While checks might seem like a recent invention, they stretch back to the third century AD when the Persian Empire used letters of credit known as Chak. In the 16th century, Holland became the first nation to accept checks as a method of payment instead of just transferring funds. Another innovation came in 1811, when the Commercial Bank of Scotland became the first financial institution to offer personalized checks to customers.
Checks have a long and storied history, and they’re still going strong thanks to their convenience and reliability. In this article, we’ll examine the feasibility of check betting sites, discuss some of the inherent advantages, and provide examples of what to look for before signing up.
Why Choose Checks for Your Betting Site Deposits
The biggest advantage of checks is their inexpensive nature. Simply write a check, stick it in an envelope with a stamp, and send it on its way. It may take a while to reach its destination, especially if the sportsbook is located in another country, but you also won’t be burdened with any expensive transaction fees.
If you’re a high volume bettor, checks offer the opportunity to make larger deposits than most other methods. Deposit options such as credit cards often have a maximum limit, while those who pay with a check or money order can usually put as much money into their account as they can afford.
Some players have a tendency to get carried away when funding their account, and deposit methods such as credit cards make it easy for them to spend money they can’t afford to lose. While using a personal check doesn’t eliminate this risk, the act of filling out a check, writing information on the envelope, and then putting it into the mailbox forces the player to think more closely about their actions (and the possible consequences).
Check Betting Sites – What to Look For Before You Deposit
Prior to making a deposit at a check betting site, there are several things you need to look for. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most important ones.
Before you do anything else, it’s important to make sure that the sportsbook or casino actually accepts checks for deposits. This should never be a problem with the biggest names in the gaming industry, although smaller operations may not provide the option.
In order to verify its acceptability, you’ll need to go to the cashier’s section of the sportsbook. All the deposit and withdrawal methods are contained within, and you should look for an entry labeled “checks” or “cheques.”
Once you know that the site accepts personal checks for deposits, you should look at the estimated time it takes for the money to be put into your account. Some sites guarantee a deposit within seven days of receiving a check, while others may take several weeks. Before you sign up, make sure it’s a waiting period you can live with.
Another important step is to learn more about the reputation of the gambling website. Not all sites are created equal, and some exist for the sole purpose of scamming customers. Take a look at various forums and watchdog sites to read praise and complaints from customers. In the case of the latter, however, you’ll have to sort the legitimate gripes from those made by embittered losers.
The most important factor is payout speed. Reputable sportsbooks and casinos pay their customers as soon as possible, while shady operations either don’t pay or try to stretch the process out for as long as possible. Avoid any online gambling operation known for consistently slow-paying their customers.
How Do Other Betting Site Deposit Methods Compare to Checks
In most cases, checks do not compare favorably with other forms of deposit. The waiting time for checks to clear can take several days or longer, which means players with no money in their accounts will be forced to sit around and wait. Getting a withdrawal in this fashion can take even longer, as some casinos and sportsbooks take up to two months to deliver checks via mail or courier.
Deposits are normally free, but this is standard at most check betting sites. If you’re receiving money, however, the cost to the player can be anywhere from $20 to $50 per check. Luckily, a lot of sites allow the customer one free check withdrawal each month to offset this charge.
Check deposits and withdrawals are more advantageous for U.S. customers, as their options have been severely hampered by the 2006 passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. While credit cards and some leading e-wallets may not accept transactions involving online gaming, checks can still be counted on as a more reliable alternative.