of the longest-running e-wallets in online gambling. It started out in the early 2000s as Moneybookers and is now part of Paysafe, the group that also owns Neteller and Paysafecard. You load money into your Skrill wallet from a bank account or debit card, then pay casinos by logging in with your email and password. Your card details never leave Skrill.
Its main selling point for players is speed. Skrill withdrawals are among the fastest in the UK market. Once approved, money typically reaches your Skrill balance within minutes to a few hours.
The catch: bonus exclusions
Many Skrill casino reviews leave this out: Skrill deposits are often excluded from welcome bonuses. E-wallets were once used to claim bonuses across multiple accounts, so many casinos don't let Skrill (or Neteller) deposits trigger promotions. Before you deposit, search the bonus terms for "Skrill".
If Skrill is excluded, you can make your qualifying first deposit by debit card and switch to Skrill later. But because of the closed-loop rule, the casino may pay withdrawals to your card first, up to the amount you deposited with it. Look out for the casinos in our list that let Skrill deposits qualify. The offer cards above warn you where Skrill is excluded.
Skrill fees to know about
Paying a UK casino from your Skrill balance is generally free, but Skrill charges for several things casino players often run into:
- Withdrawing from Skrill to your bank can carry a fee, depending on the method.
- Currency conversion: if you pay a casino in a currency other than your wallet's, Skrill adds a conversion charge. Stick to casinos that use pounds sterling.
- Inactivity: a monthly fee applies if you don't log in or make a transaction for 12 months.
- Loading funds: some funding methods may carry a fee.
Skrill updates its fee schedule from time to time, so check the current figures on its website before you sign up.
Skrill VIP
Skrill runs a VIP programme based on how much money you move through your wallet. Higher tiers offer lower fees, higher limits and dedicated support. It's aimed at very high-volume users, and most casual players won't reach the thresholds. A VIP tier is never a good reason to gamble more.
Skrill as a gambling budget
Because Skrill is a separate wallet, it's a good way to ring-fence gambling money. Load a fixed amount each month and deposit only from there. Winnings paid back to Skrill stay apart from your main account until you decide to move them.
How to deposit with Skrill
- Open a Skrill account and verify it.
- Load your Skrill wallet from your bank or debit card.
- In the casino cashier, select Skrill and enter your amount.
- Log in to Skrill in the pop-up and confirm.
- Funds appear instantly. Check the bonus terms before you rely on a promotion.
How to withdraw with Skrill
- Make sure your casino and Skrill accounts are in the same name.
- Choose Withdraw and select Skrill.
- Enter your amount and confirm.
- After approval, funds usually reach your Skrill wallet within hours.
- Spend from Skrill or transfer to your bank (fees may apply).
Skrill pros and cons
Pros
- Very fast withdrawals once approved
- Card and bank details stay private
- Separate wallet makes budgeting easier
- Widely accepted at established casinos
Cons
- Frequently excluded from welcome bonuses
- Fees for some transfers, currency conversion and inactivity
- Fewer new casinos offer it than PayPal
Skrill vs other payment methods
| Method | Deposit | Withdrawal | Fees | Bonus | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Skrill | Instant | 0–24 hours | Some Skrill fees apply | Often excluded | 8.3 |
 Neteller | Instant | 0–24 hours | Some Neteller fees apply | Often excluded | 8.2 |
 PayPal | Instant | 0–24 hours | Free for UK payments | Usually | 9.5 |
 MuchBetter | Instant | 0–24 hours | Varies by transaction | Varies | 8.0 |
 Paysafecard | Instant | Deposit only | Inactivity fee after 12 months | Often excluded | 7.8 |
Our verdict on Skrill
Skrill is a good choice if fast withdrawals and privacy matter more to you than welcome bonuses. If you want the bonus, either choose one of the casinos above that accepts Skrill for offers, or deposit by card first. Then use Skrill for its speed.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK casinos accept Skrill?
Yes. Many established UKGC-licensed casinos accept Skrill for deposits and withdrawals, although it is less common at newer sites than PayPal.
Why can't I get a bonus with Skrill?
Many casinos exclude Skrill and Neteller deposits from promotions because e-wallets were historically used for bonus abuse. Check the bonus terms, or choose a casino that lets Skrill deposits qualify.
How fast are Skrill casino withdrawals?
After the casino approves your withdrawal, Skrill payments usually arrive within minutes to a few hours, and nearly always within 24 hours.
Does Skrill charge fees for gambling?
Paying a casino from your Skrill balance is generally free, but Skrill may charge for withdrawing to your bank, converting currency, some funding methods and accounts left inactive for 12 months.
Is Skrill or Neteller better for casinos?
They are very similar and owned by the same company. Compare current fees and check which one your chosen casino accepts for bonuses. See our Neteller page for a side-by-side comparison.