How to Deposit and Withdraw Using MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money

Uganda’s Two Major Mobile Money Providers

Chances are that you already use MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money for your daily transactions. Both let you send and receive money and pay for goods and services directly from your phone. However, you can also use them to fund your account with betting sites and withdraw winnings as well. Here is how the two biggest mobile money providers work.

MTN Mobile Money (MoMo)

MTN Mobile Money, commonly known as MoMo, is one of Uganda’s two dominant mobile money providers. Its customer and agent network extends across all districts in the country. 

If you already use a MoMo wallet to send and receive money and make payments, using the same wallet at a supported bookmaker can keep things simple. You already know how to check your balance, initiate payments, confirm transactions, and track money moving in and out of the account. 

MTN MoMo also supports completing transactions via your phone. You can either download the MTN MoMo application to your Android or iOS smartphone, or use the MoMo Wallet USSD code on your mobile phone. 

Airtel Money

Airtel Money is another major mobile money service in Uganda. Airtel has a considerable presence across the country, combining its mobile money with its telecom services. 

You can use the Airtel Money wallet to carry out everyday transactions, such as sending and receiving money and making payments. Airtel also provides an Airtel Money app for easy access on your mobile devices as long as you’re connected to the internet. If you use a basic mobile phone, you can access your wallet and its services using the USSD code. 

How to Deposit into Your Betting Account

The first step to using mobile money to deposit into your betting account is to confirm if your bookmaker supports it. Go to the bookmaker’s deposit page to find out if MoMo and Airtel Money are available. Once you find them, you can follow the steps below to make your deposit. The exact steps may differ slightly by bookmaker, but the process is similar.

1. Open the bookmaker’s website or mobile app and log in to your betting account. 

2. Navigate to the payment section and choose MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money from the available payment methods. 

3. Enter the phone number linked to the mobile money wallet you want to pay from. Some bookmakers may require you to match the mobile number registered on your betting account. 

4. Input how much you want to deposit. Ensure the amount is within the bookmaker's minimum or maximum limits. 

5. You will receive a USSD prompt on your phone or be directed to your mobile money app to confirm the transaction. 

6. Once you receive the confirmation prompt, review the amount and enter your PIN to authorise the payment. 

If you’re using a basic mobile phone without internet access, some Ugandan bookmakers may also allow you to deposit via USSD. If this option is available, the bookmaker should provide the merchant code or ID, along with any reference details you need. Then, follow the steps below: 

1. Dial *165# for MTN MoMo or *185# for Airtel Money.

2. Select “Pay Bill” or “Payment” or “Goods & Services.”

3. Enter the Merchant code or ID and the amount you want to deposit. If your bookmaker provides a reference number, enter it when prompted.  

4. Review the transaction details and input your mobile money PIN to confirm. 

Once the payment goes through, you can check your betting balance to confirm the money is now in your betting account. You should also receive a transaction confirmation from your mobile money provider. 

How to Withdraw Betting Winnings

Withdrawing your betting winnings via mobile money generally follows a process similar to making a deposit. Depending on your bookmaker, withdrawals may be subject to additional verification, limits, fees, and processing times. Follow the steps below to withdraw your money.

1. Log in to your betting account and go to the withdrawal or cashier section.

2. Select mobile money as your withdrawal method.

3. Choose MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money, depending on the options supported by your betting operator.

4. Enter the amount you want to withdraw and provide the required mobile money details.

5. Submit the request and complete any additional verification required by the bookmaker. 

Once your withdrawal request is confirmed, you’ll receive the money in your mobile money wallet. You can also confirm by checking the transaction messages from your mobile money provider.

Fees and the Government Levy to Be Aware Of

Like most betting payment methods, transaction fees may apply when using mobile money for deposits and withdrawals. Beyond any charges from your bookmaker or mobile money provider, you must also pay the Ugandan government levy on cash withdrawals. 

• Mobile Money Fees: Your bookmaker may charge fees for mobile money deposits or withdrawals, while MTN MoMo or Airtel Money may also apply their own fees. Always check the latest charges before making a transaction. 

• Government Levy on Withdrawals: The Ugandan government currently applies a 0.5% levy on cash withdrawals from your mobile wallet. This is separate from any provider or agent fee. Always check the latest rate before cashing out, as tax rules can change.

Choosing Between MTN and Airtel Money for Betting

There’s no single provider that’s automatically better for depositing or withdrawing at betting sites. In most cases, the simplest option is to go for the wallet you already use for everyday payments, as long as your bookmaker supports it.  

If you already have an active MTN Mobile Money wallet, using it for betting means you can continue managing your funds through a provider you’re already familiar with. The same applies to Airtel Money. There’s no need to learn how another wallet works just to make betting deposits or withdrawals.  

If you have both wallets and your bookmaker supports them, compare their current fees and transaction limits. Processing times are also an important factor, especially if you want quick deposits and withdrawals. If you regularly withdraw your mobile money balance as cash, you should also consider agent availability.  Ultimately, the better choice is usually the wallet that fits your existing payment routine and works with your preferred bookmaker. 

Responsible Gambling in Uganda

While MTN Momo and Airtel Money make deposits and withdrawals quick and convenient, that shouldn’t be the reason to spend more than you plan. Always set a personal betting budget before you deposit, and stick to it, whether you win or lose. Only bet with money you can afford to lose. If you find yourself spending beyond your budget, use the responsible gambling and self-exclusion tools your bookmaker has provided. 

Remember, you must be 25 and older to participate in sports betting in Uganda. For your safety, it’s also recommended to use bookmakers licensed by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB).