Same-method rule

The same-method rule (also called closed loop) means that the casino sends a withdrawal to the same payment method or account from which you made the deposit. If you deposited from your bank account, the money goes back to the same account. If you used an e-wallet, such as Neteller, the payout goes to the same wallet. The rule is standard in most licensed casinos, and it is one of the most common reasons why a withdrawal is delayed or rejected.

Why the same-method rule applies

The main purpose of the rule is to prevent fraud and money laundering. If money could be deposited from one source and withdrawn to another, a casino could be used to conceal the origin of money. The EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive and the Estonian Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act oblige gambling operators to know their customers and monitor the movement of money. A closed loop makes this simple: money moves only between accounts whose owner has been identified.

The rule also protects the player. If someone were to gain access to your casino account, they could not direct the money to their own account, because the withdrawal goes only to your confirmed payment method. That is why the same-method rule is closely linked to the KYC process and the check that the payment method belongs to you.

When exceptions are made

Sometimes the money cannot be sent back to the same payment method. Typical situations are:

• The payment method does not support withdrawals. Some deposit methods, such as some cards or prepaid solutions, cannot receive money. In that case the casino usually offers a bank transfer.
• The card is closed or expired. With a new card or bank account you have to prove to the casino that the new payment method also belongs to you.
• Several deposit methods. If you made deposits with different methods, the casino may pay out proportionally, starting by returning the deposited amounts, and send the rest of the win to the main payment method.

When an exception is made, the casino often asks for additional documents, such as a bank statement or a photo of the card showing the name and part of the number. This extends the casino processing time.

How to avoid delays

1. Use the same payment method for deposits and withdrawals. When depositing, already choose the method you want to receive money with, for example the bank-link based Trustly.
2. Use only accounts in your own name. Using another person's card or account is prohibited in most casinos and can lead to a withdrawal rejection.
3. Do not change payment method without need. Each new payment method may mean a new check.
4. Update your details in time. If the bank replaces your card, inform the casino before withdrawing.

In Pay N Play casinos the rule is almost invisible, because deposits and withdrawals go through the same bank account automatically. Read more in the guide Pay N Play withdrawal. The differences between bank link and card from a withdrawal perspective are described in the post Trustly vs card payment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ask for a withdrawal to a different bank account?

Generally only if that account is in your name and the casino has confirmed it. Licensed casinos do not make withdrawals to another person's account.

What happens if I deposited with a card that does not support withdrawals?

In that case the casino usually offers an alternative, most often a bank transfer to an account in your name. Before sending the money, the casino may ask you to prove that both the card and the bank account belong to the same person. If you submit the required documents straight away, the delay need not be long. That is why it is worth thinking already at the first deposit about where you want to receive your winnings later.

Does the rule also apply to bonus money?

Yes, the rule concerns the movement of money, not its origin within the casino. With a bonus, the bonus's own terms also apply, such as the wagering requirement.