Online casinos with monobank – payments and withdrawals for players from Ukraine
monobank is a mobile bank that operates under a Universal Bank licence and issues Mastercard cards for payments in hryvnia. The card can be used to deposit funds at online casinos, but the terms depend on the operator's status: PlayCity licensees accept money through current accounts in accordance with Ukrainian legislation, whilst offshore casinos often operate through P2P transfers to cards of private individuals or intermediaries, which carries additional risks.
Before using your monobank card for gambling, it's important to understand the bank's restrictions, casino rules and tax implications of winnings. In this article, we explain how deposits and withdrawals work, what to look out for and what problems Ukrainian players may encounter.
What is monobank and how does it work at online casinos
monobank is a Ukrainian mobile bank that operates under a Universal Bank licence and provides financial services exclusively through a mobile app without physical branches. The bank issues Mastercard cards linked to current accounts in hryvnia, which can be used for payments in Ukraine and abroad, including deposits at online casinos.
It's important to understand the difference between licensed Ukrainian operators and offshore casinos. PlayCity licensees accept money exclusively through bank accounts, meaning a payment from your monobank card goes through as a standard transaction from your current account. Offshore casinos without a PlayCity licence often operate through P2P transfers to cards of private individuals or intermediaries, which can raise questions with the bank and lead to card blocking. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has restricted outgoing card transfers between private individuals to 150,000 hryvnia per month since October 2024, and banks actively monitor transactions with gambling code MCC 7995.
monobank does not create a separate wallet—all money is stored in your current account, and the app allows you to manage it in real time. This is convenient for expense control, but it also means all transactions go through the bank and are subject to its financial monitoring rules.
How to deposit at a casino via monobank: step-by-step guide
The deposit process depends on whether the casino works directly with bank accounts or uses intermediary schemes. For licensed operators, the process is straightforward:
- Log into your casino account and go to the cashier or deposit section.
- Select the payment method—usually 'Bank card' or Ukrainian bank cards.
- Enter your monobank card details: card number, expiry date, CVV code and cardholder name.
- Specify the deposit amount (note the minimum and maximum amounts set by the operator).
- Confirm the payment in the monobank app using a push notification or confirmation code.
- Funds are credited to your casino account—timing depends on the operator but is usually instant.
If the casino offers deposits via P2P transfers, you'll be asked to transfer money to a private individual's card using the details provided by the operator. In this case, the transfer is made through the monobank app as a standard card-to-card transfer. Note: such transactions may raise questions with the bank, especially with frequent transfers or large amounts, and are subject to the monthly limit of 150,000 hryvnia.
Withdrawing winnings to a monobank card
To withdraw funds, go to the withdrawal section at the casino, select the method (bank card or transfer), enter your monobank card details and the amount. For licensed operators, withdrawal goes through as a bank transfer to your current account. At offshore casinos, withdrawal may also be carried out via P2P transfers, meaning money will come from a private individual or intermediary.
The time it takes for funds to arrive depends on the casino's policy and the bank's procedures. Before your first withdrawal, the operator may require identity verification—uploading scans of documents, a selfie with your document or address confirmation. For licensed operators, verification is mandatory by law (players are only admitted from age 21 with identification).
What to watch out for: fees, restrictions and risks
monobank does not charge a fee for payments in hryvnia within Ukraine, but the casino operator may set its own fees for deposits or withdrawals—this should be checked in the cashier rules. If the payment goes through an intermediary payment provider or is converted into currency (for example, if the casino operates in dollars or euros), double conversion and additional costs are possible.
The main risk when using a monobank card at unlicensed offshore casinos is card blocking or the bank's refusal to process the transaction. Banks monitor transactions with gambling code and P2P transfers that look suspicious. If the bank suspects the card is being used for illegal gambling business or money laundering, it may temporarily block the card and ask you to explain the origin and purpose of the transfers.
In addition, winnings at offshore operators are subject to declaration and taxation: since such casinos do not have tax agent status in Ukraine, the obligation to declare income and pay tax (18% personal income tax + 5% military levy, totalling 23%) falls on the player. Licensed operators withhold tax automatically.
Advantages and disadvantages of monobank for online casinos
Advantages:
- Convenient management through mobile app in real time, instant push notifications for all transactions.
- No commission for payments in hryvnia within Ukraine.
- Fast casino deposits (usually instant for licensed operators).
- Ability to set spending limits through the app for budget control.
- Support for Apple Pay and Google Pay for tokenised payments.
Disadvantages:
- The bank monitors transactions with gambling code and P2P transfers, may block the card if violations are suspected.
