Western Union is one of the most popular ways to send money overseas as it has offices all over the world. The American company was originally founded all the way back in 1851 and was originally one of the main companies behind sending telegrams. Although other forms of communication have replaced telegrams, Western Union is still going strong after transforming into a financial services company.
Today, Western Union can be used to send money anywhere in the world, and it’s commonly accepted as a form of payment for online sites. Online sportsbooks are examples of sites that accept Western Union payments, allowing users to deposit cash and withdraw winnings using the service.
Top Western Union Sportsbooks
Western Union Facts
- Western Union has been in business for over 170 years, first founded in 1851 in Rochester, New York
- Originally a telegram company, Western Union discontinued the telegram service in 2006, mostly focusing on financial services now
- Today the service provides wire transfers, money orders, money transfers, bill pay, transfer tracking, and price estimation
- Western Union supports 130 currencies and can transfer money to 200 different countries, making it one of the world’s most used money transfer services
- Western Union is one of the most popular ways for US bettors to use offshore sports betting sites
How Western Union Works
Western Union offers a few different financial services, although the most commonly used is the money transfer. This allows users to send money to an online site or receive money to their bank account. The service is nice and easy to use and offers convenient payments to anywhere in the world. Western Union is also highly trusted, with an excellent reputation built over many decades of service.
If you want to transfer money regularly using Western Union, it’s a good idea to open an account with the service. You can download the Western Union app or sign up on the main website. Enter your email address and some personal details, then create a password to open your account.
Once you’ve created a Western Union account, you can use it to make deposits and withdrawals to online sportsbooks, provided they support Western Union payments. The service also allows you to order a prepaid Netspend Mastercard, which makes online payments even simpler. You can top up this card with cash or money from your account, making fast online payments online or through the mobile app.
How to Make Deposits With Western Union
A lot of online sportsbooks will accept Western Union as a form of payment. Check out our sportsbook reviews to see if Western Union is supported before you sign up. If you want to deposit money into your online sportsbook using Western Union, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Go to the cashier or deposits section of your sportsbook
- Select Western Union as a payment method and collect the information needed to complete the transfer
- You can then choose to make the payment online, using the app or in-person at a Western Union office
- Fill out the details, and make the payment, sharing the tracking number (MTCN) with the sportsbook
How to Make Withdrawals With Western Union
Just as you can make deposits to your sportsbook account using Western Union, you can also use the service to make withdrawals. Just follow these steps to withdraw cash from your online sportsbook account:
- Go to the cashier or withdrawals section of your sportsbook while logged into your account
- Select Western Union as your withdrawal method
- Enter the amount you want to withdraw
- You’ll receive an email with your tracking number known as an MTCN
- You should be able to collect this money in person or in your app within two days in most cases
Advantages and Disadvantages
Western Union is very easy to use and offers secure transfers to almost anywhere in the world. Before deciding whether you want to use it to make your next sportsbook deposit, you should look at the main advantages and disadvantages below:
Advantages
- Support worldwide - Western Union is available in 200 countries all over the world, making it one of the most widely used payment services. It also supports 130 different currencies, which is ideal if you need to change money into a different currency.
- Trusted service - Western Union has been in business for over 170 years and has an excellent reputation. The service provides lots of security features, including encryption, to help keep your details secure and your funds protected.
- Netspend Mastercard support - If you want to make Western Union even easier to use, you can order the Netspend Mastercard. This is a prepaid card that allows you to add funds and make fast online payments and transfers. This is recommended if you find the wait times for the service too long.
- Mobile app - With the Western Union mobile app, you can top up your prepaid card, make transfers and check the progress of your payments easily. The app makes the service even easier and more convenient to use.
- Deposits and withdrawals can be made in person - Although you’ll need to make an account to send money online, you can also send transfers by visiting one of the Western Union offices. This gives you greater freedom over how you pay and withdraw money and helps keep your personal details secure.
Disadvantages
- Slow compared to other payment services - Although Western Union has a lot of great benefits compared to other services, the speed of the transfers is one of the sticking points for many users. You may have to wait several days for your payment to be processed, and some countries have to wait even longer.
- Fees apply to transfers - Western Union isn’t free, and charges apply to all transfers you make using the service. The fee will depend on where you’re sending the money, how long it’s going to take, and whether you’re exchanging currency. You’re able to see the total fees that will be applied before you make your transfer.
Western Union Security
Western Union has been around for a very long time and has an excellent reputation for safety. The service uses SSL encryption to protect your details and your money when you use the service. Western Union is also committed to helping users avoid fraud and scams, providing lots of information about common scams on their website. The use of a tracking number helps you keep track of your transfers and gives users peace of mind when sending money.
Western Union FAQ
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How long will it take to withdraw money from my sportsbook using Western Union?
That depends on the sportsbook you’re using and where you live. Most online sportsbooks will aim to process withdrawals within 48 hours, provided you’ve verified your ID. a Western Union transfer may take two days or more to complete. -
Is Western Union safe to use?
Western Union is one of the oldest and most reliable financial service companies in the world. The service has a great reputation and offers lots of different features to help keep you safe and your money secure. -
Does Western Union charge fees?
Yes, Western Union charges fees to use the service. The exact fee will depend on how much you’re sending, where you’re sending money to and whether you’re converting currency. Always check the fee before you finalize the transfer. -
Can Western Union send money to a bank account?
Yes, you can use Western Union to send money to a bank account, using the site or an in-person office. This allows you to send money from your sportsbook to Western Union and then directly to your bank account. -
Do sportsbooks accept Western Union?
A lot of online sportsbooks accept Western Union as it’s a very popular service that’s used all over the world. Always check before you sign up, either on the sportsbook itself or by reading our online sportsbook review.
