Payment methods: cards, PayPal, Skrill, PostePay
The Italian online gambling market operates under strict ADM rules. This means not only certified games and RTP control, but also clearly defined payment processes: player identification (KYC), verification of sources of funds (AML), PSD2/SCA protection and "closed-loop" for conclusions. Below is how the four most popular methods work in practice: bank cards, PayPal, Skrill and PostePay.
1) General principles of payment on licensed sites
Owner match. The name on the payment method must match the name on the account. Payments "for another" are blocked.
KYC/AML. Limits apply until full KYC. Before a major withdrawal, the operator can request proof of address/revenue.
Closed loop. As a rule, funds are withdrawn to the same channel from where they were deposited (return priority to the original method).
PSD2 / SCA. Two-factor authentication is mandatory for cards and many wallets (3-D Secure 2, biometrics, etc.).
RG constraints. Deposit/time and pause limits are part of the interface. Self-exclusion request blocks new refills.
2) Bank cards (Visa/Mastercard, sometimes Maestro)
How does it work.
Deposit: Usually instant after 3-D Secure 2.
Conclusion: 1-3 banking days (sometimes faster if the bank supports accelerated card loans).
Limits: set by the site and the bank; to KYC - reduced.
Commissions: most often deposit/withdrawal for a player without commission; currency exchange - according to bank tariffs.
Pros: familiar, fast for deposits, high approval from local banks.
Cons: possible failures of a particular bank under MCC; disputes/chargebacks take longer to resolve.
Tips: Include 3-D Secure in the bank; keep the bank application for SCA confirmation handy; do not use corporate cards.
3) PayPal (.it)
How does it work.
Deposit: Instant.
Conclusion: often within hours (up to 24 hours), then money is available in the PayPal wallet; transfer to a bank account - at PayPal rates.
Limits: depends on the verification status of PayPal; platforms also put their limits.
Pros: speed of conclusions, convenience of a mobile application, minimal failures.
Cons: sometimes more stringent checks on name matching and operating patterns; PayPal's internal limits.
Tips: Verify PayPal in advance and link your personal IBAN to quickly transfer funds to your account.
4) Skrill
How does it work.
Deposit: instantly (with wallet or via linked card/IBAN inside Skrill).
Conclusion: usually on the same day or before 24-48 hours; further - transfer from Skrill to a card/account at Skrill tariffs.
Limits: depend on account level (Basic/Advanced/VIP) and KYC in Skrill; the operator has its own day/month frames.
Pros: quick payments, convenient for players who keep a bankroll in their wallet; good transaction history.
Cons: possible fees for currency conversion and individual transactions inside the wallet; increased attention to bonus abuse.
Tips: Don't mix in-game and non-game transactions in the same wallet; Store replenishment confirmations.
5) PostePay (including PostePay Evolution)
What is that. Prepaid card from Poste Italiane (Visa/Mastercard). The Evolution version has an IBAN, which allows you to accept bank transfers (SEPA).
How does it work.
PostePay card deposit: instant (via 3-D Secure 2).
Conclusion: as on a regular card - 1-3 banking days; if you have Evolution, SEPA transfer to IBAN is possible - deadlines are usually 1 working day after processing.
Limits: Depending on the card type and KYC status at Poste Italiane.
Pros: extremely popular in Italy, high approval, convenient for those who do not want to "shine" the main card account.
Cons: on the basic version without IBAN, conclusions are on the map (sometimes a little longer); there are day/month ceilings.
Tips: If planning frequent takeaways, consider Evolution with IBAN - more convenient for bank transfers.
6) Comparison by key parameters
Deposit speed
Cards/PayPal/Skrill/PostePay: usually instant.
Lead speed (after operator approval)
The fastest: PayPal, Skrill - from hours to 24 hours.
Average: Cards and PostePay - 1-3 banking days.
PostePay Evolution (SEPA): often ~ 1 business day.
Commissions
The operator side is usually 0 for the player. Possible fees/conversion from PayPal/Skrill/bank when transferring to the account.
Limits
To complete KYC - reduced. After verification - higher, but within the limits of RG policies and anti-fraud.
7) Antifraud and safety: what the system sees
SCA and 3-D Secure 2: Bank/wallet confirmation reduces the risk of unauthorized charges.
Device-fingerprinting and velocity-checks: track "high-speed" deposits/outputs, device changes, IP/geo inconsistencies.
Closing the "gate" of the bonus abuse: withdrawal is available after fulfilling transparent conditions and checking the source of funds.
Risk profiles: unusual amounts, frequent small deposits, "step" replenishment immediately after registration - a reason for manual verification.
8) Frequent causes of delays and how to avoid them
1. Unfinished KYC. Upload the document and proof of address in advance.
2. Name mismatch. The payment method must be personal.
3. Changing output method. If the deposit was from the card, the operator may ask to withdraw to the same card.
4. Bank/wallet limits. Check day/month limits and enable SCA.
5. Holidays/weekends. Bank transfers and cards can go longer on non-working days.
9) Responsible play and money hygiene
Deposit/time limits. Set them on day one.
Split budgets. A separate card/wallet for entertainment is a great tone.
Returns and disputes. If you have questions, do not pull - write in support, keep check identifiers.
Self-exclusion. When activated, deposits are also blocked; the conclusion is available according to the regulations.
10) Short checklist for method selection
Need maximum output speed? Take PayPal or Skrill.
Want simplicity and familiarity? Credit card or PostePay.
Planning SEPA findings on your IBAN? PostePay Evolution.
Do you travel often? E-wallets are more convenient due to flexible authentication and limit management in the application.
For Italy, four methods - cards, PayPal, Skrill and PostePay - cover 99% of everyday scenarios. Cards and PostePay are convenient and predictable, PayPal and Skrill win in withdrawal speed. Whichever option you choose, play at licensed ADM sites, complete KYC in advance, enable SCA and set personal limits - this way payments will be fast and the experience safe and comfortable.