- Limit on outgoing P2P transfers between individuals—150,000 hryvnia per month (relevant for offshore casinos that operate through intermediaries).
- Offshore casinos may refuse to withdraw funds or delay payment without explanation—there is no protection from the Ukrainian regulator.
- If the casino operates in a currency other than hryvnia, double conversion with an unfavourable exchange rate is possible.
- Tax obligation in case of winnings at offshore operators falls on the player.
Comparison with other payment methods
monobank competes with other payment methods available to players from Ukraine. Privat24—the PrivatBank app, a state-owned bank with the largest customer base, works on a similar scheme but has a more conservative policy regarding gambling code. Visa and Mastercard from other Ukrainian banks can also be used, but monitoring rules may differ depending on the issuing bank.
Bank transfer (IBAN) is a more transparent method for licensed operators, since all details are visible, but it may be less convenient for quick deposits. Cash payment terminals are not provided by law for PlayCity licensees. E-wallets and cryptocurrency (BTC, USDT) are popular methods at offshore casinos but carry other risks: transaction irreversibility, exchange rate volatility and uncertainty about the legal regime for virtual assets in Ukraine.
Common problems and how to solve them
Card blocked after payment at casino. Contact monobank support via chat in the app, explain the purpose of the payment. The bank may ask you to provide documents confirming the legality of the transaction. If the casino is unlicensed, the bank has the right to refuse unblocking or suggest you stop such transactions.
Money was debited but not credited to casino account. Check the transaction status in the monobank app. If the payment went through, contact the casino support service with the transaction number and screenshot from the app. Licensed operators have clear investigation procedures; at offshore casinos, the response may be delayed or not come at all.
P2P transfer limit exceeded. The NBU has set a limit of 150,000 hryvnia per month for outgoing transfers between individuals. If you've exceeded the limit, you can confirm the source of income with the bank to increase the limit or switch to other payment methods. For licensed operators, this limit is not relevant, since payments go to operators' current accounts, not to individuals' cards.
Casino refuses to withdraw funds. Check that you've met the bonus wagering requirements, passed verification and provided all necessary documents. If the casino has a Curaçao licence or Anjouan, you can contact the regulator, but practice shows that resolving disputes with offshore operators can be complicated. Licensed PlayCity operators have appeal procedures through the regulator.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a monobank card at all online casinos?
Technically, a monobank card can be used to deposit funds at most casinos that accept Mastercard or operate through P2P transfers. However, for PlayCity licensed operators, payments go through bank accounts, whilst offshore casinos often work through intermediaries. The bank monitors transactions with gambling code and P2P transfers, may block the card if violations are suspected. Before using your card, check the casino's licence status and payment terms in the cashier.
How much does it cost to deposit at a casino via monobank?
monobank does not charge a fee for payments in hryvnia within Ukraine. However, the casino may set its own fees for deposits or withdrawals—this should be checked in the cashier rules of the specific operator. If the payment goes through an intermediary provider or involves currency conversion, additional costs may arise.
What should I do if the bank blocked my card after a casino payment?
Contact monobank support via chat in the app and explain the purpose of the payment. The bank may ask you to provide documents or explain the origin of the funds. If the payment was made to an unlicensed offshore casino, the bank has the right to refuse unblocking or require you to stop such transactions. To avoid blocking, we recommend using only licensed operators.
Are casino winnings subject to taxation if I deposited via monobank?
Yes, winnings are subject to taxation. For PlayCity licensed operators, tax (18% personal income tax + 5% military levy, totalling 23%) is withheld automatically as a tax agent. Offshore casinos have no tax agent, so the obligation to declare income and pay tax falls on the player—details should be clarified with the State Tax Service of Ukraine.
Are there alternatives to monobank for depositing at casinos from Ukraine?
Yes, there are several alternatives. Privat24—the PrivatBank app, which works on a similar scheme. Visa and Mastercard cards from other Ukrainian banks are also suitable. Bank transfer via IBAN is a reliable method for licensed operators. E-wallets and cryptocurrency are common at offshore casinos but have their own features and risks.
Responsible gaming
Gambling is permitted only for persons aged 21 and over. Casino gaming is entertainment, not a way to earn money. Set spending limits, take breaks and only gamble with money you can afford to lose. If you feel that gambling is getting out of control, exercise your right to self-exclusion: submit an application through the PlayCity website (with a qualified electronic signature) or in person. Self-exclusion is valid from six months to three years and cannot be withdrawn early. Licensed operators are not allowed to admit persons on the register of those restricted from participating in gambling